The 11 Most Scenic Hiking Trails in All of California

California is one of the best states for hiking. This large state has everything you could wish for including beaches, waterfalls, cool rivers, mountains, and deserts. You can hike in local parks, find unmarked paths, or visit state and national parks. California has nearly 300 state parks and other natural areas. The state is also home to nine national parks! With hundreds of marked hiking trails across the state, hikers can never get bored. But which are the best? Which hiking trails in the state offer the most beautiful scenery? Follow along to discover the 11 most scenic hiking trails in all of California.

1. Yosemite Falls Trail

The first trail on our list of scenic hiking trails in California is likely the most known, the Yosemite Falls Trails. Yosemite Falls is a 2,425-foot-high waterfall in Yosemite National Park. Although considered one large waterfall, it’s made up of about six falls separated into three sections.

So, how do you get to Yosemite Falls? To get to the top of Yosemite Falls, visitors need to hike 7.2 miles, round trip. The National Park Service labels this trail as strenuous. It can take about 6 to 8 hours to complete. The Yosemite Falls Trail is very old. It was built from 1873 to 1877. 

Not everyone though wants to reach the top. If you’d still like a light challenge, you can hike to the Columbia Rock. From here, you can see Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Sentinel Rock. The elevation gain for this 2-mile round-trip hike is about 1,000 feet. You can also experience Yosemite Falls from the lower section by walking the 1-mile loop, Lower Yosemite Fall Trail. It only takes about 30 minutes to complete and is easy.

2. Rubicon Trail

If you’ve ever tried to search for the best hiking trails in California, the Rubicon Trail has likely made the list. The Rubicon Trail is very unique. It’s not just meant for hiking. This 22-mile trail is part road and part 4×4 trail. It’s in the Sierra Nevada close to Lake Tahoe. Because of the length of the trail, it’s often divided into multiple parts. One part of the Rubicon Trail is the Wentworth Springs Road. This road passes through the Eldorado National Forest and the Tahoe National Forest. The other portion of the trail, the McKinney Rubicon Springs Road, leads to Lake Tahoe.

This route was first created in the 1860s, although it has slightly changed over the years. Although the road is well-maintained, some of the off-road parts of the trail are labeled as rocky and difficult. For example, one of the most difficult routes is the Old Sluice route. You don’t have to hike the entire 22 or 16 miles though. 

3. Lost Palms Oasis Trail

It’s hard to believe you’re still in California when walking on the Lost Palms Oasis Trail in Joshua Tree National Park. This hiking trail is considered moderate in difficulty. The Lost Palms Oasis Trail is a 7.4-mile out-and-back trail that has an elevation gain of 1,046 feet. It’s a great trail if you’re looking for scenic views. No dogs though are allowed on the hike. The best times to hike on this desert trail are from October through April. Not only can you view fantastic palm trees, but also animals like bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, bobcats, golden eagles, and kangaroo rats.

4. Goat Canyon Trestle

Next on our list of the most scenic hiking trails in all of California is the Goat Canyon Trestle Trail. The Goat Canyon Trestle is one of the most unique structures in the world. It’s the world’s longest all-wood trestle. Carl Eichenlaub designed the Goat Canyon Trestle. It was built between 1932 and 1933 to replace the collapsed Tunnel 15. This interesting trestle is over 180 feet tall and about 600 feet long.

It’s also only about 15 miles away from the Mexican border. The hike isn’t very long but is best suited for intermediate to expert hikers. Experienced hikers recommend waiting until after summer to try and hike to the Goat Canyon Trestle as the temperatures are too extreme to withstand and can lead to heat stroke. Although challenging, the hike is well worth the struggle. While hiking, you may see amazing fauna and flora like Indian paintbrush flowers, flat-tailed horned lizards, kangaroo rats, and desert kit foxes.

5. Pomo Canyon Campground from Shell Beach

The next incredible and scenic trail on our list is the Pomo Canyon Campground from Shell Beach. The Pomo Canyon Trail is near Jenner, California. It’s within Sonoma Coast State Park which runs along the coast. While visiting this state park, you can enjoy approximately 30 different hiking trails, various stunning beaches, and camping opportunities. 

This popular local hiking trail runs for about 6.2 miles in a loop. It is considered moderately challenging and takes about three hours and a half to complete. It’s important to note that dogs aren’t allowed on this trail. The elevation gain of this trail is 1,584 feet. It’s flat towards the start of the trail but has multiple steady uphill sections. On the trail are stunning tall and shady trees, and gorgeous views of the Pacific coast, rivers, and creeks.

6. Cataract Falls Trail

Another trail on our list of the most scenic trails in all of California is the Cataract Falls Trail in Marin County, California. Although not as popular as other trails on this list, it’s spectacular and takes you to multiple refreshing and stunning waterfalls.

This trail is about 2.8 miles long and has an elevation gain of 1,053 feet. It’s moderately challenging and can take nearly two hours to hike. On this trail, dogs are welcome but must stay on a leash. During peak times, parking can be difficult to find. It’s also important to keep in mind that this trail has many steep stairs. They can be slippery. Possibly the best thing about this trail, despite the lovely scenery, is that it connects with other routes. For instance, you can also hike the slightly more challenging, and longer, Cataract Falls, Helen Markt, Kent, and High Marsh Loop.

7. Mt. Wilson Summit Trail

The seventh trail to make our list is the Mt Wilson Summit Trail near Sierra Madre, California. It’s beautiful, but also very challenging and time-consuming. This 14.2-mile out-and-back trail takes a little over 9 hours to complete on average but can be longer. The elevation gain of this trail is 4,852 feet. It’s within the Angeles National Forest.

Because of its difficulty and ruggedness, it’s important to hike with at least one other person. Although challenging, the trail is easy to follow and is well-maintained. There is a lot of beauty to admire on the trail reaching the summit of Mt Wilson. Some animals you may encounter include the western toad, southern California slender salamander, striped racer, coast mountain kingsnake, striped skunk, mountain lion, and red-breasted sapsucker.

8. Boy Scout Tree Trail

The next trail on our list of the most scenic hiking trails in all of California is the Boy Scout Tree Trail in the Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. This lovely state park is one of the most popular in all of California. It’s in Del Norte County near Crescent City.

The Boy Scout Tree Trail is moderately challenging and runs for about 5.5 miles. It can take as much as half the day, so plan your trip accordingly. This gorgeous trail can take between 3 to 5 hours. While here, you can admire tall, shady trees and Fern Falls.

9. McCloud River Trail

Next on our list of stunning scenic hiking trails is the McCloud River Trail in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. This lovely trail, as its name suggests, is along the McCloud River. It takes hikers to multiple refreshing and lush waterfalls. 

The McCloud River Trail is long. To hike the entire trail, which leads to multiple waterfalls, campgrounds, and natural points, it’s about 15 miles long. It’s important to note that camping is not allowed in Day Use Only areas. Instead, camping is only allowed in official campgrounds. Some animals you can encounter on this trail are herons, bald eagles, ospreys, bears, and ducks.

The first natural point stop on the McCloud River Trail is the Lower Falls, which is about 15 feet tall. The Middle Falls are a bit higher, at 50 feet tall. Here you can swim, fish, and view wildlife.

10. Escondido Falls Trail

Have you ever heard of the Escondido Falls? These waterfalls are gorgeous, peaceful, and cool. They are about 150 feet tall and multi-tiered. To get to these tall waterfalls, you’ll need to hike the Escondido Canyon Trail, also called the Escondido Falls Trail. This moderately difficult out-and-back trail is about 3.5 miles long. While hiking, visitors gain an elevation of 475 feet. It takes hikers between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Although considered moderately challenging, many hikers label this trail as a perfect practice trail for beginners!

So, why is this trail special? Not only can you enjoy the stunning views of waterfalls on the trail, but also partake in bird watching. Some bird species in the area include house wrens, California scrub jays, and red-tailed hawks.

11. Lost Coast Trail

Last but not least is the Lost Coast Trail. The Lost Coast Trail in California is very unique and takes hikers to many different scenic natural points. This trail is very long, and often divided into two sections. The first section is 24.6 miles. It’s moderately challenging and runs from Mattole to Black Sands Beach. According to experts, expect this first section of the trail to take at least three days to complete. The second section of the Lost Coast Trail, also known as the southern portion, is 9 miles long and runs from Hidden Valley to Needle Rock in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. Not only are you met with wonderful scenery on this trail, but also plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Summary of the 11 Most Scenic Hiking Trails in All of California

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