Giant old-growth redwood trees, lush forest, babbling creeks and beautiful waterfalls–there is plenty to love about this nearly 11 mile loop hike to Berry Creek Falls in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Big Basin Redwoods is California’s oldest state park, and features the largest stand of coastal redwoods south of San Francisco. These are tall […]
Hiking to McWay Falls in Big Sur
McWay Falls is “that” waterfall in Big Sur that everyone has seen and many have photographed. I had driven up and down Big Sur several times before I finally made a point of going here. It was on my “must-see” list for years, but I just hadn’t timed my drive right… until this year. The […]
Hiking the Limekiln Falls Trail
Hiking the Limekiln Falls Trail is like a walk through another world. It is dark — even on a cloudless day — and verdant green. The trail dives deep into the steepest coastal canyon in California, reaching an impressive 100 foot split waterfall. This is an easy hike, and worth a stop to stretch your […]
Hiking the Ewoldsen Trail in Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has everything that Big Sur is known for — dramatic old growth coastal redwoods that tower above you; streams dancing through steep gorges lined with colorful wildflowers; stunning views of the rugged coastline; and photogenic waterfalls. The 5.9 mile Ewoldsen Trail delivers the goods. We tackled this scenic loop in […]
Skull Rock and Temescal Loop
The Temescal Loop trail is one of my favorite hikes on days when the sun dips low. This variation includes a side trip further up the ridge to Skull Rock. And yes, it really does look like a skull (with a little imagination). With the addition of a small side trip to Skull Rock, this […]
Chantry Flats to Sturtevant Camp and Mt Zion
The beautiful Santa Anita Loop takes you on a 10-mile hike from Chantry Flats to Sturtevant Camp, then on to Mt Zion and back past Hoegee’s Trail Camp and along the Lower Winter Creek Trail. It’s got a 50 foot waterfall, babbling creeks, historical wilderness cabins, deep granite canyons and towering Alder and pine trees. It feels like […]
Hiking to the Bridge to Nowhere
The Bridge to Nowhere hike is a quintessential SoCal trail. The trail criss-crosses the East Fork of the San Gabriel River many times. In the spring, the water can run fast and deep. Sometimes it’s waist high in places, making crossing a wet proposition. The river crossing make this trek more fun, and on a […]
Cooper Canyon Falls
Cooper Canyon Falls is a beautiful waterfall that flows almost year round, but roars in April-May as the spring snow melts. The falls can be spectacular when you time your hike right, and I’m surprise more people don’t talk about this trail. This hike includes a side trip to Cooper Canyon Campground — a wilderness campsite right […]