Since I started working at Lasting Adventures in 2015, backpacking as a hobby has steadily increased in popularity. Many new backpackers find themselves itching to thru-hike the trails they see in movies like “Mile… Mile & A Half” (2013) and “Wild” (2014). With diverse landscapes, a mild climate, easily accessible trails, and a wide variety of plant and animal species, California offers something for everyone. Many of its hidden gems have been overshadowed by the popularity of famous routes like the John Muir Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Tahoe Rim Trail. While those fan favorites have become so popular for a reason, below we will discuss three of the lesser-known thru-hike options in California that will rival their experience.
The Bigfoot Trail
The Bigfoot Trail is a rugged and beautiful long-distance hiking route in northern California. It stretches for over 360 miles from the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness in Mendocino County to the redwood forests of Crescent City, just west of Redwood National Park. The trail passes through some of the state’s most remote and wild areas, offering stunning views of northern California’s mountains, forests, and rivers. It even crosses briefly into Oregon.
The trail is named after the legendary creature Bigfoot (also known as Sasquatch), which is said to inhabit the region’s dense forests and wilderness. While the existence of Bigfoot remains a mystery, the trail offers hikers the opportunity to explore some of the wildest parts of California.
The Bigfoot Trail is not for the faint of heart. It is a challenging and rugged route requiring high physical fitness and outdoor skills. This relatively new trail has yet to be well-marked. Hikers must be prepared to navigate the tricky terrain using a map and compass, including steep climbs, rocky trails, and river crossings. However, those who are up for the challenge will encounter a variety of ecosystems and will also have the opportunity to see various wildlife, including black bears and elk.
Overall, the Bigfoot Trail is an incredible thru-hike adventure for experienced hikers who want to explore northern California’s wild and beautiful landscapes. While it requires high skill and preparation, the rewards are well worth the effort.
The Theodore Solomons Trail
Theodore Solomons is a conservationist credited with creating the famous John Muir Trail. In 1974, a parallel track named in his honor was developed to help reduce the traffic on the trail he conceived. The Theodore Solomons Trail, known as the TST, stretches over 270 miles from Horseshoe Meadow in Inyo County to Glacier Point in Yosemite.
Over the years, this thru-hike trail has fallen into disrepair, as the popularity of the John Muir Trail has kept it from gaining traction. The last guidebook was published in 1992 and is increasingly hard to find, but a small group of dedicated fans is working to keep the area maintained and mapped out.
This adventure is a classic example of the need for support to keep trails open and navigable. The John Muir Trail’s popularity means fewer people are looking for access to other routes, increasing the impact in those areas. Meanwhile, trails like the TST become more damaged each year until the option to use them to reduce foot traffic elsewhere is moot. If you get the chance to explore these lesser-known thru-hike routes, you are not only seeing something few people see but becoming part of preserving our wild spaces.
The Backbone Trail
The Backbone Trail is a 67-mile hiking trail that winds through the Santa Monica Mountains in Southern California, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding wilderness. The path was first conceived in the 1960s to protect the mountains from development and provide a way for people to experience the area’s natural beauty. The trail was officially completed in 2016 after decades of planning and construction, and it is now one of the premier hiking destinations in California. Hikers can thru-hike the entire trail over several days or simply hike a portion for a day trip. Along the way, they will encounter diverse landscapes, including oak woodlands, chaparral, and coastal sage scrub.
One of the highlights of the Backbone Trail is its stunning vistas. From the high ridges, hikers can see Santa Monica Bay to the south and the San Fernando Valley to the north. On clear days, the Channel Islands are visible in the distance. The trail also passes several historic sites, including old homesteads and movie sets. In addition to its natural beauty, the Backbone Trail offers a chance to learn about the area’s history and ecology. Interpretive signs along the trail provide information about the plants, animals, and geology of the Santa Monica Mountains and the history of the Chumash and Tongva people who once lived there.
Overall, the Backbone Trail is a must-visit destination for hikers and nature lovers in Southern California. Its stunning scenery, historical significance, and ecological diversity make it a truly unique experience that is not to be missed, making it a great hike-thru alternative to the John Muir Trail.
Bonus Thru-Hike: The El Camino Real, aka the California Mission Walk
For those who don’t feel that wilderness backpacking is right for you, here’s a more cultural opportunity that offers a similar sense of adventure.
The El Camino Real, also known as the Royal Road or the King’s Highway, is a historic route that runs through old Spanish California, connecting 21 Spanish missions and their surrounding settlements. In recent years, many people have taken up the challenge of walking the entire length of the El Camino Real, which spans over 600 miles, longer than the most popular version of the Camino de Santiago in northern Spain. Much like the Camino de Santiago, this trail draws people from all walks of life to explore a new place on foot.
Walking the El Camino Real is a unique experience that offers a glimpse into California’s rich history and diverse culture. The route passes through urban and rural landscapes, taking walkers through bustling cities, quaint towns, and beautiful countryside. Along the way, walkers will encounter numerous historic landmarks, such as the San Diego Mission, the Santa Barbara Mission, and the San Francisco de Asis Mission. Spanish Franciscan friars founded these missions in the late 1700s and early 1800s and were a central part of California’s history of colonization. In addition to the missions, walkers will encounter many other points of interest, including historic adobe homes, museums, and other wonders like the Golden Gate Bridge and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Walking the El Camino Real can be challenging, as the route covers a considerable distance and requires significant time and effort. However, for those who are up to the challenge, it can be an enriching experience.
Not only will walkers gain a deeper appreciation for California’s history and culture, but they will also have the opportunity to meet new people, experience different communities, and challenge themselves in ways they never thought possible. Overall, the El Camino Real is a unique and unforgettable adventure that offers a fascinating glimpse into California’s past and present.
Shorter Backpacking Options in Yosemite
California is a state full of wonderful things to see. Still, the rise of social media has tagged specific places as “bucket-list items,” limiting the California experience to a handful of locations. Don’t fall for it when planning your trip to Yosemite with Lasting Adventures. You will see that the trips labeled as “Guide Favorites” are the ones that require leaving the classic Instagram shots to explore areas that still hold onto the wild feel of the park. Check out these backpacking trips if you want to see the best of what it has to offer:
Post by William Heaps, Operations Director