Why we love it: Taking the Canyon View Trail from the Visitor's Center (make sure to grab a map!) is a fun and interesting route (see my Reel on Instagram), and taking the Camp Ohlone Road back via the parking lots made an easy finish to a day scrambling on the river rocks. For the … Continue reading Little Yosemite
hiking
Westwood Hills Park
When dreaming of Napa, most people imagine rolling hills of vineyards. You'll catch sight of those, as well as a panoramic view over the City of Napa, and the bonus of a tree swing! For this park, you can choose you own adventure, but do so at your own risk. When we arrived there was … Continue reading Westwood Hills Park
Mather Lake Nature Trails
Mather Regional Park is the park you just haven't been to yet! Go east on Hwy. 50, exit Zinfandel in Rancho Cordova, and head south. You'll see the entrance on your left just after you pass Douglas Road. According to AllTrails, there are two loops, but based on my experience it's more like two out-and-back … Continue reading Mather Lake Nature Trails
Calaveras Big Trees SP – North Grove
Calaveras Big Trees State Park became a state park back in 1931 in order to preserve the North Grove. On Saturdays at 1pm the park offers a free guided hike of the grove from the Visitor Center! Take the guided hike or explore on your own, like we did! Why we love it: Our … Continue reading Calaveras Big Trees SP – North Grove
Bassi Falls Trail
Once you know how to get there, this is a great trail! (See "How to get there" below.) This is a very popular trail, and it's easy to see why. Everyone loves to head to the water in the summer, especially a waterfall, and even more so to a waterfall that has natural pools you … Continue reading Bassi Falls Trail
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills 12 miles east of Jackson, CA. I have to admit, when I originally learned that this park has just about 1.5 miles of trails I dismissed it and assumed a trip here would be boring. If you've been, you know I was … Continue reading Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
Canyon View Preserve Trail
Canyon View Preserve Trail is just starting to get the attention it deserves. It's a short and sweet trail that's easily accessed from the Park & Ride at the Bowman exit off of Interstate 80, behind Calstar in Auburn. Why we love it: Personally, I love it because it is so easy to get to and yet … Continue reading Canyon View Preserve Trail
Independence Trail – East
Taking the Independence Trail - East trail to where it "ends' (at what looks like an old service road), the hike is about four to four and 1/2 miles total (out and back). You can continue past the obvious road on some unmaintained trails, but do so at your own risk - there's lots of … Continue reading Independence Trail – East
Cascade Canal Trail
Why we love it: It's a great way to get out in nature on a true hike, without much difficulty. Starting at the Gracie Road trailhead, there are a few switchbacks near the beginning, but it evens out and is mostly wide and level terrain. For the Young Ones (0-10): It may be hard to … Continue reading Cascade Canal Trail
Darrington Trail
After Dayle's attempt to find Salmon Falls Loop Trail, I attempted to find it for myself. I was told by one person that there's a loop when the lake is pretty dried up, but in a good Sacramento winter it's typically pretty wet in this part of the country. I did see a sign for … Continue reading Darrington Trail
Family Trail Time: A Mama's Hiking Guide 