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My Favorite Places to Hike in California (As a Local)

Updated October 2, 2024
The author McKenna Mobley sitting on a boulder during her hike in Big Pine Lakes at winter surrounded by snow

Sun-drenched deserts, snowy mountains, majestic redwood forests, and the rugged Pacific coast -- California's landscapes offer hikes for everyone. I'm a California local, and I've been hiking here my whole life. There are hundreds of trail options in the Golden State, so I’ve created this epic list of my favorites to help get you started. Trekking in these diverse landscapes is one of my favorite activities in the Golden State, and I hope you'll feel the same. Without further ado, here are the hikes you don't want to miss!

23 Best Hikes in California Mt. Baldy Climb Los Angeles’s tallest mountain. I’m enjoying the view from the Mt. Baldy summit 🥾 Difficult | 8.8 miles round trip | 4,000 feet elevation gain | 📍 Google Maps | Park Website | ...

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