Hiking
Angora Lakes California Travel Guide: Hiking, Kayaking, Camping, and When to Go
Above the busier stretches of South Lake Tahoe, Angora Lakes feels quieter, steeper, and more intimate than many first-time visitors expect. Reached by a punchy, uphill trail, these alpine lakes sit in a granite basin above Fallen Leaf Lake, where cold clear water, mountain views, and a tucked-away setting create one of the most...
Bassi Falls Guide: When to Go, What to Expect, and How to Get There
Bassi Falls is a stunning seasonal 110 foot waterfall located in the El Dorado National Forest of El Dorado County. This waterfall requires some planning and preparation to truly maximize a visit. However, if you put in the prep work, your visit will be a memorable one. Who was Bassi? Giosue Bassi was born to Antonio …...
Magnolia Ranch: A Peaceful Stroll Through the Coloma-Lotus Region
Tucked quietly along Highway 49 between Coloma and Lotus, Magnolia Ranch feels like one of those places you almost miss when driving down the highway — and that’s part of its charm. There’s no fanfare here. No crowded parking lots. No souvenir stands. Just rolling oak woodlands, golden foothill grass, and the steady presence...
Lover’s Leap: El Dorado County’s natural landmark with a tragic tale
For anyone who’s traveled along Highway 50 to or from Lake Tahoe, Lover’s Leap is an unmistakable landmark that jumps out from the Eldorado National Forest on the south side of the river as if it were waving to a friend passing by. This granite cliff is not only a magnificent scenic location just above …...
The Round Lake Trail: from Carr Lake to Island Lake and beyond
Located in the heart of the Tahoe National Forest is the Grouse Ridge non-motorized area, which is filled with wonderful hikes through various elevations of the Sierras. One of the more popular trails for hikers and campers in this region is the Round Lake Trail due to its access points, scenic alpine lakes, and because …...
Frazier Falls: the premiere waterfall for Lakes Basin Recreation Area
The Lakes Basin Recreation Area is an outdoor paradise for anyone who enjoys fishing, hiking, camping, boating, scenic lookouts and memorable adventures. This rugged landscape has many points of interest with Frazier Falls, quite possibly, being the most popular of them all. Details About The Waterfall Frazier Falls is located in the...
South Fork American River: From Iowa Canyon Waterfalls to Slab Creek Dam
Along the South Fork American River, in El Dorado County, sits the Slab Creek Dam which was built in 1967. This dammed portion of the river creates the Slab Creek Reservoir and just a little ways down from the reservoir is where the Iowa Canyon Creek flows into the American River. This creek spans roughly …...
Johnny Cash Trail: Walk the Line across the overpass
Since 1968, no other man, woman or child has had more of a profound impact on the city of Folsom than Johnny Cash. Some may even say that “The Man In Black” put the town on the map. We here in California are more than familiar with Folsom. But, on a global scale, Mr. Cash …...
Lake Clementine Trail: All the makings for a beautiful hike
Typically, I only embark on hiking trails that offer scenic views of a lake, a waterfall, a river or a cool landmark like an old bridge or historic building. And, rarely do I ever find a hike that offers all of the above. So, when I discovered that the Lake Clementine Trail had all of …...
Black Hole of Calcutta Falls: it’s all in the name
The Black Hole of Calcutta Falls has one of the coolest names I’ve ever heard of for a waterfall. Located in Auburn State Recreation Area, this waterfall is easy to access and a decent introduction to waterfalls in Northern California. Another positive trait about this waterfall is that it’s a great option for beginners and...
