hikespeak

Located on the west end of the San Gabriel Mountains, Placerita Canyon Natural Area (also know as Placerita Canyon State Park) is an interesting park that has something for everyone. There are easy canyon trails and tougher backcountry tracks, along with a nature center and an Ecology Trail that offers an easy loop for those interested in local plants. ...Read more.

Dragoon Gulch Trail is the primary trail in the city of Sonora in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain. The loop is made up of five short sections, which combine to form a 2.5-mile loop with 325 feet of elevation gain. If you prefer to avoid hiking on pavement, the loop can be reduced to 1.5 miles, without sacrificing the trail's most enjoyable areas. ...Read more.

The Sierra Nevada Mountains hold many wonders. Some are famous worldwide, like the silken waterfalls in Yosemite National Park and the giant trees in Sequoia National Park. Others, like the Natural Bridges in Calaveras County, are only famous with locals. These no-less-amazing limestone tunnels make a charming destination for a short hike in the Sierra foothills (and an enthralling summer swimming hole). ...Read more.

Located in the Santa Ynez Mountains, 1,800-feet above Santa Barbara, Inspiration Point provides panoramic views over The American Riviera. It is a moderate 7.55 to 7.95-mile round trip trek from San Roque Road up Jesusita Trail to Inspiration Point, gradually checking off 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Those who prefer a shorter alternative, can hike from Tunnel Road and take a 3. ...Read more.

Are you jonesing for an easy trail that leads to a beach town brimming with oceanfront fun? Take a relaxing trip down Bob Jones Bike Trail to Avila Beach, a small bayside hamlet that can bustle with beachgoers on weekends. The level 5-mile round trip trail is suitable for hikers, joggers, walkers, and bikers. You will enjoy refreshing shade from oaks as you follow San Luis Obispo Creek down Avila Valley to its pacifying ending in Avila Beach. ...Read more.

Starting just inside Yellowstone's northeast entrance near Cooke City, Montana, there is an interstate trail traveling through a beautiful backcountry meadow boxed in by 10,000-foot peaks. Pebble Creek Trail is often ventured as a top-to-bottom 12-mile long through hike ending at Pebble Creek Campground. There are five trail camps along Pebble Creek Trail for backpackers. ...Read more.

Not to be confused with Fish Canyon Falls on the east end of the Angeles National Forest, the Fish Canyon Narrows reside on the far west end of the Angeles in the Sierra Pelona Mountains north of Santa Clarita. Here a mountain stream passes through hundred-foot cliffs that are at time only twenty feet apart. The red rock walls mimic those you might find hiking in Zion National Park or other Utah canyons. ...Read more.

The Santa Ynez Mountains form a verdant backdrop behind Santa Barbara. One of the highest summits in the range is Montecito Peak, which offers sensational views over the coastal cities below and the Pacific Ocean beyond. The 3,214-foot peak can be reached via a demanding 7.1-mile round trip hike with 2,450 feet of elevation change. It is quite a trek, but the ever-expanding ocean views will keep you motivated along the way. ...Read more.

Johns Lake Loop starts as a pleasant trail through a mossy forest leading to a small lake, but this Glacier National Park hike has a lot more to offer. The trail follows a cascading creek past McDonald Falls, getting an eyeful of the water that feeds the expansive Lake McDonald. This varied 2-mile loop has just 225 feet of elevation gain, making it one of the easiest hikes on the west side of Glacier National Park. ...Read more.

If you have hiked Santa Anita Canyon Loop, you probably wondered, were can I find more great trails like this? The answer is Upper Winter Creek Trail, a 2.75-mile track on the east wall of Santa Anita Canyon with 600 feet of elevation change. Upper Winter Creek Trail can be used to replace Lower Winter Creek Trail on Santa Anita Canyon Loop to create a slightly larger ten-mile loop that trades in creek crossings for canyon views. ...Read more.