Searching for the most effective mountain climbing trails in California? Visit these scenic spots, experts say

Are you planning a visit into the good outdoors?

If you're within the mood for mountain climbing, expert sources at Tripadvisor, Travel+Leisure and AllTrails have compiled lists of popular mountain climbing areas across the state.

In a recent study, California was named the second best state for mountain climbing within the United States resulting from its scenic beauty, variety of mountain climbing trails, and other aspects.

“Whether you’re exploring the Pacific Crest Trail or hiking through redwood forests, California has a trail for every hiker,” says the study by GB The Green Brand.

From rushing waterfalls to rugged sea cliffs, our journalists at How To California—a community-driven series designed to assist readers navigate life within the Golden State—have rounded up the most effective destinations to explore on foot.

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Our community-driven series “How to California” answers your questions on the laws, history, culture, activities and travel within the Golden State.

Committed to helping our readers navigate their on a regular basis lives, McClatchy's service journalism team works in communities across the state, including San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Merced, Modesto and Sacramento.

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Hiking trail to Cataract Falls

Don Naples of Healdsburg takes a break from reading while hiking along Cataract Falls on Mount Tamalpais on Sunday, April 1, 2018. (Sherry LaVars/Special to the Marin Independent Journal)
Don Naples of Healdsburg takes a break from reading during a hike along Cataract Falls on Mount Tamalpais on Sunday, April 1, 2018. (Sherry LaVars/Special to the Marin Independent Journal)

Travel+Leisure listed the Cataract Falls Trail in Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County as among the best places for hikers in California.

According to Google Maps, the trail is a few two-hour drive from Sacramento.

“Hikers can follow the rushing waters of Cataract Creek through a primeval forest of redwoods, oaks and Douglas firs and past numerous small waterfalls on this out-and-back trail,” says Travel+Leisure.

Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

Mustard flowers bloom along the rugged San Mateo coast as whitewater foams around Eel Rock, viewed from the Cowell-Purisima Trail in Half Moon Bay, Calif., Wednesday, May 24, 2023. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)
Mustard flowers bloom along the rugged San Mateo coast as whitewater foams around Eel Rock, viewed from the Cowell-Purisima Trail in Half Moon Bay, Calif., Wednesday, May 24, 2023. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group)

Tripadvisor recommends the Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail in San Mateo County as a top destination for hikers.

According to Google Maps, the trail is a few two-hour drive from Modesto and a little bit farther from Sacramento.

It’s an “easy and scenic hike along the Pacific coast,” in response to Tripadvisor.

According to AllTrails, the two.7-mile trail offers a straightforward, paved path with beautiful coastal views, wildflowers and succulents.

Land's End Trail

Hiking trails crisscross San Francisco's windswept Land's End and lead down to the ruins of the Sutro Baths. (Getty Images)
Hiking trails crisscross San Francisco's windswept Land's End and lead right down to the ruins of the Sutro Baths. (Getty Images)

The Lands End Trail in San Francisco offers “postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge,” in response to Travel+Leisure.

According to the National Park Service, the trail is about 2.9 miles long.

According to Google Maps, the trail is a few two-hour drive from Modesto and Sacramento.

Point Lobos State Nature Preserve

Point Lobos State Reserve on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. (Vern Fisher – Monterey Herald)
Point Lobos State Reserve on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. (Vern Fisher – Monterey Herald)

AllTrails has highlighted Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in Monterey County, a few three-hour drive from Fresno, as among the best mountain climbing trails in California.

“The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit at any time,” AllTrails said.

According to the California State Parks website, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is taken into account the “crown jewel” of the state parks system.

According to the state website, the mountain climbing trails within the reserve offer ocean views and beach access.

Rubicon Path

The famous Rubicon Trail in California offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. (Getty Images)
The famous Rubicon Trail in California offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. (Getty Images)

According to Travel+Leisure, a few of California's most beautiful views may be found along the Rubicon Trail in Lake Tahoe.

“Along the way, hikers can walk along cliffs, plunge into coves, cool off at waterfalls and admire the abundance of wildflowers, all scented with Sierra junipers, cedars, ponderosa pines and firs,” the discharge states.

According to Google Maps, the trail is a few two-hour drive from Sacramento.

Torrey Pines State Wildlife Area

Island Packers takes guests to Santa Rosa Island, one of five islands in Channel Islands National Park and home to a Torrey pine forest. (Courtesy of Tim Hauf)
Island Packers takes guests to Santa Rosa Island, one among five islands in Channel Islands National Park and residential to a Torrey pine forest. (Courtesy of Tim Hauf)

Tripadvisor and AllTrails have named Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in La Jolla one among California's hottest mountain climbing destinations.

According to the reserve's website, the reserve's mountain climbing trails offer panoramic views, beach access and scenic coastal shrubland.

The reserve offers mountain climbing trails starting from half a mile to 4 miles in length.

“This is a very popular area for hiking and walking, so you’re likely to encounter other people as you explore,” says the AllTrails website.

Yosemite National Park

Tourists stop to admire the spectacular Yosemite Valley from the national park's Tunnel View overlook. Yosemite National Park offers free admission on Saturday, April 20. (Photo by Getty Images)
Tourists stop to admire the spectacular Yosemite Valley from the national park's Tunnel View overlook. Yosemite National Park offers free admission on Saturday, April 20. (Photo by Getty Images)

Located just off Highway 140, Yosemite National Park offers guests several stunning mountain climbing trails to explore, in response to AllTrails.

According to the National Park Service, Yosemite National Park is thought for its waterfalls, deep valleys, large meadows, ancient giant sequoias, and extensive wilderness areas.

Some of the preferred spots within the park highlighted by AllTrails include Vernal Falls, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.


Originally published:

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