Hiking

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Half Dome Day Hike - Yosemite National Park, California

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Half Dome Day Hike - Yosemite National Park, California

Half Dome Day Hike - Yosemite National Park, California

14.6 miles / 6,283 ft elevation

The Half Dome day hike is a strenuous, high elevation all-day hike in famous Yosemite National Park requiring an early morning start to finish during daylight hours. However, it is also one of the most scenic hikes in Yosemite, passing by 317 ft Vernal Falls and 594 ft Nevada Falls on the way to the Half Dome summit. Permits are required in order to climb the cables in the final stretch to reach the summit. These permits are limited and distributed by lottery each year after taking applications in March. The cables are up late May through early October if conditions allow.

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Fungus Fair Loop - Point Reyes, California

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Fungus Fair Loop - Point Reyes, California

Fungus Fair Loop - Point Reyes, California

5.5 miles / 1,622 ft elevation

On one weekend per year, typically in January, Point Reyes National Seashore hosts a Fungus Fair at its Bear Valley Visitor Center. The Saturday prior to the fair, volunteers are invited to gather at 10AM for a quick orientation and instructions on how to gather mushrooms. After foraging, volunteers can take their collection to the barn next to the visitor center where a guide walks you through what species you collected. Whether you are into mushroom foraging or just want to know a bit more about the California fungi, this short hike to Mt. Wittenberg summit is for you. Visit any time of year as well for an easy scenic loop with views of the coast.

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Cataract Falls Loop - Marin County, California

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Cataract Falls Loop - Marin County, California

9.2 miles / 2,947 ft elevation

Cataract Falls can be found along Cataract Creek, at the southern point of Alpine Lake in Marin County. The most popular portion of the hike is the first 0.5 miles where you ascend about 500 feet directly along the creek passing a large number of small scenic waterfalls, clear blue pools and a rocks covered in ferns and moss. After passing this section you can continue on this 9 mile moderate loop to see a pygmy redwood forest, panoramic views of the surrounding area and views of the lake. Plan to hike this loop soon after the rain for the best waterfall experience.

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Tennessee Valley - Marin Headlands, California

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Tennessee Valley - Marin Headlands, California

Tennessee Valley Trail to Tennessee Valley Cove

3.8 miles / 439 ft elevation

This short and easy day hike is a crowd favorite and it's easy to see why. Suitable for anything from trail running to walking with a stroller, this wide and flat out-and-back trail rewards you with a gorgeous beach and some of the best Pacific views at Tennessee Cove. For an extra kicker you can hike up to an outlook north of the cove with an old bunker, or take the Coastal Trail to Muir Beach 2.5 miles away.

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Berry Creek Falls - Big Basin, California

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Berry Creek Falls - Big Basin, California

Berry Creek Falls - Big Basin, California

14.0 miles / 3,575 ft elevation

Berry Creek Falls is a popular destination within Big Basin Redwoods State Park just north of Santa Cruz, California. The set of waterfalls that make up Berry Creek Falls lie at the end of Berry Creek close to where it joins with West Waddell Creek. There are many ways to approach these falls, and this post specifically covers the out-and-back approach from Waddell Beach on the coast. This approach is a great way to see the California Newt and Rough-skinned Newt, especially if it has been raining recently.

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Coast Camp to Sky Camp Loop - Point Reyes, California

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Coast Camp to Sky Camp Loop - Point Reyes, California

Coast Camp to Sky Camp Loop - Point Reyes, California

12.1 miles / 2,497 ft elevation

Point Reyes National Seashore boasts some absolutely gorgeous backcountry campgrounds, and one of our favorites is Coast Camp nestled behind a grassy hill just off of Limantour Beach. This is also a great intro-to-backpacking backcountry site, with the camp only being 2 miles from the trailhead on a relatively flat trail. Pack in, set up your camp, and enjoy the surrounding area including a scenic 8 mile loop hike to Sky Camp, sunsets and bonfires on the beach, and plenty of wildlife including deer, seals and sea birds. You can also do this trek as a 12 mile day hike instead of camping overnight.

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Diamond Lake - Indian Peaks Wilderness, Colorado

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Diamond Lake - Indian Peaks Wilderness, Colorado

Diamond Lake - Indian Peaks Wilderness, Colorado

6.0 miles / 1,639 ft elevation

This 6 mile out-and-back trail takes you to the shores of beautiful Diamond Lake in the Indian Peaks Wilderness of Colorado. Diamond Lake is an alpine lake forged from centuries of glacier activity in the Colorado rockies. Middle Diamond Lake and Upper Diamond Lake are also reachable by adding another 2.5 miles onto the hike round-trip. On this hike you will encounter countless Aspen groves, waterfalls from North Fork Middle Boulder Creek, and fantastic views of the lake. At only an hour drive from Boulder, this is a must-do hike for anyone living in or visiting Colorado.