California

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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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Berry Creek Loop Hike — Big Basin Redwoods, CA

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Berry Creek Loop Hike — Big Basin Redwoods, CA

The perfect day hike complete with beautiful waterfalls and tall redwoods, and all only a short drive from the Bay Area, CA

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Backpacking Mono Meadow to Lower Ottoway Lake - Yosemite NP, CA

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Backpacking Mono Meadow to Lower Ottoway Lake - Yosemite NP, CA

Lower Ottoway lake is one of the prettiest lakes I have ever seen. Experience true wilderness and the best Yosemite scenery on this three day backpacking trip

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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.