Don't Go Off the Beaten Trail: Hiking Guides for California

(Photo: Library of Congress. Glacier Point in Yosemite, 1902)

If you got Wild fever this year when Cheryl Strayed's book became a feature film, and want to head out into the wilderness, you may find the Pacific Crest Trail (which starts at Campo, California and ends at the Canadian border -- a solid 2,663 miles) more than a bit grueling. Below are four great sites for hiking options across the state of differing lengths (from an hour to days long) and altitudes (beach side to mountain peaks), and some tips on what you'll need to bring.

AllTrails
The Facebook of hiking sites, users share reviews, photos, and tips. Check out the California page for the most popular hikes in the state.

Every Trail
Another site sharing reviews and photos, I tend to find the hikes on Every Trail gravitate towards a  destination -- a mountain peak, a waterfall, the ocean -- which are great markers for day hikes.

California Coastal Trail
If you want to stay near the coast, this site has some good information on trail locations and lengths.

Trails
This site lets you search for trails in proximity to a given city, and narrows it down by trails for hiking, trail running, snow shoeing, and more.

If you're looking to take a longer hiker (days), I suggest talking with a guide at REI (just walk in) or another mountaineering-equipped store to let you know what you'll need before you hit the path. I'll also leave you with this tidbit -- don't underestimate the power of a good bear hang (they work against micro bears too).

For day hikes, make sure you've taking into account the weather of the area you'll be hiking in -- and how it could change (altitude, rain in the forecast, etc.), and pack water (two, full-sized water bottles are what I bring for an all-day hike), a protein-leaning snack and small lunch, a wind proof/water proof jacket, and a good pair of hiking boots (don't let an all-day hike be the first time you've worn them -- you'll be crying by the end of it), and sunscreen (spring for the sunscreen chapstick too, you'll be glad you did).

Happy trails.