Hiking Lassen Peak Trail
Virginia Lakes Trail
Virginia Lakes in the Eastern Sierra’s is a feast for the eyes but a workout on the lungs. The peak on this trail reaches approximately 11,120 feet give or take, with a starting elevation of 9,846 feet.
River Canyon Trail at Calaveras Big Trees State Park
River Canyon Trail at Calaveras Big Trees State Park is the poorest maintained trail I’ve ever hiked. Parts of the trail should be closed as a safety hazard due to the poor upkeep of it. If the trail were maintained, this could be a really nice hike through the forest down to the North Fork of the Stanislaus River. Instead, I should have worn my heavier off-trail boots for parts of this trail.
I hate to start the hiking season off with a downer summary, but I want to get the word out before anybody might consider going to this state park.
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Hiking to Ralston Peak
The views from Ralston Peak are some of the most spectacular I’ve seen. You’re looking out at Lake Tahoe, Lake of the Woods, Lake Aloha, Ralston Lake, Upper Echo Lake, Mt. Tallac, Pyramid Peak, Mt. Rose and so much more from 9239 feet.
Donner Peak, Mount Judah Hike
Hiking to Donner Peak is easy to moderate, and Donner Peak is the high-point of this hike – no question about it. Donner Peak overlooks Donner Lake, and once you make it there, you can take in the views and then head back the way you came. While there’s more, I won’t lie; I’d head back the way I came if I were to do this hike again.
Hiking Caples Creek Trail to Government Meadow
The Caples Creek Trail follows the cascades of Caples Creek through the forest, and during June and July there are usually wildflowers along the way. The trail starts off on an incline that continues for a little more than 3.5 miles, but overall it isn’t a bad slope as you hike through the forest.
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Hiking Sky Trail to Sculptured Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore
Sky Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore is an awesome hike, and at the right time of the year when the wildflowers are in bloom, it’s a feast for the eyes. For the most part, the hike is not too difficult and is actually relaxing as you hike under the pine forests next to ferns and greenery.
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Hiking Schneider Camp Trail to Showers Lake Trail Junction
At the right time of the year, this is another “blow your mind” hike where wildflowers abound on the Schneider Camp Trail before you start the serious ascent to the junction that goes on to Showers Lake.
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Hiking Bear Valley to Kelham Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore
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 Meiss Meadow to Showers Lake
From the trailhead, the hike to Meiss Meadow follows the Pacific Crest Trail to the Upper Truckee River you’ll have to cross and proceed up to the Showers Lake.
Hiking to Lake Margaret
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”
Hiking Big Meadow to Dardanelles Lake
As I wrote in the Big Meadow to Round Lake summary, if you like hiking through meadows like I do, then this hike through Big Meadow is absolutely for you.
Hiking to Scott’s Lake is full of Fall Color
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”