California leads the Strava rankings of the best hiking locations in the U.S.

California Dominates Hiking Trail Rankings

California’s stunning mountains and coastal paths are truly impressive. In fact, they make up half of the top 10 most popular hiking trails in the U.S., as highlighted by a recent ranking.

Outdoor enthusiasts have been drawn to the state’s renowned trails, landing California at No. 5 among the best hiking destinations nationwide, according to data from fitness tracking app Strava.

As of June 11, Strava noted the influence of California on hiking culture in the U.S., emphasizing its significance.

The app, with nearly 200 million users, identified the top two hiking trails in the country as being located in the breathtaking Yosemite National Park.

Among these, the Mist/Muir Crossing Down Trail in the Sierra Nevada, with an elevation gain of around 500 feet, has gained the title of the most popular trail. This evaluation covers the period from April 30, 2025, to May 2026.

This trail stands out for its striking views of two prominent waterfalls, scenic spots along the Merced River, and unique perspectives of Yosemite Valley.

Hikers also have the option to take the John Muir Trail back from the top of either Vernal or Nevada Falls, although it’s a bit longer than the initial route.

The second most popular trail is, unsurprisingly, Half Dome, known for its iconic vistas. About 60,000 users were tracked on this challenging hike, which typically takes between 10 to 12 hours to complete, making it quite the adventure.

This round trip spans 14 to 16 miles, requiring hikers to ascend 4,800 feet to reach the summit. Standing approximately 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley, Half Dome is both a landmark and a major challenge for many hikers.

Ranked No. 8 is a hike in the East Bay Area near Fremont, referred to as Mission Peak Stanford Gate. It’s regarded as moderate to strenuous, with elevation gains exceeding 600 feet.