If you’re looking for a short little hike in Yosemite with terrific views – and a slight sense of adventure – check out Pothole Dome to the west of Tuolumne Meadows along the Tioga Pass Road. The trail is only…
Climbing Telescope Peak!
It’s not gorgeous, it’s not all that tall, and it’s not all that easy. So why climb Telescope Peak in Death Valley National Park? One reason is bragging rights: It’s quite something to say you’ve been to both the lowest…
Overlook Death Valley & China Lake from Rogers Peak & Bennett Peak
If you happen to visit Death Valley in the spring, fall, or summer, you’ll probably want to get out of the valley as quickly as possible to escape the heat. The problem is that one of the few ways to…
Rustic Trail North from Glass Beach – Beautiful!
If you want a rustic, realistic coastal trail experience near Fort Bragg (or want a more natural, realistic walk from Glass Beach), I highly recommend the near-social trail that extends north from Glass Beach along the bluff tops to the…
The “Hard” Trail from Glass Beach
Two sections of trail currently strike off from Glass Beach in the town of Fort Bragg, California. After you’ve seen the glass on the beach, you might as well take the “Hard Trail” south along the top of the headlands…
Visiting Sea Glass at Glass Beach
A couple years ago, I saw a picture of beautiful sea glass with the ocean behind. The caption explained that this was Glass Beach, in Fort Bragg, California. I was disappointed to find Fort Bragg so far south, my intent…
Mono Pass: Totally Beautiful!
There are two Mono Passes in California, and they happen to be only about 40 miles apart. I’m sure the one on the eastern edge of Yosemite National Park is very nice, but I’m also sure it can’t compare with…
Spatter Cone Fascination at the Fleener Chimneys
Where to go if you want a picnic supper in Lava Beds National Monument? While there are a few picnic areas in the park (namely, near the visitor center), there are a few tables in a more natural setting near…
Hiking Artist Point via the Old Carriage Road
I hiked Artist Point about 7 years ago. The view was spectacular, like nothing else in the world, and so worth doing. However, I couldn’t say the same for the trail. The path up from the Tunnel View parking area…
Climbing the Cinder Cone in Lassen
There are certain trails in certain parks that you return to, whenever you happen to be in the area. Such for us is the Cinder Cone in Lassen National Park. Most of the trail isn’t all that difficult (except for…