Trip Reports

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A Great Spring Hike On The Arnold Rim Trail!

Located in the middling elevations of the Sierra Nevada foothills, the town of Arnold holds a secret: an incredible set of well organized, laid out, trails.  Known as the Arnold Rim Trail, this trail is actually a network of trails that trace the northern edge of town as it runs up against the precipitous edge of the valley holding San Antonio Creek. With the higher elevations still snowed in when we visited on a May weekend, this trail, at around...

Calaveras Big Trees State Park: The River Canyon Trail

On our weekend trip to Calaveras Big Trees State Park, we were fortunate to be able to hike one of the park’s toughest trails directly from our campsite!  The River Canyon Trail is a steep, switchback laden, hike that takes you all the way from Big Tree’s highest reaches down to its lowest.  Starting from the North Grove at the top of the park, this trail descends the entire hillside about 1,500 feet down to the North Fork of the...

Trip Report: Lexington Reservoir To Priest Rock

Looking for some good vertical gain on a bluebird spring day, I found my way back to a trail I had already done before.  Leaving from Lexington Reservoir County Park and heading into Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, the hike to Priest Rock would give some legitimate elevation gain in a relatively short, and very accessible trail! There are a whole bunch of ways to reach the viewpoint at Priest Rock.  You can take the Priest Rock Trail, the Limekiln...

Hiking The Buzzards Roost Trail In Big Sur

Located in a stunning valley within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the hike to Buzzards Roost is a short leg burner of a hike!  With over 800 vertical feet of climbing in a bit over a mile one way, this is one of the steeper short hikes you are going to find! Starting in the Redwoods and climbing to an elevated viewpoint with vistas of the Pacific, this trail really makes you work for its final destination.  If you’re driving...

Big Sur: Hiking The Stunning Pfeiffer Falls Trail!

Located in the iconic Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the short loop hike on the Pfeiffer Falls Trail and the Valley View Overlook Trail is one of the absolute gems of Big Sur.  At just under 2.5 miles, this hike may be short, but the quality and diversity of trails and views makes this trail a true great! Beginning on the Pfeiffer Falls Trail, you will begin with a walk through a Redwood filled canyon as you make your way...