California’s diverse landscapes make it a prime destination for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. From towering Redwoods to sweeping mountain vistas, this state offers an incredible variety of outdoor experiences. Whether you’re looking for a short, guided walk through ancient forests or an epic multi-day adventure, California has something for every explorer. We’ve selected the top tours that combine expert guides, unique landscapes, and memorable experiences. Our favorites include immersive Yosemite hikes, serene Redwoods walks, and even a bike and hike combo, all designed to give you a true taste of California’s outdoors.
One standout is the The Evolution of Yosemite: 3-Hour Hiking Tour, which offers a hands-on, intimate look at one of America’s most iconic parks. Meanwhile, the Redwoods Full-day Private Tour and Hike features a full day exploring California’s towering giants with expert naturalists. Whether you’re after a family-friendly stroll or a challenging summit, our list covers a broad spectrum of options to suit your interests and stamina. Read on to find out which tour is right for you.
1. The Evolution of Yosemite: 3-Hour Hiking Tour
This Yosemite hike is perfect for travelers eager to enjoy the park’s dramatic scenery in a short time. For just $140 per person, you get a 3-hour guided walk led by a certified wilderness responder, ensuring safety and expertise on every step. The tour covers Yosemite’s most famous sights—El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls—while providing insights into the park’s geological and natural history.
What sets this tour apart is its small group size, offering a personalized experience that feels more like exploring with a knowledgeable friend. The guide’s storytelling makes the park’s natural features come alive, helping you appreciate Yosemite beyond the postcard images. It’s ideal for those with limited time but a desire to experience Yosemite’s essence. Expect to stretch your legs, learn about the park’s formation, and enjoy sweeping vistas, all without the crowds.
Bottom Line: A compact, in-depth introduction to Yosemite’s iconic scenery, perfect for first-timers or anyone looking to get a quick but meaningful outdoor fix.
2. Prairie Creek State Park: Redwood Forest Hiking Tour
At number 2, this Redwood Forest hike offers a peaceful 3-hour stroll through some of the world’s tallest trees. Priced at $100 per person, it’s an easy, family-friendly walk suitable for all ages, especially small children. The hike covers just 2 miles on flat terrain, making it accessible and relaxing.
What makes this tour special is its focus on ancient, towering Redwoods in a less crowded setting. Your guide will point out notable giants, including some of the oldest growth forests in the world, and share stories about the trees’ ecological importance. Perfect for nature lovers wanting a gentle introduction to California’s impressive forest ecosystems, this tour encourages quiet reflection among giants that are thousands of years old.
Guests often mention how serene and accessible the trail is, making it ideal for families or those seeking a relaxed day in nature. You’ll walk through groves that seem to reach the sky and feel the cool shade of these ancient trees.
Bottom Line: An easy, scenic walk ideal for families and those new to Redwoods, offering a tranquil experience among some of the tallest trees on Earth.
3. Redwoods Full-day Private Tour and Hike
For a comprehensive Redwoods experience, the Full-day Private Tour and Hike provides an 8-hour journey led by Master Naturalists. This tour is priced at $899.75 per person and is tailored to your group’s interests and abilities. Your guide’s academic background ensures deep insights into the forest’s ecology, geology, and history.
The day includes visits to Lady Bird Johnson Grove, Trillium Falls, and the unique Fern Canyon, where you’ll don rainboots and explore a prehistoric wetland. A gourmet picnic lunch is included, making this a luxurious way to spend a day among towering Redwoods. The tour also features a walk around the Prairie Creek Foothill Trail Loop and a short but impressive walk through a grove of giant Sequoias and the famous Big Tree.
This personalized approach means each hike is adapted to your interest level — whether you want a leisurely walk or a more challenging trek. Though no reviews are listed, the emphasis on expert guides and rich itinerary make this ideal for serious nature lovers.
Bottom Line: An all-inclusive, immersive day for those eager to learn and explore California’s Redwoods with an expert team.
$899.75 per person
4. Mt Wilson Summit Adventure: Hike Up & Bike Down
This Mt Wilson adventure is a full-day thrill for active travelers. For $399 per person, you’ll start with a hike from Sierra Madre up the scenic Little Santa Anita Canyon, followed by a bike ride down a gravel road. The highlight is reaching the historic Mount Wilson Observatory, once home to the largest telescope in the world.
The hike takes roughly four hours and is suitable for those with a good fitness level, with a mix of shaded canyon walking and mountain ascent. After reaching the summit, you’ll enjoy lunch and visit the observatory, which is a fascinating stop for astronomy buffs. The biking portion adds an exhilarating element, with a downhill ride that offers spectacular views of Angeles National Forest.
This tour is best suited for adventurous souls who want a combination of hiking and biking in a relatively short, well-organized day. The logistics can be demanding, but the scenery and unique experience of reaching a historic observatory make it worthwhile.
Bottom Line: A high-energy, combined hiking and biking day perfect for active travelers looking for a full, memorable adventure.
$399.00 per person
5. Small Group Hike Through San Diego’s Heart and Soul
On the other coast, this San Diego hike offers a 3-hour walk through California’s most diverse ecosystem. Costing $64 per person, it’s an affordable, intimate experience limited to 10 people, allowing for personalized attention.
Guide Cypress shares stories about the region’s cultural and natural history, connecting Native American traditions, the Gold Rush, and native wildlife. The trail explores ecosystems that include coastal chaparral, wetlands, and patches of native forest. It’s a perfect choice for those interested in culture and ecology, with opportunities to spot wildlife and learn about local plant life.
This hike is suitable for most fitness levels and offers a refreshing change from the typical national park experience. It’s especially good for travelers interested in local history combined with nature.
Guests mention the guide’s engaging storytelling and small-group atmosphere, making it a relaxed, educational walk.
Bottom Line: An engaging, affordable option for those wanting to explore San Diego’s natural and cultural tapestry up close.
$64.00 per person
6. Yosemite Area: Big Sandy Guided Ride & Waterfall Hike
This mix of biking and hiking in Yosemite offers a 3-hour adventure for $350 per person. It combines a serene bike ride through the forest with a hike to discover hidden waterfalls and includes a swim in a natural pool. This tour is great for visitors who prefer active outdoor exploration while enjoying the park’s tranquility.
The guided bike ride takes you along scenic forest paths, and the subsequent hike leads to waterfalls often missed by visitors rushing through Yosemite. The guide enriches the experience with insights about local flora and fauna, making it educational as well as fun. Guests will also trek along a historic water diversion path, adding a touch of Yosemite’s engineering history.
Ideal for families or active couples, this tour balances light physical activity with relaxing moments and swimming. It’s a fantastic way to experience Yosemite without the strenuous hikes.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, outdoor adventure suited for those wanting a mix of biking, hiking, and swimming in Yosemite’s peaceful settings.
$350 per person
7. Yosemite Hike & Bike: Two Day Private Guided Adventure
This private, two-day Yosemite tour offers a customizable experience for $979 per person. It’s perfect for travelers who want to explore more deeply at their own pace. The tour includes bicycle rentals and flexible itineraries, allowing you to spend 4 to 8 hours exploring scenic trails and vistas.
Guided by a local, you’ll wander through Yosemite’s iconic landscapes, from waterfalls to meadows, with each day tailored to your interests and fitness level. The private nature of the tour means you can focus on the sights that matter most to you—whether that’s seeking out wildlife, visiting waterfalls, or simply enjoying the views.
This option is excellent for multi-day adventurers or groups who want a personalized experience away from crowds. It’s also a good value considering the multi-day format and inclusions.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private experience perfect for those who want to craft their own Yosemite adventure over a couple of days.
$979 per person
8. Yosemite: Mariposa Grove Guided Hike with Giant Sequoias
If you’re fascinated by Giant Sequoias, this 2.5-hour guided hike in Yosemite’s Mariposa Grove is a must. Priced at $300 per person, it’s an interpretive experience that takes you among trees that are up to 3,000 years old. You’ll visit the famous Grizzly Giant and other notable giants, learning about their history and ecology from your guide.
This tour covers about 5.5 miles, making it accessible for moderate hikers. What makes it stand out is the opportunity to see some of the world’s most impressive trees in a relatively short, guided trek. It’s especially great for families or anyone wanting a deep connection with Yosemite’s sequoia heritage.
Guests describe the experience as “breathtaking,” especially when standing beneath trees that have survived thousands of years. The tour is customizable, so you can focus more on specific trees or the forest’s ecology.
Bottom Line: An inspiring, manageable hike that immerses you in the ancient world of California’s Redwoods and Sequoias.
$300 per person
9. Yosemite Winter Wonderland: Guided Hiking or Snowshoeing
Experience Yosemite’s winter magic on this snowshoeing or winter hiking tour for $399 per person. Lasting six hours, it is a private, customizable trip that allows you to explore Yosemite’s snow-covered landscapes at your own pace.
Guides provide snowshoes and poles, making your trek smooth regardless of trail conditions. The tour visits iconic winter scenery, often avoiding crowds, and offers plenty of opportunities for photography. It’s a great choice for seasonal explorers who don’t mind the cold and want to see Yosemite in a different light.
The flexible itinerary suits all skill levels, and the calm, snowy vistas create a peaceful atmosphere. If you enjoy winter sports or want to experience Yosemite’s quieter season, this tour is a fantastic pick.
Guests mention how serene and beautiful the park looks under a blanket of snow, making this a truly unique adventure.
Bottom Line: An ideal winter experience that combines the tranquility of snow-covered Yosemite with the thrill of snowshoeing or winter hiking.
$399 per person
How to Choose the Right Hiking & Trekking Tour in California
When selecting your perfect outdoor adventure, consider your fitness level, interests, and time available. For a quick introduction, the Yosemite 3-hour hike offers a snapshot of the park’s highlights, while the Redwoods Full-day Private Tour suits those wanting an in-depth exploration with expert guides. Families or casual hikers may prefer the Redwoods Forest walk, which is gentle and accessible.
If you love combining activities, the Yosemite Bike & Waterfall tour balances biking and hiking, while the private Yosemite two-day adventure offers a customized, multi-day experience. For winter visitors, the Yosemite Snowshoeing tour provides a peaceful snow-covered landscape.
Booking early, especially for popular parks like Yosemite and Redwoods, ensures availability and the best experience. Consider the season, as some tours are seasonal (like winter snowshoeing), and check if your fitness level matches the activity.
Final Thoughts
California offers a remarkable range of hiking and trekking tours that cater to all interests and abilities. For breathtaking vistas and iconic landscapes, the Yosemite hikes are unmatched, while the serene Redwoods tours offer a peaceful retreat among giants. Adventure seekers will appreciate the Mt Wilson Summit Adventure, which combines hiking and biking in one day.
No matter your choice, booking early is advised—these tours fill up quickly, especially in high season. So grab your gear, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore California’s incredible outdoors.