California Hiking Trails

California hiking trails range from those in the northern part of the state close to San Francisco to those in the southern part of the state and even in Los Angeles. You can find California hiking trails throughout the state, although the best are those that are in the north in what is called "wine country."

Northern California hiking trails encompass both mountain hikes as well as those along the Pacific Ocean. California is one of the most diverse areas of the country when it comes to hiking. In the cooler months, this area stays a bit cooler than Southern California, but still is devoid of heavy snowfall.

Hiking in wine country can take you past the most beautiful areas of this state. Hiking trails in California through this area are both wooded and level. You will not feel as though you are in California when you hike through these trails.

There are also California hiking trails in the center part of the state and those that go along the ocean. Many trails encompass climbing as well. If you want to hike in California, be sure to wear good hiking boots and take plenty of provisions. You should always have a backpack with you that has a first aid kit, flashlight, communication device and an emergency shelter. This is in case you get lost or get caught in a storm.

California hiking trails through Big Sur and that part of the state are something that every hiker should experience. In this part of the state, the redwood trees have to be seen to be believed for their height. Bring insect repellent when hiking in this area and be sure to bring a digital camera for the photographs you will want to take. Big Sur is one of the most picturesque areas of the entire country and something that you will enjoy hiking through. This is actually a national forest so there may be restrictions with regard to flares, but you should be able to bring in your regular hiking supplies. California wild fires each year devastate part of the country and flares and other flammable items are not allowed in most of the national parks or nature preserves where there are hiking and camping.

There are so many diverse California hiking trails and while hiking through areas of Southern California are sunny and warm and definitely can test endurance, it is in the northern part of the state where you will find the best California hiking trails. You will find them especially in the Big Sur area. California is a very big state and diverse when it comes to climate as well as terrain. Just be sure to bring plenty of provisions with you just as you would if you were on any other hiking expedition and enjoy the many California hiking trails.