Top Northern California hikes to start your year right
If getting more fit and enjoying the outdoors are on your list of “New Year, New You” resolutions, hiking these top trails in Northern California will elevate your vibes in 2024.
From mesmerizing redwood forest scenery to majestic peaks, this year’s hiking bucket list is a love letter to yourself saying: pack your bags and do this.
Best hikes in Northern California
South Lake Tahoe
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Seeking serenity for summer? The spectacular trails offer more than just scenic views — it’s a haven for nature lovers nestled in Sierra Nevada. This hiking spot also boasts of national park-quality views with diverse dining options.
Tip: Start hiking early to avoid crowd
- Best season: summer
- Difficulty level: Intermediate
Kings Canyon National Park
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Unleash your hiking prowess as this backpacker’s paradise in San Diego is nothing but 80 percent more wilderness. Home to the world’s largest Sequoia trees, you can also immerse yourself in the allure of the Evolution Basin and the Golden Staircase.
Tip: Save time by buying your tickets online
- Best season: Mid-summer
- Difficulty level: Strenuous
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Muir Woods National Monument
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Best hikes for kids, this redwood sanctuary is named after legendary conservationist, John Muir. While it’s perfect for winter training, expect a muddy and Rooty terrain — a hike welcoming both beginners and intermediates all year round.
Tip: You can reserve your parking online. Also, there’s no cellular reception in the area.
- Best season: All year round
- Difficulty level: Beginner to Intermediate
Big Sur
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Where coastline meets forests, that’s Big Sur for you. A world-class destination visited by up to 7 million hikers and tourists as of 2021, it gets really crowded during summer.
This is one of the best hikes in Northern California – perfect for diving, hiking and cycling. However, you might want to plan wisely as storms may wash out the road.
Tip: Reserve the campground early as this spot can get full during summer
- Best season: All year round
- Difficulty level: Beginner to Expert
Lassen Volcanic National Park
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You’re looking into a 2.7-mile hike to see sulfur vents and steaming hot pools in this uniquely gorgeous wonder of nature. Less visited but more enjoyed — a hidden treasure of volcanic wonders.
Tip: Easy hike even for kids and you can reserve your spots to check out the booking pools
- Best season: Summer or early fall
- Difficulty level: Easy
Muir Woods to Stinson Beach Trail
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Don’t be confused with Muir Woods National Monument being the same as Muir Woods to Stinson Beach. This is a different trail. You’ll experience a 13-mile hike of challenging trails filled with wildflowers, greenery and the stunning views of the Pacific Coast.
Tip: Gear up for a hard hike with breathtaking and gorgeous scenery at the end.
- Best season: Spring or winter
- Difficulty level: Hard
Ready to paint your life canvas with Northern California’s best hikes? You better plan, lace up and step out.
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