The best hikes in California
By the Bundu team · Last updated
Short answer: The best hikes in California include the Mist Trail, Upper Yosemite Falls and Half Dome in Yosemite, Mount Whitney, Eagle Lake at Lake Tahoe and Ryan Mountain in Joshua Tree. Near the cities, try Runyon Canyon and Mount Hollywood in LA, and the Dipsea Trail and Mission Peak in the Bay Area.
California has Yosemite's granite, the highest peak in the lower 48, desert parks, the Big Sur coast and great city hikes in Los Angeles and the Bay Area. Bundu lists 13 trails in California; see them all on the California trails page.
Yosemite
Mist Trail
Granite steps beside Vernal Fall, close enough to get soaked in spring, then on to Nevada Fall. The best hike in Yosemite if you only do one.
Upper Yosemite Falls
A relentless climb of about 2,700 feet to the top of one of the tallest waterfalls in North America.
Half Dome
The big one: a long day finishing on the cables up the dome. A permit is required for the cables.
The Sierra Nevada and Lake Tahoe
- Mount Whitney: the highest summit in the contiguous US at 14,505 feet. A permit is required, even for day hikes.
- Eagle Lake: a short, dog-friendly walk above Emerald Bay to an alpine lake. Fill in the free wilderness permit at the trailhead.
- Downieville Downhill: one of the best downhill mountain bike rides in the country.
Los Angeles
- Runyon Canyon: a short workout with city views, and off-leash areas for dogs.
- Mount Hollywood via Griffith Park: Griffith Park's high point, with views of the Hollywood sign and the observatory.
San Francisco Bay Area
- Dipsea Trail: from Mill Valley over Mount Tamalpais to Stinson Beach, starting with hundreds of steps. One way; take the bus back.
- Mission Peak (Fremont): a steep, shadeless climb with views over the whole Bay. Dogs allowed.
Coast and desert
- McWay Falls (Big Sur): a short walk to a waterfall that drops onto a beach.
- Lost Coast Trail: a wild coastal backpacking route. Permits are required, and parts are passable only at low tide.
- Ryan Mountain (Joshua Tree): a short climb to the best view in the park. Go at sunrise or sunset.
Tips for hiking in California
- Permits: Half Dome, Mount Whitney, the Lost Coast and Desolation Wilderness all need permits. See our permits guide.
- Heat: inland and desert trails are dangerous on summer afternoons. Start early.
- Waterfalls: Yosemite's falls peak in May and June, and some are dry by late summer.
- Fire season: trails can close for wildfires from late summer into autumn. Check closures before you go.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best hike in California?
The Mist Trail in Yosemite is the most popular, and Half Dome and Mount Whitney are the most famous big days. Both need permits.
What is the best hike in Los Angeles?
Runyon Canyon and Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park are the best-known LA hikes. Both are short, have city views and allow dogs.
Do I need a permit to hike Mount Whitney?
Yes. Day hikes and overnight trips on the Mount Whitney Trail need a permit from Inyo National Forest, allocated by lottery for the summer season.
Where can I hike with my dog in California?
Runyon Canyon, Mount Hollywood, Mission Peak and Eagle Lake allow dogs. Yosemite and most other national parks keep dogs off their trails.
Which app shows hiking trails in California?
The free Bundu app lists California's best-known hikes with difficulty, dog rules and directions, and records your hike with GPS.
Find your next trail with Bundu
- Hiking, running and MTB trails across South Africa and the US
- Entry fees, difficulty and dog rules for every trail
- Directions to the trailhead
- Record hikes, runs and rides with GPS
- Join hiking groups and organised hikes
- Free on iPhone and Android