7 California Hikes You Need To Add To Your Bucket List This Fall
It’s getting colder in California and that means two things. We’re all making hot coffee runs and looking for the best places to see fall colors. We’ve scoped out the best hikes in California to add to your fall bucket list.
Text your BFFs and grab your doggo. These hikes are definitely ones for the books.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Price: $8 state park entrance fee. It is $35 if you want to go camping.
Location: Newton B. Drury Scenic Pkwy, Orick, CA 95555
Why You Need To Go: It’s one of the best parks in the Redwoods. You’ll be surrounded by lush forests along with the world’s most extensive old-growth trail system. Sometimes you can even spot elk.
Bishop Creek Canyon
Price: Free
Location: Bishop, California
Why You Need To Go: During fall, the canyon turns into a beautiful world of color with blazing red and gold leaves.
Iron Mountain Trailhead
Price: Free
Location: Iron Mountain Trail, Poway, CA
Why You Need To Go: On a clear day, this dog-friendly trail leads you to incredible views of the mountains and all of San Diego County below you.
Avenue of the Giants
Price: $8 state park entry fee per vehicle
Location: Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Why You Need To Go: You can explore one of the most beautiful areas of Humboldt Redwoods State Park and walk under the branches of 240-foot-tall trees. You’re going to want to bring your camera for this one.
D.L. Bliss State Park, Rubicon Trail
Price: $10 per vehicle entry fee during the summer to access the park
Location: 9881 CA-89, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Why You Need To Go: You get to hike along the shores of Lake Tahoe and see the beautiful turquoise water. There are beautiful views the whole way on this 7-mile roundtrip hike.
Kings Creek Falls Trail
Price: $30 vehicle fee
Location: Lassen Volcanic National Park
Why You Need To Go: This 1.5-mile trail takes you through a scenic meadow and a trickling creek to see a plummeting 40-foot-tall waterfall.
Switzer Falls Trail
Price: Small parking fee
Location: 701 Angeles Crest Hwy, Tujunga, CA 91042
Why You Need To Go: It’s one of the most popular trails in LA for a reason. You’ll follow a wooded canyon trail to reach a 50-foot waterfall.
Editor's note: Many California waterfalls are seasonal. Check weather conditions before you go on the trails to make sure the falls are still flowing and trail conditions are safe.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.
