Coleville, California

Bayview is a first come, first serve campground in South Lake Tahoe, halfway between Emerald Bay and Cascade Lake. You can catch an amazing sunrise over Emerald Bay! Large pine trees provide ample shade, and each site is equipped with a picnic table, grill, and bear boxes. Bring plenty of water -...

Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay is a national natural landmark and is one of the prettiest parts of the lake.  Inspiration Point is located along route 89 on the Southwest side of Tahoe about 10 miles from South Lake Tahoe or about 33 miles South from Truckee.  It is very easy to get to, and its high va...

Eagle falls is a short walk from the main Emerald Bay vista point. The top of the falls are cool to look at themselves, with great views of the lake. 

Park at the Eagle Creek Canyon parking lot. If it's full, park alongside the Hwy 89, right at the entrance of the Eagle Creek Canyon parking pullout. Both parking areas fill up quickly, so if those two are full, park across the street at Emerald Bay Vikingsholm Trail parking lot. That area can fi...

This place is bouldering heaven. Short approach to the first boulders, challenging routes for every level, good landings, and set in a beautiful area. It's like Bishop, but without the long drive.Technically you can come anytime in the season, but it is highly suggested to get a morning session i...

Mono Lake Vista Point is a quick pull off on the right side of Highway 395 as you’re headed south toward Mono City. The pull off is fairly big and is a great spot to pull over quickly to take in a view of Mono Lake and the greater area.

The Rubicon Trail is a through hike connecting D.L. Bliss State Park and Emerald Bay State Park.  You can start at either point.  I opted to start at D.L. Bliss State Park to avoid the long walk uphill to catch the Nifty Fifty shuttle.  Also, there is more available parking at Bliss.  Park your c...

The Lighthouse Trail is a 2.3 mile loop located in D.L. Bliss State Park on the lower west side of world famous Lake Tahoe. To get the trail, enter the park through the main entrance ($10 parking fee), the  follow the road until you see two parking areas of the left side with about 6 or 7 spots e...

To get to the Twin Lakes Trailhead from the Bay Area/Sacramento, head east on HWY 50 past Kyburz for 4 miles until you see the left-hand turnoff for Wrights Road. If coming westbound on HWY 50, this will be a right-hand turn 5 miles past Strawberry. Follow this paved road for 8 miles (watch for p...

The parking for Skunk Beach is very limited and a little difficult to find. Make sure you get there early if you want a spot. The parking is a turnoff along highway 28, about two miles north of the junction with highway 50. There is no trail sign or anything but there is an old green pipe gate wh...

Tuolumne Meadows at an elevation of 8,619 feet exemplifies the high country of the Sierra Nevada, with its sweeping sub-alpine meadows, granite domes, summer wildflowers and meandering rivers. When the forest opens up park along the side of the road and find a trail. There are also plenty of near...

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 th...

Tuolumne Meadows is on Tioga road northeast of Yosemite Valley, at elevation 8,600 feet. Sites are available July-September at $26. Dogs are allowed but be sure to pack the leash!  More info: https://www.nps.gov/yose/plany...

Head to any Yosemite wilderness station for a map, bear canister, and permit for Nelson Lake. The trail itself starts in the Tuolumne Campground at Elizabeth Lake trailhead. Follow the trail 2.2 miles up to Elizabeth Lake and remember the lake itself is in a no-camping zone, so you must continue ...

Yosemite is filled with some amazing views but rarely do you get to experience these views by yourself.  This hidden treasure is located off of Tioga Pass,  is near some of Yosemite’s most popular hikes, and offers an outstanding sunrise and sunset views without the crowds. Located 2.5 miles Sout...

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...