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Best Campground - Hendy Woods, California

Hendy Woods located in the middle of the Anderson Valley wine district near Sonoma Valley is a nice off-the-beaten path campground. The 845-acre park is warmer and less foggy then other redwood campgrounds and parks along the California coast. The Navarro River runs the length of the park and offers some great water activities for the family to enjoy in the warmer summer months. Plenty of hiking trails such as Big Hendy, an 80 acre, self-guided discover trail, will keep the family occupied exploring and discovering the beauty of the region. The park is also famous for a fallen redwood stump that was home to the Hendy Woods Hermit.

Best Regional Mountain to Climb -- Mt. Shasta

If you want to find a mountain to climb that you and your teenagers can conquer, try Mt. Shasta in Northern California. Many experts consider it one of the best treks in California. You can take one of the most popular routes to the 14,179-foot summit rise more than 7,000 feet from the trailhead. Do be aware you will be challenged by rocky terrain, snowfields and glacial features. The challenges mean small children should no participate in the fun and be left with a caregiver. For older children, the challenges will be a lot of fun. Physically fit families are advised to give this one a go.

 

Best California Hiking Trails: Lower Lola Montez Lake

The snow will soon melt from the Sierras and open hiking opportunities. Nothing is more beautiful than hiking up into the mountains when the greenery is at its greenest and the spring flowers have bloomed. If you live in the greater Sacramento area, you should consider one of the best regional hikes to Lower Lola Montez Lake, which is off I-80 west of Truckee where you take the Soda Springs exit. You will start your hike near Castle Creek at a flat, open meadow where the road eventually ends. Caveat: the trail is initially difficult to follow because of overgrowth. When you reach a fork in the meadow, go right to the lake, which is about a half-mile up the trail. Hikers can bring tents to pitch and plan to fish at the at the lake. Most hikers consider this an easy six-mile trek round trip, so it's perfect for beginner backpackers and children, as the whole family can keep up and will not be overwrought upon arrival at the lake. 

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Are you a tree lover? The snow will melt soon and invite plenty of hiking time in nice weather. How about a trek to the Ancient Bristlecone Forest in Inyo County in what are called the White Mountains in eastern California? The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine tree grows between 9,800 and 11,000 feet above sea level. Plan your family hiking adventure to the Methuselah tree, which is a tree more than 4,750 years old -- that is 1,000 years older than any other tree in the world. The tree is not marked to ensure added protection from vandals, but a little research and effort (and maybe a good GPS) and you'll find it. This hike requires true backpacking and proper equipment and is not recommended for hikers under the age of 10. You will be at high altitudes and can get altitude sickness so train for the hike ahead of time. The tree makes a great goal to make as your end point for your adventure.

The Hiwantha Bike Trail in Montana and Idaho

Springtime is just around the corner, and nothing is more refreshing than a family bike ride. If you are a family of serious bikers and you're looking for an incredible, scenic bike trail then check out the Hiawantha Trail that takes bikers through the rugged Bitterroot Mountains over the Idaho and Montana Border. Bikers will get the thrill of going through 10 tunnels and seven high trestles. Now be careful in spring as the snow melts, because bears are known to hibernate in some of those tunnels. Otherwise the 46-mile route is famous for the long St. Paul Pass or Taft Tunnel that burrows for 1.66 miles under the Bitterroot Mountains at the state line. This trail, however, is one of the most scenic trails that passes through spectacular views and forest into Montana and Idaho. Consider making it a pack trip and camp at the various designated sites along the route. 

Waikamoi -- Best Hawaiian Rainforest

Want to visit a rainforest without leaving the U.S. The Waikamoi rainforest located on Maui is considered one of the best rainforests in the country. If you've ever wanted to hike and tour an authentic rainforest without having to travel to South America, do consider booking a hiking tour through Waikiamoi where you can even camp at the Hosmer Campground in the Haleakala National Park. The campground is located near the Natura Conservancy where you can hike the 1.25-mile loop trail and explore the natural setting of a natural Hawaiian rainforest. The air is cool and clean and some parts of Wakamoi are at 6,000 feet above sea level. Waikamoi is home to eight endangered birds, including the Crested Honey Creeper. Animal and bird watchers alike will enjoy getting a glimpse at nature's natural wonders up close and personal. If you do not want to camp, you can always stay in one of the resorts, hotels or condos in and around Maui. 

Ocotillo Desert, Southern California

 

Rain has already set in early in California. Some people will seek drier climates and the Ocotillo Desert in Southern California is a great escape from the cold climate. The Anza-Borrega Desert State Park also houses the famous Joshua Tree that has been made famous in pop culture by the likes of the band U2, which named one of its albums after it. The tree is supposed to be sacred and is now protected. The desert is sparse and spread out, and as you would expect in a desert, very dry with little plant life. Great desert escapes involve off-road recreational fun that includes motorcycle and ATV fun. The Ocotillo Desert area doesn't offer much in the way of lodging so you might want to consider designing a great RV trip to one of the campgrounds. If you decide to hike throughout the area, make sure you bring a proper map or GPS and lots of water. The climate is cooler in the fall and winter and offers the best time to explore the region without baking in the sun. 

 

Hiking Mount Rose

 

A pleasant day hike if you're looking for something new can be found at Mount Rose near Lake Tahoe. You will find several hiking trails including Houghton and Relay, which all lie in the same area and take you respectively to three peeks, Freel, Jobs and Jobs Sisters. You can begin your like on the north side of Highway 432 and follow the Tahoe Rim Trail to the Mount Rose Trail, which is where you'll find the trailheads. A few tips before you take these hikes that can go as high as 10,000 feet at the peaks. If you're older with any heart problems or perhaps slightly out of shape, this hike is not for you. It gets very steep in some areas and as you ascend in altitude, it can become difficult to breathe because of the thin air. You should definitely bring water, snacks or lunch in your backpack and expect this hike to take the full day or longer. You don't have to complete the trail if you just want to hike and picnic halfway to the top. Always make sure you bring reflective blankets and safety kits with water purifiers just in case you get lost, as the trails wind and weave. Bring a map and compass too. Better safe than lost. If you do decide to ascend to the upper peaks, the views of the lake are absolutely breathtaking and worth the work.

 

Castle Rock Trail, Big Bear

Are you a family of rock climbers and hikers? Then a great hike starts at Castle Rock in Big Bear. Plan to spend the day and bring lunch and snacks in your backpack. The hike begins at the Castle Rock trail head and turns and ascends up routes called Taj, The Murder Hole, Timeline and Crocs in the Moat. The rock climbing involved will not be good if you have young children. Parents of older teenagers will not only challenge their outdoor skills but their teens as well. Be sure to bring the proper safety equipment and take a rock-climbing course before you head out. The view from the top of the lake below is well worth the work to the top. If you time it right, you can plan to eat your lunch when you reach your goal at the top. Nothing beats such a spectacular view as you rest and prepare for your descent. Or you can bring lightweight camping gear and find a safe place to stay the night. Be careful to secure you food properly for protection from bears and wild animals.

The Rules of the Wilderness

Sometimes we think we're immortal and immune to the elements. Experienced campers and hikers may falsely assume they've mastered the art of the great outdoors, but never make this assumption -- it's dangerous. When you are planning any kind of camping or hiking into wild country, here are some critical and important tips to ensure your safety.

Never ever go alone -- you should absolutely under no circumstances hike alone. You should hike in groups or in pairs. You don't know when you might hurt yourself, be attacked by a wild animal, or simply make a mistake that strands you somewhere. If you're driving a dirt road, bring a motorcycle or ATV as alternate transportation in case your vehicle gets stuck in the mud or make sure you have a wench to pull it out. Regardless, you should not expose yourself to the elements without a companion.

Satellite phone or wireless radio -- zero ability to communicate can leave you stranded with no ability to call for rescue. A satellite phone can be expensive, so if you cannot afford one then Motorola has several different wireless radios that can transmit up over many miles. Do not go out into high country without some way to communicate with the outside world.

First Aid and Emergency Kits -- always have a first aid kit on hand to dress or gauze any injuries and disinfect. You should also have an emergency kit with a water filtration device and reflective blanket to stay warm in case of emergency. You can go up to two weeks without food, but you cannot go more than 3-4 days without water. Even if you have to dig down into mud to reach the water table, you should be aware of these techniques to find water. And please always bring a flint and matches. You never know when you will need a fire and you might lose the matches. A flint is a reliable means to light a fire under almost all circumstances -- and warmth will be your savior if you're stuck in cold weather.

Bear-proof your camp site -- never leave food and open containers in your campsite to attract bears and wild animals. Put your food in sealed containers and make sure you lift your food up into the trees and out of reach of a wily bear. Also, women it's not wise to camp on your period. The blood smell attracts the bears and can unwittingly result in a bear attack.

Itinerary or plans with a trusted friend or relative -- don't forget to leave detailed information on where you're going and how long you will be there with a trusted friend or family member. Let them know if you have not returned by a certain time to come looking for you. This rule applies if you're traveling anywhere whether the wilderness or another state or country. Let people know where you're going and where you're staying.