California Hikes

California is nothing but beautiful hills. I have been hiking a bunch and really love the views out here. Ventura and Santa Barbara are the bulk of where I have hiked. It's a really pretty area to explore for vineyards, tasting rooms, and of course beautiful views! Below are some of the hikes with miles and links to plan your hike!

Chumash Trail: Pt. Mugu, Valley trail, and Mugu beach

I have hiked this a few different times and ways and LOVE the view. It's right across from the ocean and you can hear the waves from most parts of the climb. This is a really steep one but when you get to the top it's worth it. There is a beach right across the road if you want to dip your toes in the water after! The trail is 2 miles round trip but a real workout because of the climb.

http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/mugu-peak-hike-point-mugu-state-park/

Inspiration Point:

I got really lost trying to read the directions off hiker speak...but it led me to a really cool view that was off the path. The best way is to double check the trail signs and follow the Jesusita signs to the Inspiration Point. This trail is really cool because it is partly on private land and you can see horses! It also has a water fountain and rest area along the way which worked out because I drank my entire camel back and had to refill! It's 6.7 miles round trip. 

http://www.santabarbara.com/activities/hikes/jesusita_to_inspiration_point/

Rattlesnake Trail:

When getting to here don't search for Rattlesnake Trail search for Skofield Park. It isn't easy to find. Parking is just what you can find there isn't a lot. This trail is pretty cool and I actually saw a little water! Rattlesnake Canyon Trial is 5 miles round trip and a bit rocky. 

http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/gov/depts/parksrec/parks/features/pathstrails/skofield.asp

Sherman Peak Trail:

This is the highest I have ever hiked in my life! 9,909 ft. looking out over the mountains. Cold at times and not a soul on the trail this was a perfect escape. If you want to hear nothing but the wind and birds this is the trail for you. Lots of tall trees and a huge opening to view the mountains. You will be at the highest point looking down at all the mountains. It's 5 miles round trip in the Sequoia National Forest.

http://www.summitpost.org/sherman-peak/250336

Camp Nelson Trail:

The Camp Nelson Trial is a popular mountain biking trail. We camped at the head of the trail in the Quaker Meadow Christian Camp. I drove shuttle for my bf and his friends so they could ride the trail. When the guys were done me bf and I hiked the trail backwards. It was a really pretty trail with lots of redwoods and even one to hike through! We decided to hike it backwards to watch out for oncoming bikers. This is a 5 mile trail but we only hiked half way to the big tree.

http://www.sequoiamountainadventures.com/camp-nelson-trail.html

Moro Rock:

This trail is in the Sequoia National Forest but I wouldn't really call it a trail. It's a pretty steep stairway to a great view. If you are afraid of heights I wouldn't try this one. During parts of the trail there aren't guard rails! We went around sunset but didn't bring head lamps so we had to go down early. Some people brought picnics for the top to enjoy the view. 

http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/moro-rock-sequoia/

Sequoia National Forest

Sequoia National Forest is home to some of the largest trees in the world! This area has huge trees, beautiful views, and amazing hikes. You can even drive through one of the trees! It is a really pretty place to visit and these are some of my favorite places in the park and forest to visit.

Redwoods:

Looking around Sequoia National Forest you can see huge beautiful trees everywhere! The redwoods in this forest are some of the largest in the world. You can pick different trails to hike or just go straight to the largest tree. If you get a chance to feel one do it! They are super soft...I'm not kidding the really big trees have soft trunks.

Sherman Peak Trail:

This is one of the highest views you can hike to. It feels like you are on the top of a mountain and it is a trail that doesn't get a lot of use. I didn't see one person the entire time. It's cold but worth it! Beautiful view from the top and nothing but the sound of the wind.

Camp Nelson Trail:

This trail goes from sunny to hidden. Lots of shade and beautiful light shining on these huge trees. It is a biking trail and hiking trail. We went up the back of the trail and hiked to the tree you can walk through. 

Moro Rock:

This steep stairway to the top is worth it! I'm afraid of heights but just grab the railing before you look around. Beautiful view for a sunset and a really fun rock to get on top of.

General Sherman Tree:

The biggest tree in the world! This thing is huge. Long lines to get your picture taken in front of a sign that says General Sherman Tree but any angle you get shows just how huge this tree is.

Bears!:

There are bears in this park! We saw one while driving and got super excited. Here is what you need to know: keep your food locked up good use bear lockers provided if camping and get rid of all your trash! 

Rivers:

The rivers here are beautiful! Not as full flowing because of the draught but still really pretty. You can fish or just hike down and lay on the rocks.