California

Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is a Palos Verdes gem. This 64-acre reserve is a state ecological preserve. There is something for everyone here, whether you want to relax and lay out or be adventurous and swim across channels to get to sea caves. The large parking area is very easy to find and costs...

Less than a mile South from the small town center, Malibu Pier stretches out into the Pacific. The Pier has been in Malibu since 1905 and though much of Malibu has been built up around it, it has remained quite similar to when it was first constructed. You can either pay for parking right at the ...

Kite Hill is nothing more than what the name describes. A simple ascent less than 100 feet in elevation. But that 100 feet is all you need to feel like you discovered a little escape from the buzz below. To get there, you can park directly at the base of Kite Hill along Peter Coutts Rd and simpl...

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 switchbac...

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 toilets.For weekend trips into Joshua Tree, it is o...

The trail switchbacks up the mountain before reaching the first historic marker, in 3 miles. These are the remains of the Mount Lowe Railroad, which brought customers to Echo Mountain Resort, also in ruins, nearby. Explore the historic sites, then head up Castle Canyon Trail. A steep climb will ...

La Jolla Cove is one of the most photographed beaches in San Diego, located on the coast just south of Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. La Jolla Cove is also one of the best spots in San Diego for snorkeling and scuba diving. This calm cove is ecologically protected with many animals making their ho...

Locomotion is a great spot to set up for the day and enjoy the world class climbing that Joshua Tree has to offer. Camp at the nearby and coveted Hidden Valley Campground and you'll be within walking distance to Locomotion and a dozen other quality climbing spots. Joshua Tree really is a camping/...

It is said that "only the devil could play golf on such rough links." Just off Badwater Road you will find an immense field of eroded rock salt that bore small jagged spires in the Earth. What was once Lake Manly is now a surreal sight - one that makes you wonder what planet you are on. Devil's G...

Although this trip specifically describes how to get to Garnet Lake, there are several other pristine alpine lakes (Shadow Lake and Thousand Islands Lake) along this looped trail, only a few short miles away from each other, that are just as worthy if you have the time. A minimum of 3 days/2 nigh...

Desolation Wilderness is just west of Lake Tahoe, a part of Eldorado National Forest. It's a very popular backpacking destination as the PCT and Tahoe Rim Trail both run through the area. There are what seems to be endless amounts of mountain lakes, creeks, and rivers that run through this area w...

As of Friday, January 31st, 2025, Thousand Steps Beach is closed due to a landslide for an undetermined amount of time. More details are available here. Easy beach access and blue see-through waves with small crowds in the off season. This is a huge beach with the potential for wildlife spotting...

Parking for Bluff Cove is located along the sides of the street of Paseo Del Mar, and the trailhead is located right next to the street. Bluff Cove is one of those unique locations in that there are a variety of activities you can do here. It is a great location for surfing, paddle boarding, bod...

Once you've parked along Topanga Canyon Blvd, make your way down the street and start the trail off near the steel gate, close to the horse stables. As you make your way in, you will notice some rock climbers practicing on the lower elevation rocks. Make your way around this rocky park, counter-...

One of the many hidden gems near Santa Barbara, Knapp's Castle is an abandoned home built in 1916 by George Knapp. Finding the trailhead can be difficult because it's not clearly marked and the road it's starts from is long, winding and narrow. Coming from the 154, turn right on East Camino Cielo...

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 adventure. This area also has the added bonus having r...