SoCal

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Backpacking the Lakes Trail Overnight to Pear Lake — Sequoia National Park, CA

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Backpacking the Lakes Trail Overnight to Pear Lake — Sequoia National Park, CA

Only a six mile hike past an epic valley lookout and four gorgeous alpine lakes makes the Lakes Trail one of the most popular trails in Sequoia National Park

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Sunset Trail & Big Laguna Trail Loop - Cleveland NF, CA

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Sunset Trail & Big Laguna Trail Loop - Cleveland NF, CA

This easy, short loop is the perfect forest escape from the coastal beaches in San Diego that is also dog friendly!

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General Sherman Tree & Moro Rock - Sequoia Kings Canyon, CA

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General Sherman Tree & Moro Rock - Sequoia Kings Canyon, CA

If you are only spending a short amount of time in Sequoia & Kings Canyon, these two stops get you big trees and jaw-dropping views.

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Mitchell Peak Day Hike — Sequoia and Kings Canyon, CA

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Mitchell Peak Day Hike — Sequoia and Kings Canyon, CA

Mitchell peak has one of the best 360 degree views of the Sierras in Sequoia Kings Canyon Park, easily accessible by a short 3 mile day hike

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Three Sisters Falls Hike - Cleaveland NF, CA

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Three Sisters Falls Hike - Cleaveland NF, CA

Three Sisters is my favorite local hike from San Diego because the hike is challenging but rewarding with its three waterfalls and great swimming holes

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Saddleback Butte Peak Trail - Saddleback Butte SP, CA

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Saddleback Butte Peak Trail - Saddleback Butte SP, CA

A relatively small and unknown state park, Saddleback Butte has potential for carpets of wildflowers when the conditions are just right.

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The Slot - Anza-Borrego SP, CA

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The Slot - Anza-Borrego SP, CA

One of the more popular attractions in Anza-Borrego, the Slot is easy to get to (even in 2WD), an easy and short hike, and makes for great photographs. The steep walls provide some relief from the hot sun, and kids will love exploring this maze.

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Fish Creek Wash & Wind Caves — Anza Borrego SP, CA

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Fish Creek Wash & Wind Caves — Anza Borrego SP, CA

Anza-Borrego is the largest CA state park and has tons of its own unique features. Mainly for 4WD, offroading, and dirt biking enthusiasts, we still had a lot of fun on foot and with just 2WD. Fish Creek Is just a tiny portion of the park, but the wind caves are truly unique and offer an amazing view for sunset. Hint - if you camp at Fish Creek Primitive Campground nearby, it's free and there are fire rings and a very clean toilet. 

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Backpacking Roads End to Paradise Valley — Sequoia and Kings Canyon, CA

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Backpacking Roads End to Paradise Valley — Sequoia and Kings Canyon, CA

Paradise Valley is a great short backpacking trip in Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Starting at Road's End, the trail is also part of the famous Rae Lakes Loop.

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Hidden Valley - Joshua Tree NP, CA

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Hidden Valley - Joshua Tree NP, CA

We had a great time exploring the vast wilderness of Joshua Tree National Park and climbing the rocks of Hidden Valley

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Backpacking San Jacinto Peak to Strawberry Junction via PCT - San Jacinto SP, CA

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Backpacking San Jacinto Peak to Strawberry Junction via PCT - San Jacinto SP, CA

Mt. San Jacinto is one of my favorite short backpacking trails in Southern California to experience true wilderness and isolation up in these mountains.