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  • Viewpoint of Yosemite National Park mountains, river and trees in fall
    Sierras

    Guide To Visiting Yosemite National Park In Fall (2026)

    December 29, 2025 /

    Planning to visit Yosemite National Park in the fall and not sure when to go? As a California local, I’ve been to Yosemite National Park in the fall many times! Predicting when exactly the autumn leaves will change in the mountains can be a bit tricky. BUT, if you time your trip right, you can visit Yosemite at the peak of fall colors – a memorable California bucket list experience of a lifetime! In this guide, I share insider tips on how to time your Yosemite fall trip, what to do on your visit, and where to stay. I also cover all the best photography spots for capturing Yosemite fall…

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    Crystal Lake Trail Mammoth California

    Hiking Crystal Lake Trail In Inyo National Forest

    August 2, 2024
    Eagle Falls Eagle Lake Trail Lake Tahoe

    Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake Trail In Lake Tahoe

    October 1, 2023
    View of Half Dome in Yosemite in winter from Sentinel Bridge

    20 Best Things To Do In Yosemite In Winter (By a Local)

    November 18, 2023
  • Hiking Trails In Ventura
    Central Coast

    10 Best Hiking Trails In Ventura, California

    June 27, 2025 /

    Craving a fun outdoor adventure on the Central Coast? Look no further as I share all of my favorite hiking trails in Ventura, California! I have lived in Ventura County for a couple of years now and have done quite a bit of hiking in the area. There is no better way to relax after work or to start the weekend than heading out on a wilderness trail. From rugged mountains to stunning coastal views, my post covers all of the best Ventura hiking trails (along with some hidden gems)! The trails that I share in this post are beginner-friendly, and many of them allow dogs, so you can bring…

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    View of Golden Gate Bridge, one of the top touristy things to do in San Francisco

    15 Touristy Things To Do In San Francisco For Visitors

    September 30, 2024
    Various Caverns And Caves In California

    13 Fascinating Caverns And Caves In California

    April 14, 2025
    15 Places In California That Look Like Other Countries

    15 Places In California That Look Like Other Countries

    June 17, 2026
  • Hiking Arroyo Verde Park Loop Trail In Ventura California
    Central Coast

    Arroyo Verde Park Loop Trail In Ventura

    June 27, 2025 /

    Arroyo Verde Park Loop is a short and beautiful hike in Ventura that travels through rolling foothills. Along this trail, you can enjoy views of the Ventura coastline and the Pacific Ocean in the distance. The Arroyo Verde Park Loop is only 2.3 miles long, so it’s a great option for a quick morning workout or to take your dogs for a hike in Ventura County. In this post, I cover where the Arroyo Verde Park Loop Trail is located, what you can expect from this hike, and other visitor tips! Quick Trail Highlights Here are a few quick trail highlights before I go into more details: Location & Parking…

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    Visiting OstrichLand USA In Solvang

    Visiting OstrichLand USA In Solvang

    May 7, 2025
    Cold Spring Trail loop

    How To Hike The Cold Spring Trail Loop In Santa Barbara

    August 27, 2023
    Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

    20 Stops On a Road Trip From Los Angeles To San Francisco

    February 1, 2023
  • Skelton Lake
    Sierras

    How To Hike Skelton Lake Trail In Mammoth Lakes

    June 16, 2025 /

    If you’re looking for excellent day hikes in Mammoth, the Skelton Lake Trail is a moderate 3.4-mile-long hike that leads to a pristine alpine lake. You also have the option to do this trail as a loop and visit three different lakes along the way (which I highly recommend doing). This is a trail that I’ve hiked several times, including an overnight camping trip next to Skelton Lake. It’s an incredibly rewarding hike that is great for beginner hikers, families, and dogs. In this post, I share what you can expect if you plan to hike the Skelton Lake Trail, including where to park, trail difficulty, what route to take,…

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    TJ Lake Trail

    How To Hike TJ Lake Trail In Mammoth Lakes

    January 16, 2025
    Best Hikes Sequoia National Forest

    8 Best Day Hikes In Sequoia National Forest

    July 25, 2024
    Woman walking through snow in Yosemite National Park

    Yosemite Winter Packing List (By a Local)

    February 1, 2024
  • Horseshoe Lake Trail Mammoth
    Sierras

    How To Hike Horseshoe Lake Trail In Mammoth Lakes

    June 16, 2025 /

    Horseshoe Lake Trail is a beautiful day hike in Mammoth Lakes, California. This lake is located within the Inyo National Forest and is part of the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Horseshoe Lake Trail is an easy loop that is popular for hiking and mountain biking. Here you can explore Mars-like landscapes with many fallen, dead trees from past earthquakes and high amounts of carbon dioxide gases that were released from the ground. In this post, I cover details for where to park, trail difficulty, and what you should know before you head out to visit Horseshoe Lake! Horseshoe Lake Trail Highlights Here are a few quick trail highlights before I dive…

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    Eagle Falls Eagle Lake Trail Lake Tahoe

    Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake Trail In Lake Tahoe

    October 1, 2023
    McLeod Lake

    How To Hike McLeod Lake Trail In Mammoth Lakes

    January 21, 2025
    Woman sitting on a cliff edge overlooking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park in California

    The Ultimate California Packing List (2026)

    December 30, 2025
  • Wildwood Hill Canyon Trail At Santa Rosa Valley Park In Camarillo
    Central Coast

    Hill Canyon Trail At Santa Rosa Valley Park In Camarillo

    March 14, 2025 /

    Wildwood Hill Canyon Trail is a short and easy hike within Santa Rosa Valley Park in Camarillo. As a Camarillo local, I come here quite often and this is my usual go-to route for a quick escape into nature. The Hill Canyon Trail is only 2 miles long, allows dogs, and is stroller-friendly. This is a great adventure for beginner hikers and families with little kids. Keep reading to help you prepare for visiting Santa Rosa Valley Park and hiking the Hill Canyon Trail! Hill Canyon Trail Highlights Here are a few quick Hill Canyon Trail highlights before I go into more details: Santa Rosa Valley Park Location The Wildwood…

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    Various images of landscapes from the Gardens of the World in Thousand Oaks, California

    Visiting Gardens Of The World In Thousand Oaks

    May 27, 2026
    Resort surrounded by palm trees and mountains in Santa Barbara Central California Coast

    15 Best Central California Coast Resorts To Book In 2026

    December 30, 2025
    Woman and a dog walking along Calleguas Creek Bike Path in Camarillo

    Calleguas Creek Bike Path In Camarillo

    March 1, 2024
  • Ventura Botanical Gardens Trail
    Central Coast

    Ventura Botanical Gardens Trail In Ventura

    March 6, 2025 /

    The Ventura Botanical Gardens is a scenic outdoor garden in downtown Ventura with easily accessible trails and excellent ocean views. If you’re looking for a relatively short and beautiful place to go for a quick hike in Ventura, this is it! The Ventura Botanical Gardens allows dogs on select days. The trails are very family-friendly, so it’s the perfect place to go for parents with little kids. As a Ventura County local, I like to come here to enjoy the scenery, bring my toddler for some fresh air, and learn more about their preservation efforts. In this hiking guide, I cover where the garden is located, what you can expect…

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    A view of a beach and pier in Carpinteria California

    13 Wonderful Things To Do In Carpinteria, California

    April 30, 2024
    Breweries in Ventura Transmission Brewery Ventura

    5 Great Breweries In Ventura For Amazing Local Beers

    December 10, 2021
    Woman sitting on a cliff edge overlooking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park in California

    The Ultimate California Packing List (2026)

    December 30, 2025
  • Woman and a dog standing on a rock overlooking the California Coast
    Central Coast,  Northern California,  Southern California

    15 Top Dog-Friendly Hikes On The California Coast

    February 27, 2025 /

    If you’re a dog lover and live or are planning a trip to the California Coast, you may be looking for some dog-friendly hikes to get in nature and stretch your legs. Thankfully, California is very dog-friendly, and there are many places where you can take your four-legged friend for some fresh air and exercise outdoors. Whether you’re an avid experienced hiker or just want to go on a leisurely walk by the beach, keep reading to discover all of my favorite dog-friendly hikes on the California Coast! And be sure to check out my handy map at the end of this post showcasing the exact locations of these hikes.…

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    Beautiful hotel grounds with hanging lights and green grass at a hotel in Ojai California

    15 Charming Places To Stay In Ojai, California

    September 5, 2023
    Yosemite Falls in the mountains surrounded by trees, one of the best waterfalls in Central California

    20 Best Waterfalls In Central California (By a Local)

    December 1, 2024
    Fog covered hills along Point Mugu Scenic and Overlook Trails Loop

    Hiking Point Mugu Scenic And Overlook Trails Loop

    August 7, 2024
  • Hikes Mammoth Lakes
    Sierras

    7 Incredible Day Hikes In Mammoth Lakes

    January 24, 2025 /

    Filled with stunning alpine lakes, dramatic mountains, lush forests, and incredible hiking trails, Mammoth is a true California treasure. The mammoth region has over 100 lakes, many of which are easily accessible along short day hikes. Mammoth Lakes is one of the best places in California to explore the Sierra Nevada mountains and enjoy outdoor recreation activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming. If you’re planning a trip to Mammoth and are looking for easy hikes to do in the area, this post has you covered! I share 7 of my favorite Mammoth day hikes plus other hiking tips to make the best of your trip. Here are 7 of…

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    Woman sitting on a cliff edge overlooking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park in California

    The Ultimate California Packing List (2026)

    December 30, 2025
    Woman walking next to big trees in California

    16 Amazing Places To See Big Trees In California

    August 25, 2023
    Convict lake in winter surrounded by snow capped mountains

    15 Best Things To Do In Mammoth Lakes In Winter

    November 15, 2023
  • Woman standing on a rock overlooking a lake in Inyo National Forest
    Sierras

    15 Best Hikes In Inyo National Forest, California

    January 24, 2025 /

    The Sierra Nevada mountains are undeniably one of the most beautiful places in California. From rugged mountain peaks to turquoise alpine lakes and serene wilderness trails, this region offers endless adventures to be had. In this post, I cover 15 of the best hikes in Inyo National Forest. I have included a mix of shorter day hikes and some longer backpacking trips that require a bit more prep (but also offer more reward at the end of the trail). Pssst! Be sure to check out my custom map at the end of this post with the specific locations of each of these trails! 1. Crystal Lake Trail Trail Highlights: Crystal…

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    TJ Lake Trail

    How To Hike TJ Lake Trail In Mammoth Lakes

    January 16, 2025
    15 Places In California That Look Like Other Countries

    15 Places In California That Look Like Other Countries

    June 17, 2026
    Various locations with giant sequoia trees in California

    12 Best Places To Visit Sequoia Trees In California

    August 14, 2025
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- ABOUT ME -

Welcome to California Wanderland! I’m Laura Sausina, a California local always in search of new adventures around me. California Wanderland is here to help you discover the best hikes, outdoor activities, things to do, and the best places to stay in Central California. Read more about me here!

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  • 12 Top Adrenaline-Pumping Activities In California
  • 15 Top FREE Things To Do In California
  • 15 Places In California That Look Like Other Countries
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