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Best lake hikes in California
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Best lake hikes in California

Want a hike where the views are as smooth as the water's surface? These lake-side paths will have you reflecting on nature's beauty.

Here are some great hikes to explore in California.

Most popular hikes

1

Difficult

Pacific Crest Trail

San Diego County, California · star 4.8 (14) · 4136.0 km · Est. 184 days

2

Medium

Silver Lake Reservoir Loop

Los Angeles County, California · star 4.7 (3) · 3.5 km · Est. 48 min

3

Easy

Lafayette Reservoir - Lakeside Nature Loop Trail

Contra Costa County, California · star 4.5 (2) · 4.8 km · Est. 1 hrs 5 min

4

Extra Difficult

Kelsey Creek Trail

Siskiyou County, California · star 4.0 (1) · 23.7 km · Est. 7 hrs 19 min

5

Easy

Hess Mine, Steelhead Lake and Greenstone Lake via Saddlebag Lake Trail

Mono County, California · star 4.0 (1) · 11.5 km · Est. 2 hrs 42 min

6

Easy

Convict Lake Loop Trail

Mono County, California · star N/A (0) · 4.0 km · Est. 55 min

7

Easy

Shoreline Lake via San Francisco Bay Trail

Santa Clara County, California · star 4.7 (6) · 11.9 km · Est. 2 hrs 25 min

8

Easy

Hume Lake Loop Trail

Fresno County, California · star 4.2 (6) · 4.5 km · Est. 1 hrs

9

Easy

Lake Merced Loop

San Francisco, California · star 5.0 (1) · 7.3 km · Est. 1 hrs 31 min

10

Difficult

Marble Mountain Wilderness Loop

Siskiyou County, California · star 4.8 (8) · 48.2 km · Est. 3 days

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Reviews for lake hikes in California

Aurélien Morvant avatar

Pacific Crest Trail

TeddyBear · reviewed about 2 years ago

star star star star star

The most beautiful one Into the wild for months

Fr. Sergio Bernier avatar

Silver Lake Reservoir Loop

GlacierBushstrider53 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Edmund Carroll avatar

Lafayette Reservoir - Lakeside Nature Loop Trail

ForestWilderness55 · reviewed over 2 years ago

star star star star star

Dr. Anderson Gislason avatar

Kelsey Creek Trail

PathPeakdreamer61 · reviewed over 1 year ago

star star star star star

Vance Gottlieb avatar

Hess Mine, Steelhead Lake and Greenstone Lake via Saddlebag Lake Trail

SunriseRavinewalker85 · reviewed almost 2 years ago

star star star star star

Frequently asked questions for hikes in California

What is the climate like for hiking in California?

California's vast geography results in diverse climates. Coastal regions, with their mild, Mediterranean climate, offer year-round hiking opportunities, though winter rains may muddy trails. In contrast, the inland valleys and desert regions are best hiked from October to April, as summer temperatures can be prohibitive.
The Sierra Nevada, famous for its mountains and forests, is popular in summer and fall. However, winter brings heavy snowfall, making trails inaccessible. Meanwhile, the pleasant climate of Southern California allows for hiking throughout the year, with cooler, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
To summarize, California's diverse climate offers year-round hiking opportunities, varying by region. Visit www.parks.ca.gov for more detailed information about specific trails and their recommended seasons.

Do I need a permit to hike in California?

Permits for hiking in California, particularly in wilderness areas or for overnight trips, are often required. Managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, or Bureau of Land Management, permit processes vary. For more information, visit respective agency websites or www.recreation.gov for federal lands.

Is wild camping allowed in California?

Wild camping in California is generally permitted in national forests and Bureau of Land Management lands. However, restrictions apply, such as the requirement of a campfire permit. Always follow "Leave No Trace" principles. Detailed regulations can be found on agency websites like www.fs.usda.gov

Are there mountain rescue services in California?

In case of a hiking emergency in California, dial 911. Also, the California Office of Emergency Services coordinates search and rescue. The Mountain Rescue Association (MRA) has several units in California, with information available at www.mra.org. Always plan ahead and hike safely.

Are there dangerous plants in California?

California's flora varies widely, from coastal scrub and redwood forests to desert plants and alpine flora in the Sierra Nevada. This diversity can affect hiking experiences and trail conditions. For detailed information on California's flora, visit the California Native Plant Society website: www.cnps.org

What wildlife should I be aware of when hiking in California?

California's diverse habitats host a wide range of wildlife, from harmless squirrels to larger mammals like black bears. Ticks and mosquitoes may pose minor nuisances to hikers. Be aware of potential encounters, particularly with venomous snakes in desert areas. For more, visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/

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