San Francisco Bay’s Angel Island served as a Native American hunting area, an Army Base, the West Coast Ellis Island, and a Nike Missile Base. Today, Angel Island is a California State Park. I recently backpacked ~2 miles with four…
Ano Nuevo Elephant Seal Tour: Hiking with Kids
Few things compare to watching ~1000 elephant seals cavort on a beach. Ano Nuevo State Preserves protects a large elephant seal rookery on the San Mateo County Coast. Docents host elephant seal walks from Dec 15 until March that can…
Halloween Themed Hike: Caves, Crags, Spiders, & Bats at Pinnacles National Park
Outdoors California is a treasure trove with coastal mountains, redwoods, the Sierra/Cascades, and the desert. People often drive past the Central California on their way to somewhere else. Pinnacles National Park, about 30 miles South of Hollister, is an excellent…
Climbing Ixta & the Mexican Volcanoes
Mexico City has the best high mountain access in North America. Three volcanoes over 15,000’ lie within 50 miles of Mexico City: 1) Nevado de Toluca at 15,390 feet, 2) Iztaccihuatl (Ixta) at 17,159’, and 3) Popocatepetl (Popo) at 17,887 feet. Orizaba,…
Family Winter Backcountry Adventure: Loon Lake Chalet, a USFS Cabin
How can families safely explore the backcountry in winter when poor weather can transform an adventure into a survival situation? Visiting warm spots like the CA coast is one solution. Another approach is reserving a backcountry National Park or Forest…
Backpacking with Kids on the PCT
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…
Work Trip: Great Falls National Park
I n Colonial America, the fall line separated civilized America from the backcountry. It marked the point where rivers became unnavigable – often at rapids. The Great Falls of the Potomac River once marked that backcountry border. Now, the 800 acres of…
Bay Area Escape: San Bruno Mountain County Park
San Bruno County & State Park stands as the Northern sentinel of the Santa Cruz mountains. The park’s 1314’ peak offers outstanding trail runs & hikes. It’s mutiple hiking options are great for adults & kids. The parks includes: Ridge…
Sweeney Ridge: I Can See for Miles & Miles
The Bay Area features some of the best coastal ridge trail hiking in the United States. Sweeney Ridge views could have inspired The Who and boasts : Unobstructed ridge views of the Pacific Ocean & Farallon Islands, SF Bay, Marin &…
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…