Barker Dam Nature Trail & Petroglyphs: Joshua Tree National Park
When we arrived at Joshua Tree for the first time on a spring Friday afternoon, we first hiked the Barker Dam Trail. To my surprise, at 1:30 p.m., the parking lot was three-fourths of the way empty. I’d read that this is supposed to be one of, if not the most popular, trails in the park, so I had resigned myself to a busy experience. While my wife and I were not the only ones on the trail, it was not overly crowded. Hiking the Barker Dam Nature Trail We started down the well-worn path, the sand crunching under [...]
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park: Visitor’s Guide
Discover Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park The park showcases local Native American history, stunning natural beauty, and ancient grinding rocks. Plan your visit with our guide to hiking trails, cultural exhibits, and the rich heritage of the Miwok people.
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park: A Journey Through California’s Past
Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Site protects a beautifully preserved 18th-century Spanish mission. Explore the rich history of Mission Santa Cruz, view authentic adobe structures, and learn about Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences.
Jack London State Park: History and Visitor’s Guide
Discover and explore Jack London State Park in California, where history meets scenery. Walk beautiful trails, tour Jack London’s cottage, visit his grave and walk through the ruins of his dream estate. Discover the legacy of the famous writer in the heart of Sonoma Valley.
Rings Trail Guide: Mojave National Preserve
Hike the Rings Trail in Mojave National Preserve, a short but adventurous hike featuring unique rock formations, metal ring climbs, petroglyphs and stunning desert landscapes. This guide covers trail details, difficulty, and tips for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Mojave Desert.
Galloping Through History: The Pony Express Statue in Old Sacramento
Discover the historic Pony Express Statue in Old Town Sacramento—an iconic bronze tribute to the daring riders who delivered mail across the American West. Explore this must-see landmark and experience Gold Rush history firsthand!
Donner Memorial State Park: History and Guide
Walk through history at Donner Memorial State Park! Walk the land where the infamous Donner Party was stranded, explore scenic trails, and dive into the past at the visitor center. Explore a place of survival, resilience, and incredible beauty—are you ready to explore?
Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Monument
Walk amongst some of the biggest trees in the world along the Trail of 100 Giants in Sequoia National Monument.
See Ancient Native American Pictographs at Chumash Painted Cave
Chumash Painted Cave State Park, located in the mountains near Santa Barbara, California. The park features stunning Native American Rock Art that is incredibly well preserved.
Keys Ranch Tour: Joshua Tree National Park
Keys Ranch Tour in Joshua Tree National Park is great way to explore an off the beaten path portion of the park. Millions of people visit Joshua Tree each year, only a few thousand ever see Keys Ranch.
Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery: A Visitors Guide
The Piedras Blancas Rookery hosts up to 24,000 Elephant Seals each year. Explore along an elevated boardwalk that allow you get a birds eye view of these spectacular mammals.
Crystal Creek Falls Trail: Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Crystal Creek Falls Trail is an easy, family-friendly 0.7-mile hike in California’s Whiskeytown National Recreation Area that leads to a beautiful waterfall.
Lassen Volcanic National Park: Hiking Cold Boiling Lake Trail
Cold Boiling Lake Trail in Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great hike that leads to one of the lesser visited geothermal features in the park.
Yosemite’s Ghost of Grouse Lake
Yosemite National Park's oldest ghost story was recorded by it's first ranger, Galen Clark in 1857. The Ghost of Grouse Lake.
Death Valley’s Ghost: Headless Joseph “Hooch” Simpson
In remote Death Valley National Park there is said to be headless apparition wandering erratically through the remnants of a ghost town desperately looking for something.
1000s of Monarch Butterflies visit these Santa Cruz State Parks
Each thousands of Monarch Butterflies migrate and roost at Natural Bridge and Lighthouse Field State Park.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse: The tallest lighthouse in California
Pigeon Point Lighthouse is along California Highway 1 near San Francisco. At 115 feet tall, it is the tallest lighthouse on the west coast.
Lava Beds National Monument: The Modoc War
The Modoc War Indian War was largely fought in Lava Beds National Monument. You can hike through history at this northern California park near the Oregon border.
Hiking to Arch Rock and Heart Rock at Sunrise in Joshua Tree National Park
Sunrise in Joshua Tree National Park is magically, one of the best places to visit is Arch Rock and Heart Rock.
Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park
Check out the Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua Tree National Park. It's an easy hike with stunning beauty.
Exploring Bear Gulch in Pinnacles National Park
Bear Gulch is beautiful talus cave in Pinnacles National Park that visitors can hike through.
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum: A Visit with the Gipper
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is located in Simi Valley, California, about an hour outside Los Angeles. It does the “Great Communicator” justice by guiding visitors through the stages of his and Nancy’s storied life.
Exploring Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park
Grant Grove is in California's Kings Canyon National Park. It's home to the General Grant sequoia, the second-largest tree in the world.
Skull Rock in Joshua Tree National Park
Skull Rock is an easy to visit rock formation in Joshua Tree National Park.
Hiking Jedediah Smith Redwoods Stout Grove
Stout Grove is located in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park in northern California. This hike is one of our very favorites anywhere. It's short in length but packs a tremendous amount of stunning scenery into a half mile.