The best walks and hikes in California

Yes, California has thousands of easy trails suitable for families. For a unique desert experience, the Hidden Valley loop — Joshua Tree National Park is a very short, 1.3-mile (2 km) walk through a stunning rock-enclosed valley. It's a great way to introduce kids to the desert landscape.

California is famous for its giant trees. You can walk among them in places like Redwood National and State Parks or Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. A great option in Yosemite is the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias, a 2.8-mile (4.4 km) trail that takes you through a magnificent grove of these ancient giants.

Absolutely. The Sierra Nevada range offers countless challenges. For a strenuous but rewarding day, consider the Yosemite Falls Trail. It's a demanding 7.5-mile (12 km) hike with over 3,800 feet (1,160 m) of elevation gain, providing incredible views of one of the world's tallest waterfalls.

California has many spectacular waterfall trails, especially in Yosemite National Park. A moderately difficult option is the Clark Point and Vernal Falls loop, which is a 6.4-mile (10.3 km) route that gets you up close to the powerful Vernal Fall.

Hikers flock to iconic destinations across the state.

Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park are world-renowned for their granite cliffs and giant trees. In Southern California, the Angeles National Forest provides a vast wilderness escape near Los Angeles. For waterfalls, Cataract Falls in Marin County is a local favorite. For incredible panoramic views in the Sierras, the trail to Moro Rock is a must-do.

Dog policies vary significantly. National Parks like Yosemite and Sequoia generally prohibit dogs on trails. However, many trails in National Forests, such as the Angeles National Forest, and regional parks are dog-friendly. Always check the specific regulations for the park or trail you plan to visit before you go.

Coastal hiking offers dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and unique ecosystems. The Big Sur region is famous for its stunning beauty, with trails that often combine redwood groves with coastal vistas. Further north, Point Reyes National Seashore has trails like the Tomales Point Trail, known for its wildlife viewing and spring wildflowers.

There is a vast network of trails to explore. On komoot alone, you can find nearly 9,000 hiking routes, covering everything from easy coastal walks to strenuous mountain ascents.

The trails in California are very highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the incredible diversity, from the unique desert landscapes of Joshua Tree to the towering granite peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

Yes, there are many excellent loop trails that bring you back to your starting point. A great moderate example is the Lower and Upper Mirror Lakes loop in Yosemite. It's a relatively flat 6.4-mile (10.3 km) walk offering classic reflections of Half Dome in the water.

For most day hikes in national parks like Yosemite or Joshua Tree, you do not need a permit. However, permits are often required for overnight backpacking trips, hiking in certain wilderness areas, or for specific popular trails like the Half Dome cables in Yosemite. Always check the official park website for the most current permit requirements before your trip.

The best time to hike depends on the region. Coastal areas are pleasant year-round. The deserts, like Joshua Tree and Death Valley, are best from fall through spring to avoid extreme summer heat. For the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada, the ideal season is summer and early fall (June to October) when the snow has melted from the trails.