United States

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...

There are multiple entry points to the Cannon Valley Trail along the 19.7 miles of paved path that connect the towns of Cannon Falls and Red Wing. Because the trail requires a $4 daily pass, pick your entry point next to a Wheel Pass station. The most elaborate entry point is via the town of Welc...

The Hike This nearly 8.2-mile out-and-back hike starts almost a mile above sea level and has more than 2,800 feet of elevation gain. The beginning 1.5 miles include a lot of switchbacks, and hikers quickly gain elevation. The second part of the trail up the North-facing slope is shady as it goes...

Just walk straight past the restroom to find the start of the trail route. The Bluff trail heads up a set of stairs to the top of the hillside on the right. After climbing the stairs, you come right up on farmland (Ebey's Prairie), with a grassy two-track trail leading up toward the top of the bl...

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...

Park in the large parking lot at Trinidad Beach. The trailhead is at the south end of the parking lot. The loop trail can be hiked in either direction. The trail is half dirt singletrack, half paved switchbacks, and climbs steadily to the top of Trinidad Head. The view of the ocean and Californi...

Getting There From Seattle, drive Interstate 90 to Exit 62, Signed Kachess Lake/Stampede Pass. Turn left and head north over the interstate; you'll reach Kachess Lake Campground in five miles. Turn left where the pavements ends and drive four miles on Box Canyon Road (FS Road #4930) to the Rach...

Housed in Andrew Molera State Park, the East Molera Trail is easily accessible from Highway 1 with parking and restrooms available to hikers. A day-use entry fee is required (see below) but also provides entrance to Pfieffer Big Sur State Park just a few miles down the road. The trail head is lo...

If you're on Kingwood Stockton Road, there will be a dirt road with a Lockatong Nature Preserve sign before it (going north on Kingwood Stockton Road, the sign will be on your left. If you're driving south, the sign will be on your right). Just drive all the way until the end of the dirt road and...

Franklin Lakes is part of the Sequoia National Park and can be reached from the trailhead starting near the Mineral King Ranger Station. Bear containers are required and can be rented at the Ranger Station. The hike to Franklin Lakes campground will take 6 hours or less (depending on your speed/h...

50 miles from Denver, nestled in Pike National Forest, there are dozens of free dispersed camping sites. With quick access to the Colorado Trail and Buffalo Creek Mountain Bike Area, these campsites make for a perfect weekend getaway. The campsites begin on Forest Road 550, and are clearly marked...

With over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in the contiguous United States. 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the Colorado Desert. The park i...

From San Diego head East on Hwy 8 for roughly 60 miles to Buckman Springs Road (Exit 51). Take a right on Buckman Springs road an drive South for 10 miles. Turn right on CA-94 W (Campo Rd) and drive for 1.5 miles. After crossing the railroad tracks turn left on Forrest Gate Road. Take this road f...

This is a great spot for an afternoon hike near Phoenix. There are some beautiful rock formations, nice trails, and pretty stunning views of the city and desert beyond. It's open year round and is family and dog friendly, so if you've got slightly older kiddos or a pup, definitely bring them alon...

Park at the Halona Blowhole lookout and carefully cross the highway.. Walk west, towards Hawai'i Kai, and in a hundred feet or so you will pass mile marker 15, the trail starts on the rocks just past this marker. Carefully make your way up the rocky hill and onto the ridge, here you will find a t...