California

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big sur hikes

Big Sur Hiking: 15 of the best Big Sur Hikes

Dramatically rising out of the Pacific Ocean, the severe coastline of Big Sur along the Central Coast of California is one of America’s truly great outdoor destinations.  With mile high mountains mere yards from the water, this environment is jagged and rough.  Don’t expect to find many gas stations or cell signals! Beyond simply being an epic hiking destination, Big Sur has rare and endangered wildlife, vast wilderness, and some of the most incredible roads in the world (not an...

big sur hikes

Garrapata State Park: Soberanes Point and Whale Peak

On a drive down Highway 1 in Big Sur on the California Coast, one of the easy to miss, yet really awesome, state parks that litter the coast is Garrapata State Park.  While you may see a sign signaling you have entered the park, there are no major parking areas or really any signage at all, but don’t let that dissuade you! A fantastic, but short and easy, trail through Garrapata State Park is the hike to Soberanes Point and...

andrew molera state park

Hiking the Creamery Meadows Trail at Andrew Molera State Park

Just off Highway 1 heading through Big Sur, Andrew Molera State Park is one of the highlights of the region.  With remote beaches, steep oceanside bluffs, and dense forest, Andrew Molera has tons to offer. One of my favorite hikes to do when visiting Big Sur is the Creamery Meadows Trail.  This is a really short hike, only about 2 miles, but the destination is awesome, and its a great quick stop.  While it won’t take up your whole day,...
henry cowell redwoods state park
big basin state park hiking
windy hill open space preserve

Trip Report: Windy Hill Open Space Preserve

On a cool but crystal clear Sunday afternoon in March, I set off to complete a hike that had been on my radar for quite awhile.  With views promising to impress, spanning nearly the entire Bay Area, I was excited to get to the summit of Windy Hill at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve! Miles/Elevation: 6.2 miles 1,400 feet About Windy Hill Open Space Preserve: Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is a part of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District,...

rancho san vicente open space preserve
monte bello open space preserve

Trip Report: Monte Bello Open Space Preserve Loop

Situated along a high ridgeline in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Monte Bello Open Space Preserve overlooks the entire Bay Area and has an awesome set of trails.  Open to hikers as well as mountain bikers, expect to find wide open views while hiking along open ridgelines and through wooded valleys. On a brilliant February day, I decided to hike the Monte Bello Preserve Loop.  The full loop comes in at 6.5 miles with about 1400 feet of elevation gain.  Not...