California dominates the list of America’s most popular hiking trails, claiming five of the top 10 spots, according to data from fitness tracking platform Strava. The ranking, based on activity tracked between April 2025 and May 2026, highlights the state’s diverse and scenic outdoor offerings, particularly within Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite National Park, located in the Sierra Nevada range of Central California, is home to the two most frequented trails. The Mist/Muir Intersection Down trail secured the top position, with hikers drawn to its nearly 500-foot elevation change and close views of two major waterfalls, along with picturesque scenery along the Merced River. The trail also connects to the John Muir Trail, allowing for a semi-loop route that provides extended hiking options.
The Half Dome trail, rated as the second most popular, is known for its iconic summit and rigorous challenge. Nearly 60,000 users were recorded attempting the 14 to 16-mile round trip, which typically takes 10 to 12 hours to complete. The hike involves an elevation gain of approximately 4,800 feet, culminating nearly 5,000 feet above Yosemite Valley and 8,800 feet above sea level. Park officials describe the Half Dome trek as “exciting” yet “arduous,” noting both the physical demands and the sense of adventure it offers.
Beyond Yosemite, California trails also feature prominently among the top 10. The Mission Peak-Stanford Gate trail in Fremont ranks eighth nationally. Known for its moderate to strenuous difficulty, the hike features an elevation gain of more than 2,000 feet, according to the fitness platform Alltrails. Southern California is represented by the Cowles Mountain Descent in San Diego and the Down We Go! Trail at Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, occupying the ninth and tenth spots, respectively.
Outside of California, the remaining top trails are spread across the western United States and Hawaii. Utah’s Arches Entrance Road Climb trail, Rocky Mountain National Park’s Dream Lake to Bear Lake trail in Colorado, Zion National Park’s Angel Base down to river trail in Utah, Coconino National Forest’s Devil’s Bridge Ascent in Arizona, and the Diamond Head Hike in Honolulu complete the top 10 ranking.
Strava’s data, gathered from nearly 200 million users, reflects growing enthusiasm for hiking and outdoor activities along some of the country’s most scenic and challenging routes. California’s significant presence in the ranking underscores the state’s ongoing role as a center for hiking culture in the United States.