The hills of Rancho Palos Verdes have become one of my favorite places for coastal hiking in California. Of course, there is the epic shipwreck hike, but if you are looking for something relatively easy and family friendly then check out the stunning Abalone Cove Reserve with its miles of trails, beaches and tide pools. […]
Abalone Cove Preserve: Beach Hiking & Tide Pools in Rancho Palos Verde
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Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes: Best Sunrise Spot in Death Valley
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Death Valley National Park is a variable playground for the landscape photographer. Both Zabriskie Point and Dante’s View are absolutely spectacular for sunset and while they are good for sunrise as well, the light is coming from behind you so it is not as epic. Enter the Mesquite Dunes as one of my favorite places […]
Hiking to the Palisade Glacier from Second Lake on the Big Pine North Fork Trail
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Palisades Glacier is one of the southernmost glaciers in North America, and it sits right around 12,4000 feet. It is accessed by a short but challenging trail which splits off from the Big Pine North Fork Trail. Getting there is an incredible accomplishment but one that shouldn’t be taken lightly as you have to deal […]
Soda Springs & Parsons Memorial Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows
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When visiting the Tuolumne Meadows area of Yosemite National Park, there are two quick and easy attractions that most people choose to see, Soda Springs and Parson’s Memorial Lodge. These two spots are pieces of history in Yosemite and make for a great little hike in the area. Details 1.5 miles round trip Flat Location: […]
Redwood Grove Trail in Big Basin State Park
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The Redwood Grove Trail in Big Basin Redwoods State Park is only six-tenths of a mile, and it passes some of the largest redwoods in the entire park. The trail is flat and is readily available from the parking lot near the visitors center. If you are looking for a quick taste of the park, […]
Redwood Grove Trail in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
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As the main attraction in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, the Redwood Grove Loop Trail is a pretty fantastic way to get immersed amoung these giants. The trail itself is less than a mile, but it could easily take you an hour as there is so much to see that you will want to take […]
Ancient Bristlecone Forest: Discovery Trail at the Visitors Center
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Located high in the hills above Big Pine / Bishop, the Ancient Bristlecone Forest is one of the most unique spots you can visit along Highway 395. Many of these trees have been here for over 3,000 years and the stark landscape they survive in is something you have to see for yourself. I got […]
Ancient Bristlecone Forest: Patriarch Grove & the Largest Bristlecone Pine in the World
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I can’t believe that in California we have two of the biggest trees in the world and a few of the oldest living trees in the world as well. The former can be found in Sequoia, and the latter can be found in the Ancient Bristlecone Forest. These trees sit right at around 11,000 feet […]
Crowley Lake Columns: Strange Formations on the East Side of the Lake
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The Crowley Lake Columns are a mysterious site that many people pass by along Highway 395. These natural columns are not easy to get to, but they are rewarding for any adventurer who makes their way out there to see them. Here is the information if you want to check it out. Note that the water […]
Half Dome: The Ten Best Viewpoints for the Iconic Rock
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Half Dome, the iconic slab of granite in Yosemite Nationa Park that you know from your pre-loaded Mac desktop screensaver. It is one of the most easily recognizable things in all of California, up there with even the Golden Gate Bridge. If you haven’t seen it in real life then be sure to add it […]
