When it comes to outdoor recreation, few states boast the biodiversity and sheer size of accessible terrain that California can. With 840 miles of coastline and over 14,000 designated areas protected by public agencies and non-profits—including nine national parks spanning over 6.2 million acres, 17 national forests covering over 20 million acres, and 300 state parks totaling 1.3 million aces—finding public land to explore is easy. It’s doing so while avoiding crowds that’s the real trick.
With this in mind—not to mention a nationwide urge to get out and explore more after being cooped up for two plus years now—it’s best to plan a ways ahead. The following five zones each offers a unique backpacking experience, whether going out for a weekend for an extended trek. Click through to access insider tips, 35mm film photography, and dos & font’s for visiting.
[Editor's Note: For adventures closer to home, check out our new guide to the best day hikes in Los Angeles and our favorite local's guide to camping in the Eastern Sieera.]