A simple guide to the Mist Trail in Yosemite: Vernal Fall Footbridge (1.6 mi), top of Vernal Fall (2.4 mi) and Nevada Fall (5.4 mi), the 600+ granite steps, John Muir Trail loop, parking and shuttle, winter closures and safety.
A simple guide to Ladder Canyon Trail in Painted Canyon, Mecca Hills, California: the ladders, the 4.5-mile loop, Painted Canyon Road and the current Box Canyon Road closure, flash flood safety and tips.
A simple guide to Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail in Joshua Tree National Park: 3 miles round trip over a ridge to a fan palm oasis, seasonal closures, Canyon Road directions, parking and safety tips.
A simple guide to Barker Dam Trail in Joshua Tree National Park: 1.1-mile loop, the historic dam and when it holds water, the rock art site, bighorn sheep, Echo T parking and tips.
A simple guide to Hidden Valley Nature Trail in Joshua Tree National Park: 1-mile loop, about 100 feet of climbing, giant boulders, parking, photography tips, best time to visit and family advice.
A simple guide to Ryan Mountain Trail in Joshua Tree National Park: 3 miles round trip, 1,050 feet of climbing, the 360-degree summit view, parking, sunrise and sunset tips, best season and safety.
A simple guide to the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail in Borrego Springs: 3-mile hike, the current palm grove closure and overlook, bighorn sheep, parking fee, best season and safety tips.
A simple guide to the Natural Bridge Trail in Death Valley: 1-mile hike, the 35-foot rock bridge, dirt road access, parking, best time, what’s past the bridge and safety tips.
Plan the Big Pine Lakes Trail in California: distances to First, Second and Third Lake, the Black Lake loop, parking, wilderness permits, the Lon Chaney Cabin, Temple Crag, Palisade Glacier, camping, best season and safety tips.
Plan the Upper Yosemite Falls Trail: 7.2 miles round trip and 2,700 feet of switchbacks to the top of one of North America’s tallest waterfalls, plus Columbia Rock, Yosemite Point, parking and the shuttle, water, 2026 entry rules, waterfall flow by month and safety.