The best Bay Area climbs offer views of the San Francisco Bay, Pacific Ocean, or both. The elevation gains of the following trails are more than Everest Camp 1 to the Mount Everest summit. Several summits also cross the Bay…
Six Best Bay Area Migration Wildlife Hikes
The Bay Area in winter is a magnet for migrating birds, whales, seals, and ladybugs. Winter foliage & colder temperatures make it easier to spot year round residents. CA State Parks, East Bay Regional Parks, City of Palo Alto Parks, POST,…
Memorial Park Family Camping in the Redwoods
Memorial Park near Pescadero, CA offers some of the best family camping in the Bay Area. Nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains along Pescadero Creek, visitors can camp next first growth redwoods. Memorial Park is also the oldest San Mateo…
Ladybugs & Redwoods in Redwood Regional Park – World Class Family Hike
Thousands of ladybugs descend upon Redwood Regional Park in the Oakland Hills in winter. The ladybugs spend their November to February in the warmest, moistest areas. In late December along with a few other families, we hiked ~3 miles roundtrip…
Looking Backwards 2017: Technology Hiker Outdoor Adventures
2017 was another outstanding year for exploring the outdoors. Thank you to my family and friends who have supported me. Highlights include: Family Adventures Most of my 2017 adventures involved family. My three year old backpacked for the first time…
Cub Scout Car Camping – Logistics & Gear List
My outdoor adventure planning has evolved from solo backpacking, thru-hiking, mountaineering, family camping & backpacking, and now to Cub Scout Pack planning. I am Cubmaster and Den Leader for our local Cub Scout Pack 58 in Hillsborough, CA. Here’s a…
Uber / Lyft Assisted Trailruns & Hikes
Few apps have improved day to day life like Uber or Lyft. Hikes are no exception. Most trailruns & hikes are traditionally loops or out and back routes unless a drop off or car shuttle is arranged in advance. Uber…
Weekend Recharge: Mori Point Flowers, Whales, & Fog Trailrun
Feeding humpback whales, blooming flowers, and expansive vistas make Mori Point an excellent destination. After a busy week at work, I usually recharge with a trailrun to clear my mind. Mori Point, part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, in Pacifica…
Big Basin State Park Packrafting on Waddell Creek
Not all adventures turn out as planned. I recently hiked and packrafted Waddell Creek in Big Basin State Park. Big Basin is California’s oldest State Park. The 30+ mile Skyline to the Sea trail bisects Big Basin as it descends…
Packrafting Pescadero Creek
Packrafting Pescadero Creek is an ideal spot for my first packrafting adventure. First, Pescadero State Beach protects a unique ecosystem. The state beach & adjacent & Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve protect the mouth of Pescadero Creek, the largest marsh between…