Hidden Falls Regional Park, Auburn, CA - May 2013

About one hour east of Sacramento lies Hidden Falls Regional Park near Auburn, CA. This place is a real gem for those living near Sacramento and was recently expanded with new trails and excellent hiking facilities. The park contains several canyons with year-round rivers and waterfalls. It is in the California foothills with the oaks and hills typically found in the region. There are hiking trails for all activity levels and is popular with families. And it's free!

The drive to the park takes you past several Satsuma orchards along the Placer County Wine Trail outside of Auburn. Once you finally get there, the park seems pretty small with a parking lot and a small trailhead. However, most of the part is literally over the river and through the woods. The first hike is either along the service road or the easier trail pictured above. Once you climb down the first valley and cross the river, you have many options.

There is a great hike to the actual Hidden Falls overlook, but for this trip I explored the new area. The access road takes you over several fire breaks and into a side valley with another set of falls. These falls are not as impressive, but Placer County installed a nice overlook gazebo and bridge which were worth the hike. You will not get to the actual falls without a major hike, but the main trails will take you close enough for some cool pictures. Plus the hike there is very nice too.

You will get dusty on this hike. The trails have lots of fine red clay which will stain white clothes. BRING WET NAPS! There are several portable toilets along the hike, but water is limited, so pack some extra fluids for the trip. It is a very nice hike for everyone and very close. Pack a change of clothes if you want to hit up some wineries on the way back. Enjoy the rest of the hike below.

Yosemite National Park - May 2013

It has been about four years since I last visited Yosemite National Park. I have wanted to go for a while, and the weather and waterfall forecasts were perfect. The drive takes about three hours from Sacramento which is a very long day trip - although I always recommend an overnight trip, especially when combined with the amazing Ahwahnee Sunday Brunch. This is one of the oldest and most beautiful national parks in the United States, if not the entire world.

The first stop was Yosemite Falls in the middle of the park valley. The park valley is surrounded by sheer granite walls with massive waterfalls pouring over the sides. Yosemite Falls is in two parts with the most visible upper falls pictured above. You can walk up to the base of the lower falls which is especially strong (and loud) during the spring melt. There are many challenging hikes around if you have the right shoes and no fear of heights!

After a nice picnic lunch and some shopping, it was time for a wine break in the lobby of the Ahwahnee Hotel. The hotel is gorgeous in the style of a craftsman lodge with amazing detail in stone and wood. The dogwoods were also in bloom which made the valley even more beautiful. Guests from around the world can stay both in luxury and rustic camping within walking distance. The valley is always busy with foreign tourists speaking many languages but always with the same amazed look on their faces.

This weekend was the first opening of Glacier Point which overlooks the entire valley. The road is long and winding, but the views are incredible. It is possible to hike the four miles from the valley floor, but most people take their cars instead. My iPhone has a great panoramic picture capability which was used extensively in such a beautiful place.

Yes, that is me saying goodbye to Yosemite after a wonderful day. After a brief stop overlooking the valley one last time, I took Highway 140 back to Merced. This highway was subject to a landslide in the last few years, and the effects are still eerily visible from the highway and temporary detour. Another great day in a great place! Enjoy the pictures.