Posts in California
Yosemite Firefall & Winter Conditions Update - February 2025

Planning a Firefall trip to Yosemite? Get the latest Yosemite Valley conditions update, including road status, snow levels, and waterfall flow. Find out how the rain will impact Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and the chances of seeing Firefall this season. Plus, get essential winter travel tips, including tire chain requirements and the best scenic spots after the winter storms in the forecast.

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Ultimate Guide to Central California Coast Wildlife Viewing

Where are the best spots along the Central Coast to see wildlife? Read this ultimate travel guide to viewing marine life, birds, and all kinds unique animals along a Central California Highway 1 road trip. We'll cover the top wildlife spots in Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, San Simeon, Cambria, Big Sur, Carmel, Moss Landing, and Monterey Bay, with special views of orcas, elephant seals, and sea otters.

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First-Timer’s Guide to Morro Bay State Park - Hiking, Kayaking & Wildlife Viewing

Discover everything you need to know for your visit to Morro Bay State Park! This guide covers top activities like kayaking, hiking & wildlife watching, plus tips on camping, visiting the Natural History Museum & exploring the Morro Estuary. Looking for scenic trails, birdwatching spots, or stunning views of Morro Rock along the California Central Coast – this travel guide has you covered.

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Perfect 1-Day Itinerary for Joshua Tree National Park: A Complete Day Trip Guide

Plan the perfect day trip to Joshua Tree National Park! Check out this 1 day itinerary, which includes 6 top spots to visit in Joshua Tree, including hiking details and viewpoints of Joshua Tree's iconic landmarks, including Arch Rock, Heart Rock & Skull Rock. If you're planning a multi-day road trip, download my complete 2-3 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide, which includes hotel & dining info.

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Best California Kayaking Adventures: Death Valley, Yosemite, Eastern Sierra & Morro Bay

Discover the best kayaking adventures in CA from Death Valley to Yosemite National Park, the Eastern Sierra & Morro Bay! Explore the stunning waters of Badwater Basin, Convict Lake, Tenaya Lake & the Merced River. Learn about must-have gear, like the best inflatable kayak, waterproof dry bags, compact binoculars, and life jackets to ensure safety, comfort & unforgettable moments on the water.

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First-Timer’s Guide to Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery

Discover the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon, CA—an incredible free year-round wildlife experience along California’s scenic Highway 1. Learn about the fascinating history, conservation, & seasonal activities at this elephant seal colony. Plan your road trip visit to see newborn pups, epic male battles & stunning coastal trails. Explore nearby Hearst Castle, Cambria & more!

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A Perfect Day in Morro Bay: Kayaking & Tide Pools Along the Central Coast

Discover the best of Morro Bay, CA with this travel guide to kayaking, tide pooling, and wildlife watching. Explore the calm Morro Bay Estuary, vibrant tide pools at North Point Natural Area, and marine life around Morro Rock. Spot sea otters, harbor seals, and rare birds in this coastal haven. Get tips on tide charts, must-visit locations, and gear for an unforgettable Central Coast adventure!

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Exploring Zzyzx - A Quirky Stop on Your Road Trip from LA to Vegas

What is Zzyzx Road? If you've ever taken a road trip from LA to Vegas along I-15, you've probably seen this strange Zzyzx road sign near Baker, CA. Located in Mojave National Preserve, this roadside stop was once a "health resort" in the mid 1900s, and now the abandoned structures are home the Desert Studies Center. Visitors are welcome to explore parts of the grounds, so let's take a look!

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Yosemite Valley Lodge - The Perfect Home Base for Yosemite Adventures

What are the best places to stay in Yosemite National Park? Today I'm sharing one of the best Yosemite hotels for your next national park vacation. Centrally located near iconic landmarks, hiking trails, and viewpoints, Yosemite Valley Lodge is one of the top spots to stay in the park. Hike to the base of Lower Yosemite Falls, see Half Dome from Cooks Meadow, and grab food at on-site restaurants.

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5 Unique Hotels In & Around Yosemite National Park

What are the best hotels in Yosemite? Today I'm sharing 5 of my favorite unique hotel stays in & around Yosemite National Park, ranging from luxury resorts to airbnb villas to dog friendly stays. Check out this comprehensive travel guide to learn about lodging dining options, room & suite amenities, family friendly activities, and proximity to main entrances to plan your next Yosemite vacation.

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Yosemite Fall Color Report **CURRENT CONDITIONS** (Nov 1st)

Wondering what the Fall colors look like right now in Yosemite Valley? I spent the last week exploring my top spots in Yosemite National Park for enjoying the autumn foliage, and I'm excited to share the current conditions today for this first week of November 2024. I'm rating the park as a "Go Soon" with a mix of vibrant colors at spots like Bridalveil Fall, Cooks Meadow, and Yosemite Chapel.

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Silver City Ghost Town - Exploring California's Rich Mining History

What are the best ghost towns in California? Bodie and Calico might be two of CA's official gold & silver mining ghost towns, but Silver City Ghost Town is one of the top historic spots to visit this year. Located in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains near the Kern River, Lake Isabella, and Sequoia National Forest, this top day trip destination is a short drive from Bakersfield & Los Angeles.

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Calico Ghost Town - A Perfect LA to Las Vegas Road Trip Stop

Looking for a great stop on your next road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas? Calico Ghost Town is a family friendly pit stop located in the Mojave Desert near Barstow, CA along Interstate 15. Packed with history, attractions & fun activities, this old silver mining town now is one of the best roadside spots to explore a Wild West atmosphere in California. Stretch your legs and enjoy great food!

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Convict Lake Camping & Kayaking in the Eastern Sierra

Looking for the best spot to camp & kayak in the Eastern SIerra Nevada Mountains? Join me today as I share my complete travel guide to a camping & kayaking adventure at Convict Lake in the Inyo National Forest. Located in between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop along HIghway 395, this alpine lake is perfect for photography, fishing, boating, and camping, especially during autumn with the fall colors.

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Eastern Sierra Fall Color Report **CURRENT CONDITIONS** (October 8th-9th)

What do Fall colors look like right now? GO NOW / GO SOON! Read this Eastern Sierra Fall Colors Report to find out what the current conditions look like at North Lake, Lake Sabrina, Bishop Creek, Rock Creek Lake, Convict Lake & June Lake Loop. Get my estimation on when the Fall colors will be arriving in the Bishop & Mono County regions, so you can plan out your upcoming Fall adventure road trip.

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North Lake Fall Camping Adventure in the High Sierra

Seeing the Fall colors at North Lake is bucket list experience. This week we're camping at the North Lake Campground in the High Sierra, with quick & easy access to several hiking trails as well as capturing epic & iconic photography of North Lake during peak Fall season. This is my top spot to camp in the Eastern Sierra near Bishop, CA, surrounded by quaking aspen trees & the autumn foliage.

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Eastern Sierra Fall Color Report **CURRENT CONDITIONS** (October 2nd-3rd)

What do Fall colors look like right now? Read this Eastern Sierra Fall Colors Report to find out what the current conditions look like at North Lake, Lake Sabrina, Bishop Creek, Sagehen Summit, Convict Lake, Virginia Lakes & Conway Summit. Get my estimation on when the Fall colors will be arriving in the Bishop and Mono County regions, so you can plan out your upcoming Fall adventure road trip.

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Top 10 Fall Photo Spots in Mono County, CA

What are the best spots in the Eastern Sierra for Fall photography? Today I'm sharing a travel guide for the top 10 photo spots in Mono County, CA to see the Fall colors. We'll be heading into multiple national forests to find perfect locations to set up the tripod, including Convict Lake, June Lake Loop, Mammoth, Conway Summit & more, along with valuable photo tips to prep you for your 395 trip.

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Eastern Sierra Fall Color Report (Mono County) **CURRENT CONDITIONS**

What do Fall colors look like right now? Read this Eastern Sierra Fall Colors Report to find out what the current conditions look like in Mono County, California, including hidden gems like Rock Creek Lake (PEAKING SOON), Convict Lake & June Lake Loop...and get my estimation on when the Fall colors will be arriving so you can plan out your upcoming Fall foliage adventure road trip.

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Top 10 Fall Photo Spots Near Bishop, CA

What are the best spots in the Eastern Sierra for Fall photography? Today I'm sharing a travel guide for the top 10 photo spots near Bishop, California to see the Fall colors. We'll be heading into Inyo National Forest to find perfect locations to set up the tripod, including North Lake, Bishop Creek, Aspendell, Lake Sabrina & more, along with valuable photo tips to prep you for your 395 trip.

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