Lonely Planet Best Day Walks California

By Amy C Balfour

Lonely Planet’s Best Day Walks California is your passport to 60 easy escapes into nature. Stretch your legs away from the city by picking a walk that works for you, from just a couple of hours to a full day, from easy to hard. Explore Yosemite National Park, marvel at redwoods, and hike through Gold Country. 

 

Inside Lonely Planet’s Best Day Walks California Travel Guide: 

Colour maps and images throughout

Special features - on California’s highlights for walkers, kid-friendly walks, accessible trails and what to take
Best for… section helps you plan your trip and select walks that appeal to your interests
Region profiles cover when to go, where to stay, what’s on, cultural insights, and local food and drink recommendations to refuel and refresh. Featured regions include:
Northern Coast & Redwoods, Marin County & the Bay Area, California’s Central Coast, SoCal Coast, Southern Deserts, Kings Canyon, Sequoia & the Southern Sierras, Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe & Gold Country, Northern Mountains

Essential info at your fingertips - walk itineraries accompanied by illustrative maps are combined with details about walk duration, distance, terrain, start/end locations and difficulty (classified as easy, easy-moderate, moderate, moderate-hard, or hard)

Over 60 maps

 

The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet’s Best Day Walks California, our most comprehensive guide to walking in California, is perfect for those planning to explore California on foot.

Looking for more information on California? Check out Lonely Planet’s California guide for a comprehensive look at what the country has to offer.

 

About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we’ve printed over 145 million guidebooks and phrasebooks for 120 languages, and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You’ll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, videos, 14 languages, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more, enabling you to explore every day. 

 

‘Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.’ – New York Times

 

‘Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.’ – Fairfax Media (Australia)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lonely Planet
• Release date: Jul 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781838696368

Book preview

Highlights

Gem Lakes, Kings Canyon, Sequoia & the Eastern Sierra

Gorgeous alpine lakes reflect jagged Sierra Nevada peaks on this high-altitude ramble through the Little Lakes Valley.

BIG SUR BLUFFS & BEACHES, CALIFORNIA’S CENTRAL COAST

Big Sur’s quintessential coastal trail serves up phenomenal Pacific Ocean views en route to a pair of wild and secluded beaches.

BOY SCOUT TREE TRAIL, NORTHERN COAST & REDWOODS

Tucked in a far-flung corner of the remote Northern Coast, this idyllic trail through soaring old-growth redwoods is a blessing of solitude and wonder.

VERNAL & NEVADA FALLS, YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK

Thunderous waterfalls and soaring granite peaks mark this classic loop as it climbs the Giant Staircase on the Mist Trail and descends on the John Muir Trail.

LOST COAST TRAIL: NEEDLE ROCK TO WHALE GULCH, NORTHERN COAST & REDWOODS

This cinematic coastal trail has sights for nearly every mood: invigorating grassy bluffs, bright summer wildflowers, dramatic frothy seas, moody elk, and a mettle-testing mountain climb.

LANDS END TO THE GOLDEN GATE, MARIN COUNTY & THE BAY AREA

Enjoy unparalleled perspectives of California’s favorite bridge and immerse in local life as you pass joggers, fishers and kayakers on this iconic urban trail.

CINDER CONE TRAIL, NORTHERN MOUNTAINS

Live your own Tolkienesque adventure as you navigate the Fantastic Lava Beds and the Painted Dunes on your journey into the crater of an ancient volcano.

RUBICON TRAIL, LAKE TAHOE & GOLD COUNTRY

An exhilarating roller coaster, the Rubicon Trail swoops and swerves though the forest on the shores of Lake Tahoe then brakes at a Scandinavian castle.

HELLHOLE CANYON & MAIDENHAIR FALLS, SOUTHERN DESERTS

A chance to see bighorn sheep, a lush palm oasis, a gazillion thirsty bees and a stunning desertscape make this hike more heavenly than hellish.

POTATO CHIP ROCK TRAIL & MT WOODSON, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COAST

Popular for a reason, Potato Chip Rock’s lovely, varied terrain features gorgeous views, a pretty reservoir, and of course the Potato Chip selfie op.

Best For...

RICHARD BIZICK/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

g BIG VIEWS

From rugged cliffside beaches to blackened lava beds to sprawling lake-and-mountain tableaus, gobsmacking landscapes are a reliable backdrop.

BASS LAKE, WILDCAT & ALAMERE FALLS

Sandstone cliffs stretch for miles along wilderness beaches in Point Reyes National Seashore.

SENTINEL DOME & TAFT POINT

Enjoy expansive views of Half Dome (pictured above) and terrifying sheer cliffs on this Glacier Point Rd loop hike.

LASSEN PEAK

From the summit of an active volcano, see volcanic peaks, lakes and a lush former wasteland.

PACIFIC COAST TRAIL & MT JUDAH LOOP

See alpine lakes, a ski resort, Sierra peaks and reminders of a pioneer tragedy from atop Mt Judah.

WILDROSE PEAK TRAIL

Your reward after this strenuous Death Valley climb? Panoramic views of the Mojave Desert.

c ESCAPING THE CROWDS

It’s hard to find solitude on top-notch hikes near the city. Which means you’ll likely have to drive an hour or two for quiet contemplation.

GARRAPATA GETAWAY

This Big Sur park (pictured above)sweeps in dramatic coastal cliffs and a hidden remnant of redwood forest.

LOST COAST TRAIL: MATTOLE TO PUNTA GORDA LIGHTHOUSE

An abandoned lighthouse sets the tone for a lonely sojourn across a windswept beach.

SOUTH GROVE TRAIL

This quiet trail unfurls beneath 2000-year-old sequoias in a lovely park deep in the Sierra Nevada.

HELLHOLE CANYON & MAIDENHAIR FALLS

Eighty miles from San Diego, this trail rolls deep into a desert canyon to a seasonal waterfall.

HUNTING HOLLOW TO WILLSON PEAK

Get lost in hilly, oak-dotted grasslands in one of California’s largest and least-visited state parks.

MEXCELL90/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

s POST-HIKE CHEER

Kick back and share stories about your trail adventures.

GREEN GULCH, PIRATES COVE & MUIR BEACH

Enjoy a post-hike libation at the Pelican Inn (pictured above), a British-style pub.

EAGLE FALLS & EAGLE LAKE

Sip beers with locals at South Lake Brewing Company.

MENDOCINO HEADLANDS TRAIL

Walk into Mendocino for a beer at Patterson’s Pub.

TEMESCAL CANYON

Drive north along the coast to Neptune’s Net, a beer-and-seafood joint.

MONTAÑA DE ORO

Go brewery-hopping in the lively college town of San Luis Obispo.

STEPHEN SAKS PHOTOGRAPHY/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO ©

f WILDLIFE

Look for wild animals from the coast to the Sierra.

LOST COAST TRAIL: MATTOLE TO PUNTA GORDA LIGHTHOUSE

Sea lions, elephant seals and hundreds of bird species.

PINNACLES HIGH PEAKS LOOP

Scan skies above volcanic spires for California condors.

TOKOPAH FALLS

High-altitude boulders are hot spots for pika and marmots (pictured above).

CORTE MADERA TRAIL

Watch for warblers, woodpeckers and jays. Foxes, coyotes and bobcats are more elusive.

TOMALES POINT TRAIL

Tule elk wander the hills between Tomales Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

NATALIEJEAN/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

p COASTAL VIEWS

California features 840 miles of ocean coastline, and snowy peaks hug alpine lakes.

POTATO HARBOR

Take in stunning views of cliffs and coves, and watch for whales and dolphins off Santa Barbara.

PATRICK’S POINT LOOP TRAIL

Pretty sights abound: sea-polished agate, seaside bluffs, tidepools and a pine forest.

BIG SUR BLUFFS & BEACHES

Experience seaside cliffs, towering redwoods and remote beaches.

RUBICON TRAIL

This Lake Tahoe path (pictured above) dips from forested slopes to a lively beach.

JENNIFER L STERMER/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

With Kids

MY GOOD IMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

CALIFORNIA FOR KIDS

California is a fantastic destination for family-friendly hiking. Along the coast, younger kids can explore critter-filled tide pools, while kids of all ages gape at enormous redwoods. Wildlife spotting is fun for all ages in the Sierra Nevada, with cute pikas and marmots popping up here and there among the boulders. In the desert, jackrabbits and lizards scamper about. An appealing lineup of adventures should keep older kids engaged as they tackle granite domes and challenging trails in Yosemite (pictured above), Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. The hardest part of any family trip may be choosing where to go.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Camping is superb across the Golden State. Campsites at national and state parks are inexpensive, and they are typically located in scenic locations, many times near a trailhead. Loads of family-friendly amenities and activities are often available, especially in national parks. Campgrounds in national forests may be lacking in amenities beyond pit toilets and fresh water, but the scenery is often top-notch. Private campgrounds, while more expensive than their public counterparts, may have more family-friendly amenities on offer, like swimming pools, movie nights or bike rentals. Hot showers and a coin-operated laundry are often available too. Private campgrounds tend to cater to RVs (recreational vehicles), with full electricity, water hook-ups and dump stations.

Motels and hotels in outdoorsy towns typically have rooms with two beds or an extra sofa bed. They may have rollaway beds or cots, usually available for a surcharge (request these when making reservations). Some offer ‘kids stay free’ promotions, which may apply only if no extra bedding is required. When booking, be sure to request the specific room type you want, although requests aren’t often guaranteed.

WHAT TO PACK

Bring broken-in hiking shoes and your own camping equipment. Outdoor gear can be purchased or sometimes rented from local outdoors outfitters. But the best time to test gear is before you take your trip. Murphy’s Law dictates that wearing brand-new hiking shoes always results in blisters, and setting up a tent for the first time in the dark isn’t easy. And don’t forget the sunscreen.

b Taking Kids on the Trail

Keep kids within earshot (if not sight) of adults. They may want to rush ahead, but it’s very easy to miss a necessary junction or take a wrong turn.

Dress them in bright-coloured clothes and have each one carry a flashlight and a safety whistle. Make sure they know what to do if they get lost (for instance, stay put and periodically blow the whistle).

Dress kids (and yourself) in layers so they can peel off or pull on clothing when needed.

Bring lots of high-energy snacks and drinks, even on short outings.

Children are just as vulnerable as adults to altitude sickness at higher elevations. They may not know what it is they’re feeling, and they may not let you know. Familiarize yourself with symptoms (headaches and nausea are common) and watch for them. If your child shows symptoms, descend to lower elevations.

KEEPING IT FUN

Active, adventurous and environ-mentally aware parents are often eager to share those interests with kids. Take care though not to turn a diversion into a chore. For example, don’t make your kids memorize 80 different rocks; that’s no fun. At national parks, consider participating in organized activities, such as junior ranger programs and nature walks, or visit kid-friendly spots, like nature centers. Kids usually like when other kids are around. Hiking is great exercise, though parents should gauge their children’s abilities and choose hikes carefully.

REGIONAL HIKING TIPS

Northern Coast & Redwoods, Marin County & the Bay Area Don’t let your kids approach wild elk, which can be aggressive.

Northern Coast & Redwoods Keep a close eye on the seas while hiking on the sand on the Lost Coast. Large waves can come in unexpectedly.

Northern Mountains Keep kids close on the Bumpass Hell Trail. If they fall off the boardwalk or take a wrong step, they can scald themselves.

Yosemite, Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks Ask rangers about current conditions before letting your kids jump into rivers in the Sierra Nevada, particularly in the spring. Currents can be much stronger than they appear and drownings are common. Obey all signage.

Yosemite National Park Be extra cautious around viewpoints, such as Taft Point, which has a railing at the cliff’s edge but none around the periphery, and the adjacent Fissures – giant cracks in the granite that plunge thousands of feet. The same goes for the summits of peaks and domes.

National & State Parks; National Forests Don’t let your children feed wild animals, no matter how cute. If chipmunks, squirrels and bears are regularly fed, they can lose their fear of humans, causing them to become a nuisance and potentially a risk to the public.

Forest Trails & Channel Islands Watch out for poison oak.

xBest Hikes

Tennessee Valley, Marin County & the Bay Area

Tokopah Falls, Kings Canyon, Sequoia & the Eastern Sierra

Big Tree Loop Trail, Northern Coast & Redwoods

Hellhole Canyon & Maidenhair Falls, Southern Deserts

Sunset Cliffs, Southern California Coast

Accessible Trails

1000PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

For the most part, hiking trails across the Golden State are designed for use by fully able walkers. Federal, state and local parks are taking greater care every year, however, to meet the access needs of disabled travelers and older hikers. And though it’s not possible for wheelchair travelers or those with mobility issues to cross rugged terrain to reach remote sites, many of California’s most striking vistas and geological features can be accessed via short paved trails from nearby parking lots.

ACCESSIBLE PATHS

Paths in forests and mountains are often rocky and steep, and many can be slippery after a rain shower. Expect creek crossings in the mountains and soft soil near rivers and streams. Trails improve in urban areas, where you’ll often find well-maintained multiuse greenways crisscrossing the city. Paved trails along beaches and lakefronts are also common.

NATIONAL PARKS

National parks have done much in recent years to improve accessibility. The websites for all nine national parks in California include a page dedicated to accessibility issues. Yosemite, Kings Canyon, Sequoia and Lassen Volcanic have also prepared comprehensive accessibility guides that can be downloaded as a pdf from their websites.

Many national parks offer services that are helpful to blind/low vision and deaf/hard of hearing visitors. Some parks will need a heads-up before providing these services, however, so check the park website to see if you need to call first.

With the exception of rough-and-tumble Channel Islands National Park, which is reached by boat, all national parks have accessible trails and most have accessible campground and lodging options. In Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Valley has an extensive network of easy and paved trails with gorgeous views of granite domes and towering waterfalls. The eastern section of the Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is accessible to wheelchairs and has a fall viewing area.

Shuttles in Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks are wheelchair accessible. You can rent wheelchairs at both parks.

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS

Each park in the California state park system has a dedicated webpage describing its accessible features. You can also search by specific accessible amenities – campgrounds, trails, picnic areas, exhibits, etc – to see which parks provide them (www.access.parks.ca.gov).

IResources

Accessible Nature (www.accessiblenature.info) Shares links to federal, state and local parks across the US, with separate tags for accessible trails and easy-walking trails.

Access Northern California (www.accessnca.org) Extensive coverage of accessibility features for various trails from the Northern Coast to San Francisco and the Bay Area.

A Wheelchair Rider’s Guide to the California Coast (www.wheelingcalscoast.org) Spotlights accessible trails and their features at parks along the California coastline.

Wheelchair Traveling (www.wheelchairtraveling.com) Search accessible outdoor activities in California at a global travel site.

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (www.fs.usda.gov/ltbmu) Forest Service webpage with helpful overview of accessible recreation sites around Lake Tahoe.

LAKE TAHOE

Although there isn’t a paved trail looping around the entire 72-mile perimeter of Lake Tahoe, plans for constructing one are afoot. In the meantime, you’ll find paved paths beside sections of the lake and along the Truckee River, which feeds into it. Be aware that these trails can get crowded in warmer months.

Just over the state line in Nevada, the Tahoe East Shore Trail (pictured) is a 3-mile paved path linking Incline Village with Sand Harbor State Park. Dotted with interpretive signage and scenic viewpoints overlooking the lake, the trail meets standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act for wheelchairs. On the north shore near Tahoe City, the scenic Truckee River Bike Trail is another good option. It is part of the 23-mile Tahoe Trailways Bike Path (www.tcpud.org/trails), a popular multi-use trail network along the north and west shores. There are several wheelchair-friendly trails beside the lake at the Taylor Creek Visitor Center in South Lake Tahoe.

OLDER HIKERS

Hiking is a popular activity for all ages in California, and for many people it develops into a lifelong love affair. Most of the hikes in this book should be suitable for moderately fit hikkers of all ages, although some of the harder trails involve more unstable terrain and cover considerable distances, so it’s important to be realistic about your own ability.

Hiking poles are a very handy accessory for older hikers, as they give you a firm platform when covering unstable