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
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
Stream-Prince-East Ridge Hike
Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is such a treat and, other than hearing the occasional airplane pass overhead, I'd never know we were so close to Oakland. Make sure to grab a map or take some photos of the one available online before you go. If you find you have plenty of time to spare, you … Continue reading Stream-Prince-East Ridge Hike
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
Yosemite NP: Lembert Dome
Visitors on a quick trip to Yosemite National Park often miss out on the beauty along Tioga Road (Hwy 120 through the park). Lembert Dome is one of many lesser known domes (compared to Half Dome) but SO much fun for a quick hike up! Why we love it: Depending on your mood, you can … Continue reading Yosemite NP: Lembert Dome
Yosemite NP: Taft Point
Why we love it: Pretty much anywhere in Yosemite you'll get amazing views. We loved this hike because it was short enough (2.2 miles RT) to get a cool new experience (the wind draft up at the point and those crazy fissures!) and only required one snack break for the kiddos each way! For the … Continue reading Yosemite NP: Taft Point
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
American River Discovery Trail
This short 1/4 mile trail is located at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, just east of Sacramento in Gold River, California. The best time to come is in the fall, when the salmon are jumping up the ladder at the hatchery, but we had a nice visit smack in the middle of summer. Why we love … Continue reading American River Discovery Trail
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
Family Trail Time: A Mama's Hiking Guide 