August 13, 2023 - Guides to Cycling and Hiking in California

Trails provide access to mountain lakes, wildflower-covered meadows, cascading streams, forests, lakes, waterfalls, scenic views, wildlife & more. Urban hiking and backpacking adventures in California from breathtaking coastal walks to wine country cycling to backcountry treks. One-day hikes to overnight backpacking and camping trips.

Best Day Hikes California

Stretch your legs away from the city by picking a hike that works for you, from just a couple of hours to a full day, from easy to hard. Explore Yosemite, marvel at redwoods, and hike the coast. Get to the heart of California and begin your journey now! Highlights for hikers, kid-friendly hikes, accessible trails and what to take.

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Hiking and Cycling the California Missions Trail

Guidebook to hiking or cycling the 800-mile California Missions Trail between San Francisco Bay and San Diego.

Rail-Trails California: The Definitive Guide to the State’s Top Multi-Use Trails

Take in the Southern California sunshine on the smooth Bayshore Bikeway. Enjoy sandy beaches, sea lions, and shopping along the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Travel between two artificial lakes on the Crystal Springs Regional Trail or between two dams on the Sacramento River Rail Trail. Find public art, a Japanese garden, and a wildlife preserve along the Orange Line Bike Path. Experience the varying personalities of the 25-mile Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail. Whether you’re on feet or wheels, you’ll love the variety in this collection of multi-use trails!

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California Bucket List Adventure Guide: Explore 100 Offbeat Destinations You Must Visit!

California is rich in picturesque landscapes that’ll leave you breathless. As you travel the distance from North to Central California and then all the way down the Pacific Coast to the border of Mexico, you’ll have the time of your life getting lost in the Golden State’s immersive beauty. From natural wonders like Whiskeytown Falls, to the famous streetcars of San Francisco, and the amazing Mojave Desert, California just begs to be explored!

Northern California Hiking

Each hike is marked with round-trip distance and hiking time and rated for scenic beauty and trail difficulty.

Timberland Men’s Anti-Fatigue Hiking Waterproof Leather Mt. Maddsen Boots

50 Hikes with Kids California

Explore beaches, deserts, mountains, and forests. Scavenger hunts for every hike make it fun for families to learn about the region’s geology, flora, and fauna.

6 Pack Family 2 Way Radios Walkie Talkies with Earpiece and Mic

The portable PTT walkie-talkies are perfect for outdoor adventures, such as camping, hiking, hunting, boating, fishing, skiing and so on.

Hiking Activity Book for Kids: 35 Fun Projects for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

Hiking is an amazing way for kids to explore the great outdoors and learn new things about the world around them. This book is filled with 35 hands-on hiking projects that encourage kids to get outside, gain important skills, and discover all the awesome lessons nature can teach them.

Timberland Unisex-Child Mt. Maddsen Waterproof Leather Hiking Boots

Timberland Women’s Norwood Waterproof Boots

Urban Hikes Southern California: A Guide to the Area’s Greatest Urban Hiking Adventures

From the iconic Pacific Coast to deep canyons full of stories to mountaintops with breathtaking views, explore the dramatic Southern California landscape without traveling deep into the backcountry. This book features easy-to-follow urban trails that allow hikers of all levels to discover the landmarks that shape the Golden state’s cities and towns.

Lightweight Travel Day Pack

Simple backpack for daily use or trips. Reflective strip design increases night security. Two side pockets to hold water bottles.

Hiking California’s Trinity Alps Wilderness

Each trail in the Trinity Alps Wilderness is a gift of backcountry beauty and solitude. Trek to pristine alpine likes or stroll along granite peaks. Escape civilization for a few hours or a few days and experience the best hikes the Trinity Peaks have to offer. Each concise hike description includes color photos, thorough directions, turn-by-turn directions and a detailed trail map. This guide covers everything you need to know to plan your outdoor adventure.

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Walkabout Northern California: Hiking Inn to Inn

Leave the car behind and go on a multi-day hiking adventure in Northern California. Cross the Sierra in the footsteps of pioneers, staying in cabins beside clear mountain lakes. Take a romantic stroll along the beautiful Mendocino Coast, and sample gourmet cuisine at inns overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Explore the hydrothermal landscapes in Lassen Volcanic National Park, where you can relax with a muscle-soothing soak in hot springs.

14 walks (or walkabouts) in the wilds of Northern California: along the Pacific Coast, through the Sierra Nevada Mountains, in the Cascades, and around the parklands of the San Francisco Bay.

Travel Backpack (Sharper Image). A must-have travel companion, the Travel Packable Backpack is the perfect bag to take along on your next journey.

Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Northern California

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail meanders north from California’s border with Mexico to the entrance of Manning Provincial Park in British Columbia, on the Washington State–Canada border. Details to help hikers plan and organize multi-night backpacks.

Timberland Men’s White Ledge Waterproof Hiking Boots

Timberland Women’s Ellendale Hiking Boots

Hiking Waterfalls Northern California

All waterfalls can be reached via a pleasant day hike (none more than 10-12 miles round trip) and are suitable for hikers of all ages. Whether you are looking for falls in your backyard, or seeking out cascades farther afield, this guide will take you there.

Hiking Waterfalls Southern California

A beautiful, full-color guidebook to more than 100 of the best waterfall hikes in Southern California.

Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Shoes

Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Suede Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Hiking with Kids Southern California: 45 Great Hikes for Families

This book will guide you to the best hikes with kids in Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, and Channel Islands national parks. This book will help you plan hiking adventures in the Southern Sierra, Central Coast, California Deserts, Los Angeles and surrounding areas, and San Diego County.

Yosemite Day Hikes and National Park Map

Plan a trip to a park with options for everyone, from multi-day backpack trips to short hikes in Yosemite Valley. 18 diverse hikes for all hiking enthusiasts.

Hiking Backpack with Rain Cover

Climbing California’s Fourteeners: Hiking the State’s 15 Peaks Over 14,000 Feet

From the southernmost peak of Mt. Langley to Mt. Shasta in the north, California’s fifteen peaks of 14,000 feet or more are some of the most challenging and beautiful mountains in the country. Over the past decade, the rise of endurance activities (including obstacle racing) and the popularity of reality television have increased the popularity of these daunting climbs (California’s Fourteeners have been featured on The Amazing Race, Man vs. Wild, and Django Unchained).

No matter the skill level, this book lays out the plans and logistics to allow every climber a positive experience. Each of the mountains are broken down based on the technical skills needed, a recommended list of gear and equipment, how to prepare for rapidly changing weather and trail conditions, and a general timeframe needed to reach each summit.

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The 80 Best Easy Hikes

From hikes just outside of San Francisco to long strolls in the Sierra Nevada, here are the 80 best easy day hikes in Northern California, perfect for aging baby boomers, seniors, those traveling with small children, and anyone else interested more in a stroll than a climb.

The Essential Guide to Hiking with Dogs: Trail-Tested Tips and Expert Advice for Canine Adventures

Furhaven Pop Up Playpen Pet Tent Playground

Hiking & Backpacking Santa Barbara & Ventura

Majestic waterfalls, sweeping vistas, granite-clad ridges, and hot springs―the southern Los Padres National Forest stretches across Southern California’s incomparable scenery. Plan a day hike, a weekend backpacking trip, or a deep backcountry journey.

Marmot Weekender Backpack (Sam’s Club). The Weekender Backpack is ideal for keepings essentials organized and dry for all your short trips. Water-resistant exterior. Two front zippered pockets. Top and Side padded carry handles. Exterior Water Bottle Pocket.

Pacific Coast Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops

Inn-to-Inn Walks in the United States: Featuring Seven Long-Distance Walks From Six States

With day-to-day descriptions, this book is richly illustrated with colored maps and dozens of photographs from the trails. So where will you go? Do them all! You only need to decide which walk will be the first.

California Coast (2 walks)
Maine’s Atlantic Coast
Massachusetts Appalachian Trail
Oregon Coast Trail
Vermont’s Small Towns
Virginia Appalachian Trail

You’ll plan your walk, reserve your accommodations in advance, load up your backpack, and set off. Each day you’ll wake up in a new town and walk to the next. Meeting locals and other hikers, enjoying the attractions and feeling the wind at your back, you’ll end in the next village in time to settle in, go out for a relaxing dinner, and get to bed early so you can do it all again tomorrow. There’s no vacation like it!

100 Classic Hikes: Northern California

The hikes range from moderate half-day walks to week-long backpacking trips in the top wild destinations, including:

* Desolation Wilderness and the Northern Sierra Nevada
* Lassen Volcanic National Park
* Mount Shasta and nearby peaks and lakes
* Trinity Alps Wilderness, Marble Mountain Wilderness, and Russian Wilderness
* Redwood National and State Parks
* Mendocino and Sonoma County coasts
* Bay Area and Wine Country hills

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Compact, agile and ready to face any adventure head-on.

Hiking California’s Desert Parks

Features 114 hikes of all levels in four California Desert Parks: Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Joshua Tree and Death Valley national parks, and Mojave National Preserve

SKYSPER Hiking Backpack

Hike the Parks: Redwood National & State Parks: Best Day Hikes, Walks, and Sights

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The RV Camping Bible

Find the perfect spot for your RV stay, whether you prefer amenities or a more rustic experience.

Discover the countless benefits of The RV Camping Bible. It’s time to take action and start your journey towards a lifetime of extraordinary experiences. Your dream adventure awaits. It’s time to hit the road!

Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Camping & Outdoor Survival Guide: 101 Tips, Tricks & Uses

Coleman Evanston Screened Camping Tent

Coleman RoadTrip Portable Grill

Day Hiking Trails of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley

JanSport Hatchet Travel Backpack

Dual side water bottle pockets

Hiking California’s Wine Country

67 hikes in the area for hikers of all abilities.

Top Trails: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks: 64 Must-Do Hikes for Everyone

The best selection of trips suitable for varied skill levels. The southern High Sierra, including Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and the surrounding John Muir, Jennie Lakes, and Monarch Wildernesses, is one of the most magnificent natural areas in the world.

The Hiking Handbook for Beginners: The 10 Step Guide to Hiking

Perhaps you are a passionate walker already, but you have not yet embraced the challenge of undertaking a hike. Or maybe you are nervous about going on your first hike, and you want to ensure you have all the information, guidance, and support possible before you do.

This book will teach you how to navigate with confidence and ensure you have all the right items with you on your hike. BUY NOW!

Venture Pal Ultralight Backpack

How to Poop in the Woods: And Other Backpacking Essentials for Women

When it comes to backpacking, beginners have lots of great questions:

What’s an ideal pack weight?
Is down better than synthetics for a sleeping bag?
Should your footwear be waterproofed?
How big of a tent do you need?
And how do you poop in the woods?

How to Poop in the Woods is just as funny and entertaining as it is practical and accessible—a tremendously valuable resource and guide for novice backpackers.

Hiking Yosemite National Park: A Guide to 62 of the Park’s Greatest Hiking Adventures

Hiking Yosemite National Park features everything from short strolls and day hikes to multiday backcountry treks, every one of which will treat you to some of the world’s most stunning scenery and allow you to get the most out of this remarkably diverse natural wonderland.

National Geographic Road Atlas 2024: Adventure Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]

Top 100 destinations for adventure, plus the top 24 most visited National Parks. Major cities and metropolitan areas are shown in detail with inset maps that include popular attractions, infrastructure and points-of-interest.

50+ Things to do on California’s Central Coast

If you’ve ever wanted to experience the beauty and wonder of California’s central coast, this travel guide has what you need to plan your next get away! This small but mighty travel guide includes the following:

The best beaches
Hiking trails
Scenic Drives
Wine Country of Edna Valley and Paso Robles
Marine Life viewing areas
Activities for travelers of all ages

Three Days in Central California’s Wine Country

World Tour Red Wine Collection. This 6-bottle set showcases the quintessential red varietals of the premier wine-producing regions of the world.

France: Chateau des Mille Anges
California: DeLoach Heritage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Spain: CVNE Vina Real Crianza
Australia: Yalumba Samuel’s Collection Barossa Shiraz
Italy: Il Molino di Grace Il Volano
Argentina: Zuccardi Q Malbec

A Local’s Guide to Exploring Wine Country: Sonoma County Wineries, Restaurants & Things to Do

This beautiful region of Northern California attracts visitors from around the world with its phenomenal wineries & stunning scenery.

Coastal Trails of Southern California

40 of the best coastal trails in Southern California including dog friendly beaches.

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Clarks Magnolia Moon Ankle Boots for Women. Weatherproof finish protects against the elements.

Climbing California’s Fourteeners: Hiking the State’s 15 Peaks Over 14,000 Feet

From the southernmost peak of Mt. Langley to Mt. Shasta in the north, California’s fifteen peaks of 14,000 feet or more are some of the most challenging and beautiful mountains in the country.

Lassen Volcanic National Park: Your Complete Hiking Guide

This essential guide features more than 90 daytime hikes and backpacking trips to popular destinations, such as Lassen Peak, Bumpass Hell, and Manzanita Lake, plus lesser-known areas like Boiling Springs Lake, Terminal Geyser, and Cinder Cone. In addition to Lassen Volcanic National Park, there are trips in the Hat Creek Reservation Area, the greater Susanville-Chester region, Warner Valley, Butte Lake, Drakesbad, and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park.

Sierra North: Backcountry Trips in California’s Sierra Nevada

The rush of trekking through nature, the thrill of experiencing new places, the reward of discovering beautiful sights—all of this awaits in the Sierra Nevada. The trips are organized around major highways and roads, so it’s easy to choose your next adventure. Just pick an area, drive there, and go hiking. 80 trips that range from quick overnighters to 11-day excursions.

Sierra South

This award-winning guide that features 80 meticulously selected trips, from new routes to old favorites. Traverse the stunning wilderness areas and national forests of the region, including Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, John Muir Wilderness, Ansel Adams Wilderness, and many more.

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Backpacking California

Discover 74 of California’s best and most diverse backpacking trips. Scenic escapes ranging from one night to two weeks, or 3 to 72 miles. Whether you’re a novice backpacker or a veteran hiker, an epic trip filled with spectacular scenery and superb vistas awaits.

Swimming Holes of California

Coleman Evanston Screened Camping Tent

Coleman RoadTrip Portable Grill

101 Great Hikes San Francisco Bay Area

Hikes range from short, flat routes suitable for families to day-long, steep treks for more ambitious hikers, with options to extend or shorten many routes.

San Francisco and Wine Country Pocket Guide: Top 10 Must-Do Travel Activities

Fodor’s Napa & Sonoma (Full-Color Travel Guide)

Wild Sonoma: Exploring Nature in Wine Country

Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain Bike

California Hiking: The Complete Guide to 1,000 of the Best Hikes in the Golden State

Pick the right hike for you, from breathtaking coastal walks to challenging backcountry treks, with options ranging from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips.

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4 Long Range Walkie Talkies

These portable walkie-talkies are perfect for outdoor adventures, such as camping, hiking, hunting, boating, fishing, skiing and so on.

California’s John Muir Trail: The Essential Guide to Hiking America’s Most Famous Trail

Stretching 220 miles from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney and onward to Whitney Portal, California’s famed John Muir Trail (JMT) is one of the most popular backpacking routes in the US. It passes through some of the most dramatic scenery in the country: massive granite peaks, dizzying waterfalls, pristine alpine lakes, and vibrant meadows filled with Sierra wildflowers. Plus, it offers the mildest, sunniest climate of any major mountain range in the world.

The John Muir Trail contains the information you need for hiking or backpacking the route, including campsites.

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Napa and Sonoma Travel Guide: Discover the Treasures of California’s Breathtaking Wine Country!

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the sun-kissed hills and lush vineyards of Napa and Sonoma, where wine-making traditions and breathtaking landscapes intertwine in perfect harmony. Napa and Sonoma Travel Guide beckons you to explore the heart and soul of California’s renowned wine country.

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