If you want one state where you can chase waterfalls, summit a 14er, crunch volcanic pumice, wander desert ridges, and walk a creek through a fern-walled canyon, California is it. Below are five hikes I recommend for planning a trip.

1) National Park – Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls

Why it is great: This is Yosemite’s greatest hits in one hike. You get big waterfall views fast, with spray cooling you as you climb granite steps. The route offers natural turn-around points at the bridge, the top of Vernal, or Nevada Fall, so you can scale the day to your group. Go up the Mist Trail and come down the John Muir Trail for a gentler descent and wider tread. Wayfinding is simple, the energy is high, and it is hard to beat for first-time visitors on a tight schedule.

Essential stats:

·     Vernal Fall Footbridge: 1.6 miles round trip, 400 ft gain.

·     Top of Vernal Fall (via Mist Trail): 2.4 miles round trip, 1,000 ft gain.

·     Top of Nevada Fall (via Mist Trail): 5.4 miles round trip, 2,000 ft gain.

·     Expect a granite stairway of 600+ steps just above the bridge. It is steep and can be slick in high flow.

Best season: Late spring for peak flow and mist. In winter, some sections close; check current conditions and use the posted winter route.

ü  Pro tip: Water is available at the trailhead and at the Vernal Footbridge in season only. Bring enough for your goal distance.

2) – Mount Whitney Trail, Inyo National Forest

Why it is great: Whitney is the bucket-list summit of the lower 48. In summer conditions it is strenuous but non-technical, so your success comes from pacing, nutrition, and smart layering rather than rope skills. Impeccable switchbacks turn huge elevation into a steady rhythm that rewards patience. You learn real big-mountain habits in one day, from altitude strategy to headlamp starts. The long descent becomes a masterclass in efficient hiking and recovery.

Essential stats:

·     Round trip distance on the standard trail: about 22 miles.

·     Elevation gain from Whitney Portal to the summit: over 6,200 ft.

·     Trailhead elevation 8,360 to 8,300 ft; summit elevation 14,494 ft (Sequoia & Kings Canyon NPS).

Permits: Day and overnight permits are required to enter the Mount Whitney Zone; peak season permits are issued by lottery.

Season and conditions: Early season may hold snow and ice on the switchbacks and at Trail Crest. Treat it as a winter route if snow remains.

ü  Pro tip: Use Ultralight Hiking Poles will help on the endless granite steps and during the long descent.

3) Lassen Volcanic National Park – Lassen Peak Trail

Why it is great: Lassen gives you a true summit in a half day. You start high, climb steady switchbacks, and watch the world open fast. The geology is on display with cinders, lava blocks, and a crater-top finish that feels dramatic but accessible. It is a friendly introduction to altitude without a dawn-to-dusk push. Clear tread and a simple out-and-back plan keep logistics easy for families and travelers.

Essential stats:

·     Round trip distance: 5 miles.

·     Elevation start/gain: 8,500 ft start with 1,957 ft of climbing.

·     Typical time: 4 to 5 hours.

Season and conditions: Snow can linger well into summer. Expect strong sun and quick weather changes at elevation.

How to do it: Park at Lassen Peak Trailhead and follow the switchbacks to the crater rim. It is all uphill, then all downhill.

ü  Pro tip: Summit views hit different with bubbles in your bottle. Try portable soda maker, turn creek-filtered water into bubbles in three seconds without extra weight.

4) – Ryan Mountain

Why it is great: Ryan Mountain is short, sharp, and loaded with payoff. The trail climbs straight to a central summit with a 360-degree view over desert basins and boulder gardens. It is perfect for sunrise or sunset when air is cool and light is clean. Parking and wayfinding are simple, so you can squeeze it into a road trip day. Newer hikers get a confident uphill test without committing to a long backcountry effort.

Essential stats:

·     3 miles round trip with about 1,050 ft of gain from the trailhead.

How to do it: Start from the Ryan Mountain trailhead on Park Boulevard. The path is clear and popular. Winds can rip across the summit.

ü  Pro Tip: carrying at least 1 gallon of water per person per day. Plan your hike for cool hours.

5) – James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon

Why it is great: This loop feels like three great hikes in one. You wander through ancient redwoods on soft duff, catch cool coastal air, and then stroll a creek between fern-covered walls. Grades are gentle, the microclimate is kind, and distance is easy to tune with turnarounds and side trips. Navigation is low-stress thanks to signed junctions. It is an immersive, photogenic full day without the pounding of a big alpine climb.

Essential options and stats:

·     James Irvine Trail to Fern Canyon Loop: about 12 miles from Prairie Creek Visitor Center.

·     The park network offers more than 200 miles of trails across redwoods, prairies, and beaches.

Fern Canyon access: Driving access to Fern Canyon uses a timed-entry parking reservation May 15 to Sept 15, but you can still hike in via James Irvine without that permit.

How to do it: Start at Prairie Creek Visitor Center. Hike James Irvine through cool, shaded forest to the coast and into Fern Canyon. Expect stream crossings in the canyon.

How to choose the right hike for you

New to California hiking or short on time? Do the Mist Trail to the Vernal Fall Footbridge or to the top of Vernal. You get iconic views in a few hours with clear wayfinding. Stats are posted right on the NPS page to help you plan by time and elevation.

Want a summit without a marathon? Lassen Peak gives you a big climb and a crater-top reward in 4 to 5 hours.

Hiking in winter or shoulder season? Ryan Mountain is great in cool weather, but avoid the heat of the day and carry that gallon.

Looking for a full, immersive forest day? James Irvine to Fern Canyon is hard to beat, and you avoid the summer parking permit by hiking in.

Training for a big objective and very fit? Mount Whitney is the crown. It is long and high, and the permit system protects the experience.