Guide To Visiting Yosemite National Park In Fall (2026)
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…
10 Best Hiking Trails In Ventura, California
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…
Arroyo Verde Park Loop Trail In Ventura
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…
How To Hike Skelton Lake Trail In Mammoth Lakes
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,…
How To Hike Horseshoe Lake Trail In Mammoth Lakes
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…
Hill Canyon Trail At Santa Rosa Valley Park In Camarillo
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…
Ventura Botanical Gardens Trail In Ventura
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…
15 Top Dog-Friendly Hikes On The California Coast
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.…
7 Incredible Day Hikes In Mammoth Lakes
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…
15 Best Hikes In Inyo National Forest, California
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…


































