The Hiking Guide for Southern California
Last week I shared Part 1 of my Sonoma Valley trip, with our hike up Bald Mountain in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. In Part 2, I share a family-friendly stroll with historical significance. Jack London was a journalist, author, adventurer, and a farmer. He loved the Sonoma Valley, and had planned to build a sustainable [...]
There are hikes, and then there are adventures. This hike up Whale Peak in the Anza Borrego State Park was a bit of both. This trail guide is one part throw-back (the hike was over two years ago), and one part a cautionary tale of what happens when three experienced hikers venture out into the Anza [...]
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a located in the heart of Sonoma County wine country. Last month, we hit the road to Northern California, spending a few days enjoying Sonoma — my first time visiting. There are many wonderful wineries and restaurants in the area, and of course, one of the wonderful benefits of hiking, is [...]
Hiking in the snow? Many people hang up their boots during winter. But with a little equipment, you can hike even in deep snow. How? Snowshoeing! I was new to snowshoeing, and not really sure what it would be like. I’ve gone downhill skiing and snowboarding. Is there a learning curve? The short answer is [...]
Last year during the holidays, Joan and I visited my mom and her husband in San Francisco. While the city of San Francisco is great for walking, I was surprised how easy it is to find a wilderness experience nearby. I have not hiked much in the Bay Area, so I put out a call [...]
The California State Park Foundation, in partnership with EveryTrail has created a free iPhone app with detailed information and trail guides for more that 45 of California’s most popular state parks. Combined, these parks draw tens of millions of visitors every year. I was honored to be one of a dozen EveryTrail members asked to [...]
San Onofre State Beach is best known for the world-class surfing at Trestles. The surf spots along here begin at the north end with Cottons, then moving southward come Uppers, Middles, Lowers and Church. Lowers is consistently one of the best surf spots, and this place is full of both professional and amateur surfers. [...]
Doheny State Beach is a perfect place for a beach walk. There are towering palms, sailboats from nearby Dana Point Harbor, surfers, a wide assortment of birds, and beautiful coastal views. This is a great place to watch the sunset and unwind. This isn’t a “hike” per se, but a really great walk. It’s virtually [...]
I have fond memories walking along the beach in Carlsbad. My grandparents retired to Carlsbad, and I’ve been there first with them, and later with my own kids. South Carlsbad State Beach is a great stretch of bluff-lined beach that makes a beautiful place to amble about, exploring the beach, enjoying the sunshine and the [...]
Huntington Beach is known as Surf City, USA. During the warm summer months, the broad, sandy beaches are crowded with surfers and sun worshipers. Most hikers–myself included–don’t think of the heading to the beach for a trail but Huntington State Beach is a great place to enjoy the smell of the ocean and beautiful [...]
The Cristianitos Fault is a major earthquake fault line located less than … more
Crystal Cove State Park is one of my favorite areas to hike in Orange … more
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