Top trails (13035)
- Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist TrailHard•4.9(15409)#1 - Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist TrailLength: 6.4 mi•Est. 4h 10mHike to two breathtaking waterfalls along some of Yosemite Valley's most popular hiking trails. If you only have time for one hike while in Yosemite look no further - the Mist Trail is the hike for you. It is no wonder why this trail is one of the most traveled in Yosemite National Park. You will hike so close to these two massive waterfalls that you may get wet from the trail. The best time to hike this trail is in Spring or early Summer, while the snow runoff is high and the falls are full...
- Upper Yosemite Falls TrailEnjoy the incredible views looking down from the top of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in the continental US. Yosemite Falls, dropping 2,425 feet to the bottom of the valley from the top, is one of the most visited places in Yosemite National Park. The falls consist of three sections: upper falls, middle cascade, and lower falls. While most people only make the short trip to visit lower falls, upper falls is definitely worthy of visiting due to its panoramic views of Yosemite Valley...
- Half Dome via the John Muir Trail (JMT)Half Dome is a serious endurance hike taking you 4,800 feet above the Yosemite Valley to spectacular views of Vernal and Nevada Falls, Liberty Cap, the Yosemite Valley, and the High Sierra. This is one of Yosemite National Park’s most iconic hikes. You must obtain a permit to hike to the summit of Half Dome. Preparation and safety are key to having a fantastic experience. This is a hike that requires users to be in good shape. Most people take 10 to 12 hours to hike to Half Dome and back,...
- Vernal FallsVernal Falls is one of the most popular destinations in Yosemite and for good reason! This trail follows the Mist Trail up a short but steep paved path. After this climb you will reach a bridge with views up to Vernal Falls. This is followed by a short section of wide dirt trail and finally a steep rock stair set up to the falls themselves. These stairs can extremely slipper due to this mist from the falls, so please exercise caution. The Mist Trail starts at Happy Isles Trailhead (YARTS...
- Lower Yosemite Falls TrailA quick stroll to see Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in Northern America and 5th in the world, crash down on the rocks below. Open year-round, this trail is easy but icy in the winter. The trailhead is at the Lower Yosemite Fall Trailhead (shuttle stop #6). This short, easy walk provides spectacular views of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls and even Middle Cascade. Like all waterfalls in Yosemite, this waterfall is often dry from late July or August through October and is best seen in...
- Torrey Pines Beach Trail LoopModerate•4.8(7981)#6 - Torrey Pines Beach Trail LoopLength: 2.3 mi•Est. 1h 2mHikers can hike this loop in either direction. Hiking clockwise takes you along the interior first with views of the ocean, then along the water. Counterclockwise takes you along the shore first then travels away from the beach. There are a few short but steep climbs along the way. The trails are well-marked and easy to follow.
- Point Lobos LoopPoint Lobos Loop Trail takes you on a coastal adventure along the gorgeous Pacific Ocean just miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and a quick drive from San Francisco or Big Sur. Visitors will encounter a variety of environments, flora, and fauna from lush Monterey pine and Cypress groves to coastal shrub-covered coastline with ocean views to tide pools along the rocky beaches. Expect to see sea lions, shorebirds, and all sorts of ocean wildlife. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has a network...
- Eaton Canyon TrailThis is a beautiful hike to a waterfall. This is one of the more popular trails in the area, so plan to arrive early to obtain parking and have a quieter experience on the trail. There are multiple stream crossings along the way. Be prepared to get your feet wet if you plan to go all the way to Eaton Canyon Falls. Bring water shoes, as the rocks in the streams can be slippery. Keep an eye out for wildflowers blooming in the spring. This is a great hike for beginners.
- Potato Chip Rock and Mt. Woodson SummitModerate•4.7(13991)#9 - Potato Chip Rock and Mt. Woodson SummitLength: 7.3 mi•Est. 4h 20mThis is one of the most popular trails for photo ops and beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean in all of Southern California. The steep and narrow hike up to Potato Chip Rock and the Mt Woodson Summit is a must-do for locals and visitors alike. Potato Chip Rock is certainly one of the most unique rock formations in the area and draws scores of visitors looking to get a photo at the top. Located in northern San Diego County, the Mount Woodson Trailhead starts at the end of Lake Poway Road and...
- Vernal Falls and Clark Point via Mist and John Muir LoopHard•4.8(5486)#10 - Vernal Falls and Clark Point via Mist and John Muir LoopLength: 4.5 mi•Est. 3h 0mThis trail begins at Happy Isles and follows the John Muir Trail to the Mist Trail and Vernal Falls. From there, continue on to Emerald Pool, where you will reach a junction that takes you to Clark Point. Follow the John Muir Trail as it loops back to the trailhead. There are incredible views of waterfalls and the surrounding granite domes along this route. The upper portion of the John Muir Trail between Clark Point and the top of Nevada Fall is closed in winter due to treacherously icy...
Showing results 1 - 10 of 13035
Helpful reviews of trails in California
You'll get very wet at the misty part but it's well worth it. Bring a poncho or wear clothes that dry fast. I highly recommend going all the way up to Nevada Falls. Breathtaking views all along, regarding views one of the best hikes I've done at all and I've done quite a few.
What made this hike is the extra mile to Yosemite Point - it’s extremely worth it, as it’s arguably the best view of the valley.
Trail report for 6/2. We stayed our hike at 4:00am from Lower Pines campground and completed the hike in 9 hours, 45 mins. We took the Mist Trail up and down because like others have mentioned, JMT is closed at Nevada Falls due to a rock slide. We made it to the cables at 9:00am. There weren’t too many people yet, and the traffic was light up the cables. The weather was perfect in the morning. There was more traffic on the way down. Be patient with yourself others as they navigate the cables. The cables do take some strength and stamina, but if you are in decent physical condition with enough mental fortitude you should be ok. This was my second time hiking up Half Dome in the last four years. I saw a lot more people than before using via ferrata on the cables. This system may put your mind at ease but you should only use it if you know how. Otherwise it may be more unsafe to use it than to not use it due to clipping and unclipping at every stanchion. We saw a guy helping his partner clip a unclip for her from outside the cables. This put himself and others at risk. Also, make sure you secure all of loose items before accessing or descending the cables. Someone’s radio dropped from a person’s outside pack pocket, risking hitting others as it fell back to the base of the cables. Overall this is an extremely rewarding hike, and the climb is worth the views.
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Frequently asked trail questions about California
What national parks in California have hiking trails?
Hikers on AllTrails.com recommend several popular national parks in California. Channel Islands National Park is home to 30 hiking trails with an average 4.7 star rating from 5,023 community reviews. Death Valley National Park has 108 hiking trails with an average 4.3 star rating from 27,399 community reviews. Joshua Tree National Park has 137 hiking trails with an average 4.4 star rating from 82,367 community reviews.
What are the different types of hiking trails in California?
There are plenty of things to do on California's hiking trails. On AllTrails.com, you'll find 11,260 hiking trails, 7,489 running trails, 5,044 walking trails, and more.
What is the longest trail in California?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in California is Pacific Crest Trail. This trail is estimated to be 2,590.9 mi long.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in California?
California: With an ascent of 429,478 ft, Pacific Crest Trail has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. The next highest ascent trail is Six Pack of Peaks via PCT [CLOSED] with 68,267 ft of elevation gain.
What is the most popular and difficult trail in California?
The most popular and difficult trail in California is Vernal and Nevada Falls via Mist Trail with a 4.9-star rating from 15,409 reviews.
Are there camping trails available in California?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 1767 camping trails in California and the most popular is Upper Yosemite Falls Trail with an average 4.8 star rating from 12,441 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in California?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 7489 running trails in California and the most popular is Point Lobos Loop with an average 4.8 star rating from 7,731 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in California?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 3584 biking trails in California and the most popular is Mission Peak Loop from Stanford Avenue Staging Area with an average 4.6 star rating from 8,308 community reviews.
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