Backpacker Magazine: California: Backpacking and Camping Trips, Hikes, Adventures, Topo Maps, Aerial Photos.

San Francisco: Limantour to Sunset Beach

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
Traverse rolling coastal hills with seabird-friendly estuaries and ranching history on this 14.8-mile out-and-back in Point Reyes. See seals and whales, too.

Pacific Crest Trail: CA Section 18

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
LANDERS MEADOW to WALKER PASS: Begin the long ascent into the Sierras through the pinyon forests and cholla clumps of the Scodie Mountains on this 38.7-mile leg. In spring, wildflowers bring color to the arid gray-green landscape.

Joshua Tree National Park: Lost Horse Mine

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
Explore a desert moonscape of otherworldly cacti on this 4.2-mile hike to an abandoned gold prospect. Take plenty of water and sunscreen.

Los Angeles: Satwiwa to Tri Peaks

BACKPACKER Review
A stiff 2,300-foot climb rewards you with monster views and a waterfall swim on this 8.8-mile out-and-back in the Santa Monica Mountains.

San Francisco: Hazelnut Loop

BACKPACKER Review
This easy 4.2-mile loop is the perfect sunset hike, thanks to sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Keep an eye out for foraging rabbits and deer.

Los Angeles: Bear Canyon Loop

BACKPACKER Review
This 6.5-mile loop passes through sage, chaparral, and oak groves to a high plateau with panoramic views of the Santa Ana Mountains.

American Discovery Trail (Northern Segment)

This trip will start on May 9th, 2009 from Joliet, IL and will include the entire American Discovery Trail (plan on doing a yo-yo). Full trail details can be found at: www.discoverytrail.org. My trail journal is located at: www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?trailname=8920

Hondo Canyon (part of Backbone Trail) above Malibu, CA.

This is a terrific downhill course offering you great views of Cold Creek Preserve, Malibu Canyon, Las Flores Canyon, and the Pacific Ocean. The trail passes by fossilized impressions of ancient shellfish in several large rocks. When the wildflowers are blooming, this course is fragrant and colorful.

King City, CA: Top Ride by Tom Ritchey

A Bicycling Magazine "Best Blend" ride, featured in the September 2008 issue.

Sam Merrill Trail to Echo Mountain

I did a short hike up to the Echo Mountain Resort and then directly back down.

Marble Mountain Trek

Six days and 64 miles across the northern end of Marble Moutains

San Diego - Volcan Mtn Preserve

West Coast Readers' Choice Hikes

BACKPACKER Review
The world's prettiest shoreline, giant pines, and Yosemite's premier view.

West Coast Readers' Choice Hikes: Kalalau Trail, HI

BACKPACKER Review
Hike Hawaii's all-world coast to a secluded beach.

Your Favorite Places: Readers' Choice Trips 2010

BACKPACKER Review
Who knows the secret trails and must-do classics in every corner of the country? Our teams of regional experts, recruited from the ranks of readers like you. Here are their top hikes from coast to coast.

West Coast Readers' Choice Hikes: The Ruby Crest Trail, Humboldt NF, NV

BACKPACKER Review
Explore lonely alpine scenery in this off-the-radar wilderness.

West Coast Readers' Choice Hikes: Thru-hike the John Muir Trail, CA

BACKPACKER Review
Trek 211 miles through hiker heaven.

West Coast Readers' Choice Hikes: California's Giant Sequoias, Sugarbowl Loop, Kings Canyon NP

BACKPACKER Review
Take a lightly trafficked trail into the word's biggest grove.

Don't Pay at the Pump: Bus to the Trail

BACKPACKER Slideshow
Follow Dan Koeppel and photographer Michael Darter as they jump a magic bus in L.A. and camp in Angeles National Forest. You may never drive again.

August 2008 Reader Photos

BACKPACKER Slideshow
Waterfalls and sunsets rule in this summer batch of BACKPACKER reader photos.

May 2008 Reader Photos

BACKPACKER Slideshow

Santa Cruz Island Adventure

BACKPACKER Slideshow
Associate editor Shannon Davis's photo diary of his hiking and paddling trip to Santa Cruz Island.

Channel Islands National Park

BACKPACKER Slideshow
View photographer Michael Darter's outtakes from his trip to Santa Cruz island for the July Adventures story "Return of the Natives" (Photos by Michael Darter, www.michaeldarter.com)

Channel Islands Adventure

BACKPACKER Video
Join associate editor Shannon Davis as he hikes and paddles through Channel Islands.

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Photos + Videos

Layering 101: Dressing for Winter Camping & Hiking Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter demonstrates the basics of upper body layering for cold weather hiking and camping.	Gear Test: Exped Alpine Trekking Poles Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter reviews the Exped Alpine...from the base of the Eiger.