California's trails span from Yosemite's granite peaks to Crystal Cove's coastal bluffs. Fire, drought, and permit lotteries make real-time conditions essential reading.
Yosemite and Whitney are best May–October; coastal California trails are year-round. Half Dome cables go up in spring — check NPS for exact dates. AQI spikes during fire season (Jul–Oct).
Yes. The cables route requires a daily permit awarded by lottery — apply in March via Recreation.gov for the May–October season. Day-before lottery also exists.
Yes. The day-hike and overnight permits are awarded by lottery in February for the May–November season. Walk-up permits are extremely limited.
No. Dogs are banned from every Yosemite backcountry trail. Only paved roads and select bike paths permit leashed dogs.