California

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Big Sur Hiking: The Brazil Ranch Trail

Located on the Big Sur coastline of Central California, Brazil Ranch is a picturesque, postcard worthy, location.  Grazing cattle roaming brilliant green fields butt up against ocean cliffs, high bluffs and mountain peaks dominate the skyline, and all the while the raw power of the Pacific batters against the coastal cliffs. This is a beautiful setting, and while in many places you can’t just hike through a cattle ranch, you can here!  There is one trail in particular that is...

Garrapata State Park: The Doud Peak Loop

Located in the northern reaches of Big Sur, the legendary stretch of the Central California Coast, Garrapata State Park houses one of the best short hikes you’re ever going to find!  This short hike to Doud Peak may only be a little over 6 miles, but in those 6 miles you’ll climb nearly 2,000 feet, take on overgrown trails filled with (at times) hostile wildlife, and deal with possible gale force winds! The loop to Doud Peak takes you up...

Hiking The Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park Loop

On a stunning early spring day, I headed over to the East Bay to check out a park that had long been on my list.  Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, located just off I-680, covers some beautiful stretches of rolling hills, shady woodland, and quiet meadows.  The hike would be a 10 mile loop on the Ridge Trail and the Thermalito Trail, promising big views and hopefully good hiking! Miles/Elevation: 10 miles 1,942 feet vertical gain About Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park:...

Walking The Devil’s Slide Trail

When driving between Half Moon Bay and Pacifica on Highway 1, you can’t help but notice the large tunnel that you are herded through.  While notable, the tunnel is actually far less dramatic than the former route of highway 1, the Devil’s Slide. Famed for its frequent washouts and closures, this precarious piece of road was completely shut down multiple times in its history, and now has been totally bypassed.  However, now that the old section of highway isn’t used...