California

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Hiking The Santa Teresa County Park Loop

Located essentially within the city of San Jose, Santa Teresa County Park is a prominent feature in the South Bay.  The park’s rolling hills rising above houses and yards make it easily identifiable, and while it is easily noticed, I had never actually hiked there!   With California’s winter rain turning the hills into a bright green, it seemed as good a time as any to finally give it a try!  Rather than trying out a short trail to start, we...

Hiking The Lexington Reservoir Trail Loop

Located just a few miles outside San Jose, Lexington Reservoir is a notable feature along highway 17 heading towards Santa Cruz that I had driven past it numerous times.  While I knew there were quite a few hiking trails around the reservoir, I had never actually hiked there.  I finally decided to actually hike one: the Lexington Reservoir Trail Loop! The Lexington Reservoir Loop starts just above the reservoir’s surface and climbs over a thousand feet towards a beautiful ridgeline...

Hiking The Mammoth Mountain Trail

On my visit to the Mammoth area in June of 2021, I decided to hike the Mammoth Mountain Trail to the summit itself.  Known primarily for it’s skiing, Mammoth Mountain becomes a warm weather outdoor destination in summer, and the hike to summit is an excellent day hike! While this trail will not take you into the backcountry, and you certainly won’t have the peak to yourself, this hike provides awesome views of the high peaks of the Sierra and...

Tip Report: Hiking To Shadow Lake and Ediza Lake

Taking you past the beautiful Shadow Lake and to the absolutely stunning Ediza Lake, this aptly named Shadow and Ediza Lakes Trail is a stunner in the Eastern Sierra.  This is a longer hike at around 13 miles, but if you can handle the miles, the views here make it all worthwhile! Starting at the iconic Agnew Meadows Trailhead outside of Mammoth Lakes California, the trail makes its way into the Ansel Adams Wilderness to the base of the iconic...

Hiking the Incredible Mammoth Crest Loop

Starting in the amazing Mammoth Lakes Basin, the Mammoth Crest Loop is one of the best hikes in the Sierra for big views, alpine lakes, and all the other great things about the high Sierra!  This 14 mile loop gains over 3,000 vertical feet as it passes incredible alpine lakes like Barney Lake, Duck Lake, and Deer Lakes, and provides some seriously incredible views! I completed this hike in June of 2021, and I can say that this has become...