Oh glorious summer!
I want to spend most of your days eating great good, walking along the coastal bluffs and seeing the mountains from a long, wood pier. And, add to that ice cream in all the colors of the rainbow!
Nevertheless, as much I enjoy taking it easy, I need some sort of action once in a while. That is why summer is prime hiking time for me. In the blog, you can read about the hikes I have already done in Joshua Tree and Sequoia National Parks.
Things do not end up in there. Today, I want to share my hiking bucket list for the summer.
Table of Contents
Channel Islands National Park
Cavern Point and Potato Harbor Hike in Santa Cruz Island
Length: 5 miles round trip
Level: Moderate
This National Park consists of five islands off the coast of California. Because of that, it is one of the less visited parks in the United States. However, the access difficulties should not scare away any true explorer.
Santa Cruz Island is the largest in the archipelago and can be reached in an hour by boat from Ventura or Oxnard.
Boats take visitors to Prisoner Harbor or Scorpion Anchorage (not very nice names, I know). The hike I am interested in doing starts at Scorpion Beach and offers spectacular coastal views. In addition, it is possible to encounter wildlife unique to the island such as the island fox or island scrub jay.
Hikers should carry food and water since there are no services on the site. Camp sites are available if you want to stay the night.
Pinnacles National Park
Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop
Length: 2.2 miles round trip
Level: Moderate
Pinnacles is another National Park located not that far from where I live. The Park protects a mountainous area located east of the Salinas Valley (Central California). The park’s name refers to the eroded leftovers of an extinct volcano. The interesting thing is that the remains have moved 200 miles from its original location on the San Andreas Fault (?).
The trail I am interested in doing leads to the Bear Gulch Cave, one of the two Talus Caves located in the park. Talus caves are openings formed between boulders piled up on mountain slopes. Most of them are very small both in length and in cross section.
After reaching the cave, the hike takes visitors to a reservoir and to viewpoints from where the iconic rock formations (the pinnacles) are observable. Remember Pinnacles is one of the few places where condors in captivity have been released. Therefore, the possibility of observing one in the wild is higher than in other places.
Mount Woodson Trail
Length: 6.6 miles round trip
Level: Difficult
This hike offers breathtaking hikes from the top. But, the main reason people do it is because of a formation known as Potato Chip Rock (lots of people want to get a photo over it to post on Instagram). See the image below.
I am a sucker for rock formations, so, I have wanted to do this hike for quite some time.
Montaña de Oro State Park
Bluff Trail
Length: 2.1 miles one way, side trails allow for outings between one and five miles
Level: Moderate
Montaña de Oro State Park preserves 8,000 acres along the striking coast of San Luis Obispo County and it is without a doubt one of the most beautiful preserves in the state system. Many years ago, I did part of this trail under gray skies and heavy winds. I vowed to return under better weather conditions.
A hike of around three miles round trip with 90 feet of elevation change is the perfect way to see all the tide pools, beaches, rock islands, and natural bridges, along the superb coastline, hitting highlights like Corallina Cove, Quarry Cove, and Grotto Rock. You can observe everything from the bluffs but I suggest to descend to sea level to get a better perspective of this coastal environment.
To better appreciate what the park has to offer, go prepared to spend at least half a day on the perimeters (have a big breakfast in Morro Bay before hitting the trails).
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Ewoldsen Trail
Length: 4.5 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: Moderate
Many people stop by this park to take a look at the famous McWay Falls. However, the park offers old growth redwood forest, scrub landscapes, sweeping canyon and ocean views.
During my first visitor to Big Sur, I was guilty of only stopping by to see the waterfall. However, I recognize this area is more than its iconic locations. My dream is to camp in this park (or in nearby parks) and spend several days hiking around.
I have done some research about the best hikes in Big Sur and this one comes at the top most of the times. Because of that, I think I would like to start my deeper exploration by hiking along the McWay Creek and giant redwoods.
Where do you want to hike this summer? Please share your ideas in the comments section.
Gear up for summer hikes by visiting Sleek Lens.
Elizabeth Stewart says
I would love to see more of our national parks. I love your photos!
Ruth says
Thanks! I will love to see more of the National Parks too. I would love to visit at least three more before th eend of the year.
Magnus says
Very beautiful landscape!
Ruth says
Glad you liked it!
kelleyn says
All gorgeous locations!
http://travelingbugwiththreeboys-kelleyn.blogspot.com/2016/07/gatorland.html
Ruth says
That is why I will love to visit or revisit.
Johanna says
They all sound superb, Ruth! Give me a nudge when you’ve posted one and I’ll put it in my Monday walks 🙂
Ruth says
Count on it! I like to share my love for the outdoors.
Noemi of Pinay Flying High says
I’ve never been the outdoorsy kind of person and I mentally kick myself for not being one whenever I see photos like the ones you’ve posted. I guess I shouldn’t be lazy. Lol.
Ruth says
Well, I am not the best hiker or walker but most of this hikes are easy or moderate. They can be done at a relatively slow pace.
image-in-ing: weekly photo linky says
Positively gorgeous!
Thank you for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2016/07/world-war-ii-memorial-washington-dc.html
Ruth says
Thank you! I know you are a fan of places like these.
Photo Cache says
Not necessarily this summer, but I want to go to Julia Pfeiffer and Pinnacles and back to the giants of Northern California.
Ruth says
That is great! I think those places are closer to you than to me.
Nell (the Pigeon Pair and Me) says
Eek – is that you on potato chip rock?? Nothing beats a hike in the country for really getting close to nature. I do love all the earthy tones in your landscape shots – beautiful.
Ruth says
No, I have not been to Potato Chip Rock. But, the poses people do on it are crazy. Just Google the name.
Minoru says
Hi! All of them are very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Ruth says
Glad you liked them! Thanks for stopping by!
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says
I’m not really into hiking during summer:) #wanderful wednesday
Ruth says
I understand. For summer, I try to find shaded trails.
Van @ Snow in Tromso says
All of these hikes seem amazing! Hope you get to do them all so we get to see more beautiful pictures 🙂
Ruth says
That would be great! At least, I want to do the first two. Fingers crossed!
Jessie @ The Acquired Sass says
Love this! I should do something similar for my own area. I try to keep a running tab in my head of places to hike, but I seem to forget them all as soon as I have time to hike!
Stopping by from Wanderful Wednesday.
Ruth says
I use to have a local bucket list. Every time I discovered an interesting place in the area, I used to add it to the list. I have not updated it in a long time. Need to get back to it.
Pat says
Gorgeous photos! I’d want to hike each location you showed, Ruth,although I doubt I’d try balancing on the “potato chip” rock for fear I’d break it!
I hope to visit a few national parks I have not as yet visited. Summer is passing quickly so I really hope I’ll find the time to do this.
Ruth says
I have not been to potato chip rock but I think is bigger and stronger than we think. I have seen photos where about ten people get over the rock. I get what you say about summer. I feel like it is slipping away and I still want to do tons of stuff.
Corinne says
What a great list! I would love to go there as well.
Ruth says
Thanks Corinne! California has so many nice trails. It is difficult to decide which ones to do first.
Isabel says
This is a wanderful idea! I should make a mini hiking bucketlist as well. Enjoy your trips!
Ruth says
I think is is good to do a list of local hikes you want to do (or places you want to visit). In that way, you keep in mind the trails you want to do.
Ashley @ The Wandering Weekenders says
I have to admit that we’re totally guilty of only stopping to see the falls, but we also didn’t have that much time to hike. I would love to go back to Big Sur for a longer period of time and actually do some hiking! All of the hikes that you want to do this summer sound fantastic!
Ruth says
Our first trip to Big Sur was part of a bigger trip that included Carmel, Monterey and other cities. We took a day to drive from Morro Bay to Carmel. There is a lot we haven’t done or experienced on the route.
Trekking with Becky says
WOW! Those places all look amazing, but there’s no way that I’m going to make it there since I’m living in Russia working full-time plus overtime…lol! I will definitely get outside of Moscow though for day trips. 😀
Ruth says
Ahh! I see. I knew you left Corea but didn’t know you established yourself in Russia. I am eager to learn more about the country thru your posts.
Clare (Suitcases and Sandcastles) says
Some stunning hikes here, Ruth. I love the sound of most of these – and not too long and arduous either so I could probably do most of them with my kids. There’s nothing like a good hike to enjoy the best views, get out into the open air and enjoy the right to a gorgeous meal at the end of the walk! #WanderfulWednesday
Ruth says
I am sure these are all apt for kids. The only bad part is when kids beat you at walking. They have so much energy and basically leave you in the dust.
Molly says
They all look fabulous but the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park really looks so beautiful
Mollyxxx
Ruth says
Right, that is the perfect hike to experience old growth redwoods (not that far from where I live).
Kathy says
I would love to do some of these hikes, particularly the one in the Channel Islands National Park. Funnily enough I am just writing a blog post on the same subject but within my own country, Australia. I really enjoy hiking too!
Ruth says
Good! I am interested in reading your post. Channel Islands is the closest park we have. I hope we can go there next.
Lauren says
This is quite the list! All of these look amazing and so different! Most of my well, winter hiking spots are around Santiago. I’ve been so happy to find so many trails and that I’ve had the time to conquer so much of my bucket list already! 😀 Good luck in your quest!
Ruth says
I have been reading about your hikes around Santiago and they are incredible. My selections in here are not necessarily mountain related but I like them like that.
Brooke of Passport Couture says
Amazing bucket list! I think it’s wonderful you’ve included National Parks, especially Channel Islands. I haven’t been yet, but since it’s one of the least-visited parks, I’d be intrigued to experience it without tons of visitors around.
Ruth says
You gotta include National Park! I mean they have some of the best scenery around here, right? I have sailed around one of the Channel Islands but have never set foot in one of them. I hope that changes soon.
budget jan says
I love accessing places by boat so I’d love this. I can certainly see the attraction of Potato Chip Rock and I’d love to see the orange flowers.
Ruth says
I enjoy accessing places by boat too. I think that is why this particular National Park is so attractive to me.
Indrani says
One of a kind!
That potato chip hike seems to be exhilarating!
Ruth says
I think that is the more fun loving hike of the list. I can’t wait to do it.
Lydia C. Lee says
Lovely pics!! Not much of a hiker but doing a 27km walk and a 35km walk in a few weeks – one round the harbour (sydney) and one up the coast…
Ruth says
Wow! That sounds amazing. I can walk forever of flat terrain. The inclines are what kill me.
jill says
They all look great to me – and I’ve especially had my eye on the Channel Islands! We are headed to California in October and hope to do some fun hiking there!
Ruth says
There is a lot to chose in California. I am sure you are going to find something that fit your preferences.
Michelle | michwanderlust says
You are really an avid hiker, Ruth! It’s a fantastic way to enjoy nature and get a workout at the same time, I think. I really admire your commitment to it, because even though I like hiking too and keep telling myself I need to explore some of the trails around Singapore when I’m not travelling, I’ve never actually gotten around to it. The pictures you posted look amazing. Potato Chip Rock would make a great Instagram picture indeed! Keep us updated 🙂
Ruth says
Michelle, thanks for your comment. To be honest, I am pretty much destroyed after a work week. However, I try to make an effort to go out and do something (even if I do not have concrete plans). We sometimes go and plan on the way.
Cathy (MummyTravels) says
What a great idea to have a hiking bucket list and the scenery looks amazing. We didn’t get chance for a hike but Big Sur was absolutely stunning when we visited this summer. #theweeklypostcard
Ruth says
Well, Big Sur is perfect to explore by car. I am sure you guys had plenty of opportunities to stop and admire nature.
Cathy says
What a beautiful list of hikes! I’d love to do them all! Saving this for when I’m in the area.
Ruth says
Great! Hope you can accomplish some of these in the future!
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope) says
That stone where you are standing is just awesome and cool! I miss doing this and your post made me miss hiking more =) #photofriday
Ruth says
Well, I am not the one standing on the rock. I got the photo from a stock site. But, I guess the photo gives you an idea of why I want to do the walk.
Ruth Daly says
Fabulous pictures. They make me want to pack my camera and go hiking!
Ruth says
Great you feel like that! I want to go hiking too!
Rhonda says
All of your hikes look like they are at beautiful spots. Although I lived in California for years, I missed these central and southern locations. My area was northern California from the Bay area to Lake Tahoe.
Ruth says
Rhonda, I have not explored Northern California a lot. That is something I “must” do. There are so many gorgeous places there.
Jim ~ ReflectionsEnroute says
Those are some beautiful hikes! I can’t wait to read about your experiences and see your photos once you’ve done them! #wkendtravelinspiration
Ruth says
Thanks Jim! I hope I can do most of these soon.
Esther says
This looks absolutely amazing. Too bad there isn’t too much proper hiking to do here in The Netherlands 🙂
Ruth says
Well, I guess in The Netherlands is more like urban walks.I am sure those can get interesting too.
annette charlton says
Wow, what a comprehensive list – great post. I tend to do hiking in winter as summer temperatures in Australia are much too high for long distance trekking. My favourite trek is the Six Foot Track in the Blue Mountains of NSW.
Ruth says
Thanks for sharing your favorite hike with me. I feel like I do not spend a lot of time in nature when I travel outside the country.
Donna says
Beautiful spots for hiking. I’m not much of a hiker but I do like to do some walking and I’d certainly enjoy the scenery.
Ruth says
I totally get you. I am not the greatest hiker but I can walk forever.
carrie says
my hiking has been lacking big time this summer for some reason. My future sister in law just hiked in Yosemite a few weeks ago. Her pics look amazing and she said it was an awesome experience.
Ruth says
Well, sometimes we get into these routines and we forget to spend some time in nature. That is one of the reasons I created this list. I want to make them a reality.
Rachel ¦¦ A Nesting Nomad says
These all look amazing. I never used to like walks but recently I’ve been all about a good walk – especially one with good scenery and/or great food at the beginning or end! These are some great options and it’s inspired me to look for more hikes around me. Thanks!
Ruth says
We like to have a great meal before or after our walks. Those are two things that go together (at least for us).
Sally-Ann Brown says
I didn’t realise there were all those islands off the coast of California, that rock on Bluff Trail looks amazing – not sure I would stand on it.
Ruth says
Sally, I know it is hard to believe but we have those beautiful islands very close to us. And, the great thing is that they are often visited.
Lauren says
What a great resource. It definitely inspires me to get outside and do some hiking. Especially if I could find a place called Scorpion Cove (sounds very Piratey!)
Ruth says
I do not know who came up with those names but I am sure the islands where full of illegal activity at some point.
Anda says
I’d love to do this hike. Looks like so much fun. Especially climbing that rock formation. It looks so strange, I have never seen anything like it.
Ruth says
I am sure you would enjoy any of these hikes.
Andapo Girl says
I would love hiking Channel Islands National Park… hiking is a good way to explore and keep fit.