Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in California
Ever wanted to hike California's incredible variety of landscapes? Trek Yosemite, explore John Muir Trail sections, hike the Lost Coast, or explore the Big Sur coastline. Joshua Tree is perfect for desert hiking, and Sequoia for giant trees. California packs beaches, deserts, mountains, forests into one state, and hiking reveals that diversity.
10 best hiking & trekking California tours
Compiled by
MelissaCalifornia travel expert at TourRadar
- Yosemite Escape Lodging - 3 Days
- Backpacking Point Reyes National Seashore
- Yosemite Hiking & Camping - 3 days
- 8‑Day Yosemite, Sequoia & California Coast Adventure
- Palm Springs, Joshua Tree & Death Valley - 6 days
- Death Valley Basecamp Tour
- Death Valley Inn Based Tour
- Yosemite Falls and North Dome Traverse
- Womens Death Valley Basecamp Tour
- Yosemite Valley Basecamp Tour
The diverse terrains from Tuolumne Meadows lead to Lembert Dome's summit. Mount Hoffman presents a challenging climb with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley. Fern-laden trails near El Capitan offer prime waterfall viewing spots with expert guidance.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Moderate Distance 323 mi Operator Incredible Adventures From
- US$1,029
Duration 3 days Destinations Oakland, Point Reyes National Seashore Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 76 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
- US$1,280
Yosemite's landscapes unfold from shaded sequoia groves to Mount Hoffman's challenging summit at the park's center. May Lake's High Sierra terrain offers varied hiking options alongside Valley floor trails. Views of iconic spots like Tunnel View and Bridalveil Fall await under expert guidance.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Santa Maria Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 583 mi Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$1,110
Yosemite's trails lead to Nevada Falls, while Zumwalt Meadows welcome visitors in Kings Canyon. Ancient Sequoia groves give way to coastal paths at Point Lobos State Park and along Moonstone Beach in Cambria, offering stunning Pacific views.
Duration 8 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Cambria, Big Sur Age Range Ages 8+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 697 mi Operator Southwest Adventure Tours From
- US$5,299
Duration 6 days Destinations Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, Las Vegas Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 478 mi Operator On The Go Tours From
- US$3,595
Death Valley Basecamp Tour
“I enjoy the environment and the time that I spend with her and the group, thanks Jennie, i would like to go another trip with her in the future.”
Dian, traveled in March
Death Valley's diverse landscape offers 4-9 mile daily hikes. The route includes 9,000-foot Wildrose Peak, Golden Canyon's Badlands, and Darwin Falls waterfall. Small groups traverse pristine wilderness with full camping support.
Duration 4 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 219 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
- US$2,010
Death Valley Inn Based Tour
“I will be a repeat hiker with WLT! The supremely helpful guide made this an excellent experience.”
Dan, traveled in March
Death Valley unfolds across 4-9 daily miles of varied terrain. Routes include 9,000-foot Wildrose Peak, Golden Canyon's Badlands, and Darwin Falls' oasis. Guided paths climb up to 2,000 feet.
Duration 4 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 219 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
- US$3,295
The challenging Snow Creek Trail rises 3,118 feet, leading to North Dome and Yosemite Falls on this 4-day trek. Remote trails span 19 miles of pristine backcountry, featuring camping near Snow Creek's cascades and Half Dome sunrises.
Duration 4 days Destinations Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Heart-pumping Operator Wildland Trekking From
- US$1,600
California's varied terrain stretches from 680-foot Badlands to 9,000-foot peaks. The water-carved Gower Gulch and Darwin Falls oasis captivate hikers. Professional female guides lead daily 4-9 mile treks through six mountain ranges.
Duration 4 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 219 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
- US$2,010
California's finest paths include 7.5 miles to Vernal Falls, 5.8-mile Upper Yosemite Falls climb, and 6.3 miles through Mariposa Grove. Upper Pines camping beneath Half Dome features daily adventures to iconic viewpoints.
Duration 4 days Destinations Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Wildland Trekking From
- US$2,135
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in California
- Death Valley Basecamp Tour
Our tour guide Jennie did a great job. she took care of me very well. She is so knowledge about the area and her cooking was fantastic. I enjoy the environment and the time that I spend with her and the group, thanks Jennie, i would like to go another trip with her in the future/
Was great trip, good people great guide Wally just wasn’t sure I agreed with the difficulty ratings… also would have liked more breaks yo enjoy the surroundings ! Would definitely use wildland reeking again
Death Valley Inn Based Tour
- Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
We had a great time!! We were able to go all over the park and see so many beautiful sites-hiking trails
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in California
What is the best time of year for hiking in California's national parks?
Each California national park has distinct optimal hiking seasons. Yosemite Valley welcomes hikers from May through September with clear trails and predictable weather patterns. Death Valley's trails are most accessible from October through April when daytime temperatures become manageable. For Sequoia and Kings Canyon the sweet spot falls between June and September. The High Sierra Trail sees peak conditions during July and August. A TourRadar traveler noted from their Yosemite experience: "The hiking in September was perfect - not too hot and the waterfalls were still flowing beautifully."
What are the most scenic hiking trails in California's national parks?
The national parks of California feature trails for every type of hiker. Yosemite's Mist Trail leads adventurers past the rushing waters of Vernal and Nevada Falls. In Sequoia National Park the High Sierra Trail opens up to wide views of the Great Western Divide. Death Valley presents the Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch loop with its stark desert landscape and rock formations. The Cathedral Range section of the John Muir Trail stands out for its alpine environment. A TourRadar reviewer shared: "Yosemite National Park is breathtaking. Many times I did not know which direction to look since there was so much natural beauty."
What fitness level is required for California hiking tours?
The physical demands vary across California's hiking tours. Most routes cover 4-12 miles daily with elevation changes between 500-3000 feet. More challenging options like the Yosemite Falls and North Dome Traverse push hikers with climbs up to 3118 feet in one day. Death Valley offers gentler alternatives while the Ansel Adams Wilderness hits a middle ground with 6-mile daily treks. According to a TourRadar traveler review: "The Mist trail hike is listed as strenuous which it is to the extreme. Make sure you're prepared for serious elevation gains."
What accommodation options are available on multi-day California hiking tours?
Sleeping arrangements on California hiking tours range from traditional hotels to wilderness campsites. Hotel-based programs like the California Parks Highlights put guests in properties such as the Wyndham Garden Fresno. Backcountry adventures provide camping equipment for single or shared tent setups. Some unique options exist like the High Sierra Loop tour's stays at Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The choice of lodging at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge provided a perfect base for exploring Yosemite's high country."
How many miles of hiking can I expect per day on California tours?
Daily distances on California hiking tours typically span 4-9 miles. The Yosemite Alpine Meadows tour sets a steady pace at 6.5 miles per day. More intensive routes like the Thousand Island Lakes trek stretch to 9 miles with 2500 feet of climbing. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "manageable daily distances of 5-7 miles allowed plenty of time for photos and rest stops in Sequoia National Park."
What meals are provided on California hiking tours?
Food service varies by tour but most multi-day trips cover all daily meals. The Yosemite Escape tour includes 2 breakfasts 2 lunches and 1 dinner with guides handling meal preparation at camp. A TourRadar traveler praised "excellent trail lunches and hearty dinners prepared by our guide at the Thousand Island Lakes campsite."