If you’re up for some stunning fall hikes but don’t want to make a day-long commitment, you can find plenty of trails in Northern California. These Northern California fall trails are easily manageable hikes, each under five miles, won’t demand all your time and energy but will reward you with spectacular autumn views. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, these trails offer a chance to witness the beauty of the changing season within a few hours. Plus, no matter where you’re based in NorCal, there’s bound to be one of these hikes nearby.
This 3.1-mile out-and-back trail located near Occidental, California, offers a delightful journey to the Badger Hill Vista. Open year round, this trail is moderately challenging and typically takes nearly two hours to complete. The trail is unmarked, but it's an established route that leads hikers to beautiful views of the Willow Creek Watershed.
Discover this 4.1-mile out-and-back trail near South Lake Tahoe. Maggie's Peaks have amazing vantage points to view Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, Granite Lake, and Desolation Wilderness. The two main peaks sit at an elevation of around 8,500 feet. This hike is considered a challenging route, mostly due to the climb in elevation. This is a very popular area so you'll likely encounter other people while hiking. Bring your pup, but it must be on a leash.
This beautiful hike in Mount Tamalpais Watershed goes 3.4-miles up Mount Tam, through the forests, and past babbling creeks. At the top you can take in beautiful views of the Bay Area. Bay Area locals love this short yet challenging hike that takes less than two hours to complete.
Embark on a captivating journey along the Mindego Trail, nestled near La Honda, California. This 4.8-mile out-and-back trail presents a moderate challenge, typically requiring about two and a half hours to traverse. It can be pretty hot in the summer months due to the amount of sun exposure on the trail, so this is a great hike to enjoy during the cool fall months. On this trail hikers will experience beautiful views of the mountains, valley, and the stunning coastline.
Experience the thrill of conquering the Lassen Peak trail! Tackling the highest peak in the park allows you to stand atop an active volcano. Notably, both Mount Lassen and Mount St. Helens stand as the only volcanoes in the United States to erupt during the 20th century. This captivating 4.9-mile out-and-back adventure is located near the town of Mineral. This route is considered a challenging undertaking, typically demanding around 3-4 hours to complete. Offering year-round accessibility, this trail treats you to timeless beauty no matter when you visit. However, you should plan your hike for early fall, before the first snowfall blankets the area. Keep in mind that the 30-mile park highway closes for through traffic during the snow season, usually spanning from approximately November through April. You can still access the trails within Lassen Volcanic National Park, albeit possibly requiring skis or snowshoes.
Experience this 4.9-mile out-and-back trail near Tulelake. The summit offers amazing panoramic views of the Sierra and White Mountains, and the unique trail is quite an experience. The Glass Mountain Trail is covered in obsidian glass, making this trail really beautiful yet slightly treacherous due to the loose rocks. This moderately challenging route takes an average of two and a half hours to complete. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas, but be advised the trail is mostly broken obsidian glass and could hurt a dog's paws.
This 4.4-mile out-and-back trail, located near Gustine, invites you to enjoy the perfect blend of sunshine and cool autumn weather. As you hike along the exposed path, the trail's popularity during the fall season ensures that you bask in the sun's rays without risking overheating. Enjoy beautiful views of green rolling hills as you hike through Pacheco State Park. This moderately challenging route typically takes around two hours to complete. With the added bonus of encountering few other hikers, you can immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings.
And there you have it—seven short-and-sweet hikes in Northern California that lead to incredible views. These hikes, all under five miles, show that you don’t need to embark on an epic adventure to enjoy nature. As the leaves turn and the air crisps, these trails provide the perfect opportunity to experience the outdoors, all while fitting into your schedule. Plan on taking these hike this fall. Not only can you enjoy the changing of the seasons, but cool fall weather is an ideal time to hike some of the more sun exposed trails that would be too hot during the summer months. You don’t need to bring much more short hikes, but if you’re new to hiking educate yourself on the basic you’ll need to bring.
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