23 Mountains in CALIFORNIA Worth Climbing (Updated)
You get to choose from different hobbies and outlets, and while you might enjoy hobbies like baking or gardening, mountain climbing is a must-try at least once in your life.
Mountain climbing is a gratifying activity; you see yourself achieve something your mind might have thought impossible.
Imagine yourself at the peak of a mountain, knowing that it took you hours of dedicated work to get you to that point.
Whether you are a newbie in mountain climbing or are a more experienced climber, California has a lot of mountains to choose from.
Keep reading to find the perfect fit for you!
And by the way, you may also want to check out the best Mountain Resorts in California.
Mountains in Palm Springs, California
1. Mount San Jacinto (Highest US Peak)
This mountain in Riverside County has the highest peak in the United States.
To climb the mountain, you get to participate in a strenuous but rewarding hike to see the most spectacular view in California.
The mountain is known across the country to be the go-to for hikers to climb at least once to prove themselves in the mountain climbing sport.
Hiking up this peak is accessible as many trails lead up the mountain.
Some of these trails are very popular among hikers for being easier to climb, and others are more arduous, with no water sources for more experienced climbers.
Mount San Jacinto is in a state park with the same name, so you can enjoy chilling in the park in addition to mountain climbing.
Location: Riverside County, California, U.S.
2. San Bernardino Mountains (Skiing & Hiking)
San Bernardino has a mountain range of multiple mountains with the same name.
Aside from being a very high mountain, many diverse plant types exist on the mountain for you to observe.
This range is known to be a great place in California for skiing and hiking, depending on the time of the year.
There is an artificial lake close to this mountain range available to the many tourists who visit the mountain.
Lake Arrowhead, another lake close to San Bernardino Mountains, is a popular fishing site for locals and tourists.
Many inns and camps have been built around the range to accommodate the many tourists that visit the mountains all year round.
The mountain range and the lakes close to it make this range a beautiful place to visit to have fun.
Location: Palm Springs, California
3. The Santa Rosa (California-Protected Monument)
These are a group of mountains in California that tourists love to visit.
The range is relatively small, but it is home to about twenty-six known mountains in that area.
Santa Rosa mountain range is situated in Riverside County and has multiple trails for hikers.
There are various trails to get to different elevations in the other mountains at the range.
One of the famous peaks here is Toro Peak, the highest elevation in the Santa Rosa range and the pride of many seasoned hikers.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is very close to this mountain and is something that visitors to this mountain can also enjoy.
Santa Rosa is a California-protected monument and has multiple recreational facilities on all sides, like the Joshua Tree National Park and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
Location: Palm Springs, California
Also see our article on Lakes in California.
Mountains in San Diego, California
1. Laguna Mountains (Snowshoeing & Sledding)
As a popular tourist recreation area in San Diego, Laguna Mountains is the place to visit if you are interested in snowshoeing and sledding.
Because of the high altitude of mountains in this range, there is a lot of snowfall, so you get to enjoy many months of snow and snow-related games.
The mountains are a part of the Cleveland National Forest, so asides from visiting the mountains; you can also enjoy the attractions in the forest, like camping, hiking trails, fire lookout tunnels, and observatories.
Laguna Mountains has various trails like the Pacific Crest Trail to choose from while climbing the mountain, depending on your rock climbing skills and expertise.
The range is home to an indigenous culture called the Kumeyaay people.
Location: San Diego, California
2. Cowles Mountain (Stunning City View)
Are you looking to experience strenuous climbs and the rewarding view of the stunning city of San Diego?
Then this is a mountain that you must visit.
The mountain is almost 500 meters tall and part of the Mission Trails Regional Park.
This mountain is a popular site for hiking as many people enjoy hiking the kilometers-long trail across various elevation points.
Other trails usually reconnect to the main trail and are generally more straightforward or complicated than the original trail.
The trails at Cowles are usually renovated regularly to serve the needs of hikers who use the mountain.
You can enjoy hiking this trail with your pets, and at the highest peak, you get to see all of San Diego and even up to Mexico.
Location: San Diego, California
3. North Fortuna Mountain (Accessible Mountain)
Also known as Fortuna Mountain, this beautiful attraction is in Mission Trails Regional Park, California.
The mountain is accessible, and many routes lead to its peak for hikers.
Some of these trails feature a 360 view of the mountain and its surrounding.
There are many nearby mountains that you can also explore if you choose to spend your time mountain climbing.
Depending on your expertise, you can hike this mountain to different elevation points, and it is a great place to walk with your pet.
Luckily, while hiking this mountain, there are many places you can take a break to take a bite to energize you to continue your climb.
You can get an outdoor map of the mountain to know which places you can see the most spectacular views.
Location: San Diego, California
4. Black Mountain (Dante’s View)
In the quaint Inyo County, Black Mountain is strategically in a park called Death Valley.
The mountain range features peaks such as Funeral Peak and Coffin Peak, from which you can see around the mountain.
Dante’s View is a view that hikers can enjoy while on the mountain to see the beautiful town of San Diego.
The mountain is popular among bikers and hikers and has a summit easily accessed through Los Altos.
You can visit many places around the mountain, such as a reservoir called Stevens Creek, the Stanford University radio station, and other radio stations owned by various federal and private organizations.
The surrounding area is famous for its many wineries like Fellom Ranch Vineyard, Pichetti Brothers Winery, and Ridge Vineyard.
Location: San Diego, California
5. Carmel Mountain (Ideal For a Lifelong Stay)
This mountain is made famous by the surrounding neighborhood, inhabited by thousands of people.
It is a dog-friendly neighborhood, and everyone of all ages and genders is accepted here.
There are a lot of affordable restaurants and other stores and facilities that residents in this neighborhood and visitors can enjoy.
Typically, you would imagine that mountains are uncivilized areas with only vegetation and sometimes even wildlife.
But this mountain has human inhabitants who live just as in civilized neighborhoods with various services and amenities.
There are various kinds of homes in this neighborhood and schools here as well.
It is the kind of place you will visit to hike but will be convinced to spend the rest of your life in.
Location: San Diego, California
6. Battle Mountain (Strenuous Climb)
Battle Mountain is a small mountain where hikers enjoy stunning views of places like Rancho Bernardo and Lake Hodges.
At this mountain, hikers protect nature and do not litter the environment; this includes picking any trash they see while hiking, whether it’s from them or not.
This practice follows the Leave No Trace mantra advised by mountain caregivers so visitors focus on sustaining the mountain for themselves and others.
There is a cross on top of the mountain, so you would know you have reached the highest point when you can touch this cross.
This mountain offers a strenuous climb and hike for interested people.
Mountain climbing is a great sport to pass your time by yourself or with like-minded adventurous people.
Address: 18350 Reata Way, San Diego, CA 92128.
Also see our article on Beaches in California.
Mountains in Baja, California
1. Pichacho del Diablo (Highest Baja Mountain)
This mountain means Devil’s Peak and means Hill of the Enchanted or Hill of the Bewitched.
It is the highest mountain in the Baja region and is a place that many cool people want to climb in their mountain climbing journey in life.
The location is very close to Mexico and, by some people, will even be characterized as being in Mexico, but it is actually in California, USA.
If you are visiting this mountain for a group hike, you could book a tour guide to help your group climb the mountain and encounter many stunning views from the mountain with expert assistance.
You also visit places only the tour guide knows, so you are more than just climbing uneventfully to the top.
Location: Baja, California
2. Cerro Bola (Volcanic Origin)
This mountain was formed by volcanic action and is now one of the favorite places for visitors in Baja to enjoy stunning city views.
Many television transmitters are at the top of Cerro Bola because of its height and prominence.
The most famous trail among hikers on this mountain is a seven kilometers trail that takes about three hours to complete and has a gain in elevation of almost one kilometer.
From the top of the mountain, you can witness the beautiful town of Baja and observe most of its happenings from a distance.
The mountain is sustained by the tourism commission in the city and so is maintained as a tourist destination.
It is one of the city’s most popular hiking and tourism sites for people to enjoy.
Location: Baja, California
3. Sierra de San Pedro Mártir (Astronomy Attraction)
This mountain runs through California and Mexico and has the highest point compared to all the mountains in Mexico.
While visiting the mountain, you are guaranteed to find many indigenous plants from California and Mexico.
As far as you are a nature lover seeking adventure, you can be sure to enjoy the time of your life on this mountain.
Before you hike this mountain, you must get a map you understand to be safe throughout the trek.
There are many trails to choose from while hiking this mountain, and it is common to hike off-trail and figure things out yourself if you are already a seasoned hiker.
If you are interested in astronomy, this mountain is a great place to visit to see the stars clearly.
Location: Baja, California
4. Sierra de Los Cucapah (Fun Hiking With Friends)
This mountain range is named after Cucapah, which translates to mean Native Americans.
It was initially a place where Native Americans used to live before they migrated to live in other areas.
There are maps available online for information on the mountain and its trails, so it is essential that you get those beforehand so you don’t get lost during your hike.
This mountain range is a subrange of the Peninsula Range, to which many of California’s mountains belong.
When you visit this mountain, you will likely find a few Native Americans living in this area away from civilization.
This mountain is a fun place to hike yourself or with friends, and there are many places to rest while on the trail.
Location: Baja, California
Also see our article on Ski Resorts in California.
Mountains in Los Angeles, California
1. Mt Lukens (Nearby Lake & Fishing Spot)
This mountain, named after a one-time mayor of Pasadena, is part of the San Gabriel Mountains range.
Before it got its current name, the mountain was known as Sister Elsie Peak, a nun who died during an epidemic.
Aside from being an excellent place to hike, this mountain also has fantastic coverage and offers this great coverage to most of Los Angeles.
The mountain makes the list of the San Gabriel Mountains Monument and, as such, is protected by the state.
A lake nearby the mountain has the same name for visitors to enjoy.
From specific points of the mountain, you might see Big Tujunga Creek, a place famous for being popular among fishermen.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can jump from the mountain to the water if you are close to the water and have some diving experience.
Location: Los Angeles, California
2. Mt Hollywood (Overhead Views of LA)
This mountain at Griffith Park is the second highest in the park, following only Cahuhenga Peak, the highest point of elevation.
From Mt Hollywood, you can enjoy stunning overhead views of downtown Los Angeles, the famous Hollywood sign, and the Griffith Observatory.
Many trails lead up the mountain, so you choose from them depending on your expertise in climbing mountains.
A popular one among hikers is the one that begins close to Ferndell Nature Area.
Using this trail, you can access parking spaces, a lot of shade from trees, and visit options like Dante’s View and the Berlin Forest.
You can choose to cycle, but cycling is only allowed on paved paths for safety.
Even though there is some plant shade, there is still a lot of sun exposure, so you must protect your skin adequately before you begin this trek.
Location: Los Angeles, California
3. San Vicente Mountain (Santa Monica Mountain Range)
This mountain in Los Angeles is a part of the Santa Monica mountain range in the California Coast Ranges.
It is in a park named San Vincente, the same name as the mountain.
San Vicente Mountain Park is perfect for biking, hiking, brisk walks, and more relaxed walks for fun or exercise.
Parking areas are available in the park, so you can use them when you want to park your vehicles near the mountain to begin a climb.
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, a commission in the United States, protects San Vicente.
There are maps available online for information on the mountain so you can choose beforehand the places to visit in the park and which trail to use while climbing the mountain.
Location: Los Angeles, California
4. Oat Mountain (Scenic Destination)
This mountain, which overlooks the San Fernando Valley, is the highest peak in the Santa Susana Mountains.
It is a scenic destination for hikers and mountain climbers.
There are many trails that hikers can take up the mountain, and one of them is the route used by experts, which involves going through a forest that is the backbone of the mountain.
The mountain is close to many other mountains that you enjoy Aldo, such as the Rocky Peak.
Even though this mountain is quite close to residential areas, you still get to enjoy hiking in a silent place; this makes it a perfect place for reflection.
The trail guide for the mountain comes with a map so you get specific locations of the trailheads and parking areas.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Also see our article on Waterfalls in California.
Mountains in Pasadena, California
1. Poppy Peak (Modernist Residential Properties)
Poppy Peak is a 991 feet mountain that is a part of San Rafael Hills in Pasadena.
The mountain is famous for the historical district built close to it, home to thousands of individuals.
Since the district is built partially on the mountain, there are a lot of steep and narrow roads, which makes walking in the neighborhood seem like hiking.
The neighborhood has only a few residential properties, most of which are modernist, to show the town has historical significance.
Although modern architects designed some of the houses, and so are more stylish than the rest.
It is a small neighborhood and, as such, only has four significant streets called Poppy Peak Drive, Crest Haven Drive, Kaweah Drive, and Pleasant Way.
Location: Pasadena, California
2. Brown Mountain (Beautiful Views)
This mountain is famously known across California for its beautiful views, which hikers and mountain climbers enjoy.
Many trails lead up to the peak of this mountain, and there are guides and maps you could get so you will know which of the trails is best for you.
Trails on this mountain are quite different and are very exciting; you get to cross a lot of fake summits.
There is vegetation along the mountain, so you can see beautiful flowers while trekking.
Hiking at this mountain is free; however, you must buy a token as a pass to park your vehicle in the surrounding areas.
There is a campground close enough to this mountain so you can enjoy your vacation hiking up mountains while camping.
Location: Pasadena, California
3. San Gabriel Peak (Challenging But Rewarding)
This peak is in the San Gabriel Mountains, which is in the Angeles National Forest.
You can see the trails to climb the mountain in multiple ways, such as getting a pdf copy of the trails or an immersive video showing the mountain and its trails.
It is a dog-friendly hike, and you get to see a lot of exotic wildlife, like beautiful wild plants, while you climb to the peak.
Climbing this mountain is challenging but very rewarding since you will surely get up the mountain as a champion.
During winter, the trail can become icy, but more is needed to make it easier to need special climbing equipment.
It is an excellent climb that you will be sure to enjoy.
Location: Pasadena, California
4. Mt Lowe (Closed Mountain Resort)
Mt Lowe is one of the mountains in the San Gabriel Mountains range.
The name Lowe is after a professor who was the first to get to the mountain’s peak and, as a show of that, put an American flag at the top.
There is a tavern located on the way up to the mountain, which mountain climbers and bikers can enjoy on their way up.
Numerous trails are available, with some being more popular than others because of specific conditions while on the trail.
Some trails leading up Mt Lowe also lead to other mountains, such as Echo Mountain.
There is a railway partially on this mountain that leads directly to Pasadena.
A mountain resort at the mountain used to be a must-visit but is now closed because of terrible building conditions.
Location: Pasadena, California
Also see our article on Places to Surf in California.
Mountains in Redding, California
1. The Trinity Mountains (Subrange of Klamath Range)
This group of mountains is a mountain subrange under the Klamath Mountain Range.
With Mount Eddy being its highest peak, the range runs between Lake Shasta and Trinity Lake.
There are many outdoor recreational areas that you can enjoy when you visit this mountain range, and they range from walking the trails to swimming in the lakes.
A state park called Castle Crags is where you can observe the environment at your leisure and pace.
The numerous reservoirs and creeks are for your endless adventure.
Camping is available, so you don’t have to rush to fit all these activities available in one day; you get to camp close to the mountain and spread these fun activities across different days for maximum enjoyment.
Location: Redding, California
2. South Fork Mountain (Top Ten Recreational Area)
This mountain is renowned for making the list of one of the top ten recreational areas in the United States.
One major trail used to get to the top of this mountain is the Mermaloose Lake Trailhead.
The trail is relatively easy and is known to be family-friendly; almost all family members of all ages can use it without much difficulty.
Before planning an outing on this mountain, you must check that weather conditions have not affected the trail so you don’t stop your trek halfway.
While climbing to the top of this mountain, you see beautiful trees because the mountain is in a protected forest.
If you are lucky, you also see Mermaloose Lake, the lake the main trail is named after.
Location: Redding, California
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