hikes around California
Update. Original posted Aug. 2012 Point Reyes National Seashore is a birder’s paradise with more than 45% of North American avian species living in the park. It’s also home to 38 threatened and endangered plant and animal species. In the park — and on this hike — you’ll find crashing ocean cliffs, grassy meadows, evergreen-covered …
The High Sierras, especially in the more remote backcountry of Yosemite National Park and Inyo National Forest, are without a doubt my favorite outdoor destination. With peaks and passes above 10,000 feet, the granite rocky terrain of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range meets the sky with oft-snow-covered peaks and pristine alpine lakes. It is also …
It was September 2011. Three friends and I decided to do something we’d never done before: backpack a segment of one of the United States’ quintessential thru-hikes, the John Muir Trail. It had been a very snowy winter and even at the end of September as we embarked on our planned nearly 60 miles of …
Joshua Tree National Park gets its name from the Dr. Seuss-like Joshua trees that can be seen through much of the park’s higher elevations, but that’s not all there is to see in this massive 790,636-acre park (Perspective: that’s larger than the state of Rhode Island). On this hike near the southern park entrance, you …
The High Sierra Camps in Yosemite National Park are a much-sought after way to see the park’s mountainous backcountry without the trouble of carrying all your food and gear. An annual lottery is in place for tent cabin accommodations, dinner, breakfast and an optional packed lunch each day for the 7-camp circuit. If you aren’t …
Wunderlich County Park in San Mateo County is a gem of a local hike spot with history. In addition to numerous hiking trails through redwoods, madrones and open meadows, there are beautifully restored estate buildings from the former Folger family ranch (yes, as in the coffee) which house a museum and active horse stables. This …
For regular readers of this blog, you probably already know the name James Temple (@jtemple). He’s one of my backpacking buddies and a hobbyist documentary filmmaker. His backpack is also his kryptonite. There’s something to be said for having a friend along on your outdoor adventures who can capture the beauty of it in a …
A year ago I was training for an epic adventure: Backpacking the northernmost approximately 60 miles of the John Muir Trail. It was a 6-day backpack with epic elevation gain (we climbed from Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows in a mere 2 days, not to mention hiking over Donahue Pass). And it was an experience …
This quintessential hike on the northwestern shore of the city of San Francisco (Lands End) offers one of my favorite views of the Golden Gate Bridge, a meditation labyrinth on Lands End Point, a rocky beach break, Seacliff mansion gazing, a museum, the ruins of a once majestic bathhouse, the ominous roar of the ocean …
When visiting the Russian River Valley for a weekend wine getaway, it’s always good to mix a little exercise in with the indulgence. Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is in the heart of the valley near Guerneville, a quiet little riverside town, and offers majestic redwoods (and the cooling shade they can provide) without all …
