Other than Eldorado National Forest / Lake Tahoe / Mammoth, are there dog-friendly trails in California you’d recommend for hiking in winter?

Hey all,

I am looking for somewhere to head out next weekend to camp out and test some cold weather gear I have been gathering for backpacking trips later in the winter. Ideally something ~3 hours or less from SF Bay Area with some decent day hikes in the area and is accessible by car with a few amenities (toilets, tables, fire-rings, etc). Thinking somewhere in the Stanislaus Forrest, but looking for any specific suggestions. I appreciate any insights!

The road up to bunny flat is still closed and looks like they still have a bunch of work to do before they open it back up.

Did about 1.5 miles up Cascade Gulch yesterday, starting at the trailhead. Didn’t need snow shoes, but I am going to explore further up the mountain this weekend so I’ll post an update on conditions. The road road up to bunny flat is still closed at McBride.

Our first three Fieldwork hiker and backpacker meetups went swimmingly - as did our hike, in a more literal sense - so let's continue the trend! If first Thursdays in Berkeley don't work for you, please steal my idea and host your own!

The goal here is to give folks a chance to mix, mingle, and make new hiking and backpacking friends! If you like moving through nature like a bad little beast and want a larger outdoor pack, this group is for you.

Summer 2025 being but a slight planetary wobble away, I thought it would be fun if the backpackers could show up with at least a rough sketch of one Sierra backpacking trip. I have paper maps of most of the range for presentation purposes, but if you have your own please bring them - I'm a bit short on the SEKI area.

We've consistently had 20-25 people show up, so I've booked two indoor tables - look for the sign.

Also, for December's group hike, we're looking at Saturday the 21st at 10 AM. I'll post about the location and route after our party so I don't excessively spam this sub.

See you there!

Hi, I am doing my first solo hike in the Redwood National Park over the TG weekend. It’s a spur of the moment decision but I’ve never actually done a solo hike. I’ve narrowed down to Tall Trees Grove loop trail, Berry Glen and Lady Bird Grove trail, and Redwood Creek Trails as generally looking interesting. Any recommendations on guided hiking tours or how to find hiking buddies?

Background is I did Mt. Whitney and Mt. Langley last summer - Whitney as a day hike, Langley as a three day trip later in the season. I also did South Sister on backcountry skis but this was around three years ago.

I am interested in trying to do a Mt. Shasta summit next June, but I am unsure if it's worth getting a guide or not. I think either way I would do it as a three or four day trip (I think I am slightly more prone to altitude sickness than average, so would want to spend more time acclimating).

So how much risk would I be taking on to do it unguided with a friend?

EDIT: I would do it in late June if I did it.

Hi, I’m planning a 4ish week roadtrip for end of April/May 2025 starting in Texas and heading west. Thoughts are to stop at Palo Duro Canyon for a few days, go to Colorado Spring, Salt Lake City, go somewhere in Northern California, and then head back to Texas.

I’m an amateur rock climber and cyclist (taking both my road & mtn bike), anyone have any suggestions for any of these places??

Planning is still in its infancy. But trying not to be too touristy, but still getting a good vibe of all the nature and beauty of these places. Thanks.

Thank you so much to everyone who made it out for my hike today! We started out in the mother of all downpours, but then it cleared up and we got some lovely sun! And mud. So much mud! And waterfalls and goats and Cheeseboard Pizza!

Very well done everyone!

I’m interested in hiking the Dipsea one way (mill valley to Stinson) in a week or so. Is mud an issue? How Good of shape do you need to be in? I used to hike regularly but I’ve not done a hike this long since my kids were born 6 years ago.

I mostly trail run Redwood Regional. But I'm curious if there's places with steeper options over more miles? Las Trampas is the first thing that comes to mind. Any have recs for some really steep longer routes?

I want to go camping/hiking for my birthday in late January, but don't want to leave my pup behind and having a hard time finding a spot that is within 4 hours drive from SF, dog friendly, isn't fully booked, and won't be hella cold/snowy.

Was originally planning a short backpacking trip but we just got a tent sauna and want to bring it with so car camping is the plan, ideally a coastal site with privacy and some dog friendly trails. Any suggestions aside from big sur (just did a few days on the pine ridge trail and would like to change it up)? Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I'm planning a New Year's backpacking trip with a friend somewhere in NorCal.

We're looking for:

• Moderate, <100-mile, non-technical trails.
• Light snow and cold-ish temps are fine. (Gore-Tex trail runners with microspikes and a 20-degree sleeping bag with a liner type of situation or warmer).
• Priorities are views and scenery.
• Not into desert or coastal areas, but rather lower-elevation mountains.

Thanks, any recommendations will be much appreciated!

Happy trails y'all! ✌🏻

Admittedly, I have to do more research, but figured I would ask for recommendations. We're planning a camping trip with four dads and four 5 year olds. All the kiddos have been camping and can hike a bit, I wouldn't want to push it past two miles though, which limits hike in. We're hoping for a gentle intro into more remote camping, I figured Point Reyes would be a good fit, but haven't been there in about 15 years so my memory is failing me.

Any recommendations for a hike in site - I'm thinking we'll need to book 2 sites. Or would you recommend boat in? Any other campsites come to mind? We're thinking 2 nights.

I appreciate any and all recommendations.

Thanks

envious of my fellow north bay backpackers and hikers meeting up and myself unable to attend. would anyone be interested in gathering together at a local brewery and embark on our own south bay meetup?

looking at you san jose, santa clara, saratoga, los gatos, campbell, sunnyvale, mountain view, milpitas, morgan hill and gilroy…

I’m looking to explore some lesser-known trails in NorCal that aren’t crowded but still offer amazing views

Hi : We are headed to Palm Springs early December and have about 1/2 day in joshua tree np. Are there easy to moderate hikes that folks recommend with nice views / trees etc.

Thanks in advance.