This hike is incredible and worth the trip. You’ll pass by Tule Elk, and have non stop amazing ocean views with so much beautiful wildlife around you. 10/10

Skyline to the Sea is partially closed, so going from Saratoga's Quarry Park is no longer possible. Is there a way to hike from Russian Ridge/Long Ridge all the way to the coast? I know how to get from Skyline down to Portola Redwoods, but not sure how to get from Portola Redwoods to Butano.

This summer, Yosemite is seeing a significant uptick in visitation, driven by the park’s internationally known splendor, its popularity on social media and a lack of its politicized reservation system. The increase in visitors is, in part, because the National Park Service is not using a timed-entry reservation system this year. 

As droves of tourists flock to Yosemite, it raises the question: Is it still possible to have a fun time there despite the crowds?

Hopefully, yes, but that answer comes with a few heavy asterisks. Park-goers and local business owners say it’s crucial for those venturing into Yosemite this summer to plan their excursions outside peak times to avoid the worst of the crowds, and even then, pack their patience. The best-laid plans can still result in visitors facing significant lines at the park’s gate and restaurants, crowded hiking trails and a relentless search for parking.

Definitely overpacked

Some friends and I have a permit to hike the Lost Coast Trail in August. We adjusted our dates to avoid the impassible days on August 7 and 8, but we only have Aug 9-12 to make the trip work.

I’ve been looking at the tides trying to figure out our daily mileage, and… well, to say they’re less than ideal is an understatement. Lowest tide for each day hits between 4AM and 6AM.

I think we’ll be able to get past Zone 1 OK on the 9th. Zones 2 and 3 are a concern.

For Zone 2, we’re stuck with either hiking the entirety in the dark (while the tide starts its turn) or hiking in early daylight hours at higher tide levels that will only be getting higher.

Timing for Zone 3 is slightly more favorable (that’s generous), but we can split it up across the last two days—hiking in (mostly) early daylight hours but as the tide is rising.

Is this just stupid? Guidance says to hike the zones in the 2hr window on either side of lowest tide and to avoid hiking it at night. I’m aware of the potential for sneaker waves and slick boulders, so I’m obviously concerned about hiking an impassable zone in darkness. And Zone 2 is supposed to be a rough stretch of land.

This is a bucket list trip for us, but I respect its remoteness and the power of the ocean. I’d rather save it for another time than risk our lives.

TLDR: Tide windows totally suck (require hiking Impassable Zones in the dark and/or as the tide is rising). Are they dangerous enough to justify postponing our trip?

Hey r/norcalhiking, this is Kelly from onX. I got back from a few days on the Canyon Creek Lakes trail last weekend and figured I'd share some photos/conditions since I couldn't find many recent reports when we were planning!

The swimming holes along the approach are the real surprise if you haven't been—the water was cold and running pretty strong. One thing I'd wish I'd known ahead of time: we stopped for lunch about a half mile before the main swimming hole around mile 3.5, not realizing it was right up ahead. It's on the route so you won't miss it, but good to know so you can plan your stops on a hot day.

We camped at the upper lake, and I used a 3D offline map to scout potential spots before having to schlep all over the place with a heavy pack, which was super helpful when trying to see where the flat ground is. Zero cell service the entire time, so definitely download your maps ahead of time.

The trail from the lower to upper lake is pretty hard to navigate and disappears at points, so it's also worth having the route pulled up to find the easiest way there.

The sunset the first night was one of those where everyone just kind of goes quiet—so gorgeous.

Highly recommend getting up there before the water drops too much later in the summer, and start hiking on Friday if you can to get a camp spot before everyone is up there Saturday evening.

First time going backpacking and want to do an overnight from Carr Lake to Glacier Lake, sleeping at Glacier Lake - I know I don’t need any permits, but do I need to make a reservation for one of the spots at Glacier Lake campground? And if I do, where can I make those?

Thank you in advance!

(Also sorry if this is the wrong subreddit to ask)

Hi! It’s been a few years since my last backpacking trip. Had a child and she’s now 4! We’ve been camping and increasing our hikes and she can now do a 3 mile flat hike pretty easily.

Planning on going backpacking with her this weekend. Was thinking of doing the trinity alps but the drive is 4 hours which is a bit long. I have all the gear and can easily carry it but it’s def a struggle to carry the gear and her.

Any recommendations on a short easy 1-3 mile hike to a water source (or water source along the way) closer that don’t require special permits?

Thanks in advance

We were planning to go (day) hiking in Emigrant Wilderness this weekend but have heard some horror stories about mosquitoes from people who went hiking there around this time last year. We're wondering if that is likely to be the case this year or if the lack of snow means the mozzies may not be as bad this year.

Does anyone have thoughts about this? Has there been anyone who has been there in the last couple of weeks and can report? If we're only day hiking and out of there before dusk are we likely to be fine regardless? Appreciate anyone who has feedback.

I do trails on a one-wheel. I was coming up the Charcoal Trail from Canyon Trail, getting back to my car on Skyline. During the climb, I saw an animal that I initially thought was a coyote, which I would have shooed away.

However, it turned its head towards me and got down like a house cat does when it’s nervous. It stared at me for a moment and scurried up the trail past a turn I could no longer see.

It had short ears and short fur. I couldn’t remember if it had a tail or not, but I first thought it was a coyote so I assume I did see a tail. I was about 50-60 feet away. I got off my board and kept staring in the direction I had seen it at. I waited for 10 seconds.

The first thing that came to my mind was a young mountain lion or cub that was still with mom. I kept looking up the hill, praying that mom would not confront me. After 10 seconds, I said, “Fuck this,” jumped back on my one-wheel, and went down the hill and asked my dad to pick me up since I didn’t have enough battery to go another route.

I got scared when I saw it was a cat, but realizing it may be a cub, I freaked out.

Visiting NorCal next week through the weekend. Have seems a few places recommended on social but curious which ones would be ideal for kids age 6 and 4.5 to see some cool things and avoid any big inclines that are a reasonable distance. What would yall recommend?

Have also seen suggestions about Prairie Creek State Park and Fern Canyon. Would that be a good area to explore with kids?

Quick shakedown hike (July 16-17) at Desolation Wilderness before I hike the JMT SOBO August 6th.

Perfect weather. Barely any mosquitos. Lakes everywhere. It was great speaking with some PCT'ers.

Hi all! Creator of Hiking by Transit here. I visited Alamere Falls for the first time today, despite living in the Bay Area for... a while at this point. From doing research online beforehand, I was sort of surprised to find a lack of discussion on people's preferences between visiting the falls via Bear Valley or via Palomarin. I assume it's in part because it's sort of a non-hiker's hike, and the topic is largely drowned out by discussions on the shortcut trail, on the safety of inexperienced hikers going such a long way, etc.

But for those who have approached via both routes, what're your thoughts on how they compare? I can't get to the Palomarin trailhead easily (Bear Valley Visitor Center has a bus stop right out front!) so I'm left to ponder how the more coastal trail's views might compare to the Glen Trail and Coast Trail of the route I took.

I'm planning a 4 night/5 day bckpk in the Sierra next week. I have a Desolation Wilderness permit for Stony Ridge, but I also just got invited to join a friend in the Hoover Wilderness - Virginia Lakes TH. I'm a strong and experienced hiker and am looking to cover 50-60 miles over the week. Does anyone have suggestions? Recommendations? I'm from out of state and haven't spent much time in the area. Thanks!

I am trying to decide between South Lake in Bishop to Treasure Lakes via Treasure Lakes Trail, or South Lake to Long Lake on the Bishop Pass trail for a 2 night backpacking trip in September. (if I even have a choice in permit availability at that time.)

Recovering from some injuries. I've backpacked and hiked in Inyo NF before but not from this trailhead. Both look doable for me (around 1000' gain *to reach camp*, and short miles). but I would love some big scenery. I've read trip reviews and watched videos and still can't decide. I won't have much more time for backpacking for the rest of the year so I want to make it count. I like that BPT to Long Lake has options for day hikes if I'm up to it. Treasurer Lakes is appealing because it seems to provide a little more solitude.

if you're navigating a lay-off or are between opportunities, come clear your head and connect with folks who are in the same boat 🤝🏼

this monday, we’re heading to sweeney ridge in san bruno for a hike.

• when: monday, july 20 @ 10:30 am
• stats: 4.8mi loop / 702 ft gain

grab your spot and see the full details here:

https://partiful.com/e/UP0VhxoHpCQUJfhfSHtY

hope to see y'all there!

I just got permits for next week to backpack in Desolation. I've never been there before and want to make sure I understand the system and the area well. My permit is for Stony Ridge and I'm planning on parking at Meeks Bay. As long as my first night is in Stony Ridge, I can spend the next four days wherever I want in the wilderness? Is there anything I'm missing?

Hey all, just wanted to share a little utility app I’ve been using and created. It’s essentially just a very simple fog tracker iOS application that I use to try and find fog patches as for me, I love the fog. Also very useful if you’re trying to avoid it though! It has 2 hr and 24 hr timelapses so if you can judge whether it’s moving in or rolling out. Would love any feedback and it works all across California and the Pacific Northwest. It was inspired by fog.today which is a website I used to use for tracking fog and I want to credit them for inspiring me.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/west-coast-fog/id6761390298

I was backpacking the 4 Lakes Loop in the Trinity Alps over the Fourth of July weekend and found this sensor on the trail. Message me if you lost it.

Hi all, I'm a psychology grad student researching how AllTrails users decide which trails to pick and where the app helps or falls short along the way (ratings, reviews, conditions info, etc).

Looking for people to chat with for about 30-40 minutes over video call. No prep needed, just want to hear about how you actually use the app, in your own words.

Who I'm looking for:

- You use AllTrails at least somewhat regularly to plan hikes

- You've hiked a handful of times in the last year

This is an independent research project, not affiliated with AllTrails or any company. Everything shared is kept anonymous. Comment or DM if you're up for it and I'll send scheduling options.

Thanks!