While many people think of the Golden State as a place to enjoy beautiful beaches for surfing and sunbathing, California is also a hiker’s paradise. Whether you want to hike along the coast, through the Redwoods, soaring mountains, alongside a rushing river, or around a lake, it offers something for everyone. From famous lakes like Tahoe to the desert, national parks and spectacular stretches of sand, you’ll find miles and miles of scenic options to choose from. These vacation rentals put you close to some of the best for the perfect hiking escape.
Modern Cabin with Spa, Fire Pit and BBQ - Big Bear
Big Bear Lake is ideal for hiking, with trails that bring gorgeous waterfront and forest views. This luxury one-bedroom cabin is one of the coziest cabin Airbnbs in the U.S. While it has a rustic cabin atmosphere, it includes modern luxuries, like an outdoor hot tub for soothing those sore muscles afterward. You’ll also have a wrap-around deck with a BBQ, and cable TV with premium channels. It has a large living room, a wood-burning stove with wood supplied and accommodates up to four guests.
Luxury Tent at Saddle Mountain Ranch - Carmel By the Sea
If you want beaches and mountains, this luxury tent is a popular glamping spot in California and it also makes a perfect base for hiking. It’s located in beautiful Carmel By the Sea along the central coast of California and provides access to the amenities at Saddle Mountain Ranch campground. That includes scenic hiking trails, including one that leads to a 360-degree vista of the ocean and mountains, a seasonally heated pool, and access to community restrooms and hot showers. Tents include Wi-Fi a comfy bed, indoor and outdoor seating, a fire pit and a BBQ. You’ll also be just a short drive from world-class restaurants, boutiques and shops in picturesque Carmel.
Dome in the Desert in Joshua Tree - Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree National Park offers spectacular desert hikes that lead to everything from impressive rock formations to oasis’ with waterfalls and plenty of bizarre trees and plants. By staying at this bohemian dome you’ll have easy access to the park while being able to come back and enjoy the incredible views of a brilliant night’s sky – this one of the top spots for stargazing in the country. It includes a natural wood-burning stove, space heaters and A/C, antique books and games. Plus you’ll enjoy the comforts of home like Wi-Fi and a kitchen.
House Near Joshua Tree National Park/Pioneertown - Yucca Valley
Another great option for hikes in Joshua Tree National Park, El Agave Ranch is set on 1.5 acres and offers two bedrooms for up to six guests, just a 10-minute drive to the park entrance and 15 minutes for fun nightlife in Pioneertown. After a day out trekking come back and unwind on the comfy furniture near the wood-burning fireplace, and make your own meals in the fully-stocked kitchen. You’ll have a fabulous outdoor living space too, with opportunities for alfresco dining and a hammock for relaxing in your desert oasis.
Rustic Retreat - Yosemite National Park
This three-bedroom home is located in a community of vacation rentals that sit right inside the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park, renowned for its amazing trails that lead to breathtaking mountain, waterfall and wildlife views. It accommodates up to 10 guests and has a living room with a stone fireplace, heated tile floors in the kitchen and bathrooms, and large picture framed windows that showcase the stunning views. The kitchen has high-end appliances, while the living room and each of the bedrooms have their own flat-screen satellite SmartTVs. The upstairs bedroom even boasts a view of Wawona Dome. Other highlights include a washer/dryer, jetted spa tub and Wi-Fi.
Goat Farm and Ocean Views - Big Sur
This two-bedroom cabin for four is located in the heart of beautiful Big Sur, offering the chance to stay on a private working ranch with goats, horses, cows, sheep and chickens while also enjoying ocean views. There are scenic walks throughout the property and you’ll be just 1.5 miles from Pfeiffer State Park with its world-famous purple sand beach. A myriad of hikes can be enjoyed through the trees and along the coast. It comes complete with a full kitchen and bathroom, washer /dryer, and Wi-Fi.
Sierra Sky Retreat by Canyon Lodge Lifts - Mammoth Lakes
While this retreat is ideal for skiers, located near the Canyon Lodge Lifts, it’s perfect for hiking during the warmer months too, with a wide range of options nearby. The Mammoth Lakes Trail System provides unique experiences in the Eastern Sierra, from volcanic craters and riparian areas to high-desert sage and beyond. The two-bedroom condo includes high-end furniture and gorgeous hardwood floors, a fireplace, modern amenities, and breathtaking mountain views, along with all the usual comforts.
The Requa House - Klamath
Close to the redwood forest with miles and miles of fantastic hikes – from coastal to redwood treks, this enchanting three-bedroom home sits along the spruce trees offering ocean views and is so close to the waves, you can let them lull you to sleep each night. It includes Wi-Fi, a soothing hot tub for soaking under the stars, a kitchen, dining room, and access to laundry facilities.
Dunsmuir River Retreat - Dunsmuir
This home is only 50 feet from the Sacramento River, just a few minutes from downtown Dunsmuir, near Mount Shasta and national forest for access to a wealth of beautiful hikes. It includes three bedrooms, accommodating six, along with a spacious living room, a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area, full bathroom, and laundry room. There’s a door off the living room that accesses a fenced backyard with a deck, hot tub, table, and outdoor seating too.
Luxury Log Cabin, Mariposa
This luxury log cabin is is just 10 miles from the southern entrance of Yosemite National Park, set on 40 private acres with scenic hiking trails, meaning you’ll have immediate access on the property and close by in the park. Its original log Great Room has a century-old history, but it includes plenty of modern conveniences throughout. There are three flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, complimentary Netflix movies in the living room, a stone fireplace and a kitchen with an old-style farmhouse feel. Outside there’s a BBQ, picnic table and firepit, with plenty of room for the kids to ride bikes.
