March in California is that sweet spot when wildflowers wake up, waterfalls run strong, and trail traffic has not yet hit peak season. You get longer daylight, cooler temps, and photogenic skies that make every mile feel rewarding.
From coastal bluffs to granite domes and desert canyons, each route offers a different kind of magic this time of year. Lace up, pack light, and pick the trail that fits your mood and time window.
Point Reyes: Tomales Point Trail
Cool ocean air and sweeping views set the tone long before the first elk sighting. This out-and-back route traces a narrow peninsula where headlands drop to thundering surf and March wildflowers peek through coastal scrub.
Pack a wind layer and keep your camera handy, because tule elk often graze near the path.
Expect moderate rolling terrain with sandy patches that slow the pace in a good way. Wayfinding is simple, yet footing can get rutted, so poles help on return climbs.
Start early to catch quiet light and avoid afternoon gusts that can turn the ridge into a wind tunnel.
Helpful tip: carry a hard-sided container for snacks, since ravens know every trick. Water is scarce, so bring more than you think you need.
If fog drifts in, listen for surf and watch trail posts, then celebrate at the point with a snack and a warm layer before heading back.
Yosemite Valley: Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls
Water thunders in March, turning every switchback into a front row seat. The stone steps can be slick from spray, so pack a light shell and expect to get delightfully soaked.
Rainbows appear when the sun angles right, adding a bit of theater to the relentless climb beside Vernal Fall.
Stronger legs can continue to Nevada Fall for bigger views and fewer crowds. Traction improves above the misty zone, yet patches of ice can linger early in the month.
Keep breaks short to stay warm, and budget time for careful descents, since knees feel every granite step on the way down.
Start at dawn if parking stresses you out. A thermos of something hot turns the overlook into an instant reward.
Respect the spray and railings, keep electronics dry in a zip bag, and let the roar set your hiking rhythm as you crest each ledge toward those classic Yosemite vistas.
Anza-Borrego: Borrego Palm Canyon Trail
Desert mornings feel crisp, and the canyon funnels you toward the green surprise of a palm oasis. Spring often brings brittlebush color and ocotillo wands tipped with red, while bighorn sheep occasionally wander the slopes.
The trail follows a rocky wash, so expect ankle-turners and slow, careful footing.
Water flows this time of year, creating small cascades that cool the air around the palms. Keep an eye out for side paths that dead end, and favor the main wash unless signs direct otherwise.
Sunscreen matters even in March, and a brimmed hat pays off when the canyon opens to full sun.
Go early to catch soft light on the canyon walls and snag a parking spot. Pack sandals to wade briefly near the oasis if water is up.
A simple picnic turns the turnaround into a mini retreat, then retrace steps, scanning the ridges for sheep silhouettes against the sky.
Big Sur: Ewoldsen Trail in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Shade, switchbacks, and redwood scent create a calm rhythm before the first overlook steals the show. This loop climbs through ferny ravines to ridgelines that peek at the cobalt Pacific, a March combo that feels both cool and vividly green.
Expect creek crossings and occasional closures after storms, so check conditions.
Footing ranges from soft duff to rocky steps, and poles help on steeper pitches. The canopy traps moisture, making layers important even if the coast looks sunny.
Photo stops come naturally at bridge crossings and sunbreaks, so build time for those moments instead of rushing the circuit.
Parking near McWay Falls fills quickly, so arrive early or late. Carry a compact rain shell and snack on the ridge where the views spill south along dramatic bluffs.
Watch for poison oak near narrow edges, and savor the quiet when the wind drops and the forest hum takes over.
Santa Monica Mountains: Sandstone Peak via Mishe Mokwa
Coastal breezes and chaparral scent make this loop feel fresh from the first step. The path winds past sculpted rock, wildflowers, and dramatic pinnacles before topping out at the highest point in the range.
Views sweep from the Channel Islands to snow-dusted inland peaks on clear March days.
Counterclockwise via Mishe Mokwa softens the grade and adds boulder-studded scenery. Carry at least two liters of water, since shade is limited and the sun reflects off pale stone.
Trail junctions are well marked, yet a simple offline map helps if fog rolls in from the Pacific.
Pro tip: bring a lightweight layer for the breezy summit perch. Pack a sandwich to enjoy near Inspiration Point, then finish strong on forgiving downhill miles.
Parking can be tight on weekends, so arrive early, and keep an ear out for hawks riding thermals over Echo Cliffs.
Lake Tahoe: Eagle Lake and Eagle Falls
Granite stairs lead to a compact alpine scene that feels big on reward for minimal effort. March can bring patchy snow and icy spots in the morning, then slush by afternoon, so traction devices are smart.
The lake mirrors surrounding peaks when the wind calms, making a perfect quick stop for photos.
Waterfalls near the trailhead provide bonus soundtrack and spray. Keep feet dry by stepping carefully on granite slabs rather than flooded low spots.
Even short outings at elevation deserve warm layers, sunglasses for glare, and a thermos if you like lingering by the shore.
Parking fills fast at Emerald Bay, so target early hours or weekdays. After visiting the lake, extend to nearby viewpoints to stretch the day without committing to a long trek.
Watch for cornices above shaded gullies, mind the edges around slick rock, and turn around before afternoon melt turns the path to slush.
Mount Tamalpais: Dipsea-Steep Ravine-Matt Davis Loop
Few loops pack this much variety into a single outing. You move from ocean views to ferny ravines and back to hillside meadows, each section carrying a different mood.
The ladder in Steep Ravine adds just enough novelty to make the climb feel playful rather than punishing.
March often means soft ground, trickling creeks, and a gentle breeze that keeps temperatures comfortable. Shoes with good grip help on wooden steps, which can be slick after coastal fog.
Wayfinding is straightforward, but pay attention at Pantoll and along Matt Davis where side paths tempt detours.
Start in Stinson Beach and finish with a snack at the shoreline if time allows. Layer smartly, because you will move between chill shade and sunny meadows.
Keep pace steady on the long descent to spare knees, and pause at overlooks where the Farallon-like horizon stretches across an ever-changing blue.
Sequoia National Park: Congress Trail from Giant Forest
Nothing resets perspective like walking quietly among trees older than empires. This gentle loop weaves past named giants and quieter groves, with interpretive signs that add context without slowing your stride.
March often brings a mix of clear paths and lingering snow, so waterproof shoes make life easier.
Sound is part of the experience. Footsteps soften on needles, and occasional creaks echo through the canopy on breezy days.
Bring gloves and a warm hat for early starts, since cold air sits in the forest even when the parking lot feels mild.
Carry a small thermos and enjoy a mid-loop pause near the President Tree. Keep snacks tucked away, use restrooms at the museum area, and expect limited cell service.
If time allows, tack on a spur to the General Sherman Tree, then return to the loop where quiet stretches invite unhurried walking.
Point Dume to Paradise Cove Beach Walk
Soft sand, bluff-top stairs, and tide pools create a simple route with plenty to see. Low tide reveals starfish and sea anemones among sculpted rocks, so check charts and time your walk for maximum shoreline.
The bluff trail adds bird’s-eye views before you drop to wave level for the beach stretch.
Sun protection matters, even in March, and a light sweater helps when the wind picks up. Footing alternates between packed sand and softer sections that work your calves, so consider a slower pace than inland hikes.
Bring a small towel if you plan to wade, and stash snacks to avoid gull raids.
Parking can be tricky near Point Dume, so arrive early or use rideshare. Keep an eye on swell forecasts, give fishermen space on rocks, and skip narrow sections during very high water.
End with a relaxed sit on warm sand while the sun slides toward the horizon over a silver sea.
Muir Woods to Muir Beach via Coastal Trail
Starting under cathedral redwoods, the day shifts as you climb toward open hills and sea air. Crowds thin once you leave the boardwalk and commit to the Coastal Trail, where cypress silhouettes frame the Pacific.
March typically brings cool temps, green slopes, and a chance of fog that makes the cliffs feel cinematic.
Elevation gains come in measured waves rather than one big grind. Bring a reservation for Muir Woods parking, plus layers for a chilly return shuttle or breeze at the beach.
The route is well signed, yet offline maps help as junctions stack up near the ridge.
Pack a hearty snack or grab something at the beach cafe if open. Watch for muddy spots on shaded north faces, step around puddles to protect fragile trail edges, and keep voices low in the grove where sound carries.
The last redwood stretch back feels like a quiet encore.