CA state park is top spot for hiking in 2026. Where to go for ‘spectacular views’
Looking for the best hiking in California?
Head to the oldest state park in the Golden State, according to the California State Parks Foundation.
The nonprofit organization recently named the winners of the 2026 Best of California’s State Parks poll.
The California State Parks Foundation is “dedicated to protecting and preserving the California state park system for the benefit of all,” the foundation said in a news release.
The California State Parks system has 280 park sites with 15,000 campsites and 5,200 miles of trails, according to the Reserve California website.
Find out which state park is the top destination for hikers:
Where is the best state park for hiking in California?
Big Basin Redwoods State Park was the No. 1 state park for hiking enthusiasts in 2026, according to the California State Parks Foundation.
Established in 1902, this scenic spot north of Santa Cruz showcases stands of “ancient coast redwoods in the heart of the Santa Cruz mountains,” California State Parks said.
Some of these evergreen “giants,” which are up to 1,800 years old, measure more than 50 feet around and stand tall as the Statue of Liberty, park officials said.
Spanning more than 18,000 acres, Big Basin Redwoods has more 100 miles of backcountry roads and trails with “spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean” and “many babbling brooks,” California State Parks said.
From easy loops and half day hikes, hikers can “pass through old-growth redwood forest, follow meandering creeks and climb to ridge top vistas,” California State Parks said.
According to the California State Parks Foundations, visitors rave about the park’s “accessible paths” and “peaceful atmosphere.”
“I’ll take a hike in the redwoods any day,” said K. Kunz, who participated in the California State Parks Foundation poll. “There’s nothing quite as humbling as those trees.”
What are other top spots for hikers in California?
Two state parks earned honorable mentions as top spots for hikers in 2026, according to the California State Parks Association.
One of the honorees was Jack London State Historic Park in Sonoma County.
Named after “Call of the Wild” author Jack London, whose grave and former home can be found on site, the park offers walking, hiking, biking, horseback riding and bird watching.
Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in Humboldt and Del Norte counties also got a shoutout.
This “sanctuary of old-growth coast redwood ... features ferns cascading steep canyon walls and meadows grazed by herds of Roosevelt elk,” California State Parks said.
Visitors can explore the park via three scenic drives, 75 miles of hiking trails, and a 19-mile bike loop.
How did California State Parks Foundation pick top spots?
In 2026, the foundation recognized state parks in 24 counties across the Golden State, encompassing urban, desert, coastal, woodland and historical parks.
To determine the honorees, the California State Parks Foundation surveyed more than 2,000 members, supporters and the public, and asked them to vote for their favorite parks for 12 categories.
Voters picked the best state parks for camping, hiking, day trips and dog-friendly adventures, among other categories.
“Many of the survey participants also sent in photos and shared their personal stories and memories about why these parks are special,” the foundation said in its release.
