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
- California National Park Circle: Sand to Snow, Joshua Tree, Death Valley and Yosemite
- Yosemite Hiking & Camping - 3 days
- Best of Lassen Volcanic Basecamp
- Yosemite, Sequoia, & California Coast
- Valley of Fire and Death Valley
- Death Valley Inn Based Tour
- Death Valley Basecamp Tour
- Womens Yosemite High Country Basecamp Tour
- John Muir Trail: Rae Lakes Loop
- Best of Yosemite Tour
The Panorama Trail starts from Glacier Point with Half Dome's granite face in view, then continues on the Mist Trail to Vernal Fall in Yosemite National Park. Ancient Sequoias fill Tuolumne Grove, while Joshua Tree National Park's trails wind through Hidden Valley rock formations and reach Keys View overlook. Camping happens at Sand to Snow National Monument. From there, trek across Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes in Death Valley National Park before reaching Badwater Basin, North America's lowest point at 282 feet below sea level.
Duration 6 days Destinations Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 657 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
- US$1,090
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
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 633 mi Operator Southwest Adventure Tours From
- US$5,199
Golden Canyon's 3-mile trail reaches Zabriskie Point's painted badlands, climbing 1,000 feet. Ubehebe Crater's 1.5-mile rim and Badwater Basin's salt flats showcase Death Valley's dramatic landscapes through hiking and cycling.
Duration 6 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park Age Range Ages 21+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 219 mi Operator Bicycle Adventures From
- US$3,816
Death Valley Inn Based Tour
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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
Death Valley Basecamp Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“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
The iconic California paths link Vernal Falls to Mount Hoffman's summit. The route combines John Muir Trail sections and high-country paths to Cathedral Lake, with daily climbs reaching 2,540 feet.
Duration 4 days Destinations Yosemite National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Easy Operator Wildland Trekking From
- US$2,275
The Kings Canyon route covers 40+ miles including Glen Pass at 11,978 feet. Paths wind past Mist Falls through Paradise Valley to the Lakes District. Camps at Rae Lakes and Charlotte Lake sit beneath towering peaks.
Duration 7 days Destinations Fresno, Kings Canyon National Park Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Heart-pumping Distance 132 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
- US$2,510
A 28-mile adventure spans 5 days, featuring the demanding Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. The path includes a steep ascent to Gaylor Lakes Basin, Mount Hoffmann's summit, and Pohono Trail's viewpoints before reaching Mariposa Grove's ancient sequoias.
Duration 5 days Destinations Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range Ages 12+ Distance 87 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
- US$3,765
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
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
- 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/
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."