Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in California
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10 best hiking & trekking California tours
Compiled by
MelissaCalifornia travel expert at TourRadar
- Yosemite Hiking & Camping - 3 days
- California National Park Circle: Sand to Snow, Joshua Tree, Death Valley and Yosemite
- Best of Lassen Volcanic Basecamp
- Yosemite Escape Lodging - 3 Days
- Valley of Fire and Death Valley
- Death Valley Basecamp Tour
- Yosemite Highlights Tour
- Joshua Tree Basecamp Tour
- High Sierra Loop
- California Parks Highlights Tour: Los Angeles to San Francisco
Yosemite's landscapes unfold from shaded sequoia groves to Mount Hoffman's challenging summit at the park's center. May Lake's High Sierra terrain offers varied hiking options alongside Valley floor trails. Views of iconic spots like Tunnel View and Bridalveil Fall await under expert guidance.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Santa Maria Age Range up to 99 year olds Physical Rating Easy Distance 583 mi Operator On The Go Tours From
- NZ$1,665
Duration 6 days Destinations Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range 12 to 65 year olds Distance 657 mi Operator WeVenture From
- NZ$7,926
Best of Lassen Volcanic Basecamp
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Parts of the park at Lassen were inaccessible, but we managed to do and see a lot. Meals were very good.”
Russell, traveled in June
California's volcanic wonderland offers daily hikes from 4-7.4 miles. The 10,463-foot Lassen Peak beckons climbers, while Bumpass Hell's thermal features and Broke-off Mountain's stunning vista point present a 2,600-foot elevation gain.
Duration 5 days Destinations Sacramento, Mt. Lassen Volcanic National Park Age Range up to 80 year olds Distance 264 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
- NZ$4,072
The diverse terrains from Tuolumne Meadows lead to Lembert Dome's summit. Mount Hoffman presents a challenging climb with panoramic views of Yosemite Valley. Fern-laden trails near El Capitan offer prime waterfall viewing spots with expert guidance.
Duration 3 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Age Range up to 99 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 323 mi Operator Incredible Adventures From
- NZ$1,684
Golden Canyon's 3-mile trail reaches Zabriskie Point's painted badlands, climbing 1,000 feet. Ubehebe Crater's 1.5-mile rim and Badwater Basin's salt flats showcase Death Valley's dramatic landscapes through hiking and cycling.
Duration 6 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 219 mi Operator Bicycle Adventures From
- NZ$6,368
Death Valley Basecamp Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“I enjoy the environment and the time that I spend with her and the group, thanks Jennie, i would like to go another trip with her in the future.”
Dian, traveled in March
Death Valley's diverse landscape offers 4-9 mile daily hikes. The route includes 9,000-foot Wildrose Peak, Golden Canyon's Badlands, and Darwin Falls waterfall. Small groups traverse pristine wilderness with full camping support.
Duration 4 days Destinations Las Vegas, Death Valley National Park Age Range up to 80 year olds Distance 219 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
- NZ$3,254
Moderate trails lead from Mist Trail's waterfall ascent to Elizabeth Lake's alpine path. Sentinel Dome provides panoramic California views, while Tuolumne Meadows presents high-elevation wilderness adventures.
Duration 5 days Destinations San Francisco, Yosemite National Park Age Range up to 99 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 320 mi Operator Incredible Adventures From
- NZ$4,589
Joshua Tree Basecamp Tour
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Great blend of hikes and sites. Oz made great meals and clearly displayed a passion for the region.”
Joshua Tree's signature paths include Ryan Mountain's 1,200-foot ascent and Lost Palms Oasis route. The Maze within Wonderland of Rocks reveals hidden palm groves across California's unique desert ecosystems.
Duration 4 days Destinations Las Vegas, Joshua Tree National Park Age Range up to 80 year olds Distance 317 mi Operator Wildland Trekking From
- NZ$3,204
The John Muir Trail stretches through California's high country wilderness. A 2,100-foot climb leads to Vogelsang Lake (10,300 feet), with optional Vogelsang Peak summit (11,516 feet). The 22.4-mile loop weaves through granite slopes and alpine meadows.
Duration 5 days Destinations Yosemite National Park Age Range up to 80 year olds Physical Rating Heart-pumping Operator Wildland Trekking From
- NZ$3,271
Three iconic national parks await, starting with Sequoia's General Sherman Tree and Moro Rock hike. Kings Canyon features Big Stump Loop and Boyden Cavern, while Yosemite offers the challenging Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls. Suitable for moderate fitness levels.
Duration 5 days Destinations Los Angeles, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco Age Range up to 99 year olds Physical Rating Moderate Distance 434 mi Operator Incredible Adventures From
- NZ$4,197
What people love about Hiking & Trekking Tours in California
Great experience. This may have been our guide's (Sassy) first official trip, but she did a great job. We all got along very well and Sassy handled some adversity with aplomb. Parts of the park at Lassen were inaccessible, but we managed to do and see a lot. One of our guests tested positive for Covid but we found creative and safe ways to make it all work. Meals were very good. I have booked another trip with Wildland.
Best of Lassen Volcanic Basecamp
Great way to travel and meet new people! Changes were made to the itinerary due to road/trail closures but it worked out in the best way. CEO adapted meals for vegetarian travelers in the group. I would book with them again!
Hiking Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite
If you want to go on a tour that’ll change your life, this one is the one for you! We were able to hug the huge sequoia trees, hike, swim in the lakes, have s’mores by the campfire, watch the stars and so much more. Jill was an amazing guide as she gave us lots of information about all the places along the way to Yosemite as well as the park itself. She is so fun, has an amazing roadtrip playlist, and an amazing campfire burrito recipe to make sure you have the best. Time. Ever.
Yosemite Escape Camping - 3 Days
What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours & Trips in California
What is the best time of year for hiking in California's national parks?
Each California national park has distinct optimal hiking seasons. Yosemite Valley welcomes hikers from May through September with clear trails and predictable weather patterns. Death Valley's trails are most accessible from October through April when daytime temperatures become manageable. For Sequoia and Kings Canyon the sweet spot falls between June and September. The High Sierra Trail sees peak conditions during July and August. A TourRadar traveler noted from their Yosemite experience: "The hiking in September was perfect - not too hot and the waterfalls were still flowing beautifully."
What are the most scenic hiking trails in California's national parks?
The national parks of California feature trails for every type of hiker. Yosemite's Mist Trail leads adventurers past the rushing waters of Vernal and Nevada Falls. In Sequoia National Park the High Sierra Trail opens up to wide views of the Great Western Divide. Death Valley presents the Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch loop with its stark desert landscape and rock formations. The Cathedral Range section of the John Muir Trail stands out for its alpine environment. A TourRadar reviewer shared: "Yosemite National Park is breathtaking. Many times I did not know which direction to look since there was so much natural beauty."
What fitness level is required for California hiking tours?
The physical demands vary across California's hiking tours. Most routes cover 4-12 miles daily with elevation changes between 500-3000 feet. More challenging options like the Yosemite Falls and North Dome Traverse push hikers with climbs up to 3118 feet in one day. Death Valley offers gentler alternatives while the Ansel Adams Wilderness hits a middle ground with 6-mile daily treks. According to a TourRadar traveler review: "The Mist trail hike is listed as strenuous which it is to the extreme. Make sure you're prepared for serious elevation gains."
What accommodation options are available on multi-day California hiking tours?
Sleeping arrangements on California hiking tours range from traditional hotels to wilderness campsites. Hotel-based programs like the California Parks Highlights put guests in properties such as the Wyndham Garden Fresno. Backcountry adventures provide camping equipment for single or shared tent setups. Some unique options exist like the High Sierra Loop tour's stays at Vogelsang High Sierra Camp. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The choice of lodging at Tuolumne Meadows Lodge provided a perfect base for exploring Yosemite's high country."
How many miles of hiking can I expect per day on California tours?
Daily distances on California hiking tours typically span 4-9 miles. The Yosemite Alpine Meadows tour sets a steady pace at 6.5 miles per day. More intensive routes like the Thousand Island Lakes trek stretch to 9 miles with 2500 feet of climbing. A TourRadar traveler mentioned "manageable daily distances of 5-7 miles allowed plenty of time for photos and rest stops in Sequoia National Park."
What meals are provided on California hiking tours?
Food service varies by tour but most multi-day trips cover all daily meals. The Yosemite Escape tour includes 2 breakfasts 2 lunches and 1 dinner with guides handling meal preparation at camp. A TourRadar traveler praised "excellent trail lunches and hearty dinners prepared by our guide at the Thousand Island Lakes campsite."