Best Backpacking Trails in California

Browse 17 backpacking trails with 183 miles (295 km) to hike and explore in California. Use our trail maps, elevation charts, pictures, and get directions to the trailhead to plan your next hike!

Trails in California

John Muir Trail (Duck Pass Trailhead to Vermillion Valley Resort)
47.6 Miles
76.6 km
Strenuous
One-Way

John Muir Trail (Duck Pass Trailhead to Vermillion Valley Resort)

Mammoth Lakes, California
Matlock Lake
7.3 Miles
11.7 km
Moderate
Out-and-Back

Matlock Lake

Inyo National Forest, California
Loch Leven Lakes
8 Miles
12.9 km
Moderate
Out-and-Back

Loch Leven Lakes

Tahoe National Forest, California
Salmon Creek Trail
10 Miles
16.1 km
Moderate
Out-and-Back

Salmon Creek Trail

Big Sur, California
Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley
37 Miles
59.5 km
Strenuous
One-Way

Tuolumne Meadows to Yosemite Valley

Yosemite National Park, California
Gridley Trail to Nordhoff Peak
13.5 Miles
21.7 km
Strenuous
Out-and-Back

Gridley Trail to Nordhoff Peak

Los Padres National Forest, California
Ohlone Wilderness Trail
28 Miles
45.1 km
Strenuous
One-Way

Ohlone Wilderness Trail

Ohlone Regional Wilderness, California
San Jacinto Peak via Marion Mountain Trail
11 Miles
17.7 km
Strenuous
Out-and-Back

San Jacinto Peak via Marion Mountain Trail

Mount San Jacinto State Park, California
Parker Lake Trail
3.8 Miles
6.1 km
Hard
Out-and-Back

Parker Lake Trail

Inyo National Forest, California
The Gate and South Gate Loop Trail - Squaw Meadow
5 Miles
8 km
Moderate
Loop

The Gate and South Gate Loop Trail - Squaw Meadow

Shasta-trinity National Forest, California
Simpson Reed Trail
0.6 Miles
1 km
Easy
Loop

Simpson Reed Trail

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California
River Beach Trail
0.5 Miles
0.8 km
Easy
Out-and-Back

River Beach Trail

Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, California
Showing 1 to 12 of 17 Hiking Trails