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14 Best Backpacking Trails In California

admin by admin
April 4, 2023
in Travel


With over 15 million acres of wilderness that comprise about 15 percent of the state, California has a lot in store for the outdoorsy. The numerous stunning national parks, forests with tall trees, state parks, and other rugged terrains make for a plethora of majestic backpacking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. So hikers can choose one that is leisurely or strenuous, depending on their experience. But one thing they all promise is breathtaking views of untouched land. However, choosing the best backpacking trails among thousands of contenders can be nerve-wracking. And this list compiles the best backpacking trails in California that can be suitable both for amateurs and experienced hikers.

UPDATE: 2023/04/03 20:49 EST BY OSCAR APONTE

Nature’s Playground: A Guide To The 14 Best Backpacking Trails In California

The beauty and majesty of California’s wilderness is something that makes being able to backpack in one of the state’s idyllic locations a truly wonderful experience. This is why this list has been updated to showcase some of the wonderful trails that shouldn’t be left out.

14 Boy Scout Trail Joshua Tree

Cedric Letsch on Unsplash“”>


Photo by Cedric Letsch on Unsplash

Sunset at Joshua Tree National Park, California

The 8-mile rocky Boy Scout Trail starts from the Keys West Backcountry Registration parking area and ends near the Indian Cove Campground. The first three miles involve trekking along the Mojave Desert landscape and moving toward the Wonderland of Rocks. At this point, it is advisable to find a camping site since it’s hard finding a flat space past this area. After a long rocky descent through the canyon, backpackers enjoy beautiful vistas before the trail makes its way to Indian Cove.

  • Location: Joshua Tree National Park
  • Length: 8 miles

Hikers should be prepared for an early sunset and cold nights if they are camping during the off-season.

Related: Guide To Visiting South California’s Anza-Borrego Park (And Hiking Its Best Trails)

13 Pacific Crest Trail-Campo To Warner Springs

Sébastien Goldberg on Unsplash“”>


Sign of the Pacific Crest Trail with three people walking beside it
Photo by Sébastien Goldberg on Unsplash

Pacific Crest Trail entrance, California

The Campo to Warner Springs section of the Pacific Crest Trail runs for approximately 104 miles. The hike starts from southern Campo to Hauser Creek, where it is wise to take on the daunting climb in the evening. From Hauser Creek, travelers go to Lake Morena County Park and the pine-forested Mount Laguna. The trail continues meandering to Julian, Scissors Crossing, Barrel Springs, the famed Eagle Rock, and Warner Springs.

While in Warner Springs, adventurers can camp, go shopping for essentials at the mini-mart, or resupply if they want to continue with the adventure.

  • Location: Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail
  • Length: 104 miles

12 Duck Lake Pass Trail

Walther Nunez on Unsplash“”>


Trees and mountains reflectiong on the surface of a clear lake with a small house
Photo by Walther Nunez on Unsplash

Inyo National Forest, Sierra Nevada, California

Duck Lake Pass Trail starts with switchbacks and stretches along Skelton Lake. From this lake, adventurers head to Barney Lake, sitting at the base of Duck Pass, and find camping spaces at the eastern fork of the lake.

After an overnight camping experience, visitors wake up to a stunning sunrise and majestic reflections of snow-capped mountains in the still waters. The ascent to Duck Pass provides vistas of far-off mountains and the lake basin below. Once the pass is over, adventurers see the impressive Duck Lake surrounded by peaky mountains.

  • Location: Inyo National Forest
  • Length: 10 miles

Related: 10 Top-Rated Hikes You Can Take In Lassen National Park

11 Buckeye Trail

Photo 103814798 © Appygaltb

n””>


Fallen tree making a tree for people to pass in a forest
Photo 103814798 © Appygaltb

Fallen log in Los Padres National Forest, California

Buckeye Trail is an out-and-back 12.6-mile track near San Simeon in California. The first few miles are exhausting with little shade cover. But this can be made effortless if travelers start this adventure earlier in the morning when the temperatures are cool. Since most creeks along the trail are dry, hikers should bring enough water to get them to Villa Creek during dry seasons. As backpackers descend to Villa Creek, they marvel at the gorgeous redwoods and gushing creek.

  • Location: Los Padres National Forest
  • Length: 12.6 miles

Backpackers should wear long pants, carry insect/bug repellents, and beware of poison oak.

10 South Fork Trail

Photo 112216723 © Will1877 | Dreamstime.com

n””>


Sunset overlooking snowy mountains with some grass at the bottom

Dusk over San Gorgonio Mountain, California

The South Fork Trail is a 21.3-mile loop trail that leads adventurers to San Gorgonio Mountain. This trail is completed in two to three days while travelers acclimatize and camp at Lodgepole, Dry Lake, or Trail Flat. Adventurers can find water at the seasonal creeks and at the Lodgepole Spring.

South Fork Trail is challenging because of the changing altitude, backpack weight, high winds, and rugged terrain. However, the expansive meadows and panoramic views from San Gorgonio Mountain make up for the challenging trek.

  • Location: San Bernardino National Forest
  • Length: 21.3 miles

Related: Discover Northern California With The Great Shasta Rail Trail

9 Trans-Catalina Trail

Photo 122344529 © Andrew Konieczny

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Hiking trail going up many mountains in California
Photo 122344529 © Andrew Konieczny

Catalina Beach Trail, California

The mountainous terrain and breathtaking ocean views make the 38.5-mile Trans-Catalina Trail a once-in-a-lifetime backpacking experience. Many adventurers break the hike into five sections that take at least five days to complete. They start from Avalon to Black Jack to Little Harbor to Two Harbors and finally to Parsons Landing. All these points have designated campgrounds with diverse but incredible views for travelers to admire as they set their camps.

  • Location: Catalina Island
  • Length: 38.5 miles

Although the Trans-Catalina trail is open year-round, the best time to take on this intriguing adventure is late winter or spring.

8 Half Dome Trail

Photo 122344529 © Andrew Konieczny

n””>


Mountains and granite dome in Yosemite Valley
Photo 122344529 © Andrew Konieczny

Half Dome, Yosemite National Park. California

Backpackers fulfill their goal of hiking from Yosemite Valley to the Half Dome summit through a strenuous 14-15 mile trail. While hiking, travelers see incredible sights, like Vernal Falls, Emerald Pool, and the Nevada Waterfall. A three-day backpacking trip is enough for adventurers to immerse themselves in the awe-inspiring nature of Yosemite Valley. They can also spend the night at Yosemite Valley Lodge, which offers dramatic views of the area.

The final journey to the Half Dome summit involves ascending a steep and exposed section of the trail by holding on to steel handrails. Once at the top, hikers revel in the Buena Vista Crest, Sawtooth Ridge, and Mount Maclure’s astounding views.

  • Location: Yosemite National Park
  • Length: 15 miles

Related: 10 Of The Best Hiking Trails In Angeles National Forest

7 John Muir Trail

Joe Wilson on Unsplash“”>


Mountains and trees of Kings Canyon being reflected on Charlotte Lake
Photo by Joe Wilson on Unsplash

Charlotte Lake, Kings Canyon National Park, California

The John Muir Trail travels 210 miles from Yosemite National Park to the 14er Mount Whitney. It passes through notable attractions like the Sierra Mountains, Ansel Adams Wilderness, and the spectacular King’s Canyon Park, among others. Most adventurers take around three weeks to traverse these attractions.

Since this is a strenuous and long backpacking hike, only advanced backpackers should undertake it from July through October, depending on the weather. Despite the trail’s daunting nature, adventurers see the unobstructed lake and mountain views and have mind-blowing stargazing experiences.

  • Location: Yosemite National Park
  • Length: 210 miles

6 Mount Whitney Trail

Nico on Unsplash“”>


Sunrise of tall peaks with the moon on the distance
Photo by Nico on Unsplash

Sunrise at Mount Whitney, Yosemite National Park, California

This 11-mile trail takes adventurers to the tallest 14er in California, which is Mount Whitney. The route takes about three to four days to complete. Travelers begin their journey at the Whitney Portal, then to the Consultation Lake, reach the peak, go back to the lake, and then to Whitney Portal again.

There are three campgrounds for adventurers, but the Trail Camp is the most popular. Camping under the starry nights makes the whole adventure worth it. However, when setting up a tent, one should select an existing site to avoid damaging the area by creating a new one.

  • Location: Inyo National Forest
  • Length: 11 miles

Related: Happiness Is Packing For An Adventure Somewhere Far: Packing Tips For Solo Backpackers

5 Lost Coast Trail

Photo 124076935 © James Sakaguchi | Dreams””>


Driftwood along a dark-sanded beach with a clear sky

Mattole Beach, Petrolia, California

The 24.6-mile Lost Coast Trail starts from Mattole Beach, leading adventurers to Black Sands Beach, stretching along the undeveloped Long Coast shores. Although it is tough for travelers to get permits to travel along this coast, they can camp anywhere with public access. The trail is not hilly but has sandy and rocky beaches. This point-to-point trail takes about three days to complete, giving backpackers enough time to stop and admire the magnificent coast.

  • Location: King Range National Conservation Area
  • Length: 24.6 miles

It’s advisable to check the tide levels and weather since they may change drastically.

4 Crystal Cove Perimeter Loop

Jacob Padilla on Unsplash“”>


Rock formations in the shore of a wavey beach
Photo by Jacob Padilla on Unsplash

Crystal Cove, Newport Beach, California

Southern California offers breathtaking trails with views that gaze upon the Pacific Ocean’s deep blue waters, and the whole shore surrounding Crystal Cove is a prime example of that. Although most people don’t really have in mind backpacking on California’s beaches, the Crystal Cove Perimeter Loop takes hikers through an 18-mile trail throughout the area’s most scenic locations, like Lower Moro, Upper Moro, and Deer Canyon.

  • Location: Crystal Cove State Park
  • Length: 18 miles

3 Marion Mountain Trail To San Jacinto Peak

Emilio Borraz Ortega on Unsplash“”>


Aerial view of mountains covered with pine trees
Photo by Emilio Borraz Ortega on Unsplash

San Jacinto Peak, Riverside County, California

Called “the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth” by ecological thinker John Muir, the San Jacinto Peak is truly one of California’s most magnificent natural marvels.

Leaving from the Marion Mountain Campground, the trail follows 11.4 miles through the tree-filled scenery of California’s countryside, with the possibility of gazing upon the region’s both flora and fauna. This might be one of the most challenging trails to get up to San Jacinto, but it can also be one of the most rewarding given the variety of sceneries the route goes through.

  • Location: San Bernardino National Forest
  • Length: 11.4 miles

Related:10 Most Beautiful Waterfall Hikes Around The World

2 Devil’s Punchbowl Trail

Photo 15627442 © William Moneymaker | Dreamstime.com

n””>


Many rock formations among forests with mountains in the background

Devil’s Punchbowl, Six Rivers National Forest, California

Don’t be put off by the quirky name; this challenging trail is a must for people who prefer rocky walks rather than flat strolls. The hike makes a great job of showcasing the Six Rivers National Forest’s changing terrain and offers easy access to the park’s main water features, such as the Smith River. It’s also a plus that the trail is welcoming to dogs, as long as they’re on a leash.

  • Location: Six Rivers National Forest
  • Length: 10 miles

1 Lassen Peak Hike

Deanna Lewis on Unsplash“”>


Snowy trail surrounded by trees with Lassen Peak visible in the background
Photo by Deanna Lewis on Unsplash

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Feeling more adventurous? Then climbing one of Lassen Volcanic National Park’s most scenic peaks is the ideal plan. Going up the way to Lassen Peak, the 5-mile-long climb is not for the unprepared since volcanic activity from thousands of years ago and rocks falling from above make for a rather unstable path filled with pieces of rocks that require special gear to maintain balance. Once up, the reward is being able to glance at all the park’s plenitude, as well as its many lakes that serve as a break from the trees and volcanic land.

  • Location: Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Length: 5 miles

If backpacking around the land, avoid packing too heavily before heading up the peak.


About The Author

Felix Ngeso is a travel writer who loves creating new adventures and staying up-to-date on food trends. He inspires readers to travel through his writings, whether in their country or around the world. He believes everyone should remind themselves of how precious life is through traveling. Felix loves driving around to discover hidden gems during his free time.
 





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