Hikes in California

Cradled below a jagged ridge of volcanic peaks called the Minarets, Iceberg Lake is a beautiful, potentially snow-bordered or ice-filled lake of vivid blue water. The backcountry lake is located deep in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of Inyo National Forest, 8.3 miles from the trailhead at Agnew Meadows. Iceberg Lake is just a mile from Ediza Lake and a nice extension for the hike to that outstanding lake. ...Read more.

With high summit-reflecting waters, Ediza Lake is beautiful to behold. The lake is wrapped by meadows and trees and sports massive views of Mount Ritter and Banner Peak, making it a popular destination for hikers in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of Inyo National Forest. Starting from Agnew Meadows near Mammoth Lakes, Ediza Lake is reachable on a rewarding full day hike of over 14 miles round trip with 1,250 feet of elevation change. ...Read more.

Get ready for Shadow Lake to step out of the shadows on this scenic hike in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of Inyo National Forest. Shadow Lake is a beautiful mountain lake on Shadow Creek Trail about halfway between the trailhead at Agnew Meadows and Ediza Lake, a popular destination for backpackers and folks committing to a day hike of over 14 miles. ...Read more.

DeLorme, who produced the inReach Explorer was acquired by Garmin. The inReach Explorer is now sold by Garmen. Some details in this review may be out of date. The inReach Explorer is a handy device for backcountry travelers. The Explorer is an SOS beacon, a global satellite communicator, and a full-function GPS navigator all in one. The SOS function (which with any luck you won't have to use) puts you in touch with emergency services. ...Read more.

While Devils Postpile Formation is the reason you come to Devils Postpile National Monument, you shouldn't leave without seeing Rainbow Falls, an attractive 101-foot single drop waterfall that leaps over volcanic cliffs and flashes frequent rainbows. Luckily for hikers, both attractions can be seen on the very same trek. Devils Postpile Formation is less than half a mile from the park's main trailhead, along the route to Rainbow Falls. ...Read more.

The main attraction in Devils Postpile National Monument is, of course, the Devils Postpile Formation, which has striking 60-foot tall cliffs of exposed columnar basalt. From the park's main trailhead, it is a 1-mile round trip hike to the base of Devils Postpile on a wheelchair-friendly route with 40 feet of elevation change. A second trail crosses the top of Devils Postpile and allows hikers to stand atop the tile-like tops of the basalt columns. ...Read more.

Minaret Falls is a tumbling waterfall in the Eastern Sierra near Mammoth Lakes. The waterfall plunges a slope above Pacific Crest Trail in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of Inyo National Forest. Starting from the main trailhead in Devils Postpile National Monument, it's a 3-mile round trip hike to Minaret Falls (with the option to link this trail with hikes to Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls). ...Read more.

Near the entrance of Devils Postpile National Monument, and just half a mile from the Postpile formation, visitors can stay at a 21-site campground along the Middle Fork San Joaquin River. With sites backing up against a pine-covered ridge, Devils Postpile provides a fine camping experience in the Eastern Sierra near Mammoth Lakes with ample day hiking opportunities. ...Read more.

Mount Hollywood is a prominent peak in Griffith Park, located above and behind Griffith Observatory. While it isn't the park's tallest peak at 1,625 feet, the summit offers excellent 360-degree views. The trails on Mount Hollywood have postcard perspectives of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory, plus views of downtown Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains. ...Read more.

The double-crested mountain of Twin Peaks is located close to the absolute center of the San Gabriel Mountains, making it an ideal mountain for catching big views over the range, including high points like Mount Wilson, Mount Baldy, and a slew of other summits. A trail leads to the 7,761-foot summit of Twin Peaks East, the higher of Twin Peak's sibling summits. ...Read more.