California Jaunts

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park (includes Ocotillo Wells)

Butte County

Castle Crags Wilderness

Death Valley National Park

Joshua Tree National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Forest & Park

Note: the 2021 Dixie Fire damaged many of these trails

Lava Beds National Park (May 2022)

Marble Mountain Wilderness

Merced River Recreation Area

Mojave National Preserve

Mt Shasta Vicinity

Mt Shasta Wilderness

Picacho State Recreation Area

Plumas National Forest

Redding Area

Note: the 2018 Carr Fire damaged many of these trails

Redwood National and State Parks

  • Redwood Coast (Part 1 of 2) (Aug 2021)
    • Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park
    • Humboldt Redwoods State Park (Avenue of the Giants)
    • City of Trinidad
    • Patrick’s Point State Park
    • Humboldt Lagoons State Park
    • Redwoods National Park – The California Coastal Trail, Skunk Cabbage Section
  • Redwood Coast (Part 2 of 2) (Aug 2021)
    • Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Gold Bluffs Beach Campground
    • Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Elk Prairie Campground
    • Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Fern Canyon Trail
    • Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Moorman Pond Trail
    • Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Miner’s Ridge/Clintonia/James Irvine Loop Trails
    • Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, West Ridge/Zigzag #2/Prairie Creek Loop Trails

Russian Wilderness

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Shasta County

Note: the 2018 Carr Fire and 2021 Dixie Fire damaged many of these trails

Sierra Vicinity

Tehama County (Red Bluff Area)

Thousand Lakes Wilderness

Trinity Alps Wilderness

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Note: the 2018 Carr Fire damaged many of these trails

Yolla Bolla Wilderness

Yosemite National Park

2 thoughts on “California Jaunts

  1. Hi! Your website is so helpful. I love seeing all the inspiring mountain photos & food ideas! I am trying to plan a 2-day backpacking trip, short mileage, for this November. I live in Oakland and am hoping to try my first time to Trinity Alps, but it’s difficult to know whether there is anywhere to camp there without too much snow at that time. What would you recommend weather-wise: try for any trail available at trinity alps, or head somewhere else instead due to snow concern? I’d love your advice! Thanks for any recommendations either to go for it, or to wait until spring. 🙂

    Best,
    Elizabeth

    • Thanks, it makes me happy to share. November will be very cold but snow is unpredictable. There are some lower elevation areas that will be less apt to receive early snow. Canyon Creek is a good option as it has paved road access. Spring can be frustrating trying to determine melt. In some years I can get to high trails by Memorial Day. Other years access is still blocked on July 4th. Wish I had a crystal ball.

Thoughts? Questions? Comments? Broken Links? I'd love to hear from you!