Yosemite National Park: Mist Trail

Yosemite National Park is another of the best hiking in California. Yosemite National Park is home to some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world, and the Mist Trail is one of its most iconic and rewarding hikes. The trail offers an up-close experience of two of Yosemite’s most famous waterfalls: Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. The route is known for its stunning beauty, but also its steepness and, for some, its challenge.

Overview of the Mist Trail

The Mist Trail is a 3-mile round-trip hike (5 miles if you continue on to the top of Nevada Fall) that starts from the Yosemite Valley floor and takes hikers up to the base of Vernal Fall, before continuing to the top of Nevada Fall. The trail gets its name from the mist created by the waterfalls, which can give you a refreshing spray on hot days, especially in spring when the snowmelt is at its peak.

The Mist Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Yosemite, and for good reason. It’s relatively short but offers an incredible experience, as you’ll be walking through lush forests, along granite cliffs, and alongside powerful waterfalls.

What to Expect in Yosemite National Park

• The first major stop on the Mist Trail is Vernal Fall, a 317-foot waterfall that plunges over a cliff. The spray from the fall often creates a cool mist that offers a refreshing respite from the climb, especially on hot summer days. As you approach the waterfall, you’ll be walking along a series of stone steps carved into the granite, which adds to the trail’s sense of adventure.
• The trail is known for its steep sections, particularly as you ascend the series of stone steps. The climb is strenuous, but the rewards are worth it—especially when you reach the top of Vernal Fall and are treated to sweeping views of Yosemite Valley and the surrounding peaks.

Tips for Hiking the Mist Trail

• Since the Mist Trail is very popular, it can get crowded, especially during the summer months. Starting early in the morning will give you a better chance to experience the trail in peace and avoid the midday heat.
• The hike is a workout, and while you’ll get some mist along the way, it’s important to stay hydrated. Especially if you’re hiking to the top of Nevada Fall, bring plenty of water with you.
• The trail is rocky and often wet, so sturdy hiking boots with good grip are highly recommended.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to hike the Mist Trail is in late spring or early summer, when the waterfalls are at their fullest due to snowmelt. In the fall, the water flow tends to be lower, but the autumn colors can add an extra layer of beauty to the landscape. In winter, snow and ice make the trail difficult and sometimes dangerous, so it’s not recommended during that time.

The Mist Trail offers one of the most rewarding and scenic hikes in Yosemite, providing you with unforgettable views, natural beauty, and the chance to experience the power of Yosemite’s waterfalls up close. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or someone looking for a challenge, this trail will definitely leave you with lasting memories.

Griffith Park: Hollywood Sign Hike

This is another of the best hiking in California. Griffith Park is one of Los Angeles’ most iconic urban oases, and the Hollywood Sign Hike is perhaps its most famous trail. Offering stunning views of both the city of Los Angeles and the legendary Hollywood Sign, this hike is a must-do for anyone visiting LA or for locals looking for a bit of nature with a dash of pop culture history.

Overview of the Hollywood Sign Hike

The Hollywood Sign Hike is a 3- to 4-mile round-trip trek that takes you up to the base of the Hollywood Sign, giving you a close-up view of the landmark that has become a global symbol of the entertainment industry. There are a few different routes you can take to get to the sign, but all of them lead to spectacular views of Los Angeles, with sweeping panoramas that stretch all the way to the Pacific Ocean on clear days.

What to Expect in Hollywood Sign Hike

• One of the biggest draws of the Hollywood Sign Hike is the breathtaking views you get along the way. As you make your way up the hills of Griffith Park, you’ll be treated to vistas of downtown LA, the Pacific Palisades, the San Fernando Valley, and even the ocean when the skies are clear. The trail is an excellent opportunity to snap some stunning photos of the city and the sign itself, especially when the sun is setting over the skyline.
• The main highlight of the hike is, of course, the Hollywood Sign. There’s something surreal about getting up close to the landmark that’s been part of the city’s identity since 1923. Depending on the trail you take, you can get pretty close to the sign, but keep in mind that you can’t actually walk up to the sign itself—it’s surrounded by fences and guarded areas to protect it. Still, the views from the vantage points along the way are incredible and offer some of the best photo opportunities in LA.

Popular Routes to the Hollywood Sign

• This is one of the most popular routes, taking you from the bottom of Griffith Park up to the top of the hills near the sign. It’s a steady climb, but not too strenuous, and offers panoramic views along the way.
• Another well-known route, this trail connects with the Brush Canyon Trail and takes you along Mulholland Drive, providing great views of the sign, LA, and the Hollywood Hills.
• This route offers a more moderate incline compared to Brush Canyon and takes you to the summit of Mount Hollywood, one of the highest points in Griffith Park. From here, you get an amazing vantage point of the entire area, including a closer view of the Hollywood Sign.

Tips for the Hike

• The Hollywood Sign Hike is one of the most popular trails in LA, especially on weekends. Starting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the crowds. Plus, if you’re there at sunrise or sunset, you’ll get even better views and lighting for photos.
• Los Angeles can get pretty hot, especially during the summer months. Make sure to bring enough water to stay hydrated, as there are no water stations along the trail.
• While the hike isn’t overly difficult, it’s still important to wear comfortable shoes with good tread, as the trail can be rocky or slippery in some places.

Best Time to Hike

The best time to hike the Hollywood Sign Trail is in the spring or fall, when the weather is milder and the skies tend to be clearer. Summer can get hot, and the trail can get crowded, while winter often brings cooler weather and a chance to see the city shrouded in mist. Sunset and sunrise are particularly popular times to hike for the amazing light and photos.

Joshua Tree National Park: Hidden Valley

Joshua Tree National Park is another of the best hiking in California. Joshua Tree National Park is one of Southern California’s most beloved national parks, drawing visitors from all over the world to experience its otherworldly desert landscapes, starry night skies, and unique flora and fauna. With its surreal rock formations, expansive desert vistas, and iconic Joshua Trees, the park offers an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, hikers, and nature lovers alike.

Overview of Joshua Tree National Park

Located about 130 miles east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park spans over 790,000 acres and sits at the convergence of two distinct desert ecosystems—the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert. This diverse landscape includes everything from rocky outcrops and rugged mountains to flat desert plains dotted with strange and beautiful plants, including the park’s namesake Joshua Tree.

The park is well-known for its fascinating geological features, vibrant desert wildlife, and incredible hiking opportunities. It also serves as a haven for stargazing, as its remote location offers some of the clearest night skies in the country. Whether you’re an adventurer, a photographer, or simply someone looking to enjoy the peaceful solitude of the desert, Joshua Tree is a place where the beauty of nature is on full display.

What to Expect in Joshua Tree National Park

• The park’s most iconic feature is the Joshua Tree itself. These spiky, twisting trees are actually a type of yucca plant, and their unique shape makes them stand out in the landscape. Joshua trees can grow up to 40 feet tall and live for hundreds of years, and while they are most abundant in the Mojave Desert section of the park, you’ll also find them scattered throughout other areas of the park. These trees have become synonymous with the desert, and seeing them in person is a quintessential Joshua Tree experience.
• Joshua Tree is a rock climber’s paradise. The park is home to some of the best rock formations in the world, from massive boulders to towering rock spires. Popular formations like *Skull Rock*, *Arch Rock*, and *Hidden Valley* provide striking photo opportunities, while also offering climbers a challenging and rewarding experience. The park boasts over 8,000 climbing routes, so it’s no wonder that climbers flock here year-round.
• While the desert may seem sparse at first glance, Joshua Tree is home to a surprising variety of wildlife. Visitors may spot bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, jackrabbits, and several species of birds, including the desert horned lark and red-tailed hawks. The park is also home to the occasional bobcat and coyote, and during the right season, you might catch sight of a rattlesnake or a Gila monster. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times for wildlife watching, as many animals are most active during the cooler hours of the day.
• One of the highlights of Joshua Tree National Park is its night skies. The park is a designated *International Dark Sky Park*, which means it has some of the best stargazing opportunities in the United States. On clear nights, you can see the Milky Way, shooting stars, and even the glow of distant galaxies. The park hosts regular stargazing programs, where rangers lead visitors on moonlit walks or give presentations on the night sky.
• Joshua Tree is not only rich in natural beauty but also in cultural significance. The park has been home to Native American tribes such as the Cahuilla, Chemehuevi, and Serrano people for thousands of years, who left behind petroglyphs and other evidence of their presence. In addition, the area saw a period of gold mining in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and several old mine sites and ranches can be explored in the park.

Tips for Visiting Joshua Tree

• The desert can be scorching hot, especially in the summer months. Always carry plenty of water—at least a gallon per person per day—since water sources are limited within the park.
• Many of the trails involve uneven, rocky terrain, so sturdy hiking boots are a good idea, especially if you’re planning to do any scrambling or climbing.
• The desert sun is intense, even in cooler months, so pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves to protect yourself from the sun.
• Spring and fall are ideal times to visit Joshua Tree, as temperatures are mild and the desert blooms with wildflowers in the spring. Summer can be incredibly hot, with temperatures soaring above 100°F (38°C), so if you do visit in the summer, plan to hike early in the morning or later in the evening. Winter is quieter and cooler, making it an excellent time for hiking, though temperatures can drop significantly at night.

best hiking in California, You can also visit

Redwood National and State Parks: Tall Trees Grove

Lassen Volcanic National Park: Bumpass Hell

Big Sur: McWay Waterfall Trail

Channel Islands National Park: Scorpion Canyon Loop

Death Valley National Park: Golden Canyon

Sequoia National Park: Congress Trail

Mount Tamalpais State Park: Dipsea Trail

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park: Borrego Palm Canyon

This is another of the best hiking in California.

Hike Preparation Checklist:

• Check the weather forecast.
• Wear comfortable hiking boots.
• Carry enough water and snacks.
• Use sunscreen and a hat.
• Bring a map or GPS tracker.
• Inform someone about your hike.