California’s Coast 5 Best Backpacking Trips
The California coast is my refuge in winter when it’s too cold to hike in the Sierra Nevada. Luckily, the coast has stayed relatively undeveloped, and it offers some of the best backpacking trips in California. Here are 5 hand-picked backpacking trips from NorCal to SoCal.
| Duration | From LA | From SF | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. The Lost Coast Trail | 2–4 days | 11 hr | 5 hr 30 min |
| 2. Point Reyes: Coast Trail & Bear Valley Trail Loop | 2–3 days | 7 hr | 1 hr 30 min |
| 3. Big Sur: Sykes Hot Springs | 2 days | 5 hr 30 min | 3 hr |
| 4. Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Anchorage to Prisoner’s Harbor | 2 days | 1 hr 30 min | 6 hr |
| 5. The Trans-Catalina Trail | 2–5 days | 30 min | 7 hr |
1. The Lost Coast Trail
It’s the most iconic beach trail in California. It’s also one of the wildest. You will spot elephant seals relaxing on the beach, encounter bears, and go through tricky low tide crossings. This trip is hard to plan, so check out my guide for help.
Driving time
| Los Angeles | 11 hr drive |
| San Francisco | 5 hr 30 min drive |
Reservations
Wilderness permit required year-round.
See itinerary
2. Point Reyes: Coast Trail & Bear Valley Trail Loop
Explore the refreshing Northern California coast. This trail traverses the forests, grasslands, and dunes of Point Reyes National Park. The trailhead is just 40 miles north of San Francisco, which makes it the perfect weekend trip.
Driving time
| Los Angeles | 7 hr drive |
| San Francisco | 1 hr 30 min drive |
Reservations
Campground reservations required year-round.
See itinerary
3. Big Sur: Sykes Hot Springs
A classic Big Sur weekend trip reopens after a 5-year closure. Climb up through dense coastal vegetation and get rewarded with hot springs, right by your campsite! There are no reservations, so expect crowds on weekends.
Driving time
| Los Angeles | 5 hr 30 min drive |
| San Francisco | 3 hr drive |
Reservations
No requirements. Campsites available on a first-come-first-served basis.
See itinerary
4. Santa Cruz Island: Scorpion Anchorage to Prisoner’s Harbor
Hike on the site of a historical ranch on the desolate Santa Cruz Island. The island is part of the Channel Islands National Park off the coast of Santa Barbara. The place has no water, so check the NPS website for more information.
Driving time
| Los Angeles | 1 hr 30 min drive |
| San Francisco | 6 hr drive |
Reservations
Campground and ferry reservations required year-round.
See itinerary
5. The Trans-Catalina Trail
Thru-hike the popular Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles. The trail starts in the resort town of Avalon, but you will quickly find peace and wilderness as you travel north. Look out for the bison and foxes that roam the mountainous island.
Driving time
| Los Angeles | 30 min drive |
| San Francisco | 7 hr drive |
Reservations
Campground and ferry reservations required year-round.
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