Backpacking Locations

(Yosemite Falls, Yosemite National Park/Christopher Chan/Flickr/CC by 2.0)
Yosemite

Terrain and Landmarks: Famous for its dramatic granite cliffs, huge waterfalls, and ancient sequoia groves. Notable landmarks include Half Dome, El Capitan, and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.

Pros:

Diverse trails for all skill levels

Iconic natural features and scenic views

Water accessible for drinking

Cons:

Can be crowded

Permits are very difficult to obtain
(Sunset over Badwater Basin (Death Valley National Park)/Justin Mier/Flickr/CC by 2.0)
Death Valley National Park

Terrain and Landmarks: Vast desert landscapes, salt flats, and canyons. Death Valley is the hottest and driest national park in the US. Key sights include Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes.

Pros:

Unique geography

Lots of opportunities for solitude

Stark desert beauty

Cons:

Extreme temperatures

Limited water sources

Few established trails
(Jabu Lake at midday Desolation Wilderness/Jono Hey/Flickr/CC by 2.0)
Desolation Wilderness

Terrain and Landmarks: West of Lake Tahoe, the area features granite peaks, alpine lakes, and dense forest. Popular spots include Lake Aloha and the Crystal Range.

Pros:

Relatively easy trails for beginners

Accessible permits

Beautiful lakes and vistas

Cons:

Weather can be unpredictable

Some trails aren't marked well
(Pacific Crest Trail/Bureau of Land Management California/Flickr/CC by 2.0)
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)

Terrain and Landmarks: Spanning from Mexico to Canada, the PCT has large diverse ecosystems and terrain. Specifically in California, the Sierra Nevada and the Mojave Desert are notable.

Pros:

Comprehensive experience of the natural West Coast

Well maintained trails

Cons:

Thru hiking entire trail requires significant amount of time and effort

Remote sections can have challenging wildlife encounters
(Twilight in Point Reyes/Joe Parks/Flickr/CC by 2.0)
Point Reyes National Seashore

Terrain and Landmarks: Coastal area features rugged cliffs, beaches, and rolling hills. Highlights include the Tomales Point Trail, Alamere Falls, and the Point Reyes Lighthouse.

Pros:

Accessible for short trips

Landscape is unique

Cons:

Difficult to get backpacking campsite reservations

Weather can be foggy and damp

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