Since moving to CA, I have wanted to visit Big Basin Redwoods SP. This time has come! About 3 hours from Fresno, it is the oldest state park in CA. It is really incredible to think that these redwoods have been here for a few thousands of years, they outlived previous generations and will outlive us.
Parking is quite limited, but at 9 AM is still good. The Berry Creek Falls Trail is rated as "strenuous", and my legs can tell you why. Because of the recent storm damage, the trail was closed in some parts, but detour was available. Most of the hiking is done in almost full shade, which is amazing during hot days (yes, it was one of those...). Depending on where you start the loop, you will ascend or descend close to 2,400 ft - a great exercise routine, especially considering that the length of the hike ended up being about 12.5 miles.
Photo credit: HJ
There were a few highlights, such as the main waterfall and a few smaller ones, all unique to this landscape. Everything around is really green; water here is not scarce like in the nearby Yosemite and Kings Canyon NPs. There were a few incredible spots with dozens of monarch butterflies just flying around, not sure why they were so excited about that spot.
Photo credit: HJ
I didn't do as much filming as usually, so this below is a 3 min clip of some highlights.
Since I bought a bicycle, I have wanted to ride along route 1 enjoying the view of the ocean. Today was the day this came to reality. I planned to first visit San Luis Obispo (SLO) to grab a cup of coffee and visit a farmer's market, check out the Bob Jones trail, a well-reviewed bicycle trail a few minutes away from SLO and finish the day with a ride along Hwy 1.
The drive to SLO took about 2.5 hrs. The skies were gray and gloomy as I approached my destination. It was getting a bit discouraging that I might have to ride in the rain, but it was certainly better than blazing heat. I stopped at Scout Coffee Company for a cup of cappuccino and pastry and was amazed by how fresh everything is there.
I then headed to the farmer's market that was supposed to be open on Sundays next to one of the hotels, but for whatever reason there was no sign of a farmer's market. Disappointed, I had a couple more bites of that heavenly croissant I purchased at the coffee shop and went to check out the Bob Jones Trail.
The trail did not disappoint. After a minor set back trying to adjust the brakes on the front wheel of the bike, I was riding along the trail together with few hikers and cyclers. The trail was very peaceful filled with wildlife and different species of birds in the midst of changing scenery. The trail ended at the beach where I turned around and cycled back.
My next stop was a point along Hwy 1 that I chose about an hour away from SLO. I pulled into the parking lot overseeing the ocean, got my bike out (this time experienced with how to adjust the brakes) and started my ride. While it was not the most peaceful ride given that it is right on the highway, the views were amazing. On the way back, I saw a coyote dragging the body of a dead deer from the side of the highway. As I passed by, he got a bit spooked, but stared right at me. I wondered if he would chase me, but then realized that he already had his meal ;)
5 miles on Bob Jones trail + 13 miles on Hwy 1 = exhaustion and peace. I loved SLO and will certainly come back.
Today I had a BBQ planned with a MeetUp, but felt that driving 2.5 hrs just to eat, drink and be merry was not good enough, so I decided to hike before the BBQ.
Mission Peak trail was mentioned to me a few times as one of the more popular hikes in the Bay area. I don't usually like to hike with dozens of people, but this time there was an excuse to try it out. There are two main trails leading to Mission Peak, one starts from Ohlone college and is 7.5 miles round trip, and the other one begins near Stanford Ave, is 5 miles, but has only 40 parking stalls. It is highly recommended to park at Ohlone college, and I can see why - there is plenty of parking and is $4 or free (depends on the time of the year). The parking garage was right across from the trailhead, very simple and convenient. This trail also has more shade, and believe me, you need that!
I started the hike early, at 8 AM I was already at the trailhead. It was supposed to be 90F today, so I really wanted to skip the heat. By the time I started, some people were already coming back. If I lived closer, I would have done the same.
Today I decided to wear shorts instead of my usual hiking pants because I saw that the trail is wide and sandy with no vegetation on the trail itself. I was right, I would not want to wear anything more than I did - it was hot! The climb is gradual, but consistent. In the beginning, I saw some bulls and cows really close by accompanied by dozens of flies. I can't even imaging how they can live covered in insects like that all the time! Cool experience that cattle is just grazing wherever they want to, some though were confined in smaller spaces. I was glad I am an aspiring vegetarian...
The nicer parts of the trail start about 2 miles in. You get a full view of the Bay and surrounding areas. It was clear and a big smoggy today, but visibility was not an issue. Once you are past the first 2 miles, it gets nice and cooler with somewhat of a stronger wind that brings some relief. The last part of the climb is intense, but the reward is so visible that you really can't stop.
At the top, many people are lined up to take a picture with a pole and the US flag, but I decided I didn't want to wait and just enjoyed the view before starting to descend. The way down is very enjoyable, especially as you watch other people starting at 10-11 AM and dying from heat at the very beginning of the trail. Do your research, people!
