There are a number of different types of trails to hike in California. During certain times of the year you can take your choice of mountain hiking or desert hiking. It will be so enjoyable that you may want to go for a week and try different trails or maybe you just have a weekend available. You can take your pick of hiking around rivers, glaciers, deserts, and the coastline and in the grasslands.
Mount Tallac offers you a 9.4 mile round trip hike at an elevation reaching 9.735 ft. The gain on this hike is 3.255 ft so make sure you have lots of water, good shoes and are in good condition for this hike. As probably on of the best trails in the Lake Tahoe region you will enjoy the stunning views from the summit. Even with the best camera you probably won't be able to capture the beauty that your eyes will see and memories will retain. With both wooded areas and mountainous areas the hike gives you the diversity you are probably looking for. You will pass two lakes on this hike. The switchbacks are a steep climb taking you up to the summit which will be very hot, so be ready.
If you choose to hike Upper Yosemite Falls you will be on a 7.2 mile round trip hike with an elevation at the summit of 6,526 ft and an elevation gain of 2,700 ft. This hike is best if done from May to July because the waterfall is at its full force during this time and the view is beautiful. This hike will take you through a section of switchbacks through the forest and then you will enter the flat area of the trial with your first view of the falls. The mist from the falls will be heavy as you get closer and then you will encounter another set of switchbacks before the summit. These are very steep and the most difficult area to climb so be prepared to work hard here.
Desert hiking is a little different. It's hot and yet beautiful when you go to Mosiac Canyon. The trail is just 2.5 miles round trip but you are in the desert so it is hot. Bring plenty of water with you. The formations of the canyon are stunning; you will be able to see nature at its best and maybe even some desert wildlife while on this hike. This location is the hottest place in the US so be ready to be super hot and drink plenty of water (not sodas or other stuff, water to hydrate your body!)
Back to the mountains and this time it's the really high hike. Prepare for Mt. Shasta, the most challenging trail in California. The trial is 12 miles round trip and the summit is 14,179 ft with an elevation gain of 7,259 ft. You will work on this trail to see the beauty. The time to plan this hike is from May to mid July due to the unpredictable weather in the spring and the lava rocks and rolling boulders that come crashing down the mountain after the snow melt in the summer. Not only is this more than a hike, you will have issues with altitude sicknes if you are not careful so make sure you go with a partner for safety and practical reasons. Read all you can about this hike before you begin, it's not one for the faint of heart.
Mt. Shasta offers you a different type of hike. You will want to bring your sunscreen, sunglasses, an ice axe and shelter. Since you won't have much warning if the weather is going to turn on you take the shelter to offer protection when, and if, you need it. Bring along your crampons, helmet, summit pass, and winter boots and wear extra layers of cloths, and again, plenty of water. Don't plan on drinking snow melt around Helen's Lake since it is contaminated by human and animal urine...yummy!
The 16 mile round trip hike of Half Dome has an elevation gain of 4,800 ft. It reaches the summit of 8,842 ft. This hike is best between late May and early October. It is a difficult hike which brings people from all around the world to Yosemite National Park. If you aren't in excellent physical shape with lots of hiking and climbing experience behind you don't attempt this climb. The switchbacks are rocky and many ankles are injured here so be super careful. When you reach Nevada Falls you are at the halfway point of the climb. Here you should take the time to assess your strengths and skills to see if you are prepared to continue on. The climb gets tougher so be ready. Not only is the climb tough but the altitude change will require some adjustment of your body so give it a little while. Rest, and then go on. The continuation is very steep, excruciatingly long to reach the back of Half Dome rock. Your body is continually assaulted on the switchbacks during this phase. The Half Dome cables will fill you with shock and fear, they should! Now, assess your ability to continue on and if you are sure you are willing, the success of the climb will give you stunning views of Yosemite Valley below. This hike is only for those that are in good, if not superior, physical condition. If you aren't then don't do this one. There are many other trails that will better fit your ability. - 15431
Mount Tallac offers you a 9.4 mile round trip hike at an elevation reaching 9.735 ft. The gain on this hike is 3.255 ft so make sure you have lots of water, good shoes and are in good condition for this hike. As probably on of the best trails in the Lake Tahoe region you will enjoy the stunning views from the summit. Even with the best camera you probably won't be able to capture the beauty that your eyes will see and memories will retain. With both wooded areas and mountainous areas the hike gives you the diversity you are probably looking for. You will pass two lakes on this hike. The switchbacks are a steep climb taking you up to the summit which will be very hot, so be ready.
If you choose to hike Upper Yosemite Falls you will be on a 7.2 mile round trip hike with an elevation at the summit of 6,526 ft and an elevation gain of 2,700 ft. This hike is best if done from May to July because the waterfall is at its full force during this time and the view is beautiful. This hike will take you through a section of switchbacks through the forest and then you will enter the flat area of the trial with your first view of the falls. The mist from the falls will be heavy as you get closer and then you will encounter another set of switchbacks before the summit. These are very steep and the most difficult area to climb so be prepared to work hard here.
Desert hiking is a little different. It's hot and yet beautiful when you go to Mosiac Canyon. The trail is just 2.5 miles round trip but you are in the desert so it is hot. Bring plenty of water with you. The formations of the canyon are stunning; you will be able to see nature at its best and maybe even some desert wildlife while on this hike. This location is the hottest place in the US so be ready to be super hot and drink plenty of water (not sodas or other stuff, water to hydrate your body!)
Back to the mountains and this time it's the really high hike. Prepare for Mt. Shasta, the most challenging trail in California. The trial is 12 miles round trip and the summit is 14,179 ft with an elevation gain of 7,259 ft. You will work on this trail to see the beauty. The time to plan this hike is from May to mid July due to the unpredictable weather in the spring and the lava rocks and rolling boulders that come crashing down the mountain after the snow melt in the summer. Not only is this more than a hike, you will have issues with altitude sicknes if you are not careful so make sure you go with a partner for safety and practical reasons. Read all you can about this hike before you begin, it's not one for the faint of heart.
Mt. Shasta offers you a different type of hike. You will want to bring your sunscreen, sunglasses, an ice axe and shelter. Since you won't have much warning if the weather is going to turn on you take the shelter to offer protection when, and if, you need it. Bring along your crampons, helmet, summit pass, and winter boots and wear extra layers of cloths, and again, plenty of water. Don't plan on drinking snow melt around Helen's Lake since it is contaminated by human and animal urine...yummy!
The 16 mile round trip hike of Half Dome has an elevation gain of 4,800 ft. It reaches the summit of 8,842 ft. This hike is best between late May and early October. It is a difficult hike which brings people from all around the world to Yosemite National Park. If you aren't in excellent physical shape with lots of hiking and climbing experience behind you don't attempt this climb. The switchbacks are rocky and many ankles are injured here so be super careful. When you reach Nevada Falls you are at the halfway point of the climb. Here you should take the time to assess your strengths and skills to see if you are prepared to continue on. The climb gets tougher so be ready. Not only is the climb tough but the altitude change will require some adjustment of your body so give it a little while. Rest, and then go on. The continuation is very steep, excruciatingly long to reach the back of Half Dome rock. Your body is continually assaulted on the switchbacks during this phase. The Half Dome cables will fill you with shock and fear, they should! Now, assess your ability to continue on and if you are sure you are willing, the success of the climb will give you stunning views of Yosemite Valley below. This hike is only for those that are in good, if not superior, physical condition. If you aren't then don't do this one. There are many other trails that will better fit your ability. - 15431
About the Author:
Hunting for a weekend vacation in California? Read Penelope SanMateo's vacation reviews on California vacations. Discover California's beautiful countryside from forests to beaches, including the Shasta Cascade California tourism region.
