Category: Hiking Trails

  • Kings Canyon – Roads End trail to Bailey Bridge Loop.

    Well here we are again back from the mountains Back from the great stone amphitheater where nobody’s clapping except maybe the river We woke up early (perhaps too early) like pilgrims with a mortgage and drove three hours out of Madera Kings Canyon, beautiful Kings Canyon! they say Muir called it a rival to Yosemite…

  • Exploring the Hetch Hetchy reservoir in Yosemite National Park

    Today we went out to Hetch Hetchy, which is one of those names you say once and then can’t stop saying. The plan was simple enough: hike the shoreline out to Wapama Falls, a 5-mile out-and-back on the north side of Yosemite. But nothing about this place is simple, once you know the story behind…

  • Into the Spires: A Hike Through Pinnacles National Park

    Welcome back, friends! What a day it was at Pinnacles National Park. We arrived and geared up in a cool, gentle breeze rolling across the chaparral—the kind that makes every step on the trail feel refreshing. The Pinnacles is one of those places where nature has been showing off for millions of years. As you…

  • Hiking Wellbarn Road To San Joaquin River Trail – Friant

    Another excellent hike—this time along the Wellbarn route to the San Joaquin River Trail in Friant. It’s a 5.5-mile out-and-back with about 1,100 feet of elevation gain—just enough to remind your legs who’s in charge. The Trailhead We parked at the end of Wellbarn Road, tucked beside a quiet meadow where the last breaths of…

  • Exploring the Western States Trail: A Perfect Hiking Adventure

    Hello friends! Today we hiked part of the Western States Trail and connected to the Stagecoach Trail Loop. It was a perfect day for hiking, the weather was a pleasant 75° with cool shaded spots along the trees and hillsides. We entered the trail from a small unofficial path that dropped us down onto the…

  • Explore Manzanita Lake Trail: A Scenic 2.1-Mile Route

    Hello friends! Today we took a relaxing walk along the trail at Manzanita Lake, located about 22 minutes south of Oakhurst, California, near North Fork. The trail is a 2.1-mile out-and-back route that’s great for families with school aged children . It’s mostly flat with only a gentle grade in a few spots, making it…

  • Exploring Hite Cove: Hidden Gem in California

    Tucked along the winding roads near El Portal, California, the hike through Hite Cove felt like stepping into one of those hidden corners of California that somehow still flies under the radar. The trail follows the rugged edge of the Merced River, with sweeping canyon views and the kind of peaceful quiet that makes you…

  • Quarry Trail Adventure: From No Hands Bridge to Lime Stone Wall

    Welcome back, friends! Today we set out to explore the Quarry Trail in Auburn, California. This popular 10.8-mile out-and-back trail is rated moderate and is located in the Auburn State Recreation Area. For this adventure, we made it as far as the Lime Stone Wall Climbing area before turning back due to trail closure. The…

  • Explore the Pincushion Trail: A Must-Do Hike

    Hello friends! Today we hiked the Pincushion Trail to the main peak. The trailhead sits just above Milerton Lake, tucked into the rolling foothills north of Fresno. We started mid-morning as a cool breeze drifted off the calm lake. The distance from the parking area to the top is about 1.2 miles. There are several…