Trails by State · All 50

Hike your home state

The standout trail in every US state — with mileage, elevation gain, difficulty, season notes, and a live trail map. Pick a state and start planning the next weekend out.

Top trails in California (5)

Yosemite NP
Strenuous
Half Dome via Mist Trail

Permitted cables route up Yosemite's iconic dome. 0 mi with about 4,800 ft of elevation gain. Treat this as a full alpine day: pre-dawn start, extra food and water, navigation tools, and a weather check the morning of are non-negotiable.

Distance:
16.0 mi
Gain:
4,800 ft
Type:
Out & Back
Yosemite NP
Moderate
Mist Trail to Vernal Falls

Granite stairs through the spray of Vernal Falls. 4 mi with about 1,000 ft of elevation gain. Expect a steady workout with some sustained climbing — solid footwear and a couple of liters of water are recommended.

Distance:
2.4 mi
Gain:
1,000 ft
Type:
Out & Back
Inyo NF
Strenuous
Mt. Whitney Trail

Lower-48 highpoint. Permitted day or overnight. 0 mi with about 6,600 ft of elevation gain.

Distance:
22.0 mi
Gain:
6,600 ft
Type:
Out & Back
King Range
Hard
Lost Coast Trail

California's wildest backpacking beach walk. 0 mi with about 3,000 ft of elevation gain. This is a challenging hike with real elevation and exposure in places; start early, pack layers, and check current trail conditions before you go.

Distance:
25.0 mi
Gain:
3,000 ft
Type:
Point to Point
Kings Canyon NP
Strenuous
Rae Lakes Loop

Crown-jewel High Sierra loop. 0 mi with about 7,000 ft of elevation gain. Treat this as a full alpine day: pre-dawn start, extra food and water, navigation tools, and a weather check the morning of are non-negotiable.

Distance:
41.0 mi
Gain:
7,000 ft
Type:
Loop