California has a vast and diverse landscape featuring an extensive network of trails. The great outdoor trails of California offer captivating visuals of nature’s wonders, inviting adventurers to explore the state’s breathtaking beauty.
Run Catalina Island
Santa Catalina Island, often called Catalina Island, or just Catalina, is a rocky island off the coast of the U.S. state of California in the Gulf of Santa Catalina. The island is 22 miles (35 km) long and 8 miles (13 km) across at its greatest width. The island is located about 22 miles (35 km) south-southwest of Los Angeles, California. The highest point on the island is 2,097 feet (639 m) Mt. Orizaba. One of the Channel Islands of California archipelago, Catalina lies within Los Angeles County.
Run Catalina offers California’s ultimate trail marathon, half-marathon, and triathlon, offering exclusive access to scenic trails while actively supporting the conservation efforts of Catalina Island Conservancy.
Accessible Trail Access in Ukiah
The Ukiah Valley Trail Group (UVTG) pledged $50,000 to aid the City of Ukiah’s acquisition of a crucial western hills property, fostering a trail system for community well-being and accessibility.
Natural Wonders in Murrieta
Murrieta blends natural beauty with culinary delights. Boasting 1,350 acres of hiking trails, it offers an array of diverse outdoor spaces, including 53 parks that serve as both natural retreats and vibrant cultural hubs.
Santa Rosa Ecological Reserve
The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, located at the southern end of the Santa Ana Mountains near Temecula, is a hidden gem that offers excellent hiking and a glimpse into the region’s history. Spanning 9,000 acres, the Reserve safeguards diverse ecosystems and over 200 bird species, with a mild climate ideal for habitation, located within 20 miles of the Pacific Ocean.
Castle Crags Trail
Castle Crags is a unique trail with 6000ft granite spires. It is a moderate to hard hike that rewards the hiker with remarkable views of Mount Shasta and the surrounding mountains.
Discovery Trail at Terranea Resort
Set along the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea Resort’s 102 acres provide unparalleled access to explore its stunning oceanfront views and surrounding natural habitat. It provides access to the Discovery Trail, a two-mile scenic excursion with weekly guided coastal hikes along picturesque viewpoints and the historic Point Vincente Lighthouse.
Jeff Shelton Architectural Walking Tour
Explore the streets of Santa Barbara and the Jeff Shelton Walking Tour for one-of-a-kind designs and a captivating twist on the Spanish Revival architectural style. Shelton’s designs range from the Ablitt Tower to Vera Cruz, a lime green house “tiled” in paintings.
Mission Santa Barbara, also known as Santa Barbara Mission, is a Spanish mission founded by the Franciscan order near present-day Santa Barbara, California. It was founded December 4, 1786, the feast day of Saint Barbara, as the tenth mission for the religious conversion of the indigenous local Chumash-Barbareño tribe of Native American people. The mission is the namesake of the city of Santa Barbara as well as Santa Barbara County..The Mission grounds occupy a rise between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, and were consecrated by Father Fermín Lasuén, who had taken over the presidency of the California mission chain upon the death of Father Presidente Junípero Serra. Mission Santa Barbara is the only mission to remain under the leadership of the Franciscan Friars since its founding, and today is a parish church of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
McCloud Falls
It is a simple and beautiful hike along the McCloud River, featuring three large waterfalls – the Lower, Middle, and Upper McCloud Falls. It is an easy trail to follow, accompanied by swimming, cliff jumping, kayaking, and camping opportunities. This hike is perfect for beginners and families with children, although some steeper sections are on the trail.
Literal Trails in SLO City Limits
San Luis Obispo. a haven for explorers of all kinds, offers many outdoor adventures with over 60 miles of trails and 7,000 acres of open space within the city limits alone. Most trails are covered in wildflowers in March and April and will offer stunning city views.
Trail on Trails in Pacifica
Pacifica offers over 100 miles of diverse hiking and biking trails. Mori Point showcases coastal views, while Milagra Ridge provides an accessible paved path. San Pedro Valley Park features a 1,052-acre area with picnic sites, hiking trails, and views of Brooks Waterfall. Popular trails include Montara Mountain, Brooks Falls Loop, Sweeney Ridge, Pedro Point Headlands, and Devil’s Slide Trail.
San Diego Botanic Garden
Enjoy the beauty of nature at the San Diego Botanic Garden, which encompasses 37 acres and four miles of trails and ocean views, 5,300 plant species and varieties, and 29 uniquely themed gardens. Garden highlights include 100 different species of bamboo, the largest collection in North America, and geographic gardens featuring plants from around the world. San Diego Botanic Garden also offers an ongoing series of wellness classes, including Open Air Yoga and Forest/Sound Bathing.
San Elijo Lagoon in Encinitas
Whether you are a runner, hiker, birder, photographer, or painter, San Elijo Lagoon, located in Encinitas, provides natural solace and recreation. As one of San Diego’s largest wetlands, this 979-acre reserve features a shallow-water estuary, seven miles of dog-friendly trails, and diverse habitats. Enjoy the TRACK Trails scavenger hunt and encounter over 1,000 plant and animal species, including rare and endangered ones.
Boulder and Bike in Vacaville
Vacaville is home to one of the state’s most technical biking descents, Mix Canyon, an adventurous cyclist’s dream. A half-mile stretch of the biking trail appears as the sixth spot in the most challenging 1/2 mile climbing section category (15.4%) for Most Technical Descent in Northern California. Among the 50+ boulders, the Nut Tree Boulders make for an epic day of bouldering while enjoying sweeping views of the region. Most boulders are around 10-20 feet, but there is the occasional 30-foot climb. The best time to come is in the winter and cooler spring or fall days.
