Alrighty... I've been searching a lot of online guides, drawing on past experiences, and browsing through the plethora of "trip" threads on this site for the past month or so but are still overwhelmed. My girlfriend and I will be in San Francisco from April 6th til April 13th and are looking for some outdoorsy things to do. We don't plan on having access to camping equipment, but that may change. We DEFINITELY won't have access to backpacking equipment for anything longer than a day hike. We were just hoping for some shout outs on things to see within four hours or less (not a strict rule, but we won't be going to something as far as, say, Death Valley) of San Francisco. I've been to Yosemite and am wondering about the possibility of being able to go there during that time of year. Yosemite is our first choice, but my girlfriend would like to avoid snow after the dreary winter she had :p. Nothing will be set and stone and we won't be making reservations or anything like that, so final decisions will probably be made day-of based off of current weather. However, we'd like to have somewhat of a priority list that we can choose from when the day comes.
Suggestions would be greatly welcomed- we've done things like Point Reyes, Muir Woods, Mt Tamalpais and Yosemite previously and loved all of it. We were wondering what would be some decently probable choices for that time of year. I know nothing around the mountains is a sure thing due to it being early spring, but I was thinking perhaps the Hetch Hetchy area would be a safer bet? Also, we will be driving some sort of economy car because we don't have the money for an SUV rental... unless somebody knows of a way to get one for a similar price. I know that limits us even further.
We just love scenic day hikes and drives, mountains, cliffs, waterfalls, forests, and all of that and just would like some ideas for the bay area and a bit beyond. Thanks in advance, and sorry for the vague question.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/21/2011 07:13PM by dqniel.
The Moon is Waxing Gibbous (55% of Full)
Re: Yet another "Where should I go?" thread 
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| March 21, 2011 07:00PM |
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Re: Yet another "where should I go thread" March 21, 2011 07:14PM |
| March 21, 2011 08:24PM |
| March 26, 2011 08:25PM |
| March 21, 2011 09:32PM |
| March 22, 2011 05:15PM |
| March 22, 2011 08:50PM |
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Re: Yet another "Where should I go?" thread March 26, 2011 04:26PM |
| March 28, 2011 06:48PM |
Thanks for the additional input Dave 
I've never seen wildflowers in peak season during any of my trips, so hopefully I can this time.
I've never seen wildflowers in peak season during any of my trips, so hopefully I can this time.| March 28, 2011 09:33PM |
If you want wildflowers, the best wildflower trail in the state is the Hites Cove Trail. It's in the Merced River Canyon. at Savages where the South Fork of the Merced joins enters the canyon.Quote
dqniel
Thanks for the additional input Dave
http://www.yosemitehikes.com/not-yosemite/hite-cove/hite-cove.htm
I'm a trailhead docent for that trail.
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Re: Yet another "Where should I go?" thread March 29, 2011 06:46AM |
| March 29, 2011 09:07AM |
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Re: Yet another "Where should I go?" thread March 29, 2011 10:41AM |
| March 29, 2011 02:08PM |
| March 30, 2011 06:30AM |
I think you guys are putting Ohlone on a pedestal. There are so many other nice parks
that have lots of great views that are easier, etc. than Ohlone Trail.
Billy dayhiked the whole thing at the end of April a few years ago:
It is nice... But I just really really really think that Daniel would have a
better time with his g/f at other parks and whatnot.
Maybe I am missing something but I thought he wanted to dayhike.
Davey, I think you mentioned Discovery before... I seem to recall you have special
access and/or key to get to it on Private Property.
Coe is great too... but again... it's not high on my list of where to take out-of-towners
that want to dayhike. Been on nearly every trail in Coe... and I do love the place though.
Anyway,
Just had to get that off my chest...
Have fun
that have lots of great views that are easier, etc. than Ohlone Trail.
Billy dayhiked the whole thing at the end of April a few years ago:
It is nice... But I just really really really think that Daniel would have a
better time with his g/f at other parks and whatnot.
Maybe I am missing something but I thought he wanted to dayhike.
Davey, I think you mentioned Discovery before... I seem to recall you have special
access and/or key to get to it on Private Property.
Coe is great too... but again... it's not high on my list of where to take out-of-towners
that want to dayhike. Been on nearly every trail in Coe... and I do love the place though.
Anyway,
Just had to get that off my chest...
Have fun
| March 30, 2011 08:54AM |
| March 30, 2011 09:20AM |
Quote
Dave
Quote
Billy dayhiked the whole thing at the end of April a few years ago:
That's sad. The trail is best enjoyed in 3 or more days. Why hurry?
I wouldn't say it's sad. It's just what some nutjob wanted to do so we bit on it.
It's not like we ran the thing... (i.e. Ohlone 50K)
And to add how NOT sad it is...
April 28th, 2008... Monday... hiked this trail
May 2nd, 2008 ... Friday... went to Hetch Hetchy and backpacked.
I'd say that is a "life is rough" moment....anything but sad.. thank you very much
w/r to Discovery ... Well... let's just say even "trespassing" on non-private land
has gotten me some grief ...
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/30/2011 09:57AM by chick-on.
| March 30, 2011 10:45AM |
Yep. Dayhikes only. I might be able to get some camping equipment from my brother but it's not going to be highly portable, so I won't be camping far from where parking is available. So in other words, while I might spend two days at a park, it will be all dayhikes within that period due to lack of lightweight camping equipment. Also, I'll be staying with my brother in downtown San Francisco. I'll be on Staples Ave. A good portion of my trip will be spending time with my brother and his girlfriend in downtown San Fran going to restaurants, museums, bars, etc... and then the other portion will be renting a car to go to places outside of the city to hike and get some landscape photos. Possibly camp if my brother can find his tent. Right now going to Yosemite through the lower elevation HWY 140 and stopping at Hite Cove along the way is sounding like a good possibility. Also, perhaps doing some other hikes or scenic drives closer to San Fran could be in the cards for on the way back or before/after going to Yosemite.
Just out of curiosity, where do all of you live that have been posting replies here? And what is your profession? Do some of you work for the park service or is it just a big interest? Lots of combined experience from all of you is leading to more suggestions than I know what to do with
Just don't forget that I'm not as experienced of a hiker as most of you, and my girlfriend and I won't have the equipment or conditioning to do multi-day hikes or extreme distances in one day.
Just out of curiosity, where do all of you live that have been posting replies here? And what is your profession? Do some of you work for the park service or is it just a big interest? Lots of combined experience from all of you is leading to more suggestions than I know what to do with
Just don't forget that I'm not as experienced of a hiker as most of you, and my girlfriend and I won't have the equipment or conditioning to do multi-day hikes or extreme distances in one day.
| March 30, 2011 05:08PM |
Then just cross the Golden Gate Bridge and you're in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Lots of good hikes right there. There are camp sites outside the park that should be available, and don't forget the fair grounds in Mariposa. Cheap campsites with water, electricity, and showers.Quote
dqniel
Yep. Dayhikes only. I might be able to get some camping equipment from my brother but it's not going to be highly portable, so I won't be camping far from where parking is available. So in other words, while I might spend two days at a park, it will be all dayhikes within that period due to lack of lightweight camping equipment. Also, I'll be staying with my brother in downtown San Francisco. ....
I'm a ranger in Yosemite, but before that I lived in the East SF Bay area and lead a hike just about every weekend. I was the East Bay Committee for the Bay Area Ridge Trail, and I led hikes for several other groups. Mostly day hikes but sever overnights during the summer.Quote
Just out of curiosity, where do all of you live that have been posting replies here? And what is your profession? Do some of you work for the park service or is it just a big interest? Lots of combined experience from all of you is leading to more suggestions than I know what to do with
| March 30, 2011 07:14PM |
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Re: Yet another "Where should I go?" thread March 30, 2011 06:41PM |
Quote
dqniel
Just out of curiosity, where do all of you live that have been posting replies here? And what is your profession? Do some of you work for the park service or is it just a big interest? Lots of combined experience from all of you is leading to more suggestions than I know what to do with
Just don't forget that I'm not as experienced of a hiker as most of you, and my girlfriend and I won't have the equipment or conditioning to do multi-day hikes or extreme distances in one day.
I've been in the central valley since the late 80s. I am a member of four hiking groups, two of which I organize. I hike nearly every week, barring illness or work conflicts. It helps me recover from my profession.
| March 30, 2011 06:53PM |
| March 31, 2011 04:48PM |
Quote
dqniel
Just out of curiosity, where do all of you live that have been posting replies here?
Raleigh, NC but my heart is in Yosemite.
| March 31, 2011 05:43PM |
April 01, 2011 12:37AM |
You mentioned that you have been to Pt. Reyes, but if you did not venture into the Tule Elk Reserve in search of the herd (potentially about a 10 mile RT hike if they are hiding/ensconced at the far end of the penninsula) then a return trip is in order.
[By the way, the San Andreas fault lies directly under Tomales Bay.]
The main herd:
The bachelor club:
Silverado, CA... Silverado Canyon is in the Santa Ana Mountains inside the Cleveland National Forest in Southern CA. See the map in my profile for the location. Not a facetious name: long-defunct silver mines that date back to the 1870s dot the area. A "nice 7 hour overnight drive" up the Eastside to the Yosemite High Country... so I also do quite a bit of packing in Sequoia/Kings, from both the W and E.
R&D scientist (chemistry/solid state physics/materials sci.). Fell in love with the Sierra and started backpacking in 1968 when I first came to the West Coast for graduate work at Berkeley (Chemistry Dept.). Originally from OH (a good place to be from.)
Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 04/02/2011 11:43AM by szalkowski.
[By the way, the San Andreas fault lies directly under Tomales Bay.]
The main herd:
The bachelor club:
Silverado, CA... Silverado Canyon is in the Santa Ana Mountains inside the Cleveland National Forest in Southern CA. See the map in my profile for the location. Not a facetious name: long-defunct silver mines that date back to the 1870s dot the area. A "nice 7 hour overnight drive" up the Eastside to the Yosemite High Country... so I also do quite a bit of packing in Sequoia/Kings, from both the W and E.
R&D scientist (chemistry/solid state physics/materials sci.). Fell in love with the Sierra and started backpacking in 1968 when I first came to the West Coast for graduate work at Berkeley (Chemistry Dept.). Originally from OH (a good place to be from.)
Edited 5 time(s). Last edit at 04/02/2011 11:43AM by szalkowski.
April 02, 2011 10:06PM |
April 03, 2011 10:15AM |
April 24, 2011 01:19PM |
April 24, 2011 01:23PM |
| March 29, 2011 06:14PM |
Uh oh. So many options and so little time to prepare and time to explore. I looked up some photos on Flickr or Hite Cove and it's stunning.
hite cove trail -- looking up by Mrs Rachel, on Flickr
I'm looking up all the suggested locations tonight, picking out my favorites with all your advice, and mapping them to see what's possible in the time we'll have on our trip.
hite cove trail -- looking up by Mrs Rachel, on Flickr
I'm looking up all the suggested locations tonight, picking out my favorites with all your advice, and mapping them to see what's possible in the time we'll have on our trip.
| March 29, 2011 10:23PM |
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Re: Yet another "Where should I go?" thread April 02, 2011 01:24AM |
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Re: Yet another "Where should I go?" thread April 04, 2011 02:53PM |
| March 29, 2011 06:59AM |
Daniel,
Been to all doze places mentioned... my 2 cents is:
Pinnacles - High Trail or Balconies
Pt. Lobos
IMO forgoe Coe and Ohlone.... although I love both of those
places, esp. Coe... I wouldn't bring someone from out of town
there so...
And:
For goodness sakes!
Go to Yosemite. Hello. 140. Hit Hites Cove if flowers are popping.
The snow in the valley melts.
I not weatherman but by mid-April the storms taper WAY off.
And the snow in the valley melts very quickly. I highly doubt you will have
to deal with much snow.
Whatever you do .. have fun
Not sure anyone mention it.. but Ano Nuevo is really cool
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523
Natural Bridges is purty kewl too if you hit it when the flutterbyes are there:
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=541
Have fun
Been to all doze places mentioned... my 2 cents is:
Pinnacles - High Trail or Balconies
Pt. Lobos
IMO forgoe Coe and Ohlone.... although I love both of those
places, esp. Coe... I wouldn't bring someone from out of town
there so...
And:
For goodness sakes!
Go to Yosemite. Hello. 140. Hit Hites Cove if flowers are popping.
The snow in the valley melts.
I not weatherman but by mid-April the storms taper WAY off.
And the snow in the valley melts very quickly. I highly doubt you will have
to deal with much snow.
Whatever you do .. have fun
Not sure anyone mention it.. but Ano Nuevo is really cool
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523
Natural Bridges is purty kewl too if you hit it when the flutterbyes are there:
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=541
Have fun
| March 30, 2011 08:13PM |
I am with the bird on this one; Ohlone is great for locals, but coming from so far away, you want to use your time wisely. If you head out anywhere south of Monterey & Carmel be careful that some of the highway 1 is washed out..
Pinnacles is a keeper.....but, there is SOO much diversity in Yosemite, that one could visit many areas in the park and not even know that you were in the same state & I have managed to stay at local inns just outside of the park at a moment's notice (if you want to put a couple of days in)
The body betrays and the weather conspires, hopefully, not on the same day.
Pinnacles is a keeper.....but, there is SOO much diversity in Yosemite, that one could visit many areas in the park and not even know that you were in the same state & I have managed to stay at local inns just outside of the park at a moment's notice (if you want to put a couple of days in)
The body betrays and the weather conspires, hopefully, not on the same day.
| April 03, 2011 08:59PM |
| April 04, 2011 09:22AM |
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Re: Yet another "Where should I go?" thread April 20, 2011 09:00PM |
| April 10, 2011 11:17AM |
April 10, 2011 11:30AM |
Quote
Dave
... with no weather related road problems... probably for the rest of the season.
(NotSoOptimistically Yours)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/10/2011 02:38PM by szalkowski.
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Re: Yet another "Where should I go?" thread April 18, 2011 03:35PM |
| April 21, 2011 12:38PM |
I "hiked" at Fort Funston, the Land's End Trail near the Golden Gate Bridge, Mt Davidson, and a few other city area hikes/walks. Outside of the city I ended up going on a hike through some redwoods near Larkspur, up the Sky Trail at Pt Reyes, and the Volvon Loop at Morgan Territory. I didn't have access to a very reliable car so we avoided doing anything more than an hour and a half or so outside of where we were staying. No Yosemite, no northern California redwood parks 
That will have to wait for another visit.
At least the next time I go out there I'll be 25, so renting a car will be significantly easier.
That will have to wait for another visit.At least the next time I go out there I'll be 25, so renting a car will be significantly easier.
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Re: Yet another "Where should I go?" thread April 23, 2011 04:12PM |
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Re: Yet another "Where should I go?" thread May 06, 2011 02:14PM |
| April 22, 2011 12:55PM |
| April 22, 2011 04:50PM |
| April 24, 2011 01:36PM |
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Re: Yet another "Where should I go?" thread April 24, 2011 04:33PM |
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