California
Top Stories in and near California
-
California
A Solo Sierra Sprint
Traffic tends to wake me up at 4:30AM on the weekends. Not because of the noise or the lights, but because I have a special disdain for sitting still on an endless asphalt roadway. Sometimes I think it’s impossible to escape the clutches of the Bay Area, but with the help of a really loud alarm c...Read more -
Joshua Tree National Park, California
A Beginner's Climbing Guide to Joshua Tree
Joshua Tree is a place to get lost in and leave feeling sun soaked and renewed, stepping out of the dusty golden tinged landscape. The sunrise and sunset are framed by outlines of the contorted spiky Joshua Trees and boulder studded rock formations. The park isn't all sleeping boulder giants, the...Read more -
Yosemite National Park, California
First Time Backpacker from Chicago Spends One Night Alone in the Yosemite Backcountry
Let's start with some background. I'm 33 years old and originally from Chicago. I quit my corporate life a year ago and sold everything, house included, to travel and make some drastic life changes personally and professionally. This started with culinary school in Ireland followed by several mon...Read more -
Yosemite, California
10 Incredible Backpacking Trips in Yosemite National Park
Don't get us a wrong, a day hanging in Yosemite Valley, cruising Tioga Road, or going on any of the amazing day hikes throughout the park is a day well spent. Sometimes, though, putting in the extra effort of getting wilderness permits, loading up a 40lb pack, and hiking into the wilderness pays ...Read more -
Sacramento, California
6 of the Best Places to Hike and Shoot near Sacramento
People often ask me where the best places are to hike and shoot around the Sacramento region. A lot of my friends are photographers, so I know they're wanting to find places that offer incredible views and scenery. Fortunately, Sacramento is situated in the heart of Northern California, so it's n...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
5 Must-Do Adventures in Laguna Beach, CA
Laguna Beach is famous for its beautiful beaches, beautiful people, and bohemian chic, but in addition to an array of water sports, it has also built a reputation for having an excellent network of trails that afford numerous hiking, biking, and running options in 20,000+ acres of protected land....Read more -
Yosemite, California
Road Trip from the Columbia River Gorge to Yosemite
The drive from Oregon. The journey started out from The Dalles, Oregon. A small town located on the Columbia River Gorge. If you have ever seen the iconic picture looking down on a horseshoe shaped road then you know the area which I am referring to (pictured below). The Dalles is about 10 minut...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
How to Find Last Minute Camping in Los Angeles
...way too late to snag a campsite anywhere. Planning ahead isn’t exactly my strong suit [read: definitely, absolutely isn’t] but finding loopholes in the system is. Stick with me, fair reader, and you’ll be cracking open a cold one with the boys [and girls] in your very own campsite this weeken...Read more -
Yosemite, California
How to Beat the Crowds in Yosemite Valley
Note: For summer 2018 adventures to Yosemite National Park, be sure to check updates on fires in the region before heading out and plan accordingly.If you are like me and want to skip the hoards of people flocking to one of the nation’s most popular parks, you need to wake up early. Make it to th...Read more -
Big Sur, California
Slow Down and Explore Big Sur
Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains, and only three-hours from San Francisco, Big Sur is the perfect escape from the norm. As you drive down Highway 1, the ocean crashing on one side and tree-covered mountains towering on the other, you'll feel the world melt away. Onc...Read more -
Yosemite, California
Yosemite's Silver Aprons
All this cold, clear water moving in a panic through the narrow granite conduits and falling from the cliffs has little impact on the monoliths. Over time rivers formed, but in person you see the rock that seems unmoved and calm as the water escapes in a frenzy to the pools on the valley floor. O...Read more -
Redwood National and State Parks, California
Spend your first weekend in Redwoods National and State Parks
Redwoods National and State Parks in Northern California remains one of the most awe-inspiring and magnificent National Parks in the US. I recently spent a weekend camping at the park with my fiancée, exploring the oceanside beaches, hiking through old grove trees, and catching some glimpses of t...Read more -
Wawona, California
8 Amazing national park lakes to explore this Summer
Millions of visitors head to national parks in the summer to hike, bike, camp, and swim. Make the most of the season and spend time on, in, or near public land lakes! Here are eight where you can enjoy great views, cool off, and even spend the night getting to know our national park system. Ph...Read more -
Joshua Tree National Park, California
My First Trip Down to Joshua Tree National Park
Neither Nikki nor I had ever been down to Joshua Tree before. It had been a super dry winter so far, so I decided to go ahead and book a super cool little AirBnb in the desert just outside of the park. We ended up leaving home a day early, and not having booked anywhere, we were going to cross ov...Read more -
Laguna Beach, California
Why Laguna Beach Is the Ultimate Summer Destination
It’s summertime which means the days are longer, the weather is warmer, and life is just a little more fun. This is true for most places, but we’d argue that Laguna Beach puts them to shame when it comes to covering all the most important factors of a summer spent outside. Let’s start with the mo...Read more -
Point Reyes, California
10 Must-Do Adventures in Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes is one of the most amazing locations along the California Coast, especially considering what a contrast it is to the nearby bustling Bay Area. As soon as you drive the winding roads towards Point Reyes, you start to feel worlds away from the city sprawl behind you. Step out of your ca...Read more