California
Top Stories in and near California
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Yosemite National Park, California
The Best Winter Adventures in Yosemite National Park
Most folks with plans to visit Yosemite include it on their summer road trip itinerary, but you wouldn’t believe how quiet and calm the Valley is during the winter months. Not only are the crowds thinner, but the scenery is somehow even more beautiful with a fresh layer of snow. Spend the day ...Read more -
South Lake Tahoe, California
Up High in Tahoe South: 48 Hours of Adventure in South Lake
Many think of Lake Tahoe as a world-class ski destination but locals know it best for being a fantastic escape from the sweltering heat of California Central Valley or, well, all of Nevada and an excellent basecamp for a vast assortment of outdoor adventures, from backpacking to wake surfing to s...Read more -
California
Why I Love California's Northern Coast
Backpacker Magazine put out a request for photos of the Sonoma Coast to their photographer call list. I didn't have any extra original photos to give them. So I jumped at the opportunity to run out there and see what I could get! I brought my buddy Justin along, who is great because he's more tha...Read more -
Mount Whitney, California
So You Want To Hike Mt. Whitney?
14,505ft above sea level, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, and a book end of the famous John Muir Trail – Mt. Whitney is a gem that every Californian should experience. Permits You will need a permit in order to do this hike. This is the parks service’s way of keeping crowds to...Read more -
Point Reyes, California
Point Reyes Can Be the Most Amazing Place You've Ever Been To
I love to do my fair share of long, rigorous hikes, but some of my best adventures have been driving with friends or family, stopping in various places, and walking at most a mile from the car. Point Reyes is one of those family friendly, relaxing places. Go at the right time and it can be the mo...Read more -
Death Valley, California
Weekend Road Trip Guide for Lone Pine and Death Valley
One of my girlfriend's favorite movies is Tremors. Yes, 1990 Kevin Bacon. For her birthday weekend we decided it would be fun to visit the area where Tremors was filmed, the Alabama Hills near Lone Pine. In the weeks leading up to the trip we started getting more ideas and expanded the idea to do...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
The 10 Best LA Hikes That Aren't Runyon Canyon
Don’t get me wrong. Runyon Canyon can be a great hike. Accessible trailhead. Sweeping views. Clearly marked trails. DOGS. But if celebrity sightings aren’t the primary goal for your trek, trade out that crowded jaunt for something a bit more off the beaten path. You will be rewarded with even bet...Read more -
California
25 Photos from My 1,500 Mile Motorcycle Ride through California and Oregon
DAY 1. San Francisco, CA > Eureka, CA It all started on an early foggy morning on HWY 1 just north of San Francisco. The morning was spent heading north up the coast, battling the heavy fog and cold weather. Mt. Tamalpais State Park From HWY 1, I took a quick detour through Point Reyes N...Read more -
California
Why Highway 395 is California's Most Underrated Road Trip
Roads trips have become a staple of American culture! There is no better way to see this great nation and spend time with family and friends, then locked in a car playing road trip games. Aside from wrong turns, crying kids, the A/C breaking and being trapped in the car for hours, there is someth...Read more -
Sierra Nevada, California
23 Things I Learned in 23 Days on the John Muir Trail
Here are 23 things I learned from my time on the trail: 1. The summit isn’t where you learn who you are or what you’re made of. It’s somewhere during the climb. 2. Wildflowers offer a beautiful lesson in resiliency. 3. If there’s a hell, it’s surely filled with mosquitoes. 4. You can literally n...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
8 Family-Friendly Hikes in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park is home to some of America’s most treasured wilderness and it’s almost certainly already on your bucket list. If you plan to bring the whole family along and you’re looking for a more low-key adventure in the park, check out one of these 8 family-friendly hikes. We've also ...Read more -
California
8 Amazing Private Campsites in California
If you live in California, you know it can be tough sometimes to book the best campsites. Oftentimes weekend reservations are fully booked within hours of the sites being available online and first-come, first-served campsites usually get snatched up before most weekend warriors can even get out ...Read more -
Yosemite, California
10 Images from Our Fall Adventure in Magical Yosemite
This was my second backpacking trip in Yosemite, with one of my favorite ladies, Meredith, to one of my favorite parks and most breathtaking landscape that one could dream up. We both have busy lives at home, and days are easily filled with errands, work, and just life. These trips are a chance f...Read more -
Napa Valley, California
The Emerald Valley: 72 Hours of Food & Adventure in Napa Valley, Winter/Spring Edition
Most people think of Napa Valley as miles of vineyards surrounded by golden hills, but during California’s rainy season the state turns a vibrant green and the whole Valley feels more akin to a dreamy Irish fairytale than the sun-drenched Mediterranean. Here is one way to take in all that the Val...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
Why Backpacking Clouds Rest Should Make Your Permit Application Lineup
Literally, no good reason as to why it took me so long to hike to Clouds Rest. If there is, I’m really not sure what it is. As a self-proclaimed view hunter that’s been diligently exploring California and the Western U.S. with handfuls of cameras over the last few years, the views from the summit...Read more -
California
8 of My Favorite Campsites in California
One of my favorite things about living in California is the ability to hop in your car and visit so many incredible and wild places. Deserts with otherworldly landscapes? We’ve got it. Turquoise glacial lakes nestled between dramatic peaks? Check. Waterfalls plunging into the Pacific? Yep. With s...Read more