Vicente Flat Trail, along the coast of Highway One and within the Los Padres National Forest, is a wonderful trail to get a view of the mountainside and the Pacific Ocean. 

The trailhead was harder to find than I expected. After driving up and down the coast for about 20 minutes, my friend and I decided to ask the attendant at the Limekiln State Park. They responded that the trailhead was directly across from Kirk Creek campground. So, dear reader, keep that in mind. After parking near the big sign for Kirk Creek campground, we noticed the trailhead is this tiny little gate on the same side of the road as the large sign. Talk about a face palm. We had noticed the sign as we drove up and down the coast, but didn't see the trailhead...

The trail immediately starts climbing up, and with every step taken, the view of the campground and the ocean is so welcoming. The campers who stay at Kirk Creek sure are lucky for snagging an incredible spot right next to the ocean! After a bit, I finally realized that the exposed sections of the trail were surprisingly humid, probably from all the plants that were actively photosynthesizing.

After awhile, we pass through a a forest, which is a nice shaded area to block from the heavy heat and sun. 

The trail continues to snake along the side of the mountain, and after awhile, my friend and I decided to stop, have lunch and turn around. After lunch, I head up the trail for a little bit more and come across a peculiar rock that looks like it was randomly dropped from the sky.

The view on the way back is equally stunning with views towards the South. 

Since we didn't make it to the campground or Cone Peak, we will have to come back for round two!

Los Padres National Forest: Vicente Flat Trail (to the pointed rock)

Start: across the street from Kirk Creek Campground

Duration: 2-3 hours

Difficulty:  moderate
Length: ~4.6 miles
Danger: variable weather, narrow trails, collapsed trees

Exposure: mostly open

Crowd factor: low

Happy travels!

Cat

The Redwood Grove Loop at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, a 20 minute drive northwest of Santa Cruz, and less than an hour's drive from the south of San Jose is a very gentle and easy walk through some old-growth forest. This hike is perfect for people of all ages, and as it is paved, is great for the disabled and those with strollers. Throughout the trail are benches for gazing and resting.

The redwoods are the dominating feature, and they do dominate with their girth, their height, and their vivid color. There are also smaller, more 'normal' sized trees, and low lying ferns and bushes.

And the biggest one of them all is actually named: the John C. Fremont tree (270 ft / 82.3m). For this photo, I had to stand far away and crouch on the ground, and I still barely got the top of the tree!

Sidenote: This loop is a great introduction to the park and has quite a few trails that fan out to the rest of the park. I did venture further in to see what else the park has to offer. Unfortunately, I later found out that the photos I took were far too blurry. I will have to come back more prepared and ready.

Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Redwood Grove Loop

Start: Main Entrance / Mountain Parks Foundation Store Parking Lot

Duration: 30 min - 1 hour

Difficulty: easy
Length: 0.8 miles loop
Danger: none

Exposure: equal mix of exposure

Crowd factor: moderately low

(hike completed in March 2016)

Cat

Donner Lake

Parking: parking lot on Donner Pass Road

Danger: breezy and brisk chilly air; be weary of snow and ice on the ground during the winter

Exposure: full exposure

Crowd factor: very low

I had heard of Mount Tamalpais (or Mount Tam) in passing and decided to hike the Matt Davis - Dipsea - Steep Ravine Loop. For a first trip, why not make it one of the more popular hikes to get a sense for what Mount Tam offers?

Even though I find driving to be a chore, driving to beautiful places on windy roads brings a happy bliss. The drive to Stinson Beach was marvelous and for non-hikers, it's worth the drive. What's not to like about sun rays beaming through tree-covered roads, rolling hills, hairpin turns, and expansive views of the ocean and the bright sun?

I parked at Stinson Beach and made my way up the hillside to the trailhead. There are multiple starting points (with obvious signs), which all meet up with the main trail. And the view that greeted me only a couple steps in? Wow.

This trail is no easy feat, as the Matt Davis climbs right from the get-go. There are many switchbacks, several staircases and the rare flat sections. Watch out for any banana slugs! And don't forget to take in the views of the cute and small Stinson Beach town. It's also a fun gauge to see the change in elevation gain with each new view. 

And then all of a sudden, there's full exposure to an open hillside. This is where I realized the full extent of how popular Mount Tam is. There were cyclists, casual runners, speed runners, and casual hikers like me all meandering around this mountain. There are multiple paths and junctions on this open hillside, though most lead up the hill. Take the right fork or the lowest level path to continue along the Matt Davis trail. There is a mini path that leads to the edge of a hill, with views of San Francisco (in the very far distance -  not pictured) and a more expansive view of the ocean. The sun that accompanied me in the beginning and had me sweating for much of the hike up Matt Davis was now covered by clouds. There was even a brisk, cool wind with a light drizzle from the fog, so be prepared for the changing weather! 

After stepping back into the woods, more 'public activity' can be heard, with voices from other trails and cars passing by on Pan Toll Road and Panoramic Highway. That's the sign that Pantoll Campground is close! At this parking lot are bathrooms, water refill stations, a wayfinding post, and a mini visitor station with rangers answering questions about the campsite or nearby hikes. Head to the southern end of the parking lot, with signs reading "Steep Ravine." What goes up must come down! For all that elevation gain on the Matt Davis portion, the Steep Ravine heads downwards quite fast. Though, maybe not as fast because I stopped by to take pictures of the magnificent towering second-growth redwood trees. These are considered the babies!

After awhile, on this fast descent, there's a ladder! The ladder is steep and can be slippery from the waterfall that it bypasses.

Continue heading downwards until the next junction. Take the sign for the Dipsea trail. As it's nearing dark, I don't have too many pictures, though the trees are a lot shorter and the trail is a bit sandy. And then, the trees disappear, with Stinson Beach in sight! 

Admittedly, I sort of lose the trail because I'm walking through the streets of Stinson Beach. The trail abruptly ends at a road, and Stinson Beach is quite small, so it's easy to find the way back to wherever the starting point was. As I arrive back at my car, I quickly walk to the beach to catch the last of this beautiful sunset.

Mount Tamalpais: Matt Davis - Steep Ravine - Dipsea Loop

Start: Stinson Beach (preferred) or Pantoll Campground (trail can be reached from other trail branches)

Duration: 3-5 hours 

Difficulty: moderately strenuous - continuous elevation gain (Matt Davis) and loss (Steep Ravine), use of a ladder, length
Length: 7.3 miles loop
Danger: variable and changing weather; bring a light jacket

Exposure: all types

Crowd factor: moderately high

Happy travels!

Cat