Hidden Hikes: Exploring California’s Lesser-Known Trails and Treks

California is a hiker’s paradise. Discover lesser-known treks and trails where adventurers can explore the wilderness of nature, breathtaking scenery, and lush surroundings.

Northern California

• Experience Morgan Hill’s remote ambience of Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve offering views of Mt. Umunhum along its 12-mile trail system. Spot bald eagles and find wildflower hotspots along the way. Enjoy a shorter, wheelchair-accessible hike on Llagas Creek Loop or a longer trek via Mayfair Ranch, Longwall Canyon, Bald Peaks, and Catamount trails.
• Embark on the 1.5-mile Tennessee Hollow Watershed Walk through the Presidio’s scenic landscape, tracing one of San Francisco’s last remaining watersheds amid restored natural habitats. Start at Presidio Wall Playground, head north to El Polín Spring for the wildflowers and San Francisco’s historical remnants, then reach Quartermaster Reach marsh and San Francisco Bay.
• The Bay Area’s Filoli Spring Creek trail loop opened to the public on June 8, 2024, coinciding with the opening of the Lamchin Interpretive Center, designed to share the narratives of the Ramaytush Ohlone and the land’s history. Starting midway along Filoli’s one-mile nature trail, explore the scenic creek bed and the 100-year-old historic flume. Enjoy seasonal sights from mushrooms to wildflowers, and participate in activities like sunset hikes and conservation Service Learning days.
• Experience the beauty of the Marin Headlands and valleys on the Julian Trail in Sausalito, offering stunning vistas and a picturesque lookout. Continue your journey to discover Black Sands Beach, a rare gem along the California coast, where wildflowers bloom in abundance during Spring.
• North Lake Tahoe offers majestic mountains and hiking trails for all skill levels. For stunning Lake Tahoe views, hike the Bayview Trail near Emerald Bay. North Tahoe Regional Park offers family-friendly trails, including the ¾ mile interpretive Sierra forest nature trail.
• In the Sierra National Forest, Lewis Creek Trail offers an easy-to-medium hike with waterfalls, cascades, and shade, accessible from Highway 41. Hikers can reach Corlieu Falls, an 80 ft series of cascades, then continue to Red Rock Falls for a longer adventure.
• Hilary Cline of Cline Family Cellars leads vineyard hikes up Hat Strap Hill, offering attendees a chance to explore the vineyard, learn about sustainable farming, and sample wine.
• Vacaville’s hidden tree swings offer unique views of the city, with the Browns Valley swing providing panoramic views, rock climbing, and opportunities for kid-friendly adventures. For a moderate hike, visit Peña Adobe Park and admire the oak trees in the tranquil surroundings.
• Walk among ancient giant sequoias in the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias in Yosemite, located off Highway 120 East or Tioga Road. This is one of three groves in the park to walk among 2,000-year-old giant trees. The 1.5-mile hike to Tuolumne Grove is less crowded than Mariposa Grove.

Central California

• Pinnacles National Park, California’s newest park, is famed for its dramatic rock formations, inspiring Disneyland’s California Adventure entrance. The Bench Trail to Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop offers a scenic 5-mile hike through grasslands and peaks, culminating at Bear Gulch Reservoir. During National Park Week, visitors can also enjoy vibrant wildflowers in bloom.
• Explore Kaweah Oaks Preserve, located minutes from downtown Visalia, offering a glimpse of the Central Valley’s landscape from 200 years ago with its 322-acre Valley Oak riparian forest. With trails for all fitness levels, visitors can enjoy blooming wildflowers, stunning Sierra Nevada views, nearby national parks, and self-guided paths reflecting Native American and early settler history.
• Atascadero offers great hiking options including the Jim Green Trailhead, vibrant with wildflowers, and suitable for all skill levels. The Stadium Park Trailhead features a serene 2-mile loop through oak trees offering hiking opportunities. Atascadero Lake Park is ideal for family-friendly strolls.
• Explore Paso Robles Wine Country on a 1.5-mile hike through CASS Winery’s foothills, offering insights into sustainable vineyard practices and scenic vineyard vistas. Explore vine cultivation, terroir, and landmarks, then enjoy a sunset wine tasting and cheese board.
• Embark on the Piedras Blancas Boucher Trail, a 1.9-mile path between the Piedras Blancas Light Station and Highway One in San Luis Obispo County, offering breathtaking views of wild and sea life. Part of the California Coastal Trail, this route offers wildlife sightings, including coyotes, birds, and whales.
• Nearby Ragged Point Beach features black sand, while Montaña de Oro’s Bluff Trail offers a 3.4-mile hike dotted with coastal bluffs, tide pools, and more.

Southern California

• Southeast of Temecula Valley Wine Country, the Dripping Springs Trail in the Agua Tibia Wilderness offers a challenging hike, stunning views, and camping at Dripping Springs Campground.
• Ventura County Coast hides enchanting hikes, providing secluded trails, stunning views, and a retreat at Channel Islands National Park, Santa Monica National Recreation, and Harmon Canyon Preserve.
• Explore Laguna Beach’s 22,000-acres Laguna Green Belt, with hiking for all skill levels. Begin with the wilderness parks and visit Laguna Coast Wilderness Park’s 40+ trails. Highlights include Laurel Canyon Trail and The Willow Staging Area offering rare wildlife and spring wildflowers.
• Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, Conejo Valley offers a range of attractions, from towering peaks to serene parks and vibrant cultural hubs. Sandstone Peak is the highest point in the range offering incredible views while Sycamore Canyon Trail in Malibu offers a 5.9-mile hike.
• Explore Encinitas’ Spooks Canyon Trail in Olivenhain, haunted by the ‘White Lady.’ Accessible from Brookside Drive, this horse-friendly trail features creek crossings, wildflowers, and views of Rancho Santa Fe before extending to Staircase Trail offering ocean views.
• Discover the hidden beauty of OC Parks’ Carbon Canyon Regional Park Redwood Grove in Brea, home to Orange County’s only Coastal Redwoods in a 1.1-mile nature trail to see the ancient trees.
• Visit the 1,400-acre Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve north of Huntington Beach, offering five miles of trails through restored wetlands, 200 birds and marine life and a perfect spot to watch the sunset. Huntington Beach Central Park boasts 365 acres of trails, including the World Trail.
• Turtle Rock Nature Center in Irvine has an interactive centre, a paved trail winding through native habitats, a Native plant garden and labyrinth, offering educational opportunities and serene walks.
• Borrego Springs, a small town in San Diego County, is known for its natural wonders, desert super blooms and night skies, with over 110 miles of hiking trails like Cactus Loop, Split Mountain, and Whale Peak with accommodations like Borrego Valley Inn and Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort.