Alex Souza

This trip is best done as a 3 day, 2 night backpacking trip making camp at Young Lakes, however it is possible to do it in a single day long haul. Start at the Lembert Dome Parking Lot and take the trail via the Dog Lake route towards Young Lakes. It's about 7 miles to the upper of the three Young Lakes. Find the renowned "ledge" campsite that over looks the lower of the two lakes and Ragged P...

Donohue Pass lies on the border of Yosemite National Park and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Both the John Muir Trail (JMT) and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) route through this pass at 11,056 ft. A challenging but beautiful hike that starts from Tuolumne Meadows and follows the JMT for 12.5 miles to the top of the pass with an elevation gain of 2,456ft.(most of which is gained in the last mile or...

Probably my favorite beach in the Santa Cruz area. Panther Beach lies just south of Davenport along the beautiful Hwy 1. Park at a large dirt pull out on the left hand side if your heading north from Santa Cruz. The trail down to the beach is steep and not that well maintained so watch your step.Head through the arch to the end of the beach where the tide-pools reside to get the best photo op.

Start your hike to this waterfall oasis in the heart of the sierra at the parking lot for the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center. The Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp sits along the beautifully winding Tuolumne River. White Cascade an 80ft waterfall sits at the edge of camp and provides an excellent swimming hole at its base. Don't miss the excellent sunsets here. A few nearby granite promenades serve ...

The beautiful black sand stretches as far as the eye can see at Piha Beach. Just a short hour drive from nearby Auckland, Piha Beach makes for the perfect evening getaway.Hike to the top of Lion Rock (well almost the top...the last portion of the trail is closed due to loose rock and hazardous conditions) for an amazing view of the breaking surf and setting sun. Ease of access and stunning beau...

Waterwheel Falls may be the most unique waterfall in Yosemite. During high waterflow an extraordinary phenomenon appears as the raging water hits a series of ledges creating a plume, this coupled with strong gust blowing upward create cyclical "waterwheel" effect hence the name. On a good day these waterwheels can reach heights of 30ft. Bring the camera, tripod, and neutral density filter for ...

Wake before the sun rises and make the short half hour hike from the White Horse Hill Campground to Kea Point. This easy to follow trail leads to a beautiful overlook with views of Mt. Cook and the surrounding Southern Alps. You won't be disappointed as you watch the sun rise behind Mt. Cook and light up the glacial peaks like birthday candles. A photographers paradise when the weather's in you...