CALIFORNIA BACKPACKING TRIPS 

6 EPIC

I may be biased, but I think my home state of California offers some of the best backpacking in the US. From high mountains to dramatic desert, here are 6 of the best backpacking trips in California.

Tap to see the hikes!

DESOLATION WILDERNESS

Explore an alpine wonderland of granite slabs and river valleys in this popular wilderness area near Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe

CONE PEAK

Climb the tallest coastal mountain in the lower 48 states to earn dizzying views over the Pacific coast.

Big Sur

MINERAL KING LOOP

Tackle tough climbs and big views in this rugged region of the southern Sierra Nevada mountains.

Kings Canyon National Park

JOHN MUIR TRAIL

Thru hike this iconic long-distance trail through alpine wonderland between Yosemite and Mt. Whitney.

Sierra Nevada Mountains

BIGHORN GORGE

Scramble up dry waterfalls in this desert canyon with fossils on the rocks.

Death Valley National Park

TAHOE RIM TRAIL

Circle massive Lake Tahoe on this loop thru hike with easy logistics and frequent resupply stops.

Sierra Nevada Mountains

For lots more backpacking inspiration and tips, visit exploringwild.com

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This interactive trip planning guide is packed with checklists, key questions, and recommendations to take the worry out of planning your first or biggest backpacking trip.