Introducing our favorite hiking tours of California, why California makes a great walking holiday destination and what you need to know about hiking in the Sunshine State.
This post covers multi-day walking tours that involve hiking each day and lodging in a local inn or basecamp each night. There are plenty of websites covering backpacking trails of California, so we won’t even attempt to cover those. Instead, we’ll give you alternatives that are less crowded, combine California’s natural beauty with its unsurpassed culinary scene, and provide a comfortable place to sleep each night. Doesn’t that sound marvelous?
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Hiking in California
Be prepared for high prices
If you’re unfamiliar with traveling in the United States, it can be quite expensive and California is one of the most expensive destinations in the US. Lodging in the coastal towns can average anywhere from $250 to $400 a night. Gas is more expensive and restaurants tend to be higher priced, but there are excellent food markets throughout and ways to save while eating fresh local food.
Check trail and road conditions
California is known for its beautiful sunny days and cool evenings, but it can be prone to temperamental weather including mudslides, earthquakes and forest fires. In recent years, some of the most popular hiking trails have been damaged by fire or floods and sections of parks closed off. ALWAYS check a park’s website before planning your trip or book with a local company who knows the conditions on the ground.
Why we love California walking holidays
Fresh healthy food
For health-conscious foodies, California is a culinary mecca. California produces more than half of the fruits and nuts and over one third of the vegetables for the US. You’ll find farm-to-table restaurants and local produce markets all along the coast and near the major agricultural centers. And let’s not forget the world famous vineyards of Napa and Sonoma Valley!
Diverse terrain
California’s terrain is diverse and offers something for every preference. Fog enshrouded coastline, moss-covered redwood forests, snow-capped mountains, golden beaches, endless vineyards and eerie desert landscapes – all packed into one state.
California’s inn to inn hiking routes
We can’t talk about California inn to inn hiking without talking about Walkabout California and Tom Courtney – the man who designed the routes. Since we’ve already covered Tom in a previous post, we’re going to focus on the routes. You’ll find more details on his website, but here’s a summary of what’s available from each major city that has an airport.
Inn to inn hiking near Arcata
Garberville to Shelter Cove
2 days, 29-31 mi (47-50 km)
Walkabout California offers three options for an inn to inn hike in California’s King Range National Conservation Area. Dubbed the Lost Coast because this is the most inaccessible section along California’s coast, usually only seen by backpackers. This is a rare treat that you’ll have to work hard for, with steep elevation and long days, but your night ends with a cozy room and a hot meal. Pair this with some hiking in the redwood national and state parks north of Arcata and you’ll cover some of the best terrain California has to offer.
Inn to inn hiking near San Francisco
Albion to Mendocino
2 days / 14 mi (23 km)
A quick getaway for locals, this route is accessible by public transit so it’s also a good option for those visiting the area who have extra time. This is an excellent inn to inn hike to one of the most romantic towns on the California coast.
Carquinez Strait & Briones Regional Park
3 days / 21 mi (34 km)
A weekend getaway in the backyard of Silicon Valley that will have you thinking you’re in the English countryside.
Half Moon Bay to Pt. Reyes
8 days / 68 mi (109 km)
Beautiful coastal walks along the coastline south and north of San Francisco combined with redwood forest hikes through Muir Woods and some coastal towns with hippie vibes. Add more days to explore the trails within Pt. Reyes National Seashore. This route combines two Walkabout California itineraries.
Mt. Tamalpais
5 days / 57 mi (92 km)
A unique route similar to the Marin Headlands itinerary but this one circles Mt. Tamalpais and focuses on three distinct meditation centers. Tom Courtney’s ability to design unique walking tours really shines with this one!
Inn to inn hiking near San Jose
Capitola to Monterey
4 days / 37 mi (60 km)
An excellent walking tour for those who love marine wildlife as this route takes you along the Monterey Bay National Marine Seashore and includes an optional day for kayaking in Elkhorn Slough.
Inn to inn hiking near Sacramento
Auburn to Sacramento
4 days / 66 mi (106 km)
A true American West experience, including the Gold Rush Museum, saloons and a town made famous by Johnny Cash.
Markleville to Kit Carson (South Lake Tahoe)
3 days / 42 mi (68 km)
Step back in time as you follow in the footsteps of the Pony Express through the Sierra Nevada mountains and end at Kit Carson Lodge. You will need a car for this hiking tour.
Inn to inn hiking near Los Angeles
Malibu to San Clemente
13 days / 120 mi (193 km)
Perfect combination of classic California beach scenes, LA sightseeing, the gorgeous Santa
Monica Mountains and a chance to step back in time on Santa Catalina Island. This route combines four Walkabout California itineraries.
Inn to inn hiking near San Diego
Oceanside to Mexico
8 days / 60 mi (97 km)
Long stretches of quiet rugged coast and wildlife preserves interspersed with classic California seaside resorts and busy beaches. This route combines two Walkabout California itineraries.
Inn to inn hiking near Reno
Donner Pass to Lake Tahoe
3 days / 30 mi (48 km)
Yes you’ll start in Nevada but your hiking tour begins across the border in Truckee, follows along the Pacific Crest Trail and ends in Tahoe City.
Best California hiking tour operators
Now that you have an idea of what California has to offer for walking holidays, here are the tour operators that we recommend. All of these companies are based in California or nearby states.
Authentic Adventures Central CA
Best for anyone seeking supportive/accessible tours
Tours are led by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who can provide day or multi-day hikes in Yosemite, Sequoia, Kings Canyon and central coastline. Authentic Adventures Central CA offers customizable tours that can adapt for individual or group needs. Costs average $250 per day with discounts for children and seniors.
Mountain Home Inn
Best lodge for center-based hiking near Mt. Tamalpais
Located on Mt. Tamalpais, this local favorite is perfectly situated for several days of hiking in the redwoods, along local beaches and the Pt. Reyes National Seashore. What we love most about Mountain Home Inn is that everything can be accessed without a car thanks to the West Marin Stagecoach. Cost for a 4-night stay with breakfast is $1,300 (per couple).
Southern Yosemite Mountain Guides
Best for guided hiking tours in Yosemite
SYMG is highly revered by many in the outdoor travel world and for good reason since they’ve been operating in this region since 1991. Their pack-supported treks are the perfect option for people who want the trekking experience but can’t carry their own equipment. Cost for their pack-supported 4-night Ansel Adams Wilderness High Sierra Camp is $3,990 (per couple).
Timberline Adventures
Best for self-guided inn-based hiking in Yosemite or Death Valley
This well-established company has been offering cycling and hiking trips across the US for over 38 years. Timberline Adventures has a small selection of guided and self-guided trips in California, all of which include nightly stays in local inns. Cost for their 5-night Death Valley Self-Guided is $2,590 (per couple).
Tracks & Trails
Best for RV hiking with a family
For those who want the great American experience of hiking with a camper, Tracks & Trails provides everything you need to do so. Trips include a fully-stocked RV that can sleep up to 7 people, detailed itinerary, campground reservations and lodging near an airport. Cost for their 9-night Yosemite Sequoia & Kings Canyon is $6,830 (per 4 people).
Walkabout California
Best for budget-conscious independent travelers
Walkabout California is the original inn to inn hiking designer for California. They provide e-books with everything you need to plan your own walking holiday, including daily walking notes, suggested lodging, places to eat, public transit options and notes about local history and plants. Luggage transport is not included with this option so you’ll need to carry your own pack each day. Cost for a 4-night trip including guidebook, lodging and transit is $700 (per couple).
Wildland Trekking
Best for guided backpacking or luxury basecamps
Wildland Trekking offers over 45 guided hiking trips in California. Most involve backpacking but some include luxury basecamps or lodges. If you want the trekking experience by day with comfort at night, WT is a good option. Cost for their 4-night Lassen Volcanic Basecamp is $4,180 (per couple).
Wine Country Trekking
Best for luxury hikers who also want vineyard tours
As the name implies, Wine Country Trekking creates itineraries for hiking and culinary enthusiasts who want luxurious lodging. They take care of all the details, provide uniquely crafted experiences and transport your luggage on the days that you hike from inn to inn. Their Sonoma Hikers Trek includes wine tastings every day, 3 days of hiking, breakfast, 2 lunches and visits to vineyards and chocolatiers. Cost for the 4-night Sonoma Hikers Trek is $3,850 (per couple).
Want to create your own center-based hiking trip? Look for local tour companies offering day hikes, such as Tam Hiking Tours which offers day hikes in Mill Valley and Mt. Tamalpais.
Best hiking destinations in California
We touched on some of the best hiking destinations with the inn to inn routes, but California boasts an abundance of parks and wilderness areas that shouldn’t be missed. If you prefer planning your own hiking trips, here’s a list of the most popular parks listed along with suggested alternatives for fewer crowds.
Death Valley National Park
- Alternative: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park or Mojave National Preserve
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
- Alternative: Garrapata State Park
Joshua Tree National Park
- Alternative: Sand to Snow National Monument or Indian Canyons
Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks
- Alternative: Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
- An alternative to Yellowstone National Park
Lost Coast (King Range National Conservation Area)
- Alternative: Torrey Pines State Natural Area
Muir Woods
- Alternative: Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Pinnacles National Park and Big Sur
- Alternative: Providence Mountains State Rec Area
Pt. Reyes National Seashore
- Alternative: Sinkyone Wilderness State Park or Pt. Lobos State Natural Reserve
Redwood National Park
- Alternative: Big Basin Redwood State Park
South Lake Tahoe
- Alternative: Big Bear Lake
Yosemite National Park
- Alternative: Mt. San Jacinto State Park or Inyo National Forest (Ansel Adams Wilderness)
Curious to know what inn to inn hiking with Walkabout California is really like? Read our trip notes starting with Hostel Coyotes in Marin County.
