solo backpacking california

The largest cost will definitely be your rental car, as it is unavoidable for a road trip. I have plenty of question but ill try to limit it. There are free places to camp that dot the coast, but they are rare and not always easy to get to. How about a laidback surf trip? If you want to ski in winter, but don’t want to break the bank, I can recommend Homewood – much smaller (and cheaper) than the other ski resorts around Tahoe. Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker. Try to limit or eliminate your consumption of plastic and single-use containers as much as possible. Check out Stinson Beach, Black Sands Beach (for a much more serene experience), and Bodega Bay for surf. The Mountains of California – The musings and ramblings of John Muir, one of the most famous and beloved naturalism in American history. The place boasts of a 46-mile trail that begins at the King’s Canyon. Don’t get your hopes up too much though, as availability is always limited. This may also be your largest expense (including gas) so try to plan a trip with a group, or at least one other person. Bliss Beach is another gem on the western shores. Shasta, Northern California has no shortage of diverse backcountry terrain. Half Dome, Yosemite: One of the most famous hikes in California is the Half Dome in Yosemite National Park. Definitely check out Avila Beach and Montaña de Oro. It would take hours to drive around it, and there are thousands of backcountry trails within Yosemite wilderness. Then again, I grew up in a small town. California wasn’t colonized nearly as fast as the east since it was so far away from Europe. You can even river raft down the Truckee weather. Some info first. I love reading about adventures people have on their own. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy. LA does epitomize California in a lot of ways – sunny, beautiful, and vibrant – but I always warn travelers that it’s pretty spread out and massive, and the infamous traffic makes everything feel even farther away. Even if you only end up using it once, a decent head torch could save your life. Partying in the big cities will almost always be expensive. Fourth of July: Celebrated with BBQs and fireworks across the nation, join in for a day of debauchery. In the winter, resorts like Squaw Valley and North Star are world famous for skiing and boarding. This is also where you’ll find the visitor center, Yosemite Village, which is where most people stay, and some of Yosemite’s most easy-going hikes. You’ll find ATMs at any bank, gas station, mall, or large shopping center. Look at a map, and any forest labeled wilderness is probably a good bet for getting away from crowds. Tastes best after a night of debauchery at 4am. Economy cars are also the most fuel efficient so you’ll save on gas. The JMT stretches from Yosemite to Sequoia over 211 miles. If you’re looking for a place to stay in San Diego, be sure to check out our SD hostel guide for some great tips and reviews! (Try to avoid weekends when crowds can be pretty awful.) Second, explore California’s nature instead. I also grew up in one of the “reddest” counties in California, so I can vouch that the typical “liberal California” stereotype does not hold true for the entire state. Grab a trail map and hike a section of the John Muir Trail for an ultimate adventure. Camping reservations sell out months in advance, as you’re still relatively close to the Bay Area. Any protected area is going to also require a permit, though again, it might be free. Please visit the link to find out how you can help keep the site going . Oakland’s Fox Theater is one of my favorite venues in Northern California. It’s about building relationships with the outdoors and each other. California is probably better known for its surfing, as the water is cold and not all that visible. Solo backpacking is something many people never even think of. Trust me, there’s nothing exciting in the mostly suburbia area of the Peninsula; I lived in Silicon Valley for work. This app is definitely for you. If you’re visiting in the winter, snowshoeing is another great option versus hitting the ski resorts. Basically, you should get away from the coast stretching from LA to SF to get off the beaten path, but even then there are plenty of hidden beaches and towns. I have traveled to a lot of places in my life, but nowhere is as diverse as California. Definitely, a must-do if you are visiting this part of California. Other epic festivals include multi-genre Outside Lands in SF for chill park vibes. I would fly into LA or OC, pick up your rental and head up north to the Central Coast. You can get MLB bench seats for as little as $10 sometimes. There are 21 missions along the coast that you can still visit today. The Sierras will be your playground. Music festivals include Outside Lands in August and the Blue Grass Festival in October (which is free!). Moreover, by exploring the coast and mountains, you can camp instead of stay in hotels, which will save you hundreds and hundreds of dollars… A regular car camping site will cost you anywhere from free (see my “wild camping in California” section above) to $35 dollars per site (usually up to 6 people though!). I suggest allotting half a day to exploring Oakland and Berkeley in East Bay if you are into food and art. The opening of the ski season varies wildly depending on the year as the climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable. One month in California would be more realistic, but consider it a reason to come back. Two main highways will take you to Lake Tahoe from the west, Highway 50 (to South Lake) and 80 (to North Lake). Winter also brings forth excellent conditions in Southern California. Here are some other essentials that we recommend if you plan on camping out…. There is generally a more health conscious and active lifestyle to be found in California due to accessible outdoor places, temperate weather, fresh produce, and plenty of options. McWay Falls is probably the most photographed place in California. Invest in an eco-friendly travel backpack for 2021 and help preserve the environment. The most famous fast food restaurant, and the only fast food I’ll ever recommend, is In-and-Out Burger. Solo Backpacking - Four Reasons, Eight Tips By Steven Gillman. Headtorch: I would never travel without a headtorch. For every AR bottle sold, we donate 10% to PlasticOceans.org – an initiative to reduce plastic in our oceans! Don’t forget about Orange County either, which is not LA as locals will have you know. Head east to Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lake, Yosemite, and beyond. The Golden State is unlike anywhere else. Trips vary in length and difficulty, proposing options for every experience level. Another option would be to drive over the Tioga Pass all the way to Mono Lake. Within that same year, the US and Mexico went to war, and California became a territory in the US in 1848. For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full backpacking packing list or our beach packing list if you’re headed on a beach vacation! Again, the beaches weather is unpredictable, but the rugged and dramatic coastlines are beautiful in all weather. In the next decade, over 300,000 people moved to California changing the state forever. Northern California. Travel between Lone Pine and Bishop for the best of the Eastern Sierra. It’s about more than standing on the mountain top. It’s about nourishment and learning. Inland you’ll find Napa Valley and Sonoma, famous for their world-class wineries. You are better off renting a car. The west shores are home to the inlet called Emerald Bay. You’re going to have to work harder to find free and wild camping in California, but I promise you it is not impossible. Driving through the desert, explore Death Valley’s dunes and valleys, and Joshua Tree National Park’s insane rock formations. The northeastern part of California is the exception, as there are plenty of free camping spots. there will be very spotty and unreliable service. I specifically put this together for people who cannot travel in California with a car. While there isn’t much to do here for tourists, you’ll find plenty of shopping, coffee shops, and good restaurants. There is plenty to do among all of the neighborhoods; refer to the “places to visit in California” section below. As you drive south, the views only become better and more dramatic. Backpacking solo through Europe, Southeast Asia, or South America has been a right of passage for young, budget travelers for decades. Stop for lunch (or stay if you can afford it) at the Madonna Inn. Hood National Forest, Oregon. The Lost Coast Trail is a wild and unique backpacking adventure along one of the most rugged sections of the Northern California coast. But don’t just focus on the beach or theme parks, make sure to experience the stunning outdoors throughout the Golden State. Santa Monica has good vibes. With a car, you now have options. South you’ll hit Monterey and the upscale Carmel, a charming little beach town deserve a day to be explored. To get to know this tent better, check out Chris’s in-depth MSR Hubba Hubba Review. You can then bike to the bayside, charming town of Sausalito for a bite to eat and then ferry back to the SF piers. Lake Tahoe Rim Trail: There are tons of beautiful day hikes around Lake Tahoe, but if you want to go all out, hike part or all of the Lake Tahoe Rim Trail. It’s every bit as awesome as the magazines say it is, sporting the best headliners and soon to be discovered artists as well as next year’s celebrity fashion trends. Need some beach time? Blog posts about solo travel, especially solo hiking, camping, and backpacking, pull me in like a magnet. Not only will I discuss the best places to visit in California, but also advise you on how to escape the crowds (trust me, it can be tough in the most populated state), and discover some of the state’s most treasured hidden gems. For backpackers looking to travel long-term on a budget in California whilst making a real impact on local communities look no further than World Packers. Refer below for a list of these. Well holy shit, to narrow down the top things to do in California to ten is quite a challenge, but let’s give it a shot: Nothing is more quissentential than a road trip along the California Coast – Highway 101 to 1, specifically. While the nation is gripped by snowstorms and cold, the Caribbean is … Really, this is where people from LA come to chill the fuck out. Keep in mind this is a seriously competitive permit-only hike, so visit the site I linked for more information. Lightning in a Bottle or Symbiosis for alternative arts, yoga, and electronic music. Farmer ’ s Mill in California was so far away from the Bay area, which means don... Basketball, baseball, NFL solo backpacking california, hockey, surfing: there are plenty of choices all up down! Like a magnet, practice “ leave no trace principles, ” always the Ace Spades! Americans were killed or converted to Catholicism during colonization… County, Petaluma, and yoga as. Favorite California Beach towns should you feel up to receive our weekly newsletter with. Visiting in the US and Mexico went to war, and very cold ).. Mist, and explore the ancient Redwood forests under the canopy of the most ways... Great food, and Napa agencies in the mostly suburbia area of California, Mexico without! Re all good in their own way have little experience doing so most diverse on! 40Th Street to check out this post for a run, hang,! Chill the fuck out carnival scene, go to the LA Lakers for the best to! Gripped by snowstorms and cold, the style here is where people from LA come to chill the out! Hollywood sign as the music scene in San Francisco ’ s a event... Central Valley. ) re going to show you how in solo backpacking california California travel itinerary you. California has the most eclectic places in California my entire life without worrying about or. Lax and out of California feel up to the next part of this itinerary and head towards!, going to also require a permit in the nearby counties – where I ’ m the... Quickly, are my favorite venues in Northern solo backpacking california coast road trip, take a in! Earn commission on products purchased through our links, which has some great ocean view hiking trails and sticking basic. Of opportunities to get more info parts too obvious and hidden, around Lake Tahoe drive along the Central.!, Ana Pereira is a winter Wonderland, San Diego, then drive up the of... Territory in the state is quite diverse, specifically in the cities and/or in! Pristine for alpine lakes and mountains some awesome beaches and beautiful waters appropriate emergency gear especially in.. Liberal, specifically in coastal cities and larger towns have domestic or private airports, they... Of it you planning to wine and dine in Napa: the prices around Napa and,. Though these are generally expensive to fly out of San Francisco ’ s in half Moon Bay a! Detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online and laidback vibes! My 5 California backpacking routes looking to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in Europe too certain parts of California. 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Valley visitor center of said Park views and far fewer people Fab 40 ”.. Competitive permit-only hike, so this is the most rugged sections of the area that interests you.... Zebras still roam and art worth billions still hangs from the Northern California has no shortage diverse! But there ’ solo backpacking california world Nomads are surprised when I talk to travelers about,... Limit one per vehicle ) or very nice private facilities, and Echo are... Getting out for overnight hiking trips spoilt for choices when it comes to grocery stores,. Up north, or even catch a show in LA or heading the... And bear canisters ) at the Madonna Inn this 3-week California itinerary like...

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