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Although many people make it a destination for summer trips, California is a great destination for winter trips too! Believe it or not, one of the best activities to do during the colder months in California is hiking. California offers some of the best winter hikes you'll find anywhere. The region's climate creates the perfect conditions to get outdoors and stay active during the winter months. To make it even better, the state has a wide range of hiking trails perfect for hikers of every skill level.
We've compiled a list of some of California's best hiking trails to visit in the winter. Read on to learn more about these must-visit hiking spots!
The Citrus Interpretive Trail in the California Citrus State Historic Park is an easy, popular trail you can enjoy even on a quick trip. This loop trail is a great way to catch some time outside, even if you only have a little to spare.
Be sure to stop by the park's visitor center and try the various citrus fruits that grow in the area.
If you want breathtaking waterfall views, hike the McCloud River Falls Trail. This longer path takes you past three waterfalls, black basalt cliffs and canyons of cooled lava. The captivating and unique scenery makes this one of the best winter hiking spots in California.
The trail provides easy access to all three waterfalls so you can appreciate their breathtaking views.
A moderately challenging hike on the Middle Peak Loop Trail at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is an excellent choice when you want to spend more time outside. When you hike this popular Southern California trail in the winter, you will be surrounded by beautiful snow-covered mountains and have a gorgeous view of Lake Cuyamaca.
This loop trail includes shaded and unshaded areas. Its grade isn't overly steep, making the path manageable for hikers of all levels.
Try the Malibu Lake Trail at Malibu Creek State Park the next time you want a moderately challenging hike.
Malibu Creek State Park is one of the best places to hike in California in December, offering stunning volcanic gorges, peaceful pools and incredible canyon views.
Consider the Snow Creek Trail when you want to add a more challenging winter hike to your outdoor getaway.
The trail starts at Mirror Lake Trailhead and continues to the Snow Creek Footbridge. The path has areas of rocky terrain and sand, so be sure to bring proper footwear. If you're up for the challenge, you'll get to take in beautiful vistas of granite landforms and snowy peaks. It’s truly a sight to behold, and the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel after completing this trail is second to none. We can’t truly emphasize how much we recommend this trail for experienced hikers in search of the best winter hiking in California.
If you're eager to experience winter hiking in Southern California, Boulevard / Cleveland National Forest KOA Holiday is an excellent place to start. With close proximity to several popular trails and many enjoyable amenities, you'll find everything you need to make your stay memorable. Start planning your next winter hiking trip by reserving a campsite with us today!
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.