Hike to Alamere Falls
The hike to Alamere falls is ~8.4 mile out-and-back. Start at the Palomarin Trailhead located in the parking lot near the restrooms. After about 2 minutes on the trail, you'll see a map on your right that lays out the trail to the falls as well as...
8.4 miles
Run the Stanford Dish
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 ...
3.3 miles
352 ft gain
Hike the Tomales Point Trail, Pt. Reyes National Seashore
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. Fo...
9.5 miles
1300 ft gain
Camp at Fallen Leaf Lake
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...
Explore Lake Tahoe's Vikingsholm Castle
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 re...
Hike Glen Alpine Falls and Grass Lake
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 an...
5 miles
Hike Maggie's Peaks
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...
3 miles
2000 ft gain
Summit Price & Agassiz from Desolation Wilderness
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 ...
Explore the Alpine Lakes of Desolation Wilderness
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 furr...
Backpack to the "Waterfall Camp" in Desolation Wilderness
Although this hike can be done as a day hike, it is an awesome place to camp. There is a lot to explore and you will want to spend as much there time as you can. The easiest way to start this hike is to start at the Echo Lakes. There is ample park...
10.5 miles
840 ft gain
Hike to Wapta Falls, Yoho National Park
This short 1.2 mile hike leads you through a relatively level forest to a spot on the Kicking Horse River where the water crashes off a river-wide cliff, producing almost a guaranteed rainbow at the bottom. The trail starts at the Wapta Falls Trai...
2.4 miles
180 ft gain
Bike "Holy Guacamole" Outside of Zion NP
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 driv...
11 miles
600 ft gain
Hike to Snowbird Pass, Mount Robson Provincial Park
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...
14 miles
2300 ft gain
Hike the South Grove Trail in Big Trees SP
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...
5 miles
560 ft gain
Hike to Mouse's Tank in Valley of Fire State Park
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 ro...
1.5 miles
Camp at Arch Rock Campground in Valley of Fire State Park
Arch Rock Campground is first come first serve campground in Valley of Fire State Park. It is the more "primitive" of the two campsites in the park. That is, there are far less RVs in this site and it is often easier to get a spot.To get here, tak...
Explore Montezuma's Castle National Monument
Montezuma Castle is actually one of the United State's first National Monuments. This five story 50 room cliff dwelling is one of the best preserved in all of North America. There is a short interpretive walk along the cliff in which one can see t...
Hike through the Founder's Grove in Humboldt Redwoods State Park
The Founder's Grove is easily accessed from Highway 101 in northern California. The grove is also on the Avenue of the Giants Scenic Highway. This area, named after the founders of the Save the Redwoods League, is flat and has a relatively open un...
1.3 miles
Hike or Bike the Old Growth Redwood Loop at El Corte de Madera
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 mile...
8.8 miles
1900 ft gain
Camp at Usal Beach on the Lost Coast
Getting to Usal beach can be a little tricky, but it is well worth the effort. Usal Road (Mendocino Country Rd 431) is found 13 miles north of Westport or 14.5 miles southwest of Legget on Highway 1. The turn off is extremely easy to miss so it is...
Hike to Snow Lake in Desolation Wilderness
This wonderful alpine lake is a relatively short hike in Desolation Wilderness and is a perfect introduction to off trail exploration. This area lacks the crowds that other lakes in Desolation garner because most maps don't show the trail leading ...
5 miles
Camp at Ryan Campground in Joshua Tree NP
The Ryan Campground is but one of many beautiful campgrounds in Joshua Tree National Park. It is located just south of the Hidden Valley use area. There are 31 sites as well as a horse camp. This campground does not have water, but does have pit t...
Chillin at Lake Tahoe's Kiva Beach
Kiva is a secluded sandy crescent beach flanked by a beautiful meadow and mountain backdrop. This beach is rarely crowded and has free parking unlike other beaches in Tahoe. Kiva is a great place to bring dogs and is actually well known as a dog ...
Explore Deer Creek Falls
This extremely short hike starts just off of Highway 32. From Chester, head southwest on 32 for roughly 21 miles. There is a turnout and a sign where the trail starts. This waterfall is best viewed in the spring when there is still a large amount ...
0.5 miles
Camp Under the Redwoods at Memorial Park
With old growth redwoods and a creek swimming area, Memorial Park is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. Memorial Park is only a few miles east of the town of Pescadero. To get here, you can either approach from Highway 1 ...
Hike to Half Moon Lake in Desolation Wilderness
This hike starts at the Glen Alpine Trailhead near Fallen Leaf Lake. Because Desolation is a wilderness area, you are required to fill out a day-use permit which can be found at the trailhead. If you are backpacking make sure to obtain an overnigh...
11 miles
1600 ft gain
Hike through Lady Bird Johnson Grove in Redwood NP
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 t...
1.4 miles
100 ft gain
Camp at Algoma Campground in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest
The Algoma Campsite is a free campsite along the Upper Portion of the McCloud River. It features eight sites and a pit toilet. Unlike the other campgrounds in the area, this site receives very little traffic and has no fee. To get there, take SR 8...
Hike the White Domes Trail in Valley of Fire State Park
The White Domes Loop Trail is at the end of Mouse's Tank Road. Travel north from the visitor center until you get to the White Domes Parking Lot. This short loop trail wanders through short slot canyons and towering sandstone formations. From the ...
1 miles
0 ft gain
Mountain Bike at Purisima Creek
This beautiful mountain bike ride can be started at the Purisima Creek Road Trailhead or on Skyline Boulevard. There are many trails in the Purisisma Creek Redwoods, but Whittemore Gulch is by far the most beautiful and fun single track to descend...
Camp at Last Chance Creek Campground on Lake Almanor
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 ou...
Capture the Sunset at the Angora Ridge Fire Lookout
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 ...
Explore the Frozen Waterfalls of Spearfish Canyon
There are a multitude of frozen waterfalls throughout Spearfish Canyon. Some require a short hike and others can be seen from the road. This adventure will describe how to access the three largest frozen falls.Take Spearfish Canyon Highway south o...
Hike to Lost Horse Mine
To get to the trailhead, take Key's View Road from Park Blvd for around 2.5 miles and turn left onto a dirt road. The trailhead is at the end of this road. From here, you have the option to do the 6.1 mile loop or the 4 mile roundtrip out and back...
4 miles
Hike to Barney Lake in Hoover Wilderness
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 ...
Bike Pescadero Creek County Park
Pescadero Creek County Park and the connected Sam McDonald and Memorial Park are located deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains holding a vast network of secluded trails. From biking to backpacking, this area is a perfect place for a day or weekend adve...
12.5 miles
1350 ft gain
Backpack to Gilmore Lake in Desolation Wilderness
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 desolat...
8 miles
1901 ft gain
Hike the Año Nuevo and Goat Trail Loop
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 ...
5.1 miles
Bike the Cowboy Trails Near Red Rocks Canyon
The Cowboy Trails offer a perfect break from climbing in Red Rock Canyon or a night on the Town in Las Vegas. You will need to be as tough as a cowboy (or cowgirl) to ride these trails. It is just as much of a workout going up as it is down. Howe...
15 miles
2000 ft gain
Backpack Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite National Park
Situated in the northwest portion of Yosemite National Park, Hetch Hetchy is is a not often visited treasure of the Central Sierra Nevada. In 1913, in an extremely controversial move, work on the O’Shaughnessy Dam was started to provide water to t...
12.6 miles
2500 ft gain
Bike the Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail
This trail begins at the Cowell State Beach parking lot and is only open on the weekends. From the lot, take the short Cowell Ranch Access trail to a scenic overlook. There are steps down to the secluded pocket beach just above the main trail. The...
Hike to Jabu Lake in Desolation Wilderness
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 wate...
Hike the Little Butano Creek Trail
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.
1.5 miles
Camp at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree NP
The Cottonwood Campground is roughly 40 minutes south of the main attractions in Joshua Tree on Pinyon Canyon Rd and is located right next to the visitor center The biggest advantage of this site is that it is less popular than many of the other s...
Cross-Country Ski the Big Hill Trails
From Spearfish, head south on Tinton Rd. for roughly 8 miles. There will be a large parking lot to your right with a pit toilet and an information kiosk. The actual trail head is across the road from the parking lot. There are four different loops...
13.6 miles
300 ft gain
Hike to the Summit of Mount Fox above Fox Glacier
The trail starts 3 km south of Fox Glacier Township. Take the Haast Highway until Thirsty Culvert, which has a small parking lot on the right side of the road. Start early in the morning to miss the almost daily afternoon fog. The trail climbs rel...
5 miles
3430 ft gain
Hike to Tomales Bluff at Point Reyes National Seashore
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 Tomales Point Trailhead near the Historic Pierce Point Ranch. Follow ...
Camping at The Pots
This fantastic camping or chilling spot has beautiful granite pools and slides of all sizes. The area consists of a river flowing over a granite slab creating pools some of which are over ten feet deep. The water cascades down the granite in small...
Hike the Ipiwa Trail in the Skyline Ridge Preserve
The Ipiwa Trail starts in the Russian Ridge Open Space preserve parking lot just west of the intersection of Alpine Road, Page Mill Road and Skyline Boulevard. After parking, go through the corrugated metal tunnel at the south end of the parking l...
3.3 miles
Camp Goose Island Campground
Many of the campground in Arches National Park are extremely hard to book and almost impossible to get walk-in spots during the peak season in this area. However, the Colorado River near Moab has an abundance of beautiful campsites along its shore...
Hike the Canyon Rim Route in Butano State Park
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 p...
11.7 miles
Backpack to Leavitt Lake in Stanislaus National Forest
Situated on the eastern edge of Emigrant Wilderness, Leavitt Lake is a great introduction to backpacking in the Sierra Nevada. Leavitt Lake is located at the end of Forest Service Route 077 off of Highway 108. It is actually possible to drive to L...
3 miles
Hike to Ribbon Falls in Grand Canyon NP
Although this hike can feasibly done in a day, it is highly recommended that you spend more than one day in this area and visit the falls as a side trip on a larger trip. The closest campsites to Ribbon Falls are Cottonwood Campground and the Brig...
16.8 miles
4521 ft gain
Hike to Little Devil's Tower in the Black Hills
The trail starts at the Little Devil's Tower Trailhead which is located roughly one mile east of Sylvan Lake on Highway 87. Take Trail #4 for around 1/2 mile until a fork in the trail. The right fork takes you to Harney Peak, while the left takes ...
Soak at Buckeye Hot Springs
From the parking lot, walk down the short but steep incline to the springs (200m). There is also a campsite within 0.25 miles.
Hike the North Grove Trail in Calaveras Big Trees SP
When thinking of the iconic Sequoias of the Sierra Nevada, one usually thinks of Yosemite and Sequoia National Park. However, there is a often forgotten area of Giant Sierra Redwoods that gets far less traffic than the more popular groves. The Nor...
1.7 miles
40 ft gain
Catch a Sunset at Cave Rock
This short hike is just off of highway 50 and provides one of the best views of Lake Tahoe. From South Lake Tahoe, head north on Highway 50 past Zephyr cove until you see Cave Rock Drive. Take this road until it dead ends and park in the small gra...
0.8 miles
127 ft gain
