How many hiking trails are listed in California?

The directory currently includes 1,083 quality-checked routes in California, covering 15k km of mapped lines. These are routes with a traceable source, sufficient geometry and elevation data.

Which route ranks highest in California?

ADT - California - T - Seg 9 currently has the highest directory score in this set. Compare its distance, ascent and route type with PCT - California Section G and PCT - California Section N before choosing.

When should you hike in California?

Varies by region is the season stored for this place in the directory. It is not a live conditions report: consult the route source, land manager and local forecast before travelling.

Are there routes rated easy in California?

160 routes are rated easy by the directory’s distance-and-elevation model. The rating does not rule out rough surface, exposure or temporary hazards, so verify the individual route.

🇺🇸 United States

Hiking trails in California

1.1k quality-checked hiking routes are currently mapped in California, United States. Together their route lines cover 15k km. The average route is 13.8 km with 464 m (1,522 ft) of recorded ascent.

1.1k
Trails: 15k
Kilometres: 0
Parks: 4.4k m
Highest point

The directory difficulty mix is 160 easy (15%), 722 moderate (67%) and 201 hard or expert (18%). 79 routes (7%) are recorded as loops. Difficulty is calculated from available distance and elevation data; it is not a statement about technical terrain or current conditions.

The most frequent route tags are mountain (509), lake (188), river (111), coastal (34). The highest recorded point in this set is 4,401 m (14,439 ft). The place-level planning field lists varies by region as the preferred season; check each route and official notices for live access and weather. ADT - California - T - Seg 9, PCT - California Section G, PCT - California Section N currently lead this page’s directory ranking, which uses route completeness and computed route scores rather than editorial field testing.

Choose by the details

How do these routes differ?

A closer look at the first 6 routes in this page’s default ordering. These comparisons describe this sample, not the entire destination or a field-tested recommendation.

Shortest mapped distance in this sample

70.3 km

ADT - California - T - Seg 9

Compare the climbing too; shortest does not necessarily mean easiest.

Lowest recorded ascent in this sample

1,539 m

ADT - California - T - Seg 9

6 of 6 have ascent data. Missing measurements are excluded.

Return logistics

0 recorded loops

Check start and finish for every option. An unknown shape does not mean a loop, and a loop does not establish access to its start.

Plan the return journey →

Comparison of the first 6 listed routes
Route	Distance	Ascent	Moving time	Shape
ADT - California - T - Seg 9	70.3 km	1,539 m	18 hr	Point to point
PCT - California Section B	158 km	3,340 m	42 hr	Point to point
PCT - California Section C	207 km	3,624 m	54 hr	Point to point
PCT - California Section D	176 km	4,010 m	47 hr	Point to point
PCT - California Section G	182 km	5,122 m	50 hr	Point to point
PCT - California Section H	287 km	7,332 m	79 hr	Point to point

Distances follow stored route lines; ascent and time are estimates. Current access, surface and technical difficulty need separate checks. How to turn a comparison into a shortlist.