California is synonymous with America’s outdoors. 

It’s home to Yosemite, a granite-ringed valley so grand it motivated Congress in 1864 to set land aside for public use for the first time in history. Mark Twain himself extolled in prose the beauty of Lake Tahoe, North America’s largest alpine lake, which stands on the state’s border with Nevada, while no less a photographer than Ansel Adams captured it in glorious black and white. The state’s deserts are iconic—the backdrop to countless Hollywood films and the inspiration for the world inhabited by the Roadrunner and Coyote of Looney Tunes fame. If you close your eyes and think of a desert, there’s a good chance you’re thinking of the Golden State. 

Backpackers are lucky to be able to see all these landscapes and more on the state’s litany of long-distance trails. From the Sierra Nevada to Pacific islands, California’s protected spaces offer an array of backpacking tours for any ability and interest level. We’ll introduce you to some of the best here.

Our list focuses on trails that can be hiked in 3 to 14 days.

A three-day minimum allows the one full day in the backcountry necessary to qualify as a backpacking trip. We picked the two-week maximum to cover anyone who wants to use their 10 days of PTO to tackle one of America’s premier routes. Anything longer belongs in the conversation of thru-hikes. 

The order is arbitrary, but the metrics we’ve devised are paramount. We’re called Gear Analytica, so we’ve developed a number of data points that provide an easy, digestible way to analyze the trails according to length, elevation gain, difficulty, trail characteristics, seasonal access, available solitude, wildlife and insect pressure and other important features.

JOHN MUIR TRAIL (Yosemite Valley to Whitney Portal), CALIFORNIA

Location: Eastern California from Yosemite to Sequoia National Parks. 

Highlights: Epic High Sierra traverse, Evolution Basin, iconic mountain passes, alpine lakes and the Mt. Whitney summit (highest point in the lower 48)

Resources:

• Trail Organization: Pacific Crest Trail Association
• Trip Report: John Muir Trail Report
• Map & Guide: John Muir Trail Map Pack by Tom Harrison Maps / Wilderness Press John Muir Trail Guide

Physical Metrics:

• Distance: 211 miles
• Duration: 14-21 days
• Total Elevation Gain: 47,000 feet
• Elevation Gain per Mile: 223 feet/mi
• Absolute Grade: 7.6%

Trail Classification:

• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Terrain Profile: Mixed – high alpine passes with steep sections interspersed with moderate rolling terrain

Trail Characteristics:

• Technical Features: Multiple high mountain passes, stream crossings, exposed sections above treeline
• Trail Surface: Predominantly well-maintained dirt paths with rocky sections at higher elevations
• Elevation Range: 4,000-14,000 feet (significant altitude considerations)

Ratings:

• Light Pack: 4/10 – heavy loads, bear cans required, technical gear, gaps between resupply
• Weather Consistency: 3/10 – extreme exposure to weather, afternoon thunderstorms common, extreme temperature shifts (30° F swings possible), possible snow even in summer
• Water Availability: 6/10 – many lakes, streams, but dry stretches exist and some sources dry up Aug/Sept
• Low Insect/Reptile Pressure: 5/10 – intense mosquitoes near lakes early season (June-July) but typically bug-free by August, rattlesnake possible at lower elevations
• Trail Solitude: 2/10 – very popular, crowded, shared campsites, better in September and weekdays
• Wildlife Safety: 5/10 – habituated black bears, shy mountain lions
• Permit Availability : 1/10 – extremely competitive lottery system
• Seasonal Access: 3/10- Primary season is July-September with forest fire smoke possible
• Resupply Options: 3/10 – limited resupply points, most require pre-mailed packages, significant detours to points, 7-10 days between some points
• Trailhead Access: 5/10 – Northern terminus (Yosemite) accessible by shuttle, southern terminus (Mt. Whitney) requires permit and long approach

LOST COAST TRAIL, CALIFORNIA 

Location: The Pacific Coast along Mendocino and Humboldt counties in far Northern California.

Highlights: Dramatic coastline, tide pools, beaches, one of the only remote stretches of California coastline

Resources:

• Trail Organization: Friends of the Lost Coast
• Trip Report: Lost Coast Trip Report
• Map & Guide: Lost Coast Trail Map

Physical Metrics:

• Distance: 25 miles point-to-point
• Duration: 3-4 days
• Total Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet
• Elevation Gain per Mile: 104 feet
• Absolute Grade: 2.4%

Trail Classification:

• Difficulty: Easy
• Terrain Profile: Mostly flat – a few moderate ascents and beach hiking

Trail Characteristics:

• Technical Features: Tidal zones requiring precise timing, soft sand and cobblestone hiking
• Trail Surface: Predominantly beach walking with some up and down sections on established trails
• Elevation Range: 0-500 feet

Ratings:

• Light Pack Weight: 5/10 heavy water carry, sand hiking considerations
• Weather Consistency: 7/10 – coastal fog appears/disappears rapidly, strong winds common, do not forget tidal charts as certain trail segments impassable at high tide
• Water Availability: 7/10 – freshwater sources feed onto the beach, tidal shifts affect access to certain streams, 2L should work, camp near streams
• Low Insect/Reptile Pressure: 9/10 – ticks present in grassy areas (less Lyme risk), few mosquitos, no reptiles
• Trail Solitude: 6/10 – permit system limits numbers, significant solitude mid-week, northern sections quieter than southern
• Wildlife Safety: 9/10 – no dangerous land mammals, just don’t piss off any elephant seals
• Permit Availability : 5/10 – Required permits with quotas, weekend dates in summer fill quickly, shoulder season easier to secure permits
• Seasonal Access: 7/10 – accessible year-round but the main consideration is high tides in the winter, rainstorms in the winter 
• Resupply Options: N/A – 25 miles
• Trailhead Access: 5/10 – accessible but remote trailheads requiring long drives on winding roads, must use a shuttle service or two cars for point-to-point hike

TRANS-CATALINA TRAIL, CALIFORNIA

Location: Santa Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California near Los Angeles. Accessed from Los Angeles and Orange counties. 

Highlights: Mediterranean coastal ecosystem, beachfront camping, non-native bison and bald eagle sightings, endemic island fox, dramatic ridgeline ocean views. Consistently underestimated by backpackers accustomed to the Sierra due to its island topography and sun exposure. 

Resources: 

Trail Organization: Catalina Island Conservancy 

Trip Report: Trans-Catalina Trail Report 

Map & Guide: Catalina Island Conservancy Trail Map

Physical Metrics: 

• Distance: 38.5 miles point-to-point *
• Duration: 3-5 days 
• Total Elevation Gain: 7,900 feet 
• Elevation Gain per Mile: 205 feet/mi 
• Absolute Grade: 3.9%

*Distance varies by source. The Catalina Island Conservancy lists the trail at 38.5 miles, but route changes in late 2023 and the optional Starlight Beach extension push the total distance as high as 47 miles in some thru-hiker accounts (All Trails lists it at 37.7). Elevation gain estimates range even more widely (6,000–11,000 ft) depending on GPS device and route taken. We use Conservancy figures as the authoritative baseline.

Trail Classification: 

• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous 
• Terrain Profile: Mixed — steep ridgeline climbs and descents between coastal lowlands, very little canopy so sun exposure throughout

Trail Characteristics: 

• Technical Features: Sustained climbs on rutted dirt roads, ridge sections with drop-off exposure, limited shade 
• Trail Surface: Mix of singletrack and old dirt roads, often steep and loose 
• Elevation Range: 0-1,775 feet

Ratings: 

• Light Pack: 5/10 — moderate distance but significant water carry between campsites and limited shade favor light loads 
• Weather Consistency: 7/10 — generally stable Mediterranean climate, but summer heat and limited shade can be dangerous, winter rain possible 
• Water Availability: 6/10 — potable water at most campsites except Parsons Landing, but no natural sources on trail 
• Low Insect/Reptile Pressure: 7/10 — rattlesnakes and ticks present, mosquitos minimal 
• Trail Solitude: 4/10 — popular trail, campsite capacity limits keep crowds manageable but trail traffic is steady 
• Wildlife Safety: 6/10 — non-native bison roam the island and can be dangerous; conservancy recommends 125 ft minimum distance 
• Permit Availability: 4/10 — campsite reservations required and book up months in advance, especially weekends 
• Seasonal Access: 8/10 — year-round access, though summer heat and winter rain create distinct windows 
• Resupply Options: 7/10 — Two Harbors and Avalon offer full resupply, Airport in the Sky has limited food Trailhead 
• Access: 4/10 — requires ferry from San Pedro or Long Beach, ground transit between termini is expensive

FOUR LAKES LOOP VIA LONG CANYON, TRINITY ALPS, CALIFORNIA

Location: Near Weaverville, California in far northwest California. 

Highlights: Four distinct alpine lakes circling Siligo Peak, granite-and-meadow basin scenery comparable to the High Sierra without the permit lottery, swimming, wildflowers, low traffic

Resources: 

Trail Organization: U.S. Forest Service — Shasta-Trinity National Forest 

Trip Report: Four Lakes Loop Trip 

Report Map & Guide: Trinity Alps Wilderness Map by Green Trails Maps

Physical Metrics: 

• Distance: 17 miles (Long Canyon approach + loop) 
• Duration: 3-4 days 
• Total Elevation Gain: 5,700 feet 
• Elevation Gain per Mile: 335 feet/mi 
• Absolute Grade: 6.4%

Trail Classification: 

• Difficulty: Strenuous 
• Terrain Profile: Steep sustained ascent to subalpine basin, then rolling loop around Siligo Peak
• Trail Characteristics: 
• Technical Features: 4,000 feet of gain in first 5 miles, exposed granite traverses, no road access to loop itself 
• Trail Surface: Forested singletrack giving way to granite and meadow at elevation 
• Elevation Range: 3,760-7,760 feet

Ratings: 

• Light Pack: 6/10 — moderate distance and lake-based water make light loads viable, but sustained climbs reward minimalism 
• Weather Consistency: 6/10 — generally stable summer pattern but afternoon thunderstorms possible, snow lingers into June 
• Water Availability: 9/10 — four alpine lakes and multiple creeks along the route 
• Low Insect/Reptile Pressure: 5/10 — mosquitos heavy through mid-July near lakes, rattlesnakes possible at lower elevations 
• Trail Solitude: 7/10 — far less trafficked than the Sierra, weekday solitude common 
• Wildlife Safety: 7/10 — black bears present but less habituated than Yosemite/Sequoia populations 
• Permit Availability: 9/10 — free, self-issue wilderness permits at trailhead or Weaverville Ranger Station 
• Seasonal Access: 5/10 — primary season is July-September, snow blocks access through June 
• Resupply Options: N/A — trip length doesn’t require resupply 
• Trailhead Access: 4/10 — remote dirt road approach, nearest services in Weaverville (~45 min drive)

CALIFORNIA RIDING AND HIKING TRAIL, JOSHUA TREE, CALIFORNIA

Location: Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California near Twentynine Palms

Highlights: Joshua tree forests at Covington Flats, dense boulder fields near Ryan Campground, views of San Gorgonio and Quail Mountain, dark sky stargazing, wildflower blooms February-April

Resources: 

Trail Organization: National Park Service — Joshua Tree National Park Trip Report: California Riding and Hiking 

Report Map & Guide: Joshua Tree National Park Map by National Geographic Trails Illustrated

Physical Metrics: 

• Distance: 37 miles point-to-point 
• Duration: 3 days Total 
• Elevation Gain: 3,100 feet 
• Elevation Gain per Mile: 84 feet/mi Absolute Grade: 1.6%

Trail Classification: 

• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Terrain Profile: Mostly gentle with one significant climb in the first 6 miles, then rolling desert with downhill tilt

Trail Characteristics: 

• Technical Features: Sandy washes that slow pace, faint trail sections requiring navigation, no natural water sources 
• Trail Surface: Hard-packed sand and decomposed granite, mile markers throughout 
• Elevation Range: 2,600-5,130 feet

Ratings: 

• Light Pack: 3/10 — water is the limiting factor; up to 6 liters per person per day required between caches 
• Weather Consistency: 6/10 — winter is mild and reliable but temperature swings between day and night are extreme, wind common 
• Water Availability: 1/10 — zero natural water sources, all water must be cached at road crossings before the trip 
• Low Insect/Reptile Pressure: 7/10 — rattlesnakes and scorpions present, mosquitos minimal 
• Trail Solitude: 7/10 — far less trafficked than park day-hike areas, particularly midweek and in early morning 
• Wildlife Safety: 8/10 — no large predators of concern, coyotes and bobcats present but not threatening 
• Permit Availability: 9/10 — free overnight permits via Recreation.gov, no daily quotas 
• Seasonal Access: 4/10 — November through March only; May-October temperatures regularly exceed safe hiking limits 
• Resupply Options: N/A — trip length doesn’t require resupply, but water caching is mandatory 
• Trailhead Access: 7/10 — both termini accessible by paved road, though shuttle or two cars required for point-to-point

TAHOE RIM TRAIL, CALIFORNIA/NEVADA

Location: Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California. Closest city is Reno, Nevada. 

Highlights: Lake Tahoe views from nearly every ridgeline, Desolation Wilderness granite-and-lake basin, Relay Peak panoramas, accessible thru-hike for first-timers, two-state route through California and Nevada

Resources: 

Trail Organization: Tahoe Rim Trail Association 

Trip Report: Tahoe Rim Trail Report 

Map & Guide: Tahoe Rim Trail Official Map & Guide 

Physical Metrics: 

• Distance: 165 miles loop 
• Duration: 10-14 days 
• Total Elevation Gain: 28,000 feet 
• Elevation Gain per Mile: 170 feet/mi 
• Absolute Grade: 3.2%

Trail Classification: 

• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Terrain 
• Profile: Mostly rolling. It’s a well-graded ridgeline trail with occasional sustained climbs, no extreme passes, but the cumulative demand of 165 miles over 10-14 days is real

Trail Characteristics: 

• Technical Features: Long water carries through dry ridge sections, granite “stair” sections near Echo Summit, shared use with mountain bikers on roughly half the trail 
• Trail Surface: Well-maintained singletrack, occasionally rocky at elevation 
• Elevation Range: 6,240-10,338 feet (Relay Peak high point)

Ratings: 

• Light Pack: 7/10 — well-graded trail, frequent resupply points, and bear-canister-friendly distances favor light loads 
• Weather Consistency: 6/10 — relatively stable summer pattern but afternoon thunderstorms common, snow possible into July at higher elevations 
• Water Availability: 5/10 — abundant in some segments, multiple long dry carries in others, plan around known sources 
• Low Insect/Reptile Pressure: 6/10 — mosquitos heavy near lakes through July, rattlesnakes possible at lower elevations 
• Trail Solitude: 4/10 — popular trail shared with day hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, but quieter than the JMT 
• Wildlife Safety: 7/10 — black bears present, food storage in canisters strongly recommended 
• Permit Availability: 8/10 — only Desolation Wilderness requires a permit (available up to 2 weeks before), free California campfire permit needed for stove use 
• Seasonal Access: 5/10 — primary season July-October, snow blocks high sections through June, wildfire smoke increasingly common late summer 
• Resupply Options: 8/10 — trail passes directly through Tahoe City and South Lake Tahoe with full services, no detours required 

Trailhead Access: 9/10 — 10 official trailheads accessible by paved road, easy car shuttles or transit between segments

Kyle Magin contributed to this report