Jake YoungExplorer

Alamere Falls is the tallest waterfall in the bay area. It is known as a tide fall because it empties directly into the Pacific Ocean. This is extremely unique because there are only 34 tide falls in the world and two in California, the other being McWay Falls in Big Sur.  Enjoy stunning views of the pacific combined with varying terrain through forests, tall brush, and exposed dirt trails. If ...

If you live in the Palo Alto area and are looking for a place to hike or run, The Dish is a close, and great way to get that exercise. Located right on the corner of Stanford Ave and Junipero Serra, you'll see that small gated entrance right when you drive on by. As far as parking goes, you're left with finding parking along Stanford Avenue or the elementary school lot further down the street. ...

This hike will take you through the Tule Elk Preserve in Point Reyes Nation Seashore, and offers fantastic views of Bodega and Tomales Bay, as well as the Pacific Ocean. Start at the Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. Follow the trail for roughly three miles. This trail is very well maintained and you are almost guaranteed to see tule elk along the way. After reachi...

Fallen Leaf Lake is truly one of the more beautiful places in California. Separated from Lake Tahoe by just a one-mile strip of land, it feels worlds away from the crowds and fuss. The campground has over 200 sites that can be reserved here. There are endless hikes nearby including Mount Tallac and can these campsites can serve as a staging ground for backpacking trips into Desolation Wildernes...

The drive to the location of Vikingsholm was beautiful with spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay, when approached from South Lake Tahoe. The hike down the hill to see this gem was worth it but could be hard for some (because the only return is up this somewhat steep path with switchbacks). But this is a well preserved site and well worth the effort to make the climb. The extra cost t...

Park your car at the Glen Alpine Trailhead adjacent to Lily Lake and southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. Head west on Glen Alpine Creek Trail passing Lily Lake on your left. After a little over a mile and a half of trekking through the alpine forest and taking in mountain views, you'll arrive at Alpine Falls. Break out the camera, get the kids ready, and start snapping the photo for the family holid...

This hike starts from the Bayviews Campground Trailhead. This day use area is usually pretty crowded so arrive early to get a parking spot. There is parking a quarter of a mile into the campground near the trail head, but if there is no room there is overflow parking just outside of the camping area. The trail starts with an option to go into Desolation Wilderness or Cascade Falls. Take the rig...

Mount Price (9,975') is the second highest summit in the Desolation Wilderness, standing just eight feet lower than Pyramid Peak to the south. In between these two peaks stands Mount Agassiz (9,967'), whose overhanging summit resembles a granite wave poised to crash down into the Desolation Valley nearly 2,000 feet below. Both Agassiz and Price offer fun scrambling and airy summits, and can b...

This incredible hike offers you the opportunity to visit the heart of desolation without climbing more than about 600 feet of elevation. Begin at the boat taxi at Lower Echo Lake. The taxi costs $12/person each way and is $5 each-way for your furry friend. The taxi leaves the dock at frequent intervals or as soon as there are 3 people ready to go. Once you're on the taxi, it will take you acros...

This short hike takes you through a red sandstone canyon covered in beautiful Native American rock art. The incredible amount and concentration of petroglyphs on this hike make this a must-see in Valley of Fire State Park.There is a parking lot roughly one mile north of the visitor center where the Petroglyph Canyon Trail starts. There is also a nice covered picnic area across the street from t...

The easiest way to get to Gilmore Lake is to start at the Glen Alpine trailhead. The trail head is southwest of Fallen Leaf Lake. There is a decently sized parking lot at the trailhead, but parking is also available on the road up. Because desolation is a wilderness area, you must fill out a permit before entering the area. The trailhead is right next to Lily Lake which is a great spot to have ...

The Angora Ridge Fire lookout sits above the serene Fallen Leaf Lake with incredible views of Mt. Tallac and Desolation Wilderness. You can hike, bike or drive to the lookout. This is a great spot to photograph the sunset, as the sky will reflect off both Fallen Leaf Lake and Lake Tahoe. Bring a picnic and some beverages because you will want to spend some time here once you see the view.To get...

This incredibly scenic ride is just out of Zion National Park and is a great place to escape the tourists. The ride starts at the end of Dalton Wash Rd just off of Route 9. High clearance vehicles are recommended and one should not attempt to drive this road in wet conditions. If you are having trouble finding a campsite in the park itself, camping is allowed at the top of the Guacamole Mesa.Fr...

This epic day hike to Reef Icefield can be done if you are staying at the Berg Lake Campground. Berg Lake is accessible from the Berg Lake Trailhead just off of Canada Highway 16. Permits to stay at Berg Lake can be purchased at the Visitor Centre near the trailhead.Snowbird Pass is located 7 miles up a glacially carved valley that spills into Berg Lake. The trail follows the Robson River for a...

Although this hike can be done as a day hike, there are incredible camping spots near the lake. The easiest way to start this hike is to start at the Echo Lakes. There is ample parking above the marina and you even have the option of taking a water taxi across the echo lakes to cut off around 2.5 miles of the hike. The taxi costs $12 round trip.If you are doing this as an overnight as opposed t...

Barney Lake makes for an incredible day hike or trail run, but is also very accessible for camping.Start at the trailhead near the Mono Village Resort at Twin Lakes and follow the Robinson Creek Trail. If you plan on hiking during the winter, the resort will be closed and you will have to park at the entrance and walk in. This 4 mile hike takes you up Robinson Creek through aspen forest with st...

From the parking lot, walk down the short but steep incline to the springs (200m). There is also a campsite within 0.25 miles.

This hike starts at the middle parking lot of the El Corte de Madera Open Space Preserve. The middle lot is located roughly a mile south on Skyline Boulevard from the Skeggs Point Vista. From the parking lot, take the Methuselah Trail for 0.3 miles until you reach the Timberview Trail. Take this trail for another 1.3 miles through a steep forested gulch until you reach the Cross Cut Trail inter...

The South Grove Trail of Calaveras Big Trees State Park sees far less traffic than the North Grove due to its increased mileage and distance from the park entrance. The trail starts at the South Grove Trail head which is located nine miles east of the entrance on the main park road. The trailhead has bathrooms, but no running water. From the trailhead, head south for approximately 1.5 miles unt...

This PG&E campsite is located on the northern most inlet of Lake Almanor and is slightly more remote than the other sites around Lake Almanor. The campground offers spectacular views and easy access to great fishing. To get there, head east out of the town of Chester on Highway 36. After crossing the bridge take the first left onto a dirt road. The road is directly across from the entrance ...

This short hike follows Little Butano Creek through a lush redwood forest. The trail crosses the creek multiple times as you walk over redwood pine needles and through pockets of ferns. Dogs can join on this trail, but must be on leash.

Located deep within the Santa Cruz Mountains, Butano State Park boasts a large redwood canyon with many miles of hiking trails as well as campsites. This state park is one of the quietest and least visited parks on the peninsula making a perfect place to escape the hustle of the Bay Area Butano State Park is only accessible from the Pacific Coast Highway, also known as Highway One. If you are t...

This hike starts in the parking lot of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Picnic Area. As one of the more popular hikes in Redwood National Park, it is a good idea to get there early to secure parking and miss the crowds. To get to the parking lot from the Kuchel Visitor Center, travel north on Highway 101 from the center and turn on Bald Hills Rd just passed the town of Orick. After a few miles, you ...

This steep and winding trail takes you to the top of a ridge where you can see the Pacific coastline and the redwoods piercing through the forest canopy. To do this trail connect the Ano Nuevo Trail, Olmo Fire Road, Goat Trail and the Six Bridges Trail. If you don't have all day to do the Canyon Rim Route, this trail provides the best tour of the park as it sweeping views as well as giant redwo...