| |
Camping and Hiking in California
|
Verdugo Mountains
The Verdugo Mountains are a free-standing mini-range. Trails go
through chaparral, across shady, oak-forested slopes and along
sycamore-lined streams. Hikers who climb to the top of the
park's high point (3,126 feet) can have a view of the
surrounding mountains, the San Gabriel and the San Fernando
valleys, and the Los angeles plain. The park is operated by the
City of Glendale. For information call: (818)880-0350
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Calaveras Big Trees State Park features two giant groves of some
of the oldest living redwoods trees in California. Located on
the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, the park includes a
visitor center. Beaver Creek tumbles through acres of pine
trees. The two groves of Big Trees survived heavy 19th century
logging. a nature trail guides visitors on an easy stroll
through the grove. Other areas of the park provide places for
picnicking, fishing and hiking - including a magnificent view of
the Sierra Nevada. For information call: (209)795-2334
Candlestick Point State Recreation area
Candlestick Point State Recreation area offers beautiful views
of the San Francisco Bay, with picnic areas, fishing (including
two fishing piers) and hiking trails (including a fitness course
for seniors and a bike trail.) The park has an area popular with
windsurfers. There is another area with unique wind and metal
musical instruments permanently placed within the park for
visitors to enjoy. The name of the area came from the days of
the early settlers. When wooden ships were burned off the point,
the last part sinking into the water resembled a candlestick.
This urban state park features 37 acres of walking and biking
trails, scenic vistas of the Bay, spots for picnics, bird
watching, fishing and windsurfing and other outdoor activities.
For information call: (415)671-0145
Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation area
The Colusa-Sacramento River State Recreation area has 67 acres,
with 14 campsites, picnic sites, and a launch ramp for small
boats. The River Patwin Indian tribe once lived nearby the area
and in 1872 John Muir camped near what is now the park.
River-bank cottonwoods and willows shelter one of the finest
fishing stretches in California, with king salmon, steelhead,
rainbow trout and striped bass some of the catches. The river is
also on a major migratory route for birds of the Pacific flyway
and provides home to an amazing number of species. The park is
within walking distance of downtown Colusa. For information
call: (530)458-4927
Castle Rock State Park
along the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Castle Rock State
Park embraces 3,600 acres of coast redwood, Douglas-fir, and
madrone forest, most of which has been left in its wild, natural
state. Steep canyons are sprinkled with unusual rock formations
that are popular with rock climbers. The forest here is lush and
mossy, crisscrossed by 32 miles of hiking and horseback riding
trails. They are part of an even more extensive trail system
that links the Santa Clara and San Lorenzo valleys with Castle
Rock, Big Basin Redwoods State park, and the Pacific Coast.
Primitive campsites for backpackers are the only overnight
facilities. Equestrians are urged to call ahead for current
trail information, and smokers are advised that, due to high
fire hazard, smoking is prohibited on the trails within Castle
Rock State Park. Dogs are not allowed on the Trails or in the
campground For information call: (408)867-2952
|
|
|
|
|
|
