Why we love it: So much beauty for so little effort! Gorgeous views of the coast and Golden Gate Bridge and a beach perfect for a day of play. For the Young Ones (0-10): Our Little Miss had no trouble walking the entire approx. 3 miles, broken up by beach time playing in the sand. … Continue reading Lands End (California Coastal Trail) to Mile Rock Beach
NorCal
Little Yosemite
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
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
Sailor Bar
Until recently, I didn't realize that Sailor Bar is part of the American River Parkway! Legend has it that Sailor Bar is so named because a sailor jumped ship to stake his claim during the Gold Rush. This gentle hike travels along the American River in Fair Oaks, California (4253 Illinois Avenue). You can make … Continue reading Sailor Bar
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
Cronan Ranch Trails
We did this trail back on March 31st, but I'm just now getting around to posting! Cronan Ranch is located in Pilot Hill, California, four miles north of Coloma on Hwy 49. We chose to do the Long Valley Trail to the river and back. Due to the high exposure of this hike, I would … Continue reading Cronan Ranch Trails
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 