20 Finest Locations to Go to in California for Out of doors Journey – Bearfoot Principle

I’ve lived in quite a lot of cities in California, together with Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and San Francisco, and have been lucky sufficient to journey everywhere in the state. From the ocean views and inexperienced, rolling hills of Huge Sur to the arid, otherworldly terrain of Dying Valley Nationwide Park, I by no means ran out of locations that I wished to see and discover.

One of many coolest issues about California – a minimum of I feel so – is that there are such a lot of totally different ecosystems. California is house to seashores and rugged shoreline, 14,000-foot peaks, sandy deserts, and dense forests (to not point out 9 Nationwide Parks). I may very well be having fun with an alpine lake within the morning and listening to the waves crash onshore within the afternoon. There aren’t many locations on this planet with that a lot range in relation to out of doors recreation.

However with a lot to supply, how do you select the place to go and what to see? On this publish, I share my favourite locations to go to in California for many who wish to get outdoors and discover the Golden State. Want extra concepts? You may take a look at all of my California journey blogs right here.

This publish could comprise affiliate hyperlinks.

Northern California

Northern California is thought for its dramatic coastlines, Redwood forests, and geothermal exercise, and being so removed from main cities, it sees fewer guests than different elements of the state.

1. Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore

Level Reyes Nationwide Seashore is situated on the northern California Coast lower than 2 hours from San Francisco. It’s top-of-the-line locations within the state to view coastal wildlife like elephant seals, tule elk, tons of fowl species, and even whales. Peak gray whale season is January by means of April, and once I visited, I noticed a number of blows off-shore.

The landscapes at Level Reyes are simply as worthwhile. There are rugged cliffs, lengthy sandy seashores, rolling grasslands, and plush forests crisscrossed with mountaineering trails. Lots of people don’t understand that California has such undeveloped locations like this!

Listed below are some enjoyable issues to do in Level Reyes:

Van and automobile tenting close to Level Reyes is fairly restricted sadly, so that you in case you are hoping to camp together with your car, you must have an thought beforehand of the place you propose to remain. We didn’t plan forward and had a troublesome time discovering wherever to park in a single day.

2. Humboldt Redwoods State Park

A visit to California wouldn’t be full with out spending time among the many majestic Redwood timber. There are a number of locations alongside the northern California coast the place you possibly can view old-growth redwood forests, however my favourite is Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

The 31-mile drive alongside the Avenue of the Giants is spectacular and there are tons of quiet mountaineering trails the place you possibly can stand up shut to those giants. I additionally advocate packing a swimsuit and taking a drip within the brisk Eel River. If you wish to spend the night time, Humboldt has a fantastic campground underneath the cover of the Redwoods (reservations extremely advisable!).

3. Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park

Wealthy in hydrothermal websites together with roaring fumaroles (steam and volcanic-gas vents), effervescent mud pots, boiling swimming pools, and steaming floor, you possibly can stand up near volcanism in motion in Lassen Nationwide Park.

Two locations to not miss within the Park are Bumpass Hell and Sulphur Works. When you’ve visited the hydrothermal websites, Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park can be house to quite a lot of coldwater lakes for swimming or paddleboarding, many trails for day mountaineering, and alternatives for backpacking.

For the very best view within the Park, you possibly can hike to the highest of Lassen Peak. Sadly once I was in Lassen, a wildfire broke out and the sky was very smoky the day we deliberate to hike this path, so we skipped it. However it’s on my record for subsequent time.

When you’ve got additional time, we took a day journey to Burney Falls and located it to be properly well worth the quick drive.

4. Lava Beds Nationwide Monument

Positioned in northern California close to the Oregon state line, Lava Beds Nationwide Monument has greater than 800 caves, a number of Native American rock artwork depictions, historic battlefields, and volcanic landscapes. It’s one of the distinctive place to go to in California.

I extremely advocate testing the quite a few caves and lava tubes all through the park. These had been fashioned hundreds of years in the past as lava flowed from Medication Lake Volcano and cooled all through the encompassing plains. Ensure that to put on a headlamp and closed-toe sneakers in case you plan to discover the tubes!

5. Mount Shasta & Lake Shasta

Mount Shasta is a year-round vacation spot for out of doors journey. In winter, the slopes of the stratovolcano supply snowboarding and in the summertime, there are infinite alternatives for mountaineering and biking.

Whereas I haven’t performed it myself, mountaineering to the Mount Shasta Summit is a bucketlist expertise. There are a few non-technical, however very difficult routes to the summit or you possibly can rent a neighborhood information and deal with one of many mountaineering routes that cross Mount Shasta’s glaciers.

Close to the bottom of the Mount Shasta, Lake Shasta can be a fantastic place to hang around. They’ve some good campgrounds across the lake that you should use as a base camp to discover the world.

Central California

Central California is legendary for its various marine life, lush coastal bluffs, cute coastal cities, and spectacular mountaineering trails.

6. Huge Sur

The whole drive alongside the Pacific Shoreline on iconic Freeway 1 is unimaginable, however my favourite place to discover is Huge Sur. This stretch of highway options dramatic ocean views, towering cliffs, tons of mountaineering trails, stunning seashores, and Redwood forests.

Listed below are a couple of of my favourite locations in Huge Sur:

For extra concepts on the best way to spend your time in Huge Sur, take a look at my Huge Sur Journey Information.

7. Yosemite Nationwide Park

After all, you’d count on Yosemite Nationwide Park to be on the record of the very best locations to go to in California, particularly for out of doors fans! I’ve been fortunate to discover a lot of Yosemite on foot when mountaineering the John Muir Path, in addition to on many day hikes within the Park.

Yosemite has soooo many trails, alpine lakes, gushing waterfalls, and world-class mountaineering. You could possibly simply spend two weeks right here and never see all of it.

Half Dome is essentially the most iconic path within the Park, nevertheless it now requires a allow. In the event you can’t get one, I recommend you hike to Clouds Relaxation as an alternative. It presents the identical sweeping views of Yosemite, and it’s not fairly as busy in my expertise.

For a multi-day backpacking journey, I cherished the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne. It’s a point-to-point path that takes 3-4 days and hugs the Tuolumne River nearly all the means. There are waterfalls, swimming holes, and enjoyable riverside tenting. It additionally requires a allow, which cuts down on the crowds.

For extra suggestions, take a look at my guides on the Finest Hikes in Yosemite and Finest Issues to do in Yosemite.

8. Monterey

Monterey is a small seaside city on Freeway 1 on the central coast of California. My first time visiting Monterey was again in 2002 whereas taking a SCUBA diving course, and I additionally visited its world-famous aquarium, the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

I’m at all times a bit cautious of visiting aquariums (and zoos), however the Monterey Bay Aquarium is world-renowned for its work on marine analysis, sustainability, and conservation efforts. I extremely advocate spending a day there! You may see marine life up shut as you be taught in regards to the aquarium’s present work and packages.

There’s loads to do in Monterey outdoors of the aquarium, too.

9. Pinnacles Nationwide Park

Pinnacles is among the latest and smallest Nationwide Parks. I haven’t had an opportunity to go to right here but, however the phrase from the Bearfoot Principle workforce is that it has nice mountaineering, stunning views, plenty of tenting, and wildlife.

Pinnacles is among the few locations in California the place you possibly can see California condors within the wild. In the event you’re a climber, Pinnacles Nationwide Park can be house to world-class climbing routes. There are boulders and rock faces unfold all through the park.

The perfect time to go to is in Spring when it’s not too sizzling and every part is inexperienced.

10. Sequoia and Kings Canyon Nationwide Parks

Positioned within the southern Jap Sierra Nevada mountain vary, Sequoia and Kings Canyon Nationwide Parks are two separate parks, however they’re situated proper subsequent to one another, so most individuals go to them in a single journey.

These Parks supply my favourite mountaineering in all of California and possibly the nation! Whereas each parks collectively make up a whopping 865,964 acres, over 90% of that land is designated wilderness with no roads or car entry. For that purpose, these Parks are greatest explored on a multi-day backpacking journey.

In the event you’re up for a giant journey, I did a 6-day Mineral King Loop backpacking journey in Sequoia that was epic past proportions. Secluded lakes, big mountain vistas, and a lot solitude. I extremely advocate this path!

If backpacking isn’t your factor, there are some day hikes price doing. You’ll additionally wish to cease on the Normal Sherman Tree. This sequoia tree is the most important tree on this planet by quantity and it’s fairly a formidable sight! You may as well go to Redwood Canyon in Kings Canyon Nationwide Park, which is house to the most important remaining grove of Redwoods on the planet.

Southern California

Southern California has a few of the greatest seashores within the nation, together with desert landscapes and spring blooms.

11. Dying Valley Nationwide Park

Dying Valley Nationwide Park is among the most unusual and otherworldly locations I’ve ever visited. The panorama right here makes you are feeling such as you’ve by some means landed on Mars.

It’s a land of contrasts: you possibly can go to the bottom level in North America, Badwater Basin whereas being only a quick distance from the best level within the decrease 48, Mt. Whitney. For a lot of the yr, Dying Valley seems to be a barren wasteland, however for a couple of weeks within the spring, it involves life with a surprising array of wildflowers.

The hidden oasis – Darwin Falls – is tucked amongst sand dunes and badlands, and is a should! Then sundown at Artists Palette is a superb solution to cap off the day.

You’ll wish to spend a minimum of a day or two in Dying Valley, so you should definitely observe our 3-Day Dying Valley Nationwide Park Itinerary to hit all the very best spots!

12. Joshua Tree Nationwide Park

Well-known for its distinctive desert panorama strewn with big boulders and Dr. Suess-like Joshua Timber, this place is a should for anybody visiting southern California.

Regardless that Joshua Tree it’s a comparatively small Nationwide Park, there may be nonetheless loads to see and do.

Joshua Tree can get busy, although, so you should definitely e-book your campsite forward of time.

13. Channel Islands Nationwide Park

I went to grad faculty in Santa Barbara with the Channel Islands proper offshore. I’ve camped, hiked, kayaked, and SCUBA dove there, and it’s one of the distinctive locations within the US.

Channel Islands Nationwide Park consists of 5 totally different islands, every with its personal distinctive geography and landscapes. Every island can be a haven for fowl and marine life, a few of that are endemic, which means they’re discovered nowhere else on the planet.

To your first go to, I recommend taking the boat out and spending a day or two on Santa Cruz Island. It’s the most important of the 5, has essentially the most frequent ferries, and a giant campground only a quick stroll from the seaside.

The snorkeling proper off the seaside is incredible. I noticed a number of sea lions and a harbor seal swimming within the kelp beds final time I used to be there. When you’re on the market, you can too take a guided kayaking tour of the shoreline and sea caves.

Study extra about the best way to plan your go to in my Channel Islands information.

14. Catalina Island

Catalina Island is off the coast of Lengthy Seashore, California and presents a really totally different expertise than Channel Islands Nationwide Park. In contrast to the Nationwide Park that’s uninhabited with no providers, folks reside on Catalina Island the place you’ll discover eating places, resorts, and loads of issues to do.

Considered one of my all-time favourite backpacking journeys is the Trans-Catalina Path which traverses all the island. This 3-4 day journey presents completely gorgeous beachfront tenting and superior views all the means. If mountaineering isn’t your factor, you can too bike nearly all the size of the island.

After all, the true draw of Catalina for a lot of guests is the ocean. You may SCUBA dive or snorkel by means of a few of California’s most stunning kelp forests encountering the brilliant orange garibaldi, California’s state fish. There’s additionally boat-in tenting, crusing excursions, and kayaking excursions.

15. Ojai

Whereas I favor to get out in nature for hikes and bike rides once I journey, I do like to go to cute cities, too. Ojai is one in all my favourite little cities in California. Positioned within the lush hills above Ventura, it’s barely touristy, however the boutiques, eating places, and retailers that line the principle road are enjoyable to go to and discover.

I like to recommend bringing your bike (or renting one) and pedaling the Ojai Valley Path. I’ve ridden all of it the best way to Ventura (30 miles roundtrip), however you possibly can take it so far as you need earlier than turning round. There are additionally tons of nice mountaineering trails in Valley View Protect just some miles outdoors of city or hike one in all my favorites, Gridley Path.

For extra issues to do and see in Ojai, take a look at day 3 of my Central California Coast Highway Journey Itinerary that additionally takes you to Ventura, Santa Barbara and as much as Morro Bay.

California’s Jap Sierra

Dwelling to the decrease 48’s tallest peaks, Lake Tahoe, sizzling springs, and 4,000 yr previous timber, California’s Jap Sierra is a hiker’s paradise.

16. Lake Tahoe

I’ve been to Lake Tahoe quite a lot of occasions and it’s simply as picturesque as it’s in photographs. It’s additionally a year-round vacation spot with nice snowboarding within the winter and mountaineering, biking, and watersports in the summertime.

Whereas the shores of Lake Tahoe do get busy throughout the hotter months, it’s nonetheless price testing with plenty of enjoyable issues to do across the Lake. I like to recommend visiting in early June or September to keep away from peak summer season crowds.

For mountaineering, I particularly love mountaineering to the highest of Mount Tallac, and the attractive Lake Aloha Path is simply up the highway too. Or for a chill day on the water, there are tons of seashores throughout the Lake. Simply be ready to pay an entry payment for a lot of the seashores as they’re managed by California State Parks.

BFT Contributor Becky Timbers who’s an avid mountain biker says you possibly can’t miss the epic 24-mile Tahoe Rim & Flume Path.

17. Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth is among the most stunning locations in California! Suppose tall, jagged mountains, alpine lakes, superb mountaineering, sizzling springs, and a cool ski city with good eating places.

BFT Contributor Becky lived in Mammoth for a few years and completely loves the Mammoth Mountain Bike Park. You may take the scenic gondola to benefit from the unimaginable views out over the Minarets and the bottom of Yosemite Valley.

On the east aspect of Freeway 395 only a quick drive from city, you’ll additionally discover quite a lot of simply accessible sizzling springs. Wild Willy’s and Hilltop Sizzling Springs (each on Google maps) are nice locations to soak your muscle tissue after a day of journey. There’s plenty of dispersed tenting not removed from the springs too!

18. Mono Lake

Mono Lake is situated on a distant stretch of Route 395 between Mammoth Lakes and Lake Tahoe. It’s an historic saline lake that was fashioned hundreds of years in the past. It has no outlet, so the one means water escapes is thru evaporation, which has led to excessive concentrations of salts and minerals. Consequently, Mono Lake is extremely alkaline, which has led to the formation of ‘tufa towers’ – limestone formations that stand up out of the water.

There’s a very nice Vistors Heart with nice views over the lake and surrounding mountains. You may as well stroll all the way down to the lake shore to see the tufas up shut and look ahead to birdlife.

Observe: There are only a few facilities and lodging round Mono Lake, so do your analysis and plan forward earlier than setting out.

19. Historical Bristlecone Forest

The Historical Bristlecone Forest is house to a few of the oldest timber on this planet. This particular place is situated within the White Mountains above Bishop, California, and might solely be accessed (simply) in the summertime.

A few of the Bristlecones listed here are 4000+ years previous they usually look it – their twisted and gnarled trunks and limbs have been formed by years of harsh wind, rain, and snow.

I like to recommend beginning your go to on the Schulman Grove Customer Heart the place you possibly can be taught extra about these superb timber. Then, hike one (or each) of the loops to see the Bristlecones up shut. You’ll be mountaineering above 10,000 toes, although, so you should definitely deliver solar safety and many water and tempo your self. In the event you’ve by no means been that top, learn my recommendations on avoiding altitude illness.

You may as well go to Patriarch Grove, which is 13 miles north of Schulman Grove by way of a tough grime highway. It’s price visiting you probably have the correct car to see the Patriarch Tree, the most important bristlecone on this planet!

Tip: Ensure you have a superb quantity of gasoline in your tank earlier than heading as much as the Bristlecones. The highway is steep, winding, and lengthy and there aren’t any providers up there.

20. Alabama Hills

Alabama Hills is a well-liked place to go to in California amongst van lifers, automobile campers, and rock climbers. This hidden gem is located on the base of the Sierra Nevada mountain vary and is house to a few of the most unusual and delightful landscapes in California (in my view).

The realm is characterised by big boulder fields with 14,000-foot peaks because the backdrop. It’s an incredible place for tenting, bouldering, and pictures. There are a couple of mountaineering trails, however the Alabama Hills are principally only a place to calm down and benefit from the magnificence.

It’s additionally a handy place to base your self earlier than or after a backpacking journey within the Jap Sierra. I camped right here earlier than mountaineering to Dusy Basin and had a beautiful night time underneath the celebrities.

Positioned simply outdoors of Lone Pine on Freeway 395, Alambama Hills additionally places you in shut proximity to Mt. Whitney, the best peak within the decrease 48 states at 14,505 toes. You may drive up Whitney Portal Highway to the trailhead at 8,360 toes, however if you wish to hike it, you’ll want a mountaineering allow.

Enjoyable reality: I summited Mt. Whitney on the final day of my John Muir Path thru-hike and now have a tattoo of Mt. Whitney on my arm.

Continuously Requested Questions

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What are the very best locations to go to in California in your opinion? Which of them are in your bucket record? Let me know within the feedback beneath!