The 7 best hiking trails in California
The top 7 hikes in California, United States
If you are wondering what are the best hiking trails in California this article is for you! Here you will find a list with the 7 best hikes I have done while I lived in the Golden State.
If you live there I suggest you to do all of them, if you are a tourist and don’t have much time you should check at least the numbers 6, 2 and 1.
The good thing about this list is that some of them are so easy that you can take your grandma or a baby with you.
Here they are:
Buzzard’s Roost Trail – Big Basin Redwoods State Park
Big Basin is a great place for hikers, they have several trails from easy to strenuous ones.
This is a moderate hike, 4.5 miles (7,2km) and takes around 2 hours. I did this with my host family when we went camping there for a weekend.
Hollywood Sign Trail – Los Angeles
For those who like nature like me this is way better than a day shopping at Promenade Street.
This easy 4.3 miles hike (6,9km) takes you to the Hollywood Sign and it is definitely one of the most popular hiking trails in California.
Hotels in Hollywood
You can get to the trail by driving up the Beachwood Drive all the way until it ends and you will find a dirty parking area.
Grab your water bottle and have fun 😉
Mariposa Grove – Yosemite National Park
This trail takes you to the biggest sequoia grove in Yosemite, one of the best US national parks.
My friends and I parked in front of the Wawona Hotel and started the two-mile round-trip hike (3,2km) from there.
This is a very easy trail but during winter it gets slippery, so be careful.
Plan your trip to Yosemite
What are Giant Sequoias?
What are Giant Sequoias? They are one of the oldest living trees on Earth, living up to 3,200 years, they measure around 310 feet (94 meters) and are super thick.
Berry Creek Falls trail – Big Basin Redwoods State Park
The first time I went to Big Basin, my friend and I took the Berry Creek Falls trail. This is considered a strenuous 10.5 miles (17km) hike and it takes around 6 hours but as picture lovers we took 7 hours haha.
This trail passes by 4 waterfalls, nice views and giant Coast Redwoods.
What are Coast Redwoods? They are the tallest living trees on Earth measuring around 370 feet (115 meters) and usually live between 1.200 – 1.800 years. When traveling to California you have to see a Redwood or Sequoia tree!!!
Vikingsholm Castle Trail – South Lake Tahoe
This is a two-mile round-trip hike (3,2km), besides the castle there is a nice pier to relax and admire the Emerald Bay before hiking back up.
To have access to the trail you need to park at the Vikingsholm parking lot off Highway 89.
Bridalveil Waterfall – Yosemite National Park
This is just around a half mile hike (0,8km), it is pretty close to Yosemite’s entrance.
Your view may change completely depending on the season. I’ve been there on winter when the waterfall was frozen and during fall when there was not a lot of water. If you can choose the season I would suggest you to go during spring because the snow will be melted and you will see more water. Regardless the weather you are going to love it!
McWay Falls – Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – Big Sur
The McWay Fall trail is probably the easiest breathtaking hike on Earth! Can you believe you can see this after walking just 0.5 mile (0,8km)?
I was living in Cali for over a year and didn’t know about it until a saw a Facebook friend posting a picture, this friend of mine lives in Trinidad and Tobago, I commented the post asking if he lived close to this place, and surprisingly he told me I was the one living close to it.
You will have access to the park on the famous Highway One and it is a must stop place if you live in Cali or is just traveling around. After parking grab your sandwich and drinks and have a nice lunch while appreciating this great view.
IMPORTANT! Always check if the trail is opened on the park’s website before your trip, sometimes they are closed due to weather conditions, construction or restoration work.
Also, don’t forget your travel insurance! By the way check it out SafetyWing Travel Insurance!
Cheers.
Elaine Villatoro
Read more:
- Best things to do in Park City, Utah
- Top winter destinations in the US
- US National Parks: All you need to know before your trip
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