California Hiking Trails
Hidden Valley Trail:
Enclosed on all sides by towering golden-toned rocks, Hidden Valley Trail is a quick half-hour exploration around the national park with brief escapes from the sun under rock formations. Hikers can even spot a unique cow shaped rock formation overlooking the valley called “Cow Rock.”
Potato Harbor:
Located at Channel Islands National Park, Potato Harbor is a 5.2 mile hike that takes travelers around to many popular park locations including Cavern Point Loop, Cavern Point, North Bluff Trail and Potato Harbor. Hiking under the sun on paved rocky cliffs, walkers can look over to see the bright blue seashore at any moment of the hike.
Paradise Valley Trail:
The eight-hour, 18-mile Paradise Valley hike can be made into a strenuous all-day trail or backpacking trip. The journey starts along a flat sandy path until the trail reaches lush, green Mist Falls. Along the trail are three camping stops with beautiful views of the Kings Canyon mountains.
Badwater Basin Salt Flats Trail:
Badwater Basin, in Death Valley National Park, is an easygoing two-mile hike down to the lowest point in all of North America at 282 feet below sea level. This trail takes hikers on the salt flats, where they can walk on the salt patterns and see small salt crystals made in the ground.
Tokopah Falls Trail:
The 3.8 mile Tokopah Falls Trail offers a more difficult hike. Completely shaded by pine and fir trees, the hike culminates in the rewarding sight of the cascading Tokopah Falls.
Balconies Cave Trail:
Pinnacles National Park holds Balconies Cave Trail, a 2.6 mile hike that passes unique rock formations before descending into shadowy caves. A flashlight or headlamp, along with sturdy shoes, are recommended to help navigate slippery boulders.
Mirror Lake via Valley Loop Trail:
This 4.6 mile, hour-and-a-half trail in Tenaya Canyon at Yosemite National Park is a peaceful, uncrowded hike winding past crystal-clear Mirror Lake where hikers can see beautiful reflections of Half Dome Mountain in warmer months. Staying on the shaded paved trail is a must, as snowy conditions cause rocks and footing to be slick.
Tall Trees Grove Loop Trail:
Tall Trees Grove is a remote, shaded 3.5 mile hike through the expansive forests of Redwood National Park. On this trail, hikers can walk through carved out or split redwoods that have fallen.
Manzanita Lake Loop:
The Manzanita Lake Loop trail walks two miles around the glittering Manzanita Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Walking through a thicket of shady trees hikers will see the picturesque Lassen peaks along with the the young Chaos Crags massif.
Pet-Friendly?
The majority of National Parks in California don’t have hiking trails that allow pets, however they can still be taken to the parks. Pets are allowed on fire roads and paved roads as well as campgrounds and picnic areas!