Updated: Sept. 17th, 2024
Northern California is a haven for photographers and hikers, boasting diverse landscapes that range from rugged coastlines like Big Sur to towering mountains like the Sierra Nevada Mountains. These areas are ripe for the picking when it comes to hiking and they might just be the prettiest places in California to hike. However, knowing where to go is a challenge, at least for me, so I scraped the internet, wore out a few pairs of shoes, and logged as many miles as I could in search of the prettiest places to hike in California. So, here you go:
Sunset hike along the Pacific Ocean at Shark Fin Cove in Davenport. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Shark Fin Cove in Davenport
Along the rugged coastline near the charming town of Davenport, Shark Fin Cove is a hidden gem that captivates visitors with its dramatic cliffs and pristine sandy shores. The main attraction, the iconic Shark Fin rock formation, rises majestically from the turquoise waters, resembling the dorsal fin of a great white shark. This picturesque spot is not only a paradise for photographers but also a fantastic destination for hikers.
The hiking trail leading to Shark Fin Cove offers a moderate trek, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in the coastal beauty of the region. The trail winds through vibrant wildflowers, coastal shrubs, and grassy bluffs, providing panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. As you approach the cove, the rhythmic sound of crashing waves and the salty sea breeze heighten the sensory experience, making the journey as rewarding as the destination.
At Shark Fin Cove, hikers can explore tide pools teeming with marine life, lounge on the sandy beach, or simply bask in the awe-inspiring views of the rocky cliffs. The cove's secluded nature ensures a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal retreat for those seeking a peaceful escape into Northern California's coastal wonders.
10 Other Hikes in the Area to Consider:
1. Gray Whale Cove Trail:
Location: San Mateo County, near Pacifica (about a 45-minute drive from Davenport)
Distance: 2 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This coastal trail provides stunning ocean views and access to a beautiful cove. It’s a relatively short and easy hike that’s perfect for enjoying the coastal scenery and spotting marine wildlife.
2. Waddell Creek Trail:
Location: Big Basin Redwoods State Park (about a 30-minute drive from Davenport)
Distance: 6.5 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This trail follows the Waddell Creek through lush redwood forests and offers serene views of the creek and surrounding vegetation. It’s a great option for those looking to experience the beauty of the redwoods without a strenuous hike.
3. Ridge Trail to the Summit of Table Mountain:
Location: Table Mountain Trailhead, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park (about a 25-minute drive from Davenport)
Distance: 4 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: This trail leads to the summit of Table Mountain, offering panoramic views of the Santa Cruz Mountains and Monterey Bay. The hike includes a mix of forested paths and open ridges.
4. Pogonip Open Space Trail:
Location: Santa Cruz (about a 20-minute drive from Davenport)
Distance: 3 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: The Pogonip Open Space offers a network of trails with scenic views, meadows, and interesting rock formations. The trail provides an opportunity to explore diverse habitats and enjoy a leisurely hike.
5. Nojoqui Falls Trail:
Location: Nojoqui Falls County Park (about a 1-hour drive from Davenport)
Distance: 0.8 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This short and easy trail leads to a picturesque waterfall in a lush setting. It’s a great hike for families or those looking for a quick, scenic outing.
6. Zayante Trail:
Location: Zayante Redwoods Park (about a 30-minute drive from Davenport)
Distance: 4 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: The Zayante Trail takes you through a beautiful redwood forest, offering peaceful solitude and impressive old-growth trees. It’s a great trail for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.
7. Castle Rock Trail:
Location: Castle Rock State Park (about a 40-minute drive from Davenport)
Distance: 5 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Castle Rock Trail features unique rock formations, including the namesake Castle Rock, and offers sweeping views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The trail is popular with hikers and rock climbers alike.
8. Loma Prieta Trail:
Location: Loma Prieta County Park (about a 30-minute drive from Davenport)
Distance: 6 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: This trail climbs to the summit of Loma Prieta, the highest peak in the Santa Cruz Mountains, providing panoramic views of the Bay Area. The hike includes forested sections and open ridges.
9. Santa Cruz Rail Trail:
Location: Santa Cruz (about a 20-minute drive from Davenport)
Distance: 6 miles one-way
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This rail-trail is a flat and easy route that runs along the old rail corridor, offering views of the local landscape and a peaceful walk or bike ride.
10. Berry Creek Falls Trail:
Location: Big Basin Redwoods State Park (about a 30-minute drive from Davenport)
Distance: 10 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: This trail leads to the impressive Berry Creek Falls, passing through old-growth redwoods and offering scenic views along the way. It’s a longer hike, but the waterfall and the surrounding scenery make it worthwhile.
Dancing at the edge of Glacier Point in Yosemite Naitonal Park. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Yosemite Valley
No list of Northern California's prettiest hiking destinations would be complete without mentioning Yosemite Valley. Renowned for its towering granite cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush meadows, Yosemite National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that beckons adventurers from around the globe.
Yosemite Valley, nestled in the heart of the park, is a hiker's paradise offering an array of trails suitable for various skill levels. One of the most iconic hikes is the Mist Trail, which takes you past two of Yosemite's most famous waterfalls: Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall. The mist from the falls creates rainbows on sunny days, adding a magical touch to the already awe-inspiring scenery.
For a more leisurely stroll, the Valley Loop Trail offers a picturesque route along the valley floor, passing by meadows, meandering streams, and the famous El Capitan and Half Dome rock formations. As you hike, keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, from deer grazing in the meadows to the elusive black bears that call Yosemite home.
Yosemite Valley's grandeur and diversity make it a must-visit destination for hikers seeking an immersive experience in the heart of Northern California's wilderness.
10 Other Hikes in the Area to Consider:
1. Yosemite Falls Trail:
Distance: 7.6 miles round-trip to the top of the Lower Falls, 12.2 miles round-trip to the Upper Falls
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: This iconic trail leads to the base and top of Yosemite Falls, the tallest waterfall in North America. The hike offers breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding valley.
2. Mist Trail:
Distance: 5.4 miles round-trip to Vernal Fall, 7.2 miles round-trip to Nevada Fall
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: This popular trail takes you alongside Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, providing spectacular views and a refreshing mist from the falls. The trail can be steep and wet, so prepare for a vigorous hike.
3. Mirror Lake Trail:
Distance: 2 miles round-trip (to the lake), 5 miles round-trip (to the end of the trail)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: This relatively easy hike takes you to Mirror Lake, offering stunning reflections of the surrounding cliffs, including Half Dome. It’s a great option for a shorter, scenic outing.
4. Sentinel Dome Trail:
Distance: 2.2 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This short but steep trail leads to Sentinel Dome, where you’ll find panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra. The dome’s summit provides a fantastic vantage point.
5. Glacier Point Trail:
Distance: 1 mile round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Glacier Point offers one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Yosemite. This easy hike takes you to the edge of the cliff with spectacular views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and the High Sierra.
6. Four-Mile Trail:
Distance: 4.8 miles one-way
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: This challenging trail connects Yosemite Valley to Glacier Point. It provides incredible views of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and the valley below. The hike is steep, but the reward at Glacier Point is worth the effort.
7. John Muir Trail (Yosemite Valley Section):
Distance: Varies, 211 miles total trail length (Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney)
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: The section of the John Muir Trail that runs through Yosemite Valley offers stunning views of the valley, Vernal Fall, and the surrounding wilderness. It’s a great way to experience a portion of this famous long-distance trail.
8. California Fall Trail:
Distance: 3 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This lesser-known trail takes you to California Fall, offering a more peaceful and less crowded waterfall experience compared to other falls in the valley. The hike provides beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
9. Bridalveil Fall Trail:
Distance: 1.2 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This short and easy trail leads to the base of Bridalveil Fall. It’s one of the first falls you’ll encounter when entering Yosemite Valley, and the mist from the fall can be quite refreshing.
10. Nevada Fall to Little Yosemite Valley:
Distance: 10 miles round-trip (from the Mist Trail to Little Yosemite Valley)
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: This hike continues from the Mist Trail past Nevada Fall to Little Yosemite Valley. It’s a great way to experience the higher elevations and see more of Yosemite’s backcountry, with views of the falls and surrounding peaks.
Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe, straddling the border of California and Nevada, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and majestic mountain scenery. Within this alpine paradise lies Emerald Bay, a pristine inlet that enchants hikers with its blue waters, lush forests, and the historic Vikingsholm castle.
The Rubicon Trail, which skirts the shoreline of Emerald Bay, offers a mesmerizing journey through pine-scented forests and along granite cliffs that plunge into the depths of the lake. Hikers are treated to panoramic views of Lake Tahoe's sapphire waters and the rugged peaks that encircle the basin. A highlight of the trail is the opportunity to visit Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian-inspired mansion nestled on the shores of Emerald Bay. This well-preserved historic site provides a glimpse into the region's past while adding a touch of charm to the hiking experience.
If you are feeling bold, rent a kayak, or a boat, and make your way out to Lake Tahoe’s only island, Fannette Island, to explore the old stone tea house perched atop the granite dome.
Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual nature lover, the trails around Emerald Bay offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural intrigue. The changing seasons bring new colors to the landscape, making it a destination that beckons visitors year-round.
10 Other Hikes in the Area to Consider:
1. Eagle Lake Trail:
Distance: 2 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: This short and relatively easy hike leads to Eagle Lake, offering beautiful views of the lake surrounded by granite peaks. It’s a great option for a quick outing with a rewarding view.
2. Mount Tallac Trail:
Distance: 10 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Mount Tallac offers a challenging hike with breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding Sierra Nevada. The trail ascends steeply, but the summit views make the effort worthwhile.
3. Granite Lake Trail:
Distance: 6.4 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This hike takes you to Granite Lake, a scenic and less-visited spot compared to other lakes in the area. The trail provides lovely views of the surrounding granite ridges and forests.
4. Desolation Wilderness - Lake Aloha Trail:
Distance: 12 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: This trail leads through the Desolation Wilderness to Lake Aloha, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by granite and rugged terrain. The hike offers incredible views and a chance to experience the wilderness area’s beauty.
5. Rubicon Trail:
Distance: 16 miles round-trip (can be done as a shorter out-and-back)
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Highlights: The Rubicon Trail offers stunning views of Lake Tahoe, including Emerald Bay, and follows the shoreline through forested areas and rocky outcrops. The trail is well-known for its scenic beauty and diverse terrain.
6. Castle Rock Trail:
Distance: 2 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This trail leads to the summit of Castle Rock, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe. The hike includes some rocky sections and provides a great vantage point for photography.
7. Eagle Rock Trail:
Distance: 1.5 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Eagle Rock Trail offers a short and rewarding hike with impressive views of Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a quick hike with great views.
8. Mount Ralston Trail:
Distance: 8 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Highlights: Mount Ralston provides panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding wilderness. The trail is steep and challenging but offers rewarding vistas from the summit.
9. South Shore Trail:
Distance: Varies, typically around 8 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This trail offers scenic views along the southern shore of Lake Tahoe, including views of Emerald Bay. It’s a great way to explore the lake’s shoreline and enjoy diverse landscapes.
10. Dardanelles Lake Trail:
Distance: 6 miles round-trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: This hike takes you to Dardanelles Lake, a beautiful alpine lake with less traffic compared to other popular lakes in the area. The trail offers serene lake views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Blue hour at Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe. Photo by Dalton Johnson
Northern California is a treasure trove of stunning hiking destinations, each offering a unique blend of natural wonders. From the rugged cliffs of Shark Fin Cove to the iconic beauty of Yosemite Valley and the alpine magic of Emerald Bay, these three places showcase the diversity and splendor of the region's landscapes. Lace up your hiking boots, pack a camera, and embark on a journey to discover the prettiest corners of Northern California's great outdoors.