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sam mcdonald park

The Heritage Grove Loop Trail in Sam McDonald Park

Located deep within the depths of the Santa Cruz Mountains in a quiet and rarely visited area lies Sam McDonald Park.  While you may not have heard of it, Sam McDonald is a hidden gem.  Outshined by its larger and more famous neighbors like Big Basin and Henry Cowell, Sam McDonald benefits from smaller crowds, quieter trails, and a more serene experience! One of the best hikes in the park, The Heritage Grove Loop, takes you through the varied environments...

sierra vista open space preserve

A Day Hiking in Almaden Quicksilver County Park

On a beautiful spring day, my girlfriend Loralei set out to do a moderate day hike nearby San Jose!  We had a few different options, but ultimately settled on a loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park called Webb Canyon, New Almaden, Cinnabar, Mine Hill, Randol and Prospect #3 Loop! It was an amazing spring day, and it was actually a little warm out, but this hike made for a great short day on the trail!  There are tons of great...

Hiking Big Sur: Backpacking the Boranda Trail

In the rugged stretch of California’s coastline known as Big Sur, the Boranda Trail is a highlight ascending the coastal cliffs.  If you’re looking for a great hike and potential backpacking night out, this trail is a fantastic place to look!  With wide open ocean views and camping potential, this is a hike you need to check out if you are out hiking Big Sur! Miles/Elevation: 5.3 miles (full trail) 2,500 feet (full trail) ~3 miles (for me) ~1,500 feet...
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...