20 Best Places Where To See Fall Colors In Yosemite
While California has a reputation for always being warm and sunny, we do experience some seasonal changes here as well, especially at Yosemite National Park. As a travel photographer, for the past few years, I have been on a mission to find all the best places where to see fall colors in Yosemite! Yosemite National Park has a short fall season that lasts from the end of October to the beginning of November. During this time you can witness the changing of trees from lush greens to golden hues all throughout the Yosemite Valley. To help you plan your fall mountain adventure, here are all of the best spots to…
20 Best Winter Hikes In California (By a Local)
Winter is one of those seasons when many people like to cozy up on the couch, catch up on the latest Netflix shows, and wait for spring to arrive. But the colder seasons also bring lots of opportunities to go on incredible winter hikes in California – crowd-free! As a California local, I like to take advantage of the winter months to head outdoors. This is a great season for outdoor fun because you won’t have to deal with dangerously hot weather, issues finding parking, and congested trails. In this post, I cover all the best winter hikes in California, from the mountains to the coast. I’ve personally hiked all…
How To Hike Inyo Craters Trail In Mammoth Lakes
Planning to visit Inyo Craters in Mammoth? Inyo Craters is a short and interesting wilderness trail that leads to a set of volcanic craters hidden deep within the forest. This trail offers a look into the unique geology makeup of Mammoth Lakes and has amazing views along the way. In this guide, we share everything you need to know to hike the Inyo Craters trail year-round. This guide includes where to park, what to expect, and know before you head out there! Table Of Contents: Inyo Craters Trail Location & Parking If you’re planning to hike the Inyo Craters Trail in the summer, you can drive on Dry Creek Road…
How To Visit Hilltop Hot Springs In Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes is known for having several amazing natural hot springs that are easily accessible all year long. If you’re planning a trip to Mammoth and are looking for a stunning hot spring in the area, we recommend putting Hilltop Hot Springs on top of your list! With expansive mountain views, fresh air, and rejuvenating mineral qualities, visiting Hilltop Hot Springs is a must-do activity in Mammoth. This is an especially great winter destination if you’re looking for something relaxing to do in the area after skiing or snowboarding. In this post, we share how to reach Hilltop Hot Springs, what to expect, what to bring, and other visitor tips…
How To Visit Hot Creek Geological Site In Winter
Hot Creek Geological Site is a stunning location to visit year-round, but winter is an especially wonderful time to explore this unique geological wonder. The trail that leads to Hot Creek Geological Site stays accessible all year long making it one of the best winter hiking destinations near Mammoth Lakes if you’re looking for a fun activity to do besides skiing and snowboarding. With expansive mountain views, unique volcanic scenery, a meandering river, and surreal hiking trails, the Hot Creek Geological site is a must-visit location in Mammoth! In this guide, I cover how to visit Hot Creek Geological Site in the winter including where to park, what to bring,…
Visiting Elfin Forest Natural Area In Los Osos, California
Elfin Forest is a stunning nature preserve in Los Osos, California that offers incredible opportunities for walking, hiking, and wildlife watching. Located next to the Morro Bay Estuary, Elfin Forest Natural Area consists of 90 acres of wilderness and hiking paths. Los Osos Elfin Forest is a wonderful place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll, breathe in the fresh ocean air, and take in panoramic views of Morro Bay. It offers plenty of nature to explore including hundreds of different plant species and various animals. A designated 1-mile-long trail loops through the Elfin Forest and stops at two scenic viewpoints along the way. In this post, we cover details on…
Guide To Visiting Yosemite National Park In Fall (2023)
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 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 colors.…
12 Best Places To Stay In Mammoth Lakes 2023
Mammoth Lakes is a charming town in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Mammoth is best known for its stunning landscapes, endless hiking opportunities, natural attractions, and winter sports. And while there is no denying that skiing and snowboarding are some of the biggest attractions, that is not all there is to do in Mammoth! From turquoise alpine lakes to snow-covered hot springs, geological wonders, and waterfalls, there are plenty of adventures to be found in this mountain region. Within the city limits, amazing local restaurants, shops, and craft breweries are ready to entertain the year-round visitors. The Village At Mammoth often hosts fun outdoor events that draw the entire town…
Hiking Black Hill Trail In Morro Bay
Morro Bay is a small coastal town in Central California. The main attraction of Morro Bay is Morro Rock, a large volcanic plug that stands tall in the midst of the shoreline. Most people that visit Morro Bay hang out in the town or by the beach, but if you have the time, we recommend checking out Black Hill Trail which leads to an incredible viewpoint of Morro Rock, the coast, and the surrounding landscape. In this blog post, we cover details on where the Black Hill Trailhead is located, where to park, trail difficulty, and what to expect! Black Hill Trail Location & Parking The Black Hill Trailhead…
How To Hike Escondido Falls Trail In Malibu
Escondido Falls Trail is a short hike in Malibu that leads to a viewpoint of Escondido Falls – one of the most scenic waterfalls in Southern California! Located just an hour’s drive east of Los Angeles, the Escondido Falls hike is a popular outdoor activity, especially on the weekends. The Escondido Falls Trail is less than 4 miles long and fairly flat so it’s the perfect location for a morning workout or if you’re seeking a nature escape in the Santa Monica Mountains with your family or friends. In this hiking guide, we cover how to get there, where to park, Escondido Falls hike difficulty, and what to expect if…