EveryTrail Guides
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Año Nuevo
The elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Reserve won't mind if you witness their Discovery Channel moments. They're too busy living out one of the world's greatest escapes from extinction. Things have been getting better for the elephant seals of the Pacific Coast in the century since humans stopped...more
The elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Reserve won't mind if you witness their Discovery Channel moments. They're too busy living out one of the world's greatest escapes from extinction. Things have been getting better for the elephant seals of the Pacific Coast in the century since humans stopped...more
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Alaka'i Swamp Trail
Take a westerly drive around Kauai and you'll eventually run out of road, finding yourself overlooking the plunging cliffs of Kalalau Valley and the legendary Na Pali Coast. This unforgettable hike leads you along cliff-top trails with stunning coastal views before branching off on a network of boardwalk...more
Take a westerly drive around Kauai and you'll eventually run out of road, finding yourself overlooking the plunging cliffs of Kalalau Valley and the legendary Na Pali Coast. This unforgettable hike leads you along cliff-top trails with stunning coastal views before branching off on a network of boardwalk...more
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Angel Island State Park
Angel Island State Park offers one of the best ways to see San Francisco Bay from sea level. Fortunate local boat owners have long plied its shoreline and picnicked on its grounds, but the boatless can get in on the fun via ferries that stop on the island. There are good times galore for hikers, bikers...more
Angel Island State Park offers one of the best ways to see San Francisco Bay from sea level. Fortunate local boat owners have long plied its shoreline and picnicked on its grounds, but the boatless can get in on the fun via ferries that stop on the island. There are good times galore for hikers, bikers...more
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Bay Area Hiking by Season
The San Francisco Bay Area enjoys excellent hiking weather year-round -- ample sunshine, rare storms, scant snow -- but savvy local hikers still match their destinations to prime weather conditions. Spring, for instance, brings an explosion to wildflowers. Summertime gets warmer the farther you get...more
The San Francisco Bay Area enjoys excellent hiking weather year-round -- ample sunshine, rare storms, scant snow -- but savvy local hikers still match their destinations to prime weather conditions. Spring, for instance, brings an explosion to wildflowers. Summertime gets warmer the farther you get...more
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Bay Area Hiking Destinations
If you have just one chance to hike in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of these destinations should be on it. North Bay is primarily Marin County, across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. East Bay is Contra Costa and Alameda counties; South Bay encompasses the Santa Cruz Mountains south of San...more
If you have just one chance to hike in the San Francisco Bay Area, one of these destinations should be on it. North Bay is primarily Marin County, across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. East Bay is Contra Costa and Alameda counties; South Bay encompasses the Santa Cruz Mountains south of San...more
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Bay Area Redwood Hikes
California's coast redwoods are the planet''s tallest living things, and some of the oldest. A drive down the spine of the Santa Cruz Mountains on Highway 35 offers an inkling of their uncanny mystique, but you have to get out of the car and walk among them to get the full effect. Redwood hikes in...more
California's coast redwoods are the planet''s tallest living things, and some of the oldest. A drive down the spine of the Santa Cruz Mountains on Highway 35 offers an inkling of their uncanny mystique, but you have to get out of the car and walk among them to get the full effect. Redwood hikes in...more
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Bay Area Scenic Drives
The Bay Area is heaven for road-trippers. These routes from obvious to obscure show why so many people come to California and so few leave. We start with the famed Coast Highway, then move on to the 17 Mile Scenic Drive south of Monterey, the redwoods of Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range in...more
The Bay Area is heaven for road-trippers. These routes from obvious to obscure show why so many people come to California and so few leave. We start with the famed Coast Highway, then move on to the 17 Mile Scenic Drive south of Monterey, the redwoods of Santa Cruz Mountains and the Diablo Range in...more
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Bay Area Waterfall Hikes
Rainy season darkens San Francisco Bay Area skies for about three months of the year, but nature lovers have one consolation: waterfalls bursting down the canyons of the region's mountain ranges. Bay Area waterfalls are small but scenic. Must run only from early January to late April, but the three...more
Rainy season darkens San Francisco Bay Area skies for about three months of the year, but nature lovers have one consolation: waterfalls bursting down the canyons of the region's mountain ranges. Bay Area waterfalls are small but scenic. Must run only from early January to late April, but the three...more
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Bay Area Wildflower Hikes
Springtime sunshine ignites a blast of color on the hills of the Bay Area. In the best years, hills can be practically painted white, orange, yellow or purple. Even in lean years, wildflower season offers hikers beautiful reminders of the rhythms of life. Wildflower season runs primarily from February...more
Springtime sunshine ignites a blast of color on the hills of the Bay Area. In the best years, hills can be practically painted white, orange, yellow or purple. Even in lean years, wildflower season offers hikers beautiful reminders of the rhythms of life. Wildflower season runs primarily from February...more
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Big Basin Redwoods State Park
You'll find countless options for exploring California's signature redwood forests, but few equal the grandeur of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, in the Santa Cruz Mountains south of San Jose. Coast Redwoods, the world's tallest trees, thrive along a narrow, 450-mile strip of the Pacific Coast from...more
You'll find countless options for exploring California's signature redwood forests, but few equal the grandeur of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, in the Santa Cruz Mountains south of San Jose. Coast Redwoods, the world's tallest trees, thrive along a narrow, 450-mile strip of the Pacific Coast from...more
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Cataract Trail Loop in Marin County
Cataract Creek Trail offers a perfect excuse to play hooky from work or spend a vacation day in the woods. The creek's waterfalls provide a spectacular anchor for a 7-mile loop through the scenic lands of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed. You could just hike a mile and a quarter to the top of the Cataract...more
Cataract Creek Trail offers a perfect excuse to play hooky from work or spend a vacation day in the woods. The creek's waterfalls provide a spectacular anchor for a 7-mile loop through the scenic lands of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed. You could just hike a mile and a quarter to the top of the Cataract...more
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Coyote Creek Loop at Henry Coe State Park
Henry Coe State Park south of San Jose is one of the best places see the Bay Area's spring wildflowers bloom. The park is all rugged countryside: hills, ridges, canyons -- genuine wilderness barely an hour's drive from a huge metropolitan area. The park's main entrance attracts throngs of flower gazers...more
Henry Coe State Park south of San Jose is one of the best places see the Bay Area's spring wildflowers bloom. The park is all rugged countryside: hills, ridges, canyons -- genuine wilderness barely an hour's drive from a huge metropolitan area. The park's main entrance attracts throngs of flower gazers...more
Haleakala's Sliding Sands
Explore cinder cones and old lava flows from within Haleakala, possibly the largest dormant volcano on the planet. Formed by erosion rather than volcanic activity, the valley at the summit of Haleakala boasts much to marvel at and the packed cinder and soil underfoot makes for a relatively easy hike....more
Explore cinder cones and old lava flows from within Haleakala, possibly the largest dormant volcano on the planet. Formed by erosion rather than volcanic activity, the valley at the summit of Haleakala boasts much to marvel at and the packed cinder and soil underfoot makes for a relatively easy hike....more
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Half Dome Hike
Staring out at almost 1 vertical mile over Yosemite Valley stands Half Dome, Yosemite's iconic masterpiece. While many tourists snap pictures of this giant from their cars on the valley floor, few have have the privilege of hiking the challenging trail. For those who are capable, the Half Dome hike is...more
Staring out at almost 1 vertical mile over Yosemite Valley stands Half Dome, Yosemite's iconic masterpiece. While many tourists snap pictures of this giant from their cars on the valley floor, few have have the privilege of hiking the challenging trail. For those who are capable, the Half Dome hike is...more
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Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
Enjoy a walk or ride on a 6-mile paved trail from Pillar Point Harbor to Poplar Avenue in Half Moon Bay. All along the trail, paths lead to some of the best sandy State Beaches. Go as far as you'd like along the trail, and stop along the way when you feel like it. This area is great for running, walking,...more
Enjoy a walk or ride on a 6-mile paved trail from Pillar Point Harbor to Poplar Avenue in Half Moon Bay. All along the trail, paths lead to some of the best sandy State Beaches. Go as far as you'd like along the trail, and stop along the way when you feel like it. This area is great for running, walking,...more
Hanakapi'ai Falls
The Na Pali coast is stuff of legends. Perhaps because it's located on the remote western coast of Kauai, perhaps it's the challenge of tackling the narrow eleven mile coastal trail, or perhaps it's because there are people who like it so much out there that they've set up permanent (yet illegal) settlements. Thankfully...more
The Na Pali coast is stuff of legends. Perhaps because it's located on the remote western coast of Kauai, perhaps it's the challenge of tackling the narrow eleven mile coastal trail, or perhaps it's because there are people who like it so much out there that they've set up permanent (yet illegal) settlements. Thankfully...more
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Hawaii
This chain of islands created by underwater volcanoes is one of the top vacation getaways for many in the United States. You can climb up dormant volcanoes for breathtaking 350-degree views, hike through thick forests reminiscent of scenes from Jurassic Park, scuba dive, snorkel or just relax on the...more
This chain of islands created by underwater volcanoes is one of the top vacation getaways for many in the United States. You can climb up dormant volcanoes for breathtaking 350-degree views, hike through thick forests reminiscent of scenes from Jurassic Park, scuba dive, snorkel or just relax on the...more
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Horse Heaven Trail to Mission Peak
Mission Peak, one of the most popular East Bay hikes, is a great workout with 2,000 feet of climb in two miles and spectacular views of San Francisco Bay and the Diablo Range once you reach the summit. Most hikers are content to take the so-called Hidden Valley Trail (which is neither hidden nor in a...more
Mission Peak, one of the most popular East Bay hikes, is a great workout with 2,000 feet of climb in two miles and spectacular views of San Francisco Bay and the Diablo Range once you reach the summit. Most hikers are content to take the so-called Hidden Valley Trail (which is neither hidden nor in a...more
Inside Kilauea's Crater
The volcanic activity that created the Hawaiian island chain hasn't yet finished working on what's know as the "Big Island called Hawaii. If you need evidence, look no further than the lava flows and gas eruptions that spill from the Kilauea volcano located on the south-east side of the Big Island. You'll...more
The volcanic activity that created the Hawaiian island chain hasn't yet finished working on what's know as the "Big Island called Hawaii. If you need evidence, look no further than the lava flows and gas eruptions that spill from the Kilauea volcano located on the south-east side of the Big Island. You'll...more
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Marin Headlands
The Marin Headlands are intoxicating and sobering. The hills north of San Francisco are peppered with relics of America's wars, so in the same afternoon you might see wonderful examples of waves crashing amid grim reminders of nations clashing. The Headlands are a section of the Golden Gate National...more
The Marin Headlands are intoxicating and sobering. The hills north of San Francisco are peppered with relics of America's wars, so in the same afternoon you might see wonderful examples of waves crashing amid grim reminders of nations clashing. The Headlands are a section of the Golden Gate National...more
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Mount Hamilton
Mount Hamilton is a perfect escape from the sprawl of Silicon Valley. The view on the way up is out of this world, which is fitting, because the scientists at the summit spend lifetimes gleaning knowledge from tiny specks of light in the far reaches of space. Lick Observatory at the summit (the world's...more
Mount Hamilton is a perfect escape from the sprawl of Silicon Valley. The view on the way up is out of this world, which is fitting, because the scientists at the summit spend lifetimes gleaning knowledge from tiny specks of light in the far reaches of space. Lick Observatory at the summit (the world's...more
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Mount Tamalpais
Mount Tamalpais State Park is the center of the Bay Area's outdoor universe. The peak rising northwest of Sausalito in Marin County attracts hikers, bikers, equestrians, trail runners and other outdoor enthusiasts from throughout Northern California. While other parks in the region have golden hills,...more
Mount Tamalpais State Park is the center of the Bay Area's outdoor universe. The peak rising northwest of Sausalito in Marin County attracts hikers, bikers, equestrians, trail runners and other outdoor enthusiasts from throughout Northern California. While other parks in the region have golden hills,...more
Muir Woods via the Bootjack Trail
Every weekend during the summer months, signs on the main roads in Marin County start reading "Muir Woods Parking Lot Full," leaving those who crave a stroll among the wondrous Muir Woods redwoods two options: take a shuttle or try another day. But there is a third option -- Muir Woods National Monument...more
Every weekend during the summer months, signs on the main roads in Marin County start reading "Muir Woods Parking Lot Full," leaving those who crave a stroll among the wondrous Muir Woods redwoods two options: take a shuttle or try another day. But there is a third option -- Muir Woods National Monument...more
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North Peak at Mount Diablo State Park
If you're bugged by the existence of a parking lot atop Mount Diablo -- the East Bay's signature peak -- you're probably just the type to check out nearby North Peak, which gets far fewer visitors and offers just as many awesome vistas. My favorite path to North Peak is definitely the hard way: five...more
If you're bugged by the existence of a parking lot atop Mount Diablo -- the East Bay's signature peak -- you're probably just the type to check out nearby North Peak, which gets far fewer visitors and offers just as many awesome vistas. My favorite path to North Peak is definitely the hard way: five...more
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Ohlone Wilderness Trail
Ohlone Wilderness Trail is one wicked walk: 28 miles in two days with over 7,600 feet of elevation gain. But it's worth the strain as you soak up amazing vistas, scout for wildlife and marvel at being in such a remote locale so close to a huge metropolis. (Large raptors like eagles and hawks can often...more
Ohlone Wilderness Trail is one wicked walk: 28 miles in two days with over 7,600 feet of elevation gain. But it's worth the strain as you soak up amazing vistas, scout for wildlife and marvel at being in such a remote locale so close to a huge metropolis. (Large raptors like eagles and hawks can often...more
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Pipiwai Waterfalls Trail
A favorite Maui hike, yet for some people the drive to the trailhead alone is excitement enough. The journey along the Hana Highway is sixty miles of scenic but curvy coastal road reportedly featuring six hundred and twenty curves and many single bridges. If you relish your driving experiences then the...more
A favorite Maui hike, yet for some people the drive to the trailhead alone is excitement enough. The journey along the Hana Highway is sixty miles of scenic but curvy coastal road reportedly featuring six hundred and twenty curves and many single bridges. If you relish your driving experiences then the...more
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San Francisco Waterfront
Water surrounds San Francisco on three sides, but the shoreline between the Golden Gate and Bay bridges gets all the attention. It's well deserved. Something charming or funky or eye-popping pops up every few yards along these six miles of San Francisco Bay beachfront. Even the mobs of rubber-neckers...more
Water surrounds San Francisco on three sides, but the shoreline between the Golden Gate and Bay bridges gets all the attention. It's well deserved. Something charming or funky or eye-popping pops up every few yards along these six miles of San Francisco Bay beachfront. Even the mobs of rubber-neckers...more
Skyline to the Sea Trail
Campers flock to the forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains south of San Francisco; most are content to pitch a tent plucked from the trunk of their car, but hardy hikers prefer roughing it with all they need strapped on their backs. Two of the Bay Area's most popular hiking locales -- Castle Rock and...more
Campers flock to the forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains south of San Francisco; most are content to pitch a tent plucked from the trunk of their car, but hardy hikers prefer roughing it with all they need strapped on their backs. Two of the Bay Area's most popular hiking locales -- Castle Rock and...more
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Sunol Wilderness
Sunol Regional Wilderness will make you forget you're just five miles from the nearest Interstate highway. The 6,858-acre park in the East Bay hills north of Silicon Valley has rolling hills, heart-healthy trails, remarkable rocks and abundant wildlife. To go there is to see what this part of California...more
Sunol Regional Wilderness will make you forget you're just five miles from the nearest Interstate highway. The 6,858-acre park in the East Bay hills north of Silicon Valley has rolling hills, heart-healthy trails, remarkable rocks and abundant wildlife. To go there is to see what this part of California...more
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Tomales Point at Point Reyes National Seashore
It's nearly impossible to get lost on the way to Tomales Point, a rocky fingernail of land poking into the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco. And that's a shame, because if ever there was a place to lose yourself, this is it. The narrow, windswept sliver of Point Reyes National Seashore ending...more
It's nearly impossible to get lost on the way to Tomales Point, a rocky fingernail of land poking into the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco. And that's a shame, because if ever there was a place to lose yourself, this is it. The narrow, windswept sliver of Point Reyes National Seashore ending...more
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Waihee Ridge Trail
Ascend the Waihee ridgeline trail up Maui's western peak of Pu'u Kukui and you'll be hiking above the sightseeing helicopter tours and admiring the lush rainforest valleys and coastlines beyond. Hiking on the windward side of any Hawaiian island means wet weather, muddy conditions and the threat of...more
Ascend the Waihee ridgeline trail up Maui's western peak of Pu'u Kukui and you'll be hiking above the sightseeing helicopter tours and admiring the lush rainforest valleys and coastlines beyond. Hiking on the windward side of any Hawaiian island means wet weather, muddy conditions and the threat of...more
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Yosemite National Park
Yosemite is the 3rd oldest national park in the United States (Established October 1, 1890), and one of the favorite parks in the world. It covers 1,189 square miles in the western Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. With over 800 miles of trails, it's a nature-lover''s dream. Most visitors...more
Yosemite is the 3rd oldest national park in the United States (Established October 1, 1890), and one of the favorite parks in the world. It covers 1,189 square miles in the western Sierra Nevada mountain range in California. With over 800 miles of trails, it's a nature-lover''s dream. Most visitors...more
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Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley is by far the most popular area of the park, attracting visitors from every corner of the workd. It is home to the most famous sights as we well as the largest crowds. The valley is about 7 miles long (and about 1 mile wide) and contains many great hikes such as the Mist Trail, which...more
Yosemite Valley is by far the most popular area of the park, attracting visitors from every corner of the workd. It is home to the most famous sights as we well as the largest crowds. The valley is about 7 miles long (and about 1 mile wide) and contains many great hikes such as the Mist Trail, which...more
