Top 10 Places to Go Winter Backpacking in California (Without Snow)
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If you’re looking for a winter backpacking adventure in California but don’t want to deal with snow camping, there are plenty of options.
California’s coastal and desert regions often have mild weather during the winter and can make for the perfect getaway.
Seeing how California is so geographically large, I’ve broken the list into 2 sections – Northern California and Southern California.
Here are the top ten places to go winter backpacking in California without snow:
Best Winter Backpacking in Northern California
Northern California is home to rugged coastlines, redwood forests, and temperate rain forests. My list of favorite places is extensive and hard to narrow down, but here are top 5 locations for winter backpacking without snow.
1) Lost Coast Trail Backpacking
This 26-mile stretch of coastline is only accessible by foot or by boat, making it the perfect place to get away from it all.
Located along the coast of Humboldt and Mendocino counties, in the King Range National Conservation Area, the trail is point-to-point with a max elevation of about 160 feet above sea level.
Many complete this backpacking trail in about 3 days, and you will need a permit. Reservations are available starting October 1st of the year prior. They go fast, so plan accordingly.
With its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, The Lost Coast is a truly unique place. The local wildlife includes bears (bear canisters are required), deer, seals and sea lions.
A word of warning …. You will be hiking on the beach and sand in certain sections. Always be aware of the tide, and never turn your back on the ocean. You never know when there is a going to be a rogue wave.
2) Point Reyes Backpacking
Point Reyes National Seashore is located just north of San Francisco and offers miles of hiking trails with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
The weather is often mild here, and with its proximity to the city, it is quite popular. Be sure to reserve your permits in advance.
The Coast Trail to Wildcat Camp is about 11 miles out and back, fairly flat, and mostly mild in the winter. From Wildcat Camp, the Alamere Falls makes for an ideal 1-mile day hike. Just be sure to do this hike at low tide.
You may see deer along the way, and keep your eyes peeled for my personal favorite, the banana slug!
It can get muddy in winter, depending on recent weather, so plan accordingly.
Note – please watch out for poison oak off the trail – it’s very common. Just remember, leaves of three, let them be. Getting an itchy, blistering rash from poison oak is NOT fun – I can attest to that. Avoid it at all costs.
3) Big Basin Redwoods State Park Backpacking
Big Basin Redwoods State Park, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, is home to some of the tallest trees on Earth. The park has over 80 miles of trails to explore, and its scenic beauty is unmatched.
If you are looking for more of a forest trip, versus rugged coastal, Big Basin is a great option.
Unfortunately, due to the 2020 Wildfire, there was extensive damage. Although a majority of the facilities burned, the forest is now in recovery and I still wanted to include this section of land on this list. It will bounce back, and backpacking here will presume.
Be sure to check current status before attempting a trip to Big Basin.
4) Henry Coe State Park Backpacking
Located east of San Jose, Henry Coe State Park is the largest state park in Northern California, with 87,000 acres of terrain. With over 86 miles of trails, it’s a great place to explore on foot!
Filled with oak trees and tall grass, you are sure to find some trail serenity during the winter months. Deer, coyotes, and wild turkey all call Henry Coe home, and you may even catch a glimpse of a bobcat or two – if you are lucky.
A classic Henry Coe backpacking trail is the 9-mile China Hole Trail loop. Winter is an ideal time to hike this trail, as there isn’t much shade, and the water dries up in the summer. You may have a creek crossing, depending on the recent weather, so bring trekking poles for more stability.
5) Big Sur Backpacking
Big Sur is one of the most popular tourist destinations in California, and for good reason. The scenery is simply breathtaking, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore. You will access Big Sur via the iconic Highway 1. The views are unmatched and some of the best in the country.
If you are yearning for snow free winter hiking, and are coming from the central coast of California, Big Sur is my most favorite option. While living in San Luis Obispo, I made a point of hiking this coastline as often as I could.
Big Sur is quite accessible from the Bay Area, and surrounding communities, as well.
The most popular hike is the Sykes Hot Springs via Pine Ridge Trail. The trail is just over 19 miles long, and can be challenging for many. The hot springs – more like warm springs – are a nice little reward after a long hike.
Do remember, if you are coming from northern or southern California, the amenities along highway 1 are slim, so stock up before you go.
Best Winter Backpacking in Southern California
Southern California is not just about the beaches, neighborhoods, and tacos (well, maybe the tacos). There are some amazing forests, desert national parks, and countless trails to discover.
Yes, it does snow in southern California, but the mild weather also makes for some amazing snowless winter backpacking trips.
Here is my narrowed down list of the top 4 places for the top snow free winter backpacking destinations in southern California.
6) Los Padres National Forest Backpacking
With almost 2 million acres on the Los Padres National Forest, there are countless trails to explore.
Matilija Falls Trail, accessible via Ojai, is a great 9.5 mile out and back winter backpacking trail. It starts off fairly easy, but does get a bit more challenging along the way, with a total of 1,200 feet of elevation gain.
As with other winter options, the recent weather will determine how wet the trail may be, and may cause for some deeper creek crossings. I usually bring trekking poles for any trails that require fording a stream.
7) Death Valley Backpacking
Most people think of Death Valley National Park as the hottest place on earth, which it is. With that said, the best time to explore this park is winter!
Backpacking in Death Valley can be challenging, as the trails are not necessarily marked very well. But with the right skills you will experience some amazing solitude, countless stars, and some stunning desert landscape.
The Cottonwood – Marble Canyon Loop trail is an epic adventure. At 32 miles round trip, with 5,600 feet of elevation gain, it is a doozy. Along the way you will see slot canyons, narrows, and possibly some wild horses.
Death Valley National Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Park, and the stars in Death Valley are unreal. This is reason enough to be one of the best national parks to visit.
Due to the remoteness, please ensure you have prepared and packed accordingly.
8) Joshua Tree Backpacking
Another fantastic snow free winter backpacking option is in Joshua Tree National Park. The summers are indeed scorching hot, making winter the most ideal time to explore.
Reservations and permits are not required, but you must sign in before hitting the trial. No campfires are allowed, unless you are in a designated campground with a fire ring. And always abide by the ‘leave no trace’ rule.
One of the most popular, and challenging, backpacking trails is the 8-mile point to point Boy Scout Trail. As with most desert hiking, the trail is exposed. Please bring sun protection, yes even in the winter, and plenty of water!
Joshua Tree is also one of the International Dark Sky Parks in California, and at night you will be treated to endless stars.
9) Mojave National Preserve Backpacking
Winter backpacking in Mojave National Preserve isn’t the most common, as Death Valley and Joshua Tree usually take the limelight. The area is a vast and empty place, and sometimes feels otherworldly (is that a word?). But it is certainly worth a mention – especially if you are trying to avoid snow.
There are no permit requirements, and only a few established trails – so it’s kind of like a ‘choose your own adventure’ camping trip. Be sure to carry a good map, have some experience with navigation, and be self-sufficient.
You can hike and set up camp anywhere, so long as it’s further than:
- ¼ mile from a paved road or the Zzyzx Road
- ½ mile from Kelso Depot
- ¼ mile south of Kelso Dunes access road.
One word of warning for desert camping, never set up camp in a dry wash area. Flash floods can happen, and that is the last place you want to be.
Best Unique Winter Backpacking in Southern California
Northern and Southern California both have so amazing snowless winter backpacking options, providing backcountry bliss while waiting for the Sierra snowmelt.
There is however one more trail that deserves a highlight – and while yes it is in Southern California, it deserves a section all of its own.
A unique and expansive backpacking trail in Southern California is the Trans Catalina Trail, on the Santa Catalina Island.
10) Trans Catalina Trail Backpacking (TCT)
The Trans Catalina Trail is a long distance trail that runs the length of Santa Catalina Island. The island is home to a variety of terrain, from coastal cliffs to inland mountains. Winter is highly recommended as the best time to hike the TCT, as the ocean breeze will keep you cooler as there is minimal shade.
The trail is roughly 38 miles, and most backpackers complete the trek in 2-5 days.
With an elevation gain throughout this point to point trail clocking in at 7,900 feet, it should only be attempted by those with ample fitness level.
You will start from the Avalon Ferry, and depart from the Two Harbors Ferry, and permits are required for overnight camping.
There are five campsites along the trail – Hermit Gulch, Black Jack, Little Harbor, Two Harbors, and Parsons Landing – and no backcountry camping is allowed. You must stay at the designated campgrounds, and each one will require a reservation.
Many of the campgrounds will show a required 2 night minimum. If you are backpacking the TRT, you are able to call 310-510-4205 to get the 2 night requirement waived.
Wild Bison roam Catalina and are not to be messed with. If you give them plenty of space, they will leave you alone. I have seen far too many tourists insist on photos, and they will charge you. And don’t think they are slow due to their size – these guys can MOVE! Be smart. Be respectful. Bison are wild animals, leave them be.
Which ever trail you choose, always be sure to be prepared. Check recent weather before you depart, have permits printed and in your backpack, and bring PLENTY of water.
SUMMARY – Best Winter Backpacking in California
Looking for best winter backpacking trails in California?
The top 5 Northern California winter backpacking locations are:
- Lost Coast Trail
- Point Reyes
- Big Basin Redwoods State Park
- Henry Coe State Park
- Big Sur
The Top 5 Southern California winter backpacking locations are:
- Los Padres National Forest
- Death Valley National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Mojave National Preserve
- Tran Catalina Trail
Whichever location you choose, always remeber to check the weather prior to departure, pack plenty of water, and have your maps and permits in a convenient location. And most importantly – have fun!
