I live by this, I have lived and loved all over the world, and if I were king, our citizens would find it mandatory to live outside our boarders for no less than 5 years.
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Welcome to the golden state, Fronkey! Hope to run into you sometime!
I"m glad you asked this question too. I live near the bay area, right between San Fran and Sac, and I've had some trouble finding quick weekend backpacking places. There are tons of camp grounds around but they seem to be geared toward t*4ts and tourists. I have found a few gyms like Steep Ravine on the cost and I'm planning a trip to Point Reyes National Park. I still need to get my butt out to Tahoe or Yosemite but thats 3-4 hours driving and I don't have all the proper winter gear.
Hey fearsomepelican, Hi from a fellow Fairfieldite, Pt Reyes, Sky Camp sites #5 & #6 are your best options for hanging at Pt. Reyes. I'm planning a trip soon. Looking forward to seeing you on the trail…..gary
Anyone know of any good places to hang in the mountains between Santa Cruz and San Jose? Maybe Big Basin? Or even simply along the road? I have no issue simply pulling off to a safe spot and hiking in a bit.
If you don't feel like going up 49 there is always Washington. It's a little town off hiway 20 about 15 miles east and 6 miles down off to the left just after the scenic Sierra Butes Overlook. Lots of camping the other side of town on Poorman's Creek, a dozen or so lakes and other locations. Just remember to take enough gas to get back to Nevada City, there isn't any in Washington. BTW the locals are great folks, they just look spooky :scared:
Also don't overlook Bear Valley a few miles further east of the Washington turnoff. Hike back into Drumm lake and several other small lakes in the Vehicle Restricted Area a few miles beyond the PG&E camp. Get a TNF map at the station in town or at White Cloud Station, it's on the way up.
Henry Coe State Park in Morgan Hill. You'll have to study the terrain before heading out to make sure there a trees where you want to settle for the night. About an hour south of San Jose. You cannot hang in Big Basin Redwoods, only tents allowed. Very nice waterfalls.