california Archives - Page 9 of 33

Hiking the new Jim Donnelly Trail in Henry Coe State Park

Post Author:Rebecca
Post published:January 6, 2013
Post Category:Trip Reports
Post Comments:6 Comments

The Jim Donnelly trail was just like every other trail in Henry Coe, climbing steeply to Wilson Ridge. Trails like this are strenuous on the way up and rough on the knees on the way down. Whoever built the trails in Coe had never heard the word “switchback”. Several trails climb the steep hillsides to Wilson Ridge (Steer Ridge, Middle Steer Ridge, Spike Jones), and none of them are easy. Someone finally managed to apply some common sense to one of the trails, and it has been rebuilt and rerouted with well graded switchbacks. It took about 2 years, but last summer the new Jim Donnelly Trail was opened much to the appreciation of mountain bikers, equestrians, and hikers alike.

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Uvas Canyon Waterfalls are Running!

Post Author:Rebecca
Post published:December 16, 2012
Post Category:Trip Reports
Post Comments:1 Comment

I always love to visit Uvas Canyon after the first few rains of the winter season. The waterfalls start running, and the damp air brings out the greens, reds, and oranges in the foliage. The forest feels primitive, like I’m lost in some kind of fairy tale forest (and near the bad queen’s castle).
After last year’s dry spell I was eager to see some running water and Uvas didn’t disappoint. This is a gem of a park that’s a short drive from San Jose.
Here is how the park looks right now…
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Atlatl Rock, Valley of Fire

Turkey Day Roadtrip Roundup: Mojave, Valley of Fire, Lake Mead NRA, and Death Valley

Post Author:Rebecca
Post published:December 4, 2012
Post Category:Trip Reports
Post Comments:1 Comment

WHERE HAVE I BEEN? Playing, that's where. Much as we've done every Thanksgiving since moving to California, we piled the truck full of gear and supplies for a week in…

Mount Morgan (13,748′) and a few Fall Colors

Post Author:Rebecca
Post published:October 20, 2012
Post Category:Trip Reports
Post Comments:1 Comment

Two weeks ago we headed out to the east side for a casual, relaxing fall colors weekend. Of course, at the last minute, Sooz and I decided to climb Mt Morgan, a really fun and easy nearly-14k peak. It wasn’t necessarily so easy for us since we weren’t prepared or acclimated, but the terrain and route finding was straightforward enough that the acclimation was really our only enemy. I explain the route in the captions in my images in my Smugmug album, so if you’re interested head over there for a peek. Here are a few shots of the climb – definitely a worthwhile summit!

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Southern Sierra Easy Peaks: Wonoga (10,371') and Trail Peak (11,605')

Post Author:Rebecca
Post published:October 2, 2012
Post Category:Trip Reports
Post Comments:0 Comments

The best life moments are spent in the mountains In mid-August I was supposed to be out on a nine day backpacking trip in the Sierra. Unfortunately, my stress fracture…

Mount Baldwin (12,615 ft) via Convict Canyon

Post Author:Rebecca
Post published:September 24, 2012
Post Category:Trip Reports
Post Comments:13 Comments

Mount Baldwin is a striking peak. The area boasts the oldest rock in the Sierra, revealing picturesque patterns and colors that contrast strongly with the typical grey Sierra granite. From…

Kayaks on the Outback

Kayaking Elkhorn Slough

Post Author:Rebecca
Post published:September 19, 2012
Post Category:Trip Reports
Post Comments:2 Comments

A couple of weeks ago my husband stumbled across a great SteepAndCheap.com deal - Wilderness Systems Tsunami 145 kayaks for a killer price and only four available. He could ship…

Mt Tom (13,652 ft) from Horton Lake

Post Author:Rebecca
Post published:September 12, 2012
Post Category:Trip Reports
Post Comments:2 Comments

The shadow of Mt Tom covering Bishop at Sunset After Sunday's successful climb of Basin I was a bit worried about how sore I'd feel upon waking up Monday morning.…

Basin Mountain (13,240 ft) from Horton Lake

Post Author:Rebecca
Post published:September 9, 2012
Post Category:Trip Reports
Post Comments:4 Comments

When you drive along 395 through the Bishop area there are a few prominent peaks that define the skyline. The biggest, most impressive summit is Mount Tom. Tom has always…