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
- Best of Lassen Volcanic Basecamp
- California National Park Circle: Sand to Snow, Joshua Tree, Death Valley and Yosemite
- Yosemite Hiking & Camping - 3 days
- 8‑Day Yosemite, Sequoia & California Coast Adventure
- Palm Springs, Joshua Tree & Death Valley 2027 - 7 days
- Ansel Adams Wilderness High Sierra Camp
- Yosemite Falls and North Dome Traverse
- John Muir Trail: June Lake to Tuolumne Meadows
- Yosemite High Country Basecamp Tour
- Alpine Lakes of the Ansel Adams Wilderness
Best of Lassen Volcanic Basecamp
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Parts of the park at Lassen were inaccessible, but we managed to do and see a lot. Meals were very good.”
Russell, traveled in June
California's volcanic wonderland offers daily hikes from 4-7.4 miles. The 10,463-foot Lassen Peak beckons climbers, while Bumpass Hell's thermal features and Broke-off Mountain's stunning vista point present a 2,600-foot elevation gain.
Duration 5 days Destinations Sacramento, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 264 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
- US$2,515
This 6-day trek takes groups of up to 10 from Los Angeles to San Francisco with wilderness-trained guides. The Panorama Trail descends from Glacier Point into Yosemite Valley, while the Mist Trail leads to Vernal Fall. You'll wander among ancient sequoias in Tuolumne Grove and trek through Sand to Snow's varied terrain.
Duration 6 days Destinations Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, Bishop, Lone Pine, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 760 mi Operator WeVenture From
- US$4,750
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 $1,110
10% Off- US$999You save $111
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
10% Off- US$5,199
Duration 7 days Destinations Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, Las Vegas Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 478 mi Operator On The Go Tours From $4,090
15% Off- US$3,477You save $614
Daily 6-mile paths cut through California's High Sierra wilderness. Peaks rising above 10,000 feet provide spectacular Yosemite views. Hidden mountain cirques and pristine lakes dot the route, supported by expert guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Fresno, Bass Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 135 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
15% Off- US$2,680
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
15% Off- US$1,600
A 31-mile wilderness route features 1,200+ feet daily elevation gains. The path crosses 11,000-foot Donahue Pass and Lyell Canyon with light packs. Mules support the High Sierra journey.
Duration 4 days Destinations Agnew Meadows, Ansel Adams Wilderness, Yosemite National Park, Fresno Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 97 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
15% Off- US$2,915
Yosemite High Country Basecamp Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The magnificent scenery, the delicious meals, quality equipment - everything was top notch!”
Ann, traveled in July
California's premier paths stretch from Valley floor to alpine peaks. Mount Hoffman offers panoramic views, while Cathedral Lake and North Dome present challenging ascents. Daily adventures span 4 to 10.2 miles with significant elevation gains.
Duration 4 days Destinations Yosemite National Park, Sierra Nevada Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 197 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
15% Off- US$2,275
The Ansel Adams Wilderness offers 6-mile daily routes through Sierra Nevada's dramatic landscape. Professional guides lead both established and social paths, including attempts at 10,000-foot peaks along Yosemite's border.
Duration 5 days Destinations Fresno, Bass Lake, Ansel Adams Wilderness Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 135 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
15% Off- US$1,725
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in California
Great experience. This may have been our guide's (Sassy) first official trip, but she did a great job. We all got along very well and Sassy handled some adversity with aplomb. Parts of the park at Lassen were inaccessible, but we managed to do and see a lot. One of our guests tested positive for Covid but we found creative and safe ways to make it all work. Meals were very good. I have booked another trip with Wildland.
Best of Lassen Volcanic Basecamp
- Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
Great Trip! Well organized. The tour guide was awesome
- Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
Great and rewarding experience.
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."