Spending time outdoors reminds me that I am usually not in control. The conditions dictate what is possible. I’m looking forward to hiking in the Big Sur over the holidays, but the Soberanes Fire burned over 132,127 acres this summer. …
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…
Take What is Given: Weather & Weekend Adventures
Life has been especially busy recently with family and work. This Thursday night and Friday, I’m planning a 24 hour adventure to a California National Park. My original plan was to leave Thursday night, summit an objective on Friday, and return…
Where To Find CA & Bay Area Camping Reservations
REI Let’s Camp, glamping, & other campaigns are increasing the popularity of camping & backpacking. With more parks using quotas, the campaigns are also increasing the popularity of backcountry reservations. Obtaining a coveted site can take planning and a little luck,…
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…
Best Time for Outdoor Adventures: During NFL Playoffs
I visited a popular local park with my boys today. At noon ~75% of visitors disappeared in line with the 12:05 Patriots/Broncos kick-off. A few years ago, I climbed the tallest peak at Lake Tahoe (Mt Freel) on Super Bowl…
Climbing Tahoe’s Mt Tallac SE Chute
Drought stricken Sierra had its first significant snowfall last week. What better time for a quick one night trip to climb one of Northern California’s iconic peaks, 9735’ Mount Tallac. Tallac towers overs Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, & the Desolation…
Yosemite’s Disappearing Glaciers
Glaciers carved Yosemite Valley and once covered the Sierra. Remnant glaciers dot the Sierra but are rapidly receding. Several recent articles have documented the disappearing glaciers of the Sierra – especially the Lyell Glacier in Yosemite. I’ve also climbed amidst…
Best California Long Distance Trails
California hosts many of America’s best long distance trails. The trails mirror California’s diversity, but the trails and routes all showcase the best of California and are over 30 miles in length. The trails range from the John Muir Trail…
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…