Category: Distance

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Hiking Bald Mountain at Sugarloaf State Park

The view from Bald Mountain is sweeping. This panoramic photograph does not capture the curvature of the earth as you turn 360 degrees to look around you.
The view from Bald Mountain is sweeping. This panoramic photograph does not capture the curvature of the earth as you turn 360 degrees to look around you.

You have to work for it, but the view from the top of Bald Mountain is spectacular on a clear day. What makes it so spectacular is that as you take in a 360 degree view from the top, you can see the earth curve as you turn your head from landmark to landmark in all directions – something no picture can capture.

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Hiking Deafy Glade to Summit Springs

Once you climb high enough, you look out into the Sacramento Valley from the Deafy Glade Trail.
Once you climb high enough, you look out into the Sacramento Valley from the Deafy Glade Trail.

There is an update to Deafy Glade trail that will be posed here. If you are contemplating doing this hike, I recommend you read the post when it is published. There are some safety concerns and trail hazards you need to be aware of.

Deafy Glade Trail is a butt kicker. After about a mile in and a creek crossing, it’s 3.5 miles of climbing that pulls on your calves, hamstrings and other lower body muscles. If you want buns of steel, this trail can make it happen for you. The view from the top where the Deafy Glade Trail meets the Summit Springs Trail offers views down into the Sacramento Valley and even the Sutter Buttes on a clear day.

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Hiking Bear Valley to Kelham Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore

Sandy Kelham Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore is backed by a cliff wall along its expanse.
Sandy Kelham Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore is backed by a cliff wall along its expanse.

Bear Valley Trail is probably the most popular trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and I’ve hiked it countless times. This family-friendly trail is wide and follows the Bear Valley Creek under lush canopy almost all the way where it intersects with the Coast Trail.

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Hiking Smittle Creek Trail

Lake Berryessa
Lake Berryessa

The hike on the Smittle Creek Trail is an easy rolling hill hike along the shores of Lake Berryessa, but it really isn’t that impressive. I hiked it in the fall, but it may come alive in the spring when the hills are green and wildflowers are in bloom. I’m told this trail is popular with birdwatchers. I’m not knocking this trail… it has its place, and viewed in context, it makes for a pleasant Sunday stroll with a picnic by the lake. Continue reading “Hiking Smittle Creek Trail”

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Hiking to Lake Margaret

Lake Margaret is surrounded by granite on most of its shores.
Lake Margaret is surrounded by granite on most of its shores.

Lake Margaret is a beautiful back country lake in the Eldorado National Forest just 2.5 miles from the trailhead.

But don’t let that short mileage fool you. While the hike is pleasant and moves through forested areas, next to small bodies of water, and during the right time of year it is very flowery and green. There are, however, some challenges to overcome. Continue reading “Hiking to Lake Margaret”

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Hiking to Scott’s Lake is full of Fall Color

The fall color along the trail to Scott's Lake can be unbelievable.
The fall color along the trail to Scott’s Lake can be unbelievable.

If you hike the trail to Scott’s Lake in the fall when the aspens are turning color, it will knock your socks off.

The hike starts off at the trailhead parking lot just off Highway 89 on Luther Pass, which is part of the larger Tahoe Rim Trail. You hike a pleasant .1 a mile before you come upon Highway 89 and have to cross it. Listen for traffic, as you should be able to hear it before you can see it coming around the two corners. Continue reading “Hiking to Scott’s Lake is full of Fall Color”

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Hiking Lyons Creek Trailhead to Lake Sylvia

Lake Sylvia with its clear water sits up high at 8050 feet in Desolation Wilderness.
Lake Sylvia with its clear water sits up high at 8050 feet in Desolation Wilderness.

Lake Sylvia is a beautiful lake at 8050 feet in the Sierra Nevadas at the base of Pyramid Peak. The lake is small and beautiful, and the water is clear. It’s also idyllic and lined by pine trees on all but the northeast end, where you can look up at Pyramid Peak.

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Hiking Fleming Trail Loop in Eldorado National Forest

Hiking among the trees on the Fleming Loop in the Eldorado National Forest is a place that offers peaceful contemplation.
Hiking among the trees on the Fleming Loop in the Eldorado National Forest is a place that offers peaceful contemplation.

If you’re in the frame of mind for this type of trail, the Fleming Meadow Loop rocks. There are no sweeping vistas, not an abundance of wildflowers or much running water – just a hike among the trees in some areas with very dense forest. My experience was awesome for contemplation and meditation.

The Fleming Meadow Loop in the Eldorado National Forest is one of the best marked and maintained trails I’ve come across in a national forest. When you hike Trail 8, you will come across many junctions with roads and other trails, but Trail 8 is marked so it is easy to follow. This trail is taken advantage of by hikers, mountain bikers, equestrian riders and the locals who know its secret. Continue reading “Hiking Fleming Trail Loop in Eldorado National Forest”

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