California’s national parks showcase nature’s greatest hits, from towering sequoias to desert canyons. These trails offer adventure seekers everything from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry experiences.
Each path tells its own story of the Golden State’s incredible diversity. Let’s explore some trails where every step brings a new wonder.
Whether you’re a weekend wanderer or a seasoned hiker, these paths prove that California’s beauty runs deeper than its beaches.
Mist Trail, Yosemite
This legendary path takes hikers up close to Vernal and Nevada Falls. The granite steps get slick from waterfall spray, giving the trail its name.
A 3-mile round trip reaches Vernal Fall, while ambitious hikers can push 7 miles total to Nevada Fall. Spring brings thunderous waterfalls, but summer offers more manageable water levels and fewer crowds.
Congress Trail, Sequoia
A gentle 2-mile loop through the world’s largest trees starts at the General Sherman Tree. The paved portions make it accessible for most visitors, while dirt paths offer quieter moments with giants.
Named sequoias along the route include the President and General Grant. Morning fog adds mystery to these ancient groves.
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Telescope Peak Trail, Death Valley
Starting at 8,133 feet, this trail climbs to Death Valley’s highest point. The 14-mile round trip offers views from the lowest point in North America to Mount Whitney, the highest in the contiguous states.
Spring wildflowers carpet the slopes, while winter brings snow to this desert peak. Clear days reveal both Nevada and California landscapes.
Redwood Creek Trail, Redwood
This flat path follows an ancient salmon stream through the tallest trees on Earth. The 8-mile round trip passes through Tall Trees Grove, home to the former world’s tallest known tree.
Roosevelt elk often graze in streamside meadows, while banana slugs cross the trail after rain. The morning light creates natural spotlights through the canopy.
Boy Scout Tree Trail, Redwood
Dense forest and minimal elevation gain make this 5.3-mile round trip a peaceful journey. Old-growth redwoods line the path, including the massive Boy Scout Tree.
Fern Canyon offers a cool microclimate on hot days, while winter brings intense green moss displays. The trail ends at a small waterfall, perfect for lunch breaks.
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Bumpass Hell Trail, Lassen Volcanic
The park’s most popular path showcases bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles. This 3-mile round trip crosses high mountain meadows to reach an otherworldly thermal basin.
Wooden boardwalks protect both visitors and delicate features. Early morning offers the best steam displays and mountain views.
Inspiration Point Trail, Pinnacles
Dramatic spires and potential condor sightings reward hikers on this 2.2-mile climb. The trail passes through talus caves, where bats roost, and offers views of the San Joaquin Valley.
Spring brings wildflower displays, while fall offers perfect hiking temperatures. Morning light creates stunning photo opportunities of the rock formations.
Lost Coast Trail, King Range
Though technically not a national park trail, this 25-mile coastal route offers unmatched Pacific views. Hikers must time their trek with tide tables as sections become impassable at high water.
Black sand beaches and abundant wildlife make every mile memorable. Winter brings dramatic storm-watching opportunities.
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Mount Dana Trail, Yosemite
This challenging 6-mile round trip climbs to Yosemite’s second-highest peak. The trail offers views into the Mono Basin and across the Sierra Nevada range.
Mountain wildflowers bloom late into summer, while marmots sun themselves on rocks. Early starts help avoid afternoon thunderstorms.
Devils Garden Loop, Joshua Tree
Rock formations and desert gardens fill this 7.2-mile adventure. Seven named arches appear along the way, including the longest span in the park.
Desert wildflowers bloom after winter rains, while sunrise paints the rocks in golden light. Night hikes during full moons offer magical experiences.
Garfield Peak Trail, Lassen
This steep 4-mile round trip provides panoramic views of the park’s volcanic features. The path crosses meadows filled with wildflowers before climbing to a rocky summit.
Clear days reveal Mount Shasta to the north. Dawn starts offer the best chance to spot deer and coyotes.
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Bear Gulch Cave Trail, Pinnacles
This unique 2.2-mile loop combines cave exploration with rock formation views. Flashlights help navigate the talus cave sections, home to rare bats.
Spring brings nesting raptors and blooming wildflowers. The reservoir at the trail’s end offers a peaceful rest spot.
Fern Canyon Trail, Prairie Creek Redwoods
Movie directors love this trail for its primeval atmosphere. Forty-foot walls drip with seven types of ferns, creating living green corridors.
The flat 1-mile loop follows a creek bed through this natural wonder. Morning light creates magical photo opportunities.
High Peaks Trail, Pinnacles
This 6.7-mile loop offers close encounters with the park’s dramatic rock spires. Steel handrails help hikers navigate the most exposed sections.
California condors often soar at eye level, while spring brings stunning wildflower displays. An early morning start will avoid the worst heat.
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Clouds Rest Trail, Yosemite
A challenging 14.5-mile round trip leads to one of the park’s best viewpoints. The trail offers a quieter alternative to Half Dome, with equally spectacular views.
Late summer brings the clearest skies and most stable weather. The final ridge traverse tests those with height concerns.
General Creek Trail, Lake Tahoe
This peaceful 6.3-mile loop passes through forest and meadow landscapes. The path offers lake views and access to quiet beaches.
Spring brings snowmelt waterfalls, while fall colors paint the aspens gold. Morning fog creates mysterious forest scenes.
Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail, Big Basin
This 25-mile point-to-point route descends from ridgetop to ocean. The trail passes waterfalls, old-growth redwoods, and coastal chaparral.
Banana slugs appear after rain, while winter brings spawning salmon. Multiple backcountry camps offer overnight options.
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Manzanita Lake Trail, Lassen
An easy 1.8-mile loop offers perfect reflections of Lassen Peak. The flat path welcomes all ability levels, with frequent benches for resting.
Dawn brings mirror-like water conditions and active wildlife. Winter transforms the lake into a snowy wonderland.
Lost Horse Mine Trail, Joshua Tree
This 4-mile round trip visits one of the park’s best-preserved gold mines. The path climbs through classic desert landscapes with expanding views.
Spring brings subtle desert wildflowers, while full moon nights offer magical hiking. Early starts avoid the worst desert heat.
Ocean View Trail, Redwood
This 2.4-mile loop offers rare combinations of redwoods and ocean views. The path passes through prairie sections where Roosevelt elk often graze.
Morning fog creates dramatic scenes as it rolls through the trees. Spring brings wildflower displays to the prairie sections.
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Trail Tales
These paths remind us that every hike tells a story – of ancient trees, volcanic forces, and endless cycles of nature. They prove that California’s national parks hold adventures for every skill level and interest, just waiting to be discovered.
From misty redwood forests to sun-baked deserts, these trails showcase the incredible diversity of California’s landscapes. They remind us that sometimes the best views come after the hardest climbs and that every path holds something special for those willing to take that first step.
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