Trip Report: Long Ridge Open Space Preserve

On a warm August day, Loralei and I were looking for a short, moderately strenuous hike not far from San Jose.  We had stuff to do, it was hot, and honestly didn’t feel like suffering in the heat!  The trail we decided on was in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve. Located outside San Jose in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Long Ridge offers wide sweeping views, ridgetop meadows, and plenty of forest.  It fit the bill perfectly for what we were...

Hiking The Land Of Medicine Buddha Loop

On a late summer day, Loralei and I set out to do a hike that neither of us had done, and was a little different than most trails you’ll find! Starting at a Buddhist retreat called the Land of Medicine Buddha, this trail is definitely different than most hikes you’ll find! The trail itself was the Medicine Buddha Loop outside Santa Cruz CA, and it’s pretty unique.  The name might give it away, but there’s a pretty predominant Buddha theme...

Best Hikes in Yosemite: The 10 Best Easy Hikes

With stunning white granite cliffs, massive waterfalls, and endless opportunities for adventure, Yosemite is truly an adventurers paradise.  From crazy multi day rock climbs, to leisurely walks through stunning landscapes, Yosemite has something for everyone! Starting here, we put together a list of the best hikes in Yosemite National Park.  Here we have our list of the best easy hikes in Yosemite, but be sure to look out for our lists of the best moderate and difficult Yosemite hikes as...

Hiking In Yosemite: The Young Lakes Loop

Hiking in Yosemite is great, but the trails always seem to be really busy.  Wouldn’t it be great if there was an awesome hike that got you away from all the crowds?  Well, there is and it’s called the Young Lakes Loop! Located in the Yosemite high country at Tuolumne Meadows, the Young Lakes Loop is a long and strenuous hike that takes you to three awesome lakes in the backcountry, and gives epic views of some of Yosemite’s most...