California

Once your on Sutherland Dam Rd, follow it until your right next to the dam. Park on the side of the road where you see a small turn-out. Walk down to the side of the dam and drop down onto the concrete flooring of the dam. Walk on-top where allowed, and check out the views of the lake and the mo...

Whether you simply look down on the ruins from the [conveniently located] parking lot above, or choose to walk down the stairs and explore, you will be greeted with stunning views of the Baths, and the Pacific Ocean stretching infinitely beyond. The highlight of any trip to the Sutro Baths is ...

At the bend in the road on Highway 128, you will pass two silver gates. The gate with the UC Davis logo is the entrance to the trailhead. Past the entrance there is a large dirt pullout off the road with plenty of parking. Starting at the trailhead, go left in the fork to start the loop trail. T...

...From the PCH, make a left turn on Yerba Buena road (turn right if you're coming South) for about 6 miles until you get to the dirt parking area. If the lot is full, there's extra parking on the side of the road. FYI, Balanced Rock can also be accessed by starting at the Mishe Mokwa trailhead,...

Winter and spring rains create scenic waterfalls in this hike at Mount Diablo, the East Bay's signature peak. Be careful hiking immediately post-rain, watch for slippery sections of mud. The trail is moderately difficult and is used by hikers, walking groups, trail runners, and for nature trips. ...

When it comes to Palomar Mountain State Park, most people stick to Doane Lake and Upper Doane Valley. Yet on the far right of the parking lot at Doane Pond, there is actually a trailhead that will guide you to a completely different section of the park. The Lower Doane Valley trail is, in my opti...

Known as "Ribera Beach" by locals, this stretch of land nestled between Carmel River State Beach and Monastery Beach is not to be missed! The trails are easy to get to and can be accessed by 4 locations. The first entrance is on Highway 1 at the Bay School (between Ribera Road and Monastery Beach...

The trailhead is located in the day use area of Point Mugu State Park.  Park in the day use area parking lot. There is a parking fee of $12/day or $3/hr.   From the parking lot, walk through the campground until you reach the old service road.  After passing through the gate, turn left at the si...

This 7.2-mile loop starts by heading out of the parking lot and onto the Spring Ridge Trail. Head Southeast On Spring Ridge Trail until you connect with Hamms Gulch Trail. When you jump on Hamms Gulch, head southwest for ~3.4 miles as you circle the far end of the OSP. At this point, you will con...

Hiking or backpacking to the Velma Lakes area is a must do if you want to explore and escape the summer crowds of South Tahoe. There are 3 lakes, Upper, Middle, and Lower Velma Lake. The trek out to Middle Velma is 9+ miles roundtrip, but you can add to it depending on how many other lakes you wa...

When it comes to the beauty of Big Sur, a half day on Tanbark Trail to the Tin House captures it all. From the redwood forest along Partinton Creek, to the abandoned Tin House, to Highway 1 and coastal views, you can't ask for much more. The hike starts on the east side of Highway 1 - the northe...

If you live in Los Angeles, Sandstone Peak is a must! The hike to the summit can be done on a 2 mile hike up and back on Sandstone Peak Trail, or a 6.5 mile hike up and back on Backbone Trail. The shorter trail is more popular, yet both are equally rewarding. You won't believe the views from the...

This campground is a gem when it comes to Big Sur camping, book here. Each site includes a parking spot, a campfire ring with grill, a picnic table, and plenty of space for 1-2 tents. There are multiple immaculate restroom facilities with showers, clean trash enclosures (emptied and sanitized dai...

This 8 mile (out and back) hike begins at the trail head off of Knoxville Road, just before mile marker 24. The first 3 miles are relatively flat, though you will cross the creek about 9 times. Right before you reach the waterfall, you will come to a fork in the trail marked by a pink boulder. St...

Point Pinole Regional Shoreline is a 2,315-acre parkland that juts out into the San Pablo Bay. Only a brief car ride from San Francisco, this is a great spot for a Sunday stroll, picnic or simply to find a quiet space.There are several short trails to choose from that wind through eucalyptus grov...

Mono Lake is was formed at least 760,000 years ago, making it one of North America's oldest lake. Explore the coastline of this unique lake filled with unusual rock formations called tufas. Photograph the tufa towers with the majestic mountains in the background. The towers can make for some very...