There are so many extraordinary features of the Bay Area—coast redwoods! national parks! geology! military history! Golden Gate Bridge vistas!—it can be hard to decide where to take your out-of-town guests. No problem—we’ve got you covered! Here are eight hikes that showcase something special about the Bay Area, including four—FOUR!—national park sites with an optional… Read more »
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Best Santa Barbara Hikes
If you’re looking for wild mountain hikes with unparalleled sea views and plenty of water features, Santa Barbara is one of the best places to go. Santa Barbara is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, where you can see out to the Channel Islands and the historic city. Think of any… Read more »
Cape Horn Loop
The Cape Horn Loop is an iconic Columbia River Gorge hike, with epic views, waterfalls, and interesting botany, geology, and history, too. There are wildflowers in the spring and summer and great fall color in the cooler months–all on land that could have very easily been a housing development and off-limits to the public. This… Read more »
San Ysidro Trail
Los Padres National Forest is host to some gorgeous hikes and scenery, including (but absolutely not limited to) San Ysidro Trail. This out-and-back trail is great because it can be a long, full-day trek (8.6 miles) but can also be taken for a short time while still offering rewarding views and nature experiences. Picture trickling… Read more »
Albino Lake
A gentle route to a beautiful lake above the Taylor Fork of the Gallatin River
Challenger Park Loop
Along the western outskirts of Ventura County lies Challenger Park, which sits quietly and unassuming in the Simi Hills. Without obvious points of interest or prominent recognition, it’s easy to overlook this local open space. However, its magic lies in its simple beauty. At just under 5 miles and with a cumulative elevation gain of… Read more »
Reseda Boulevard to Vanalden Cave
I’m sure we’ve all heard the quote (likely misattributed to) Ralph Waldo Emerson, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” I try to avoid using such clichés, but I can’t help but find that it aptly fits this hike from Reseda Boulevard to the Vanalden Cave. I won’t bury the lede – Vanalden Cave has… Read more »
10 Mountainfilm Official Selections You Should Watch Right Now
Mountainfilm is one of the oldest and most well-regarded documentary film festivals in the United States. Calling Telluride, Colorado, home for 45 years, it highlights both shorts and features that focus on humanitarian issues, environmental crises, and adventure in the outdoors. This past Memorial Day weekend, I traveled to the Rocky Mountain state to experience… Read more »
Comment on LA Zoo Expansion Plan
A final hearing on the proposed expansion of the Los Angeles Zoo is being held on Wednesday, June 28th at 5PM. You can submit public comment on the plans until then. Friends of Griffith Park have some terrific information on the planned expansion, which they oppose. This post from 2022 looks at the most recent… Read more »
Lewis River Falls
If you are searching for not one, not two, but three truly epic waterfalls hidden away in a dense, mossy forest of cedar and old growth fir, you will absolutely want to put a hike to Lewis River Falls on your hiking list. In addition to those three spectacular cascades, you’ve also got lots of… Read more »