Trailspotting

Special Feature: Lassen Volcano Country

2009-07-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Part of our Lassen Volcano Country special feature. Some Lassen hikes are often closed due to winter weather, so check out the conditions before you go by following links shown below.

Four hours north east of San Francisco and an hour from the nearest interstate highway, the phrase "off the beaten track" could've been coined for Lassen Volcanic National Park. Overlooked by locals and visitors alike the place is something of a treasured secret to those in the know, and should you choose to visit you’ll find tranquil surroundings even on the busiest holiday weekends.

The tranquility of the park belies its true violent nature, however. Situated at the southern-most point on the Cascade Range evidence of volcanic activity is everywhere in this park, including examples of all four types of volcano (plug dome, shield, cinder cone and stratovolcano).

The most prominent landmark in the park at 10,457 feet above sea level is Lassen Peak, also recently the most explosive landmark, when in 1915 witnesses observed explosive eruptions from the summit which cast volcanic ash up to 200 miles away.

Hikers are spoiled for choice in Lassen Volcanic National Park, with 150 miles of great trails throughout the region. To date we've tackled five separate trails covering five entirely different experiences, from climbing a cinder cone and scaling Lassen Peak to descending into pitch-black lava tubes.

Snow covers the Lassen landscape for much of the year and some roads and trails may not be open until late summer, including the main road through the park. Check these links to the National Park Service website to find updated information on road closures and trail closures

Lassen Volcanic National Park requires a fee on entry and all hikes except Subway Caves are located within the park. Subway Caves is free.

Tangents:
- NPS website: Lassen Volcanic National Park
- NPS website: Online maps for download
- Buy "75 Hikes in Lassen & Mt. Shasta Regions" by John Soares
- Buy Wilderness Press' Lassen Topo Map

Lassen Volcano Country: Cluster Lakes

2009-07-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

Rating:
Area: Lassen
Distance: 11 miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation gain: 1,100ft (from 6,600 - 7,200ft)

Part of our Lassen Volcano Country special feature. Some Lassen hikes are often closed due to winter weather, so check out the conditions before you go by following the above link.

Whether you measure by quality or quantity, this hike's a winner either way. Explore at least a dozen pristine lakes and pools on this loop trail in the heart of Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Begin the hike at the north side of Summit Lake where you'll find kids from the nearby campground frolicking in the cool waters. Head for more serene waters by following the trail up 400ft of elevation, revealing the eastern flanks of Lassen Peak behind you, before descending into a valley created by lava beds once spewed from the caldera of nearby Hat Mountain.

The pine-shaded route around the loop trail traces the flanks of the lakes. Both the Upper and Lower Twin Lakes and Silver Lake are particularly inviting and a great place to take a cooling dip before rejoining the trail, heading uphill and closing off the loop. (Note that Google Maps have mislabeled some of the lakes, so we've called out the correct names).

With so much water around these parts, you'll be thankful that you remembered the bug spray - without it you'll be mosquito bait. Also, if you prefer a shorter hike we recommend a 7-8 mile, 800ft gain out-and-back route to the twin Lakes.

Trailspotting Nearby:
- Lassen Peak (4 stars, 3 miles, medium)
- Cinder Cone (4 stars, 5½ miles, medium)
- Bumpass Hell (4 stars, 3 miles, easy)

Tangents:
- NPS website: Lassen Volcanic National Park
- NPS website: Online maps for download
- Buy "75 Hikes in Lassen & Mt. Shasta Regions" by John Soares
- Buy Wilderness Press' Lassen Topo Map

Mt. Eddy & Dead Fall Lakes

2009-07-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

Rating:
Area: Shasta/Trinity
Distance: 10½ miles
Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Medium/Hard
Elevation gain: 2,225ft (from 6,800 - 9,025ft)

Mount Eddy might be the highest peak in the Klamath Mountains but barely anyone notices it, since it's overshadowed by Mount Shasta, a staggering five thousand feet taller. Overshadowed though it may be, the scenery, solitude and variety of the wilderness around Mount Eddy should not be overlooked.

The Dead Fall Lakes lie in a bowl almost entirely ringed by mountain peaks, which is where the first half of this hike takes us. The lakes are reason enough to put on your hiking boots even if you don't plan on a Mount Eddy summit, and are often a destination for backpacking campers.

Begin at the trailhead on the single-track route which initially runs parallel to the road, labelled with a Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) sign (ignore the wider faint fire road at the trailhead). There's only 400ft elevation gain to the Dead Fall lakes, meaning you can put more effort into admiring the wide landscape vistas over the nearby terrain and the more distant Trinity Alps to the South West.

Three miles into the hike you'll reach the lakes and the point where you'll decide whether to tackle the extra two-and-a-half miles and 1800ft elevation gain to the top of Mount Eddy. The summit trail is a relatively pleasant uphill walk, rarely rocky, and with switchbacks making the final part of the climb as straightforward as the rest. Views from the top are superb, including first and only views of Mt. Shasta from the trail.

We hiked this route at the end of May. Snow on Parks Creek Rd usually makes the trailhead inaccessible before this time, and driving on the snow is highly inadvisable due to chances of getting stranded in such a remote location. We recommend that you use either your GPS or your vehicle's trip counter to judge your location on the road, so if snow blocks your path you'll know whether its feasible to park up and hike the rest of the way to the trailhead.

Trailspotting Nearby:
- Whiskeytown Falls (4 stars, 3 miles, easy/medium)
- Lassen Peak (4 stars, 5 miles, medium)

Tangents:
- Shasta-Trinity National Forest Website
- SummitPost: Mount Eddy
- The Quantum Pontiff: September Mt. Eddy Hike
- Find in "California Hiking" by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown

Horsetail Falls & Pyramid Creek

2009-06-05T12:55:00.000-07:00

Rating: (or 3 stars out of season)
Area: Tahoe Region
Distance: 3 miles
Type: Part loop, part out & back.
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation gain: 600ft (from 6,100 - 6,700ft)

Late spring and early summer may be the best times to experience Horsetail Falls, but a hike up the Pyramid Creek trail to the falls is still a worthwhile experience at any time of the year. If you can find a parking spot at the busy US50 trailhead that is.

The great views begin almost immediately as you happen across the first of a series of small waterfalls and cascades on your way to the 500 foot gem of a waterfall which is this hike's ultimate goal. Also take time to look behind you and marvel towards Lovers Leap and the glaciated valley bowl below, which reminded us of Yosemite Valley.

Trail-finding can be difficult during the middle part of the hike as it traverses over bald expanses of granite. Our recommended outbound route roughly follows alongside the creek for much of the initial loop before meeting up with the out-and-back section of the trail which also follows the creek. Stick by Pyramid Creek and you won't be taking any unwanted detours.

Although the trail is relatively short you'll want to allow some time to both admire the views and tackle the terrain. The trail is relatively rough, so you'll be negotiating around and over rocky ground for over half the journey.

A fee is payable for the use of the trailhead parking lot. Self-registration into the Desolation Wilderness section of the hike is mandatory but free - permits and pencils are available at the boundary where a posted sign details rules about the protected wilderness area.

Trailspotting Nearby:
- Mount Ralston Peak (3 stars, 7 miles, hard)
- Echo Lakes (4 stars, 6 miles, easy)
- Sierra At Tahoe (Ski Resort)

Tangents:
- Waterfalls West: Horsetail Falls
- Wikipedia: Desolation Wilderness
- Books: Find in "Top Trails Lake Tahoe" by Mike White

Whiskeytown Falls

2009-05-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

Rating:
Area: Shasta/Trinity
Distance: 3 miles
Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Elevation gain: 700ft (from 2,200 - 2,900ft)

For several decades Whiskeytown Falls was a closely guarded secret - possibly so secret that reports suggest that at one time the National Park Service might have actually misplaced its location. Today it's hard to miss the signs for the falls however, which lie just a few miles west of the boats and wave-riders which frolic upon the expanses of Whiskeytown Lake.

The recently opened James K. Carr Trail to Whiskeytown Falls begins at the side of Crystal Creek Road. Starting out on level ground the trail soon crosses the creek before climbing gently but steadily uphill. The winding trail passes through a mixture of oak and pine trees which become increasingly dense until you happen upon the torrent of water which is the waterfall.

Whiskeytown Falls cascades down a series of steps, with a total height around 220ft. Though it's impossible to capture the whole of the falls within the lens of a camera, there are still many photo opportunities to be had and the trail also climbs part-way up the falls for some even better views.

Spring and early summer may be the best times to experience these falls, and although the hike might be uncomfortable for some on the hottest days, the heat is somewhat mitigated by the shade of trees for most of the journey.

Tangents:
- NPS: Whiskeytown National Recreational Area
- Waterfalls West: Whiskeytown Falls
- Books: Find in "California Hiking" by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown

Sign Hill, South San Francisco

2009-05-27T12:30:00.000-07:00

Rating:
Area: San Francisco Peninsula
Distance: 1 mile
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation gain: 400ft (from 200 - 600ft)

Almost everybody flying through San Francisco International Airport will recognize the landmark that is Sign Hill, a century old testament to South San Francisco's past. Though the hill no longer overlooks the steel mills which defined the city, they've now been replaced with the more modern industry of biotechnology.

Short yet memorable in its own way, a counter-clockwise loop of the Letters Trail and the Iris Hill Trail first provides great exposed views of the urban environment below and then returns down a pleasant set of woodland steps.

Trailspotting Nearby:
- San Bruno Mtn Ridge Trail (4 stars, 7 miles, medium)
- Sweeney Ridge (Sneath Lane) (3 stars, 3½ miles, easy)
- Mt. Davidson Park (4 star, 1 mile, easy)

Tangents:
- Yelp Reviews: Sign Hill
- Wikipedia: South San Francisco & Sign Hill

Point Reyes, Bear Valley Loop

2009-05-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

Image: Brian Rueb

Rating:
Area: Marin County
Distance: 13 miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation gain: 1,700ft (from 50 - 1,300ft)

Can't decide whether to hit the hills or the beach this weekend? This route into the Point Reyes National Seashore might be the perfect solution for you.

The wide Bear Valley Trail leading toward the Pacific coastline and away from the visitors center might be one of the busiest trails in the park, but just a mile and a half later you'll leaving the crowds and heading up the Old Pine Trail and into the forested hills. The two mile grade of Old Pine Trail always maintains a respectably gentle hill climb, before switching onto the Woodward Valley Trail and an equally pleasant two mile descent heading towards sweeping ocean views.

The first leg of the return journey follows the Coastal Trail southward, with side-trips to the beaches below, before returning along Bear Valley trail which traces the route of Coast Creek back into the hills.

If you have the time, consider checking out the Earthquake Trail, a short interpretive route which explores the geology of the San Andreas Fault Zone on which the Bear Valley visitor center rests.

Route Summary ..
Bear Valley > Old Pine > Woodward Way > Coast > Bear Valley

Trailspotting Nearby:
- Mt. Barnabe Fire Trail (4 stars, 6 miles, medium)
- Mt. Tamalpais Steep Ravine (4 stars, 6½ miles, medium)

Tangents:
- National Park Service: Point Reyes National Seashore
- NorCal Explorer: Woodward Valley & Sculptured Beach
- Books: Find in "101 Great Hikes" by Ann Marie Brown

Brooks Falls Loop, Pacifica

2009-04-16T13:20:00.000-07:00

Rating:
Area: San Francisco Peninsula
Distance: 2½ miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 650ft (from 200 - 850ft)

Although little rain can sometimes put a damper on a hiker's day, a good rainfall at San Pablo Valley Park can bring the Brooks Falls loop trail to life in a very real sense. Coupled with the fact that this part of Pacifica, towards the back of Linda Mar, gets more sun than most makes this a great hike for locals tackle in the early months of the year.

Pick up the Brooks Creek trailhead located near the restrooms and follow it uphill through a forest of eucalyptus. At a fork in the trail, take the uphill direction and you'll soon be clear of the forest and surrounded by scrub and manzanita with views of the surrounding hills and sound of water in Brooks Creek below.

The best viewing spot for Brooks Falls is just before the half-way point in the hike, but don't expect much more than a drizzle of water unless the area has experienced recent heavy rainfall. There are also picturesque ocean views at the end of Brooks Creek trail where it intersects with the Montara Mountain trail. Hang a left, and return down Montara Mountain trail back to the park entrance.

San Pedro Valley Park charges a day use fee and operates seasonal opening times. You'll find plenty of parking, an interpretive center, barbecue areas, picnic tables and open spaces.

Trailspotting Nearby:
- Montara Mountain (4 stars, 9 miles, medium)
- Pedro Point Headlands (4 stars, 2½ miles, medium)
- Milagra Ridge (3 stars, 1½ miles, easy)

Tangents:
- San Mateo County: San Pedro Valley Park
- BA Hiker: Waterfall Loop
- Books: Find in "Peninsula Trails" by Jean Rusmore

Four Mile Trail, Yosemite

2009-03-02T22:16:00.000-08:00

Rating:
Area: Yosemite (Valley)
Distance: 9½ miles
Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation gain: 3,200ft (from 4,000 - 7,200 ft)

Want to hike up the side of Yosemite Valley and marvel at the views, but either don't have the time or the stamina for the 17-mile round trip to Half Dome? Four Mile Trail provides increasingly spectacular views of the valley as it winds its way up from the valley floor and terminating at Glacier Point with some of the best panoramic views that the park has to offer.

The well-used and popular four-mile trail is mostly paved and, slightly at odds with the trail's name, covers a total of 4.6 miles.

Though we recommend the full out-and-back route, a popular method of tackling this hike is to take a bus to the summit and hike back down to the valley floor. If you find a one-way route more appealing and you're in shape enough to tackle the 3,200ft climb, then we'd suggest the opposite - starting at the bottom trailhead and discovering the increasingly spectacular views.

Both Four Mile Trail and Glacier Point Road are closed to the public during winter months. These closures occur independently, so there are times when the trail is open while the road is still closed, allowing hikers to tackle the full out-and-back trail without the usual Valley crowds. See the tangents section for links to Yosemite road & trail closures.

Trailspotting Nearby:
- Yosemite, Half Dome (5 star, 17 miles, hard)
- Yosemite, Cathedral Lakes (4 star, 8 miles, medium)
- Yosemite, Mt. Dana (5 star, 5 miles, hard)

Tangents:
- Official Site: Yosemite National Park / Trail closures / Road closures
- Glacier Point Bus (for one-way hikes)

Baquiano & Cattle Hill Loop (Sweeney Ridge)

2009-02-22T10:30:00.000-08:00

Rating:
Area: San Francisco Peninsula
Distance: 7 miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation gain: 1,400ft (from 0 - 1,300ft)

Sweeney Ridge is one of the best ways to explore the hills above Pacifica, but most of these routes are out-and-back affairs which involve treading the same trail twice. We've managed to scout out a great loop trail into the hills using Mori Ridge and the Baquiano Trail, but also includes a little-known trail from the top of Cattle Hill.

Involving some moderate and occasionally steep inclines, you'd be wise to tackle the trail in a good pair of walking boots. From the top of Sweeney Ridge you'll find an abandoned Nike missile base, the San Francisco Bay discovery site (link) and great views across the peninsula.

Because of difficulties picking up the Cattle Hill trail from the bottom, we recommend approach the route in a clockwise direction. Our trail map locates the trailhead at the end of Bradford Way (use Route 1/Sharp Park Rd exist and drive south) where you'll find plenty of parking available, but another option is to start by the Shelldance Nursery, accessible only to northbound Route 1 traffic.

Trailspotting Nearby:
- Mori Point (4 stars, 2½ miles, medium)
- Sweeney Ridge (Skyline) (4 stars, 3 miles, easy)
- Montara Mountain (4 stars, 9 miles, medium)

Tangents:
- Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
- Wikipedia: Mori Point
- Pacifica Riptide: Restoration Work

Pedro Point Headlands

2009-02-10T13:24:00.000-08:00

Rating:
Distance: 2½ miles
Area: San Francisco Peninsula
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Elevation gain: 700ft (from 300 - 600ft)

If you promise to keep a secret, then we'll tell you about a relatively unknown little coastal hike with unparalleled views of the San Francisco peninsula shoreline. Shhh!

An area of outstanding coastline and natural habitat of several endangered species, the Pedro Point Headlands tower above Linda Mar beach and the southern most point of Pacifica. Now publicly owned, these lands are slowly recovering from dirt-bike use and are gradually being nursed back to health with plans to eventually open series of official trails.

There's nothing stopping responsible hikers from taking full advantage of all the park has to offer, and if you're particularly lucky you might even have the whole mountain to yourself!

Public access is possible through a green gate on the south side of the park here (link goes to Google Street-View) but parking is a problem. There's a limited amount of parking directly next to the gate though the road surface here is uneven. Alternatively it might be possible to park 100 yards up the road by the new Devil's Slide bridge - at the time of publication there was ample parking available with no apparent posted restrictions.

If you enjoy this area you might want to volunteer for the Pedro Point Headland Stewardship Project, funded by the California Coastal Conservancy. Please also consider reporting any motorized vehicles to the Park Police (415-561-5505). Dirt-bikes and the like are prohibited from the park and can cause further damage to the wildlife.

Trailspotting Nearby:
- Montara Mountain (4 star, 9 miles, medium)
- Mori Point (4 stars, 2½ miles, medium)
- San Pedro Valley Park, Brooks Falls (3 stars, 2½ miles, easy)

Tangents:
- Coastsider: Pedro Point Headlands Hike

Mori Point, Pacifica

2009-01-20T17:59:00.000-08:00

Rating:
Area: San Francisco Peninsula
Distance: 2½ miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation gain: 600ft (from 0 - 300ft)

When savoring the splendor of the coastal bluffs of Mori Point in Pacifica you might want to bear in mind that the views here were so nearly very different. Developers have considered many plans for this land - condominiums, commercial development, an intersection for a new freeway extension and even a proposal to create a "Coney Island of the West" on the wetlands below. In 2000, the fervent efforts of the Pacifica Land Trust, California Coastal Conservency and the Trust for Public Land resulted in the purchase of the land and it was turned over to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area for preservation and restoration.

Our recommended trail explores a circuit of Mori Point providing some excellent coastal views, and a trip along the ridgeline from where you can see all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear day. We've labeled this trail as a 'medium' because of the stream crossing and steep sections of trail near Rockaway Beach to the South. The most difficult parts of the trail are identified on our map, and if you prefer an easier route we recommend approaching Mori Point from the gentle uphill trails or the steps from the levee on the North side.

Sunsets from Mori Point are rarely the same twice, and in the morning the hills are also a great whale watching location. Free parking is easy to come by near the trailhead* and alternative parking is also available by Rockaway Beach which also feature several shops and restaurants worthy of attention. Another option is to park up by Pacifica's pier a mile north of Mori Point and extend your hike with a stroll along the levee that borders Sharp Park golf course and the sandy beach. *Tip for motorists - use the Route 1/Sharp Park Rd exit and drive south down Bradford Way.

Trailspotting Nearby:
- Montara Mountain (4 stars, 9 miles, medium)
- Milagra Ridge (3 stars, 1½ miles, easy)
- Pedro Point Headlands (4 stars, 2½ miles, medium)

Tangents:
- Official Website: Mori Point
- Wikipedia: Mori Point
- Pacifica Riptide: Restoration Work

Mount Diablo to Eagle Peak

2009-01-06T12:24:00.000-08:00

Rating:
Area: East Bay
Distance: 7 miles
Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation gain: 2,100ft (from 2,000 - 3,000ft)

The pleasant 7-mile out-and-back trail along the flanks of Mount Diablo to Eagle Peak is unusual for a route with a mountain-top destination - the peak is actually lower in elevation than the trailhead.

Leave your car at Juniper overlook, head through Juniper camp and you'll find yourself at the head of the Deer Flat Trail. From here every step of the route affords spectacular views of the eastern Bay Area hills and as the trail winds North, takes in Suisun Bay and beginnings of the Sacramento River Delta. Eventually you'll meet up with the Eagle Peak junction and take a left turn onto a narrow ridgeline trail which will transport you to the mountain's peak.

Best visited in the cooler months, particularly from February once the wildflowers begin to bloom. Mount Diablo definitely isn't recommended during summer months when the mountain lives up to its name and can be hotter than hell. The trail does include some moderately steep dips and inclines. Fee is payable at the Mount Diablo State Park entrance gate.

Trailspotting Nearby:
- Mission Peak (4 stars, 6 miles, medium)

Tangents:
- Official site: Mount Diablo State Park
- MDIA: Hiking Trails of Mt. Diablo
- Books: Find in "101 Great Hikes" by Ann Marie Brown

Heritage Grove Trail

2008-12-12T21:00:00.000-08:00

Rating:
Area: San Francisco Peninsula
Distance: 4½ miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 800ft (from 500 - 1200ft)

Visit Sam McDonald County Park and expect to find a little of everything, and on the Heritage Grove Trail you'll find gigantic old growth redwood trees to sweeping open views over the neighboring Santa Cruz mountain ridge-tops.

Leave your car at the ample parking lot deep in the redwood forest and head for Towne Trail, a winding woodland trail which leads upward in a southwesterly direction, before arriving at the Jack Book horse camp. Here the curious might want to pay close attention to the nearby park interpretation sign-board, which when we visited the park had become home to a small colony of bats who were doing their best to catch some zzz's despite the attention of curious hikers.

For the most part this loop trail's twists and turns fall under the shelter of a forest canopy, which makes it a great choice for a peninsula hike on a hot summer day, so long as you're comfortable with a three-quarter mile route along Towne Fire Trail across farmland ad grassland to the open ridge-top above the 800 foot deep Jones' Gulch 800ft. If you're curious, a little detour near the top of the hill will take you on to the Sierra Club's Hiker's Hut.

The return trip along Heritage Grove Trail quickly becomes level ground after an initial descent, and a signed spur-trail en route gives you the chance to visit the Heritage Grove, a collection of old growth redwood trees saved from logging by local concerned citizens. The park requires a day-use fee and is usually unmanned, which means you'll want to bring along a pen and a small fist-full of bills just in case.

Trailspotting Nearby:
- Tafoni Trail (4 stars, 6 miles, easy)
- Russian Ridge Ancient Oaks Trail (3 stars, 3½ miles, easy)
- Wunderlich Park Loop (3 stars, 5½ miles, medium)

Tangents:
- Official Website: Sam McDonald County Park
- Books: Find this hike in "Peninsula Trails" by Jean Rusmore

Ski Tahoe with Trailspotting

2008-11-20T19:30:00.000-08:00

All twelve of the major Lake Tahoe ski and snowboard resorts are now mapped and available for free download at Trailspotting. Explore the maps on Google Maps and Google Earth to get to know them better, then download them to your GPS device and hit the slopes!

What's more we've been compiling the stats on the resorts to help you decide which is the best match for your abilities, your length of stay and your budget. To the best of our knowledge we are the only website to compare Lake Tahoe ski resorts side-by side.

Our resort index at the top of the article helps you navigate the resorts scattered around the the Lake. Alternatively use our larger version here, or download to Google Earth and visualize the mountains in three dimensions.

Tangents:
- Trailspotting: See all Tahoe Ski Resorts
- Flickr Slideshow: Your Tahoe ski photos*
* add your flickr photos to the gallery with the tag trailspottingski

Discount Ski Lift Tickets Calendar

2008-11-20T19:29:00.000-08:00

Find the cheapest discount lift tickets with the 2008/09 Trailspotting calendar, including weekend lift tickets for $25!

Be warned that most of these deals have limited tickets available, and be sure to read the advice on how to buy the tickets - some can only be purchased online, whilst others can only be purchased from local Tahoe stores.

Tangents:
- More deals: Sliding On The Cheap
- More deals: Snowbomb
- Trailspotting: Ski Tahoe Special
- Trailspotting: Ski Tahoe Stats - Compare Resorts

SnowRanger Ski Resort GPS Map Review

2008-11-19T13:22:00.000-08:00

We like to think that Trailspotting's Ski Tahoe GPS downloads provide very useful ski resort data (especially when superimposed over a topo map) but they're by no means complete. If you're looking for a detailed map of the mountain then we suggest you look no further than Mountain Dynamics' SnowRanger.

We took SnowRanger into the mountains and cast aside our fold-out paper resort map. In addition to the chairlifts and resort features covered by Trailspotting's downloads, SnowRanger also includes all ski runs (named, categorized, and colored), tree-lines, terrain parks and elevation contours. It proves to be very useful at unfamiliar resorts, but even on mountains that you know like the back of your hand it's a useful tool to help you review your day's activity on the chairlift and identify parts of the mountain you're neglecting.

Maps are available for 75 North American resorts and 420 European resorts. The California/Nevada map set we tested featured 14 resorts and though it included all of the large and medium sized resorts, it skipped some of the smaller Lake Tahoe resorts (which you can still find at Trailspotting!). Our Lake Tahoe tests proved the data to be accurate and the level of detailed information is just what every avid skier and snowboarder needs - and if you find the information is cluttering up your GPS device, you can just dial it down a notch.

Getting SnowRanger working was a pretty straightforward task, and the installation instructions were thorough yet simple. We installed it onto a Garmin eTrex Venture HC in under five minutes using the simplest and most direct installation method, and we also explored the MapSource installation method and encountered no hiccups with that either.

SnowDays
You might also want to check out SnowDays, Mountain Dynamics online GPS data visualization application where you can review their trails superimposed over resort maps complete with elevation profiles. It'll even upload your achievements to Facebook for you. SnowDays is freely available to all without purchase.

- SnowRanger from Mountain Dynamics
- SnowDays GPS tracking and statistics (free)

Mt. Davidson, San Francisco

2008-10-29T12:55:00.000-07:00

Rating:
Area: San Francisco Peninsula
Distance: 1 mile
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 200ft (from 750 - 938ft)

Take in the superb views across San Francisco from the highest point in the city, yet far away from the throngs of tourists and tour buses of Twin Peaks. These less well known vistas from Mount Davidson are a short hike away from the roadside, which means there's a good chance that you'll have the city to yourselves when you reach the top.

Our recommended short loop trail begins at a fire road at the top of Dalewood Way and spirals up through a non-native eucalyptus forest to the summit marked by an enormous 100-foot high cross. Though this cross is commonly used for Easter services, though it's much more likely that you've seen it before in a slightly more secular location - namely a location for a key scene in the 1971 Dirty Harry movie set in San Francisco.

The park is also accessible from several other places around its boundary thanks to the many other trails that criss-cross the hilltop. Security is a particular concern when hiking in parks near the city, and you'd be wise not to hike this park unaccompanied, particularly when it gets dark. Street parking is available and there is no fee for use of the park.

Trailspotting Nearby:
- San Bruno Mtn Summit Loop (4 stars, 3½ miles, easy)
- San Bruno Mtn Ridge Trail (4 stars, 7 miles, medium)
- South San Francisco Sign Hill (3 stars, 1 mile, medium)

Tangents:
- Wikipedia: Mount Davidson
- Mt. Davidson.org: Trail Map (via)
- Film In America: Dirty Harry Filming Locations
- Find this hike in "California Hiking" book by Stienstra & Brown

Half Dome, Yosemite

2008-10-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

Rating:
Area: Yosemite
Distance: 17 miles
Type: Out-and-back
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation gain: 4,800ft (from 4,000 - 8,836ft)

It's difficult to approach Yosemite's Half Dome without a sense of trepidation. Perhaps it's the scale of the seventeen mile hike and 4,800ft elevation gain. Perhaps it's a fear of heights and worry over the final ascent of the cables, almost a mile above the valley floor. Alternatively, maybe it's just the dread of the Yosemite crowds compounded by the added attraction of Half Dome itself.

An early start is essential to mounting an attempt on Yosemite's crowning glory and sunrise is a good time to start. Remember to pack a flashlight as there's a good chance that you'll still be on the trail when darkness falls, and the return trail can't be tackled safely in the dark without one.

This hike begins at the parking lot opposite Upper Pines Campground and follows the Merced River up into the hills behind Half Dome. Climbing a combination of steps and switchbacks lead you up the side of Vernal Falls and then Nevada Falls - even in fall months you'll struggle to find these waterfalls dry. From here the trail weaves upward through pine forest until it opens up toward the final part of the hike with awesome views of the valley.

The final ascent of Half Dome looks crazy, almost vertical, and should be treated with the utmost respect and caution. This steep section of trail up smooth granite approaches angles of 45 degrees and is only made possible by the cable and post system erected by the park. What's more, the final climb to the summit has claimed lives, even those of experienced hikers, and even in perfect weather.

You can join the 50,000 hikers a year who make it to the top of the cables safely, simply by taking a reasonable amount of precaution. Research this hike fully, understand the dangers and wear the right footwear (grip is essential). The most risk averse may want to consider a carabiner/tether arrangement to secure themselves to the cable, which we saw some folks using.

One final note on the crowds. Whilst we prefer our trails to be tranquil and well away from the throngs of the masses, that's never likely to be the case on Half Dome. Unused to sharing the route with such a large of traffic we were surprised to find that we begin to enjoy the company - sharing expressions, comments and even the occasional joke. And perhaps that's because we're mixing with people like us - people who'd get up at 5am to hike seventeen miles up a mountain and back!

Trailspotting Nearby:
- Yosemite, Four Mile Trail (4 star, 9 miles, medium)
- Yosemite, Cathedral Lakes (4 star, 8 miles, medium)
- Yosemite, Mt. Dana (5 star, 5 miles, hard)

Tangents:
- National Park Service: Half Dome Day Hike
- National Park Service: Yosemite National Park
- "One Best Hike: Yosemite's Half Dome" book by Rick Deutsch

Mt. Tampalpais Dias Ridge Trail

2008-09-22T16:58:00.000-07:00

Rating:
Area: Marin County
Distance: 5 miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation gain: 800ft (from 100 - 800ft)

Almost certain to be a beer lovers' dream, this trail both starts and finishes at the Pelican Inn, a faithfully recreated seventeenth century English country pub, where you can enjoy a shepherds pie by the fireplace or a pint of ale on the lawn.

Set out in a counter clockwise route from an unmarked trailhead across the road from the pub, and you'll soon be climbing up the chaparral covered Diaz Ridge. Seven hundred feet of elevation gain later and you'll be overlooking Muir beach to the west and admiring the Mt. Tamalpais State Park landscape to the north.

Follow the ridgeline north-east for just under a mile and you'll hit the junction to the Miwok Trail, named for the folk who originally settled in the area as long as five thousand years ago. The Miwok trail switchbacks down the hill and into the oak woodlands that also share the return leg of the route - the Redwood Creek Trail, and onto the final half-mile along the road back to the pub.

Route Summary:
Dias Ridge Fire Rd > Miwok Tr > Redwood Creek Tr > Muir Woods Rd/Shoreline Hwy

Trailspotting Nearby:
- Mt. Barnabe Fire Trail (4 stars, 6 miles, medium)
- Mt. Tamalpais Steep Ravine (4 stars, 6½ miles, medium)
- Mt. Tamalpais Coast View Trail (4 stars, 8½ miles, medium)

Tangents:
- California State Parks: Mount Tamalpais State Park
- California State Parks: Brochure & Map (map on p6)
- The Pelican Inn Website
- Trailspotting: More hikes in this area
- More Mt. Tam hikes in "101 Great Hikes" book by Ann Marie Brown

Mt. Tamalpais Coast View Loop

2008-09-21T11:25:00.000-07:00

Rating:
Area: Marin County
Distance: 8½ miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation gain: 1,600ft (from 100 - 1,500 ft)

Experience many of Mt. Tamalpais' best features on a single loop trail, from chaparral grasslands and dramatic Pacific Ocean views to forest creeks and huge redwoods. Plus the added bonus to stop off for a swift one at an old british pub en route.

Begin at the highest point on the hike at Pan Toll Ranger Station (parking fee) and head off down the Old Mine Trail leading to Coast View Trail where you can share great Pacific Ocean views with occasional but courteous mountain bikers. On a clear day you'll get to see the Farallon Islands 26 miles out to sea as well as the San Francisco Peninsula coast, and looking the other way you'll have views of the Bay and landmarks as distant as Mt. Diablo.

Our route drops down through switchbacks on the Heather Cutoff Trail and links up to the Redwood Creek trail. Ironically the shade the Redwood Creek trail is provided by oak tree woodlands, but it's welcome shade nonetheless. The loop returns up Deer Park Fire Road which traces and intersects with Dipsea Trail - choose either of these trails to make your way back to the start.

Route Summary:
Old Mine Tr > Coast View Tr > Heather Cutoff > Redwood Creek Tr > Deer Park/Dipsea > Coastal Fire Rd

Trailspotting Nearby:
- Mt. Barnabe Fire Trail (4 stars, 6 miles, medium)
- Mt. Tamalpais Steep Ravine (4 stars, 6½ miles, medium)
- Point Reyes, Bear Valley Loop (14 stars, 3 miles, medium)

Tangents:
- California State Parks: Mount Tamalpais State Park
- California State Parks: Brochure & Map (map on p6)
- Trailspotting: More hikes in this area
- More Mt. Tam hikes in "101 Great Hikes" book by Ann Marie Brown

Russian Ridge Ancient Oaks Trail

2008-09-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

Rating:
Area: San Francisco Peninsula
Distance: 3½ miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 700ft (from 2,100 - 2,500 ft)

There are many reasons to love the Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve, whether it's the expanses of rolling hills, the peek-a-boo ocean views or the sight of the sprawling peninsula cities beneath the Santa Cruz mountains.

Our recommended loop trail around the southern half of the park begins with a gentle incline to the top of Borel Hill (2,572 ft) where you'll find the best views in area, before dropping down onto Ancient Oaks Trail which provides some welcome shade on the hottest days.

Visiting this park once might not be enough. Green rolling hills in the early season eventually give way to blankets of spring flowers, before the summer sun turns the tall grasses golden and gives the park a complete make-over. The heat in the mid-day summer months can be a little much for some, but the evenings often prove to be very pleasant, particularly if you're lucky enough to witness the dramatic coastal fogs creep in across the landscape.

Trailspotting Nearby:
- Tafoni Trail (4 stars, 6 miles, easy)
- Monte Bello Open Space Preserve (4 stars, 6 miles, medium)
- Wunderlich Park Loop (3 stars, 5½ miles, medium)

Tangents:
- Official Site: Russian Ridge
- Official Site: Russian Ridge PDF trail map
- Find this hike in "101 Great Hikes" book by Ann Marie Brown

First Steps with your new GPS

2008-09-15T12:27:00.000-07:00

Your new handheld GPS might seem complex, but in truth it's very simple to use. This quick article will show you how easy it is to get started, by using the Trailspotting recommended Garmin eTrex Venture HC as an example. In next to no time you'll be showing off your latest expedition on Google Earth. (Above image is from the Haleakala Volcano Trail on Maui).

Using your new GPS
Unbox your GPS receiver, slot in the batteries and give it a few seconds to locate some satellites - you're now good to go. Literally.

Take your GPS on a journey - walk around the block, jog around the park or simply drive to the store and back - the GPS will log your movements without you having to touch a button. The map screen will show your position and trace your route as you move, like a trail of digital breadcrumbs.

This tracking feature is the most important function of your GPS unit - it orientates you to your environment and traces your movements so you can always find your way back to the start of your trip.

The other screen you'll want to look at is the statistics page, which displays a bunch of information on your trip such as distance traveled, journey time, moving time, average speed. Eventually you may want to customize this screen to show different information - personally we like to see the time of day and sunset time to be certain of the remaining daylight.

GPS on Your Computer
Say you've been hiking and you've taken your GPS device with you to help you navigate the trail and give you statistics on your journey. Now you're back home and you want to store your GPS trail on your computer, just like you do with the photos from your digital camera.

Connect your GPS to your computer and fire up the Garmin Mapsource software (it comes in the package). Your computer will recognize your GPS device and you can click on the 'receive from device' icon to download. Transfer will take just moments, then you can choose to view your hike on the screen and save your hike to your computer.

Click on the properties of the trail and you can also see the elevation profile, which plots the incline of the trail against distance traveled. Under the 'tracks' tab in the sidebar, right-click the 'active log' then click on the 'show profile'.

GPS on the Web
Want to do more with your new GPS hiking file? Save your file on your computer as a GPX file and upload it to an account at EveryTrail. With a free EveryTrail account you can store all of your trips, add photos, view your statistics and see your trails on an interactive map. The site will even give you a link so you can see your trail in three dimensions on Google Earth.

Trailspotting isn't affiliated with EveryTrail in any way, we just like it. Hey .. and if you do sign up to their service, remember to add your humble Trailspotting Editor as a friend!

Using Other People's Trails
Installing other people's trails (like the ones we provide at Trailspotting) is a breeze with Garmin's Mapsource software program. Make sure your GPS is connected, open the file you're interested in, then click the upload button.

Files with a GPX suffix are the ones you want to be uploading to your device. If you come across a KML or KMZ file that you'd like to use, simply convert them to GPX using the GPS Visualizer website.

Maps on your GPS
It might come as a surprise to know that you don't need a map on your GPS device, as you can get plenty of benefit from using the route tracking features alone. Superimposing your route on top of an on-screen map does have some advantages however.

The eTrex Venture has a built in base-map, but you'll find it only useful for locating roads and some geographical features. If you really feel like you need a topographical map on your GPS - with contours, trail routes and detailed features - then you'll be wanting to consider a product like Garmin's Topo 2008. We explored free mapping alternatives in this article but getting them to work might need some advanced computer skills.

Please remember that a GPS unit is only good while the batteries still work - never rely on a GPS receiver as your only means of navigation and always carry reliable paper-based maps for safety.

Next: A Cheapskates Guide to Free GPS Maps
Previous: An Introduction to GPS

Tangents:
- EveryTrail: Share your tracks & photos
- TopoShare: Another trail sharing site
- Amazon.com: Buy Garmin eTrex Venture HC
- Amazon.com: Buy Garmin Topo 2008 Map

Five Lakes, Granite Chief Wilderness

2008-09-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

Rating:
Area: Tahoe Region
Distance: 4 miles
Type: Out & back
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Elevation gain: 900ft (from 6,600 - 7,500ft)

Nestled in the foothills of the Granite Chief Wilderness peaks just north of Lake Tahoe, the Five Lakes promise dramatic yet tranquil surroundings, a place to relax, fish or swim.

The hike starts out at the junction of Alpine Meadows Rd and Deer Park Rd, rises gently towards the Five Lakes plateau and up the side of KT22 peak through expanses of exposed granite and jagged volcanic rock.

The two mile trail maintains little more than a slight incline, but still gains nine hundred feet of elevation before reaching the lakes. On the warmest Tahoe days this trail lacks a great deal of shade, but the lakes themselves provide plenty of cover from the sun and opportunities to cool off in the waters.

A four mile hike takes you to the lakes and back, but if you want to explore the lakes themselves, add another mile or so. Trails exist between all the lakes, making them nicely accessible. Bugs weren’t a big problem when we visited on a warm September day, but we always recommend carrying insect repellent just in case.

By summer when the snow has retreated, the Five Lakes Trail is one of the easiest and most accessible hikes in the Granite Chief Wilderness so don’t expect to have this trail to yourself. Don’t be disheartened if the trail is busy however, as the lakes themselves allow for plenty of chances for quiet and solitude.

Trailspotting Nearby:
- Emerald Bay Bayview Trail (4 stars, 2½ miles, medium)
- Castle Peak (Snowshoe & Hike) (5 stars, 6½ miles, hard)
- Alpine Meadows (Ski Resort)

Tangents:
- Tahoe National Forest: Granite Chief Wilderness Map (PDF)
- Book: Find this hike in "Top Trails Lake Tahoe" by Mike White
* add your flickr photos to the gallery with the tag trailspotting5lakes

Cathedral Lakes, Yosemite

2008-08-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

Rating:
Area: Yosemite (Tioga Road)
Distance: 8 miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Medium
Elevation gain: 1,300ft (from 8,600 - 9,600ft)

Two superb Yosemite lakes await you from the Cathedral Lakes trailhead at the side of Tioga Road, inviting you to swap the throngs of car-bound visitors for relative peace and tranquility of calm waters, pine forest and granite peaks.

The trail climbs gently upward at the outset, gaining a thousand feet in the first mile (see elevation profile), but as most of the rest of the hike is either on the level or downhill, you can reassure yourself that this will be the hardest part of your hike. Much of the mileage covered is within sheltered evergreen forest, though with ample opportunities to marvel in the rightly famous Yosemite National Park landscape.

Rest on the open, sloping granite banks of Lower Cathedral Lake looking westerly over a great watery expanse towards Yosemite Valley with deer grazing by the lakes edge. Then re-trace your steps for half a mile to the trail junction and head slightly upward to the Upper Lake which sits in a bowl surrounded on all sides by towering granite including the Cathedral and Tresidder Peaks.

You’ll find plenty of parking at the trailhead, and be sure to empty your car of anything that smells like food and store it in the bear-proof lockers provided. Insects can be plentiful around the lakes, so be sure to pack the bug spray as well as the sunscreen. As well as deer, keep your eyes peeled for an occasional timid marmot.

Alternatives:
Tackle both lakes and you're looking at a 8.3 mile trek, but you can shorten your hike by visiting just the Upper Lake (7.2 miles total) or just the Lower Lake (7.0 miles).

Tangents:
- Local Hikes: Cathedral Lakes
- American Southwest: Cathedral Lakes
- National Park Service: Yosemite National Park
- Wikipedia: Yosemite National Park
* add your flickr photos to the gallery with the tag trailspottingcath