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...Read More

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...Read More

Though not as large as Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake has fewer visitors, and despite the cabin homes nearby, it's almost as if nobody else is aware of this lake. We did notice some boat launch ramps and docks. After spending a day on the slopes at Donner Ski Ranch, where the lake is also visible from one of the lifts there, this up-close...Read More

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...Read More