The Pacific Crest Trail’s 2650 miles has segments for all levels of hikers. One of the most visited spots on the PCT is the Desolation Wilderness – for good reason. It features granite peaks, alpine lakes, and multiple trails including…
Hiking with Kids: Let’s Be Scientific
Spending time in the outdoors with a 4 year boy provides a different perspective. We pay attention to details I would otherwise ignore. One always entertaining topic is animal poop. While visiting the Vail Nature Center this summer, we learned an outstanding song that…
Quality Day Trip for Kids: Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve
When fog shrouds the Bay Area, Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve often stands as an island above the clouds. Russian Ridge is also an excellent trip for young families. The Audrey Rust & Mindego Gateway site offer one of the…
Memorial Park & Redwoods: Best Bay Area Camping for Families
Introducing kids to camping & the outdoors can be tricky. Initial trips should compelling, fun, and close to encourage kids to embrace their next adventure. Memorial Park is my best recommendation for introducing kids to camping. My one year old recently…
Best Yosemite Valley Adventure for Families
Camping with the President is one of my family’s favorite books. We’ve read about Teddy Roosevelt and John Muir’s adventures in Yosemite multiple times. My family and another one, all with young kids, recently visited Yosemite and visited some of the…
Family Adventure: Cowell-Purisima Trail
Some trails are hidden in plain sight. I’ve driven past Cowell-Purisima trailhead’s distinctive yellow gates on CA 1 multiple times. My family remedied our oversight this past weekend. Our two boys under five had an outstanding visit on the trail…
Best Bay Area Parks for Kids
Where can families explore redwood forests, coastal mountains, Pacific Ocean tidepools, & coastal marshes all within a short drive from home? Where can families spot seals, whales, banana slugs, herds of deer, and thousands of migrating birds? Why the Bay…
Pacifica Hike: Beaches, Whale Watching, Cliffs, & Taco Bell
Pacifica, CA is a quality destination – especially on a sunny winter day w/ – Significant open space on the coast & 1900’ Montara Mountain – Multi-sport activities like surfing, cycling, running, fishing, & whale watching – A fast food…
Backpacking with Kids: Angel Island State Park
Backpacking in Angel Island is special: Sports one of the best urban camping areas in the nation with world class views of San Francisco, Marin & the Golden Gate Bridge Acts as a portal into SF history. Chapters include the…
World Class Hike: Ano Nuevo SP Elephant Seals
During summers growing up in suburban Pittsburgh, I watched the BBC show Nature w/ George Page everyday and imagined those exceptional places. Living in the Bay Area, I can now visit world class destinations with just a reasonable drive. My sons…