Trail Running Shoes Redding CA

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: California
Location: Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks
Length: Round Trip: 2 miles
Trail type: Loop
Minimum Elevation: 6800 feet
Elevation Change: 200 feet
Trail Surface: Paved
Best Season: June to October
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Heavy

Description: The Congress Trail is the most known and most popular trail in all of Sequoia National Park. The trail is a level, two-mile loop that begins at the General Sherman Tree. The route follows a paved path through the heart of the Giant Forest. It is highly recommended for first-time visitors to Sequoia National Park and for those with limited time. The trail ascends gently into Alta Plateau section of forest. This is one of the easiest access points to large groups of the Big Trees. Famous sequoias along this trail include the House and Senate Groups, the President, Chief Sequoyah, General Lee and McKinley Trees. An informational trail pamphlet is sold at the Sherman Tree or at the visitor center book store. Also nearby are Founders Group, Room Tree and giant Lincoln Tree. Be prepared for crowds at this site, it’s one of the best viewing areas for the giant trees anywhere.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: California
Location: Angeles National Forest
Length: Round Trip: 6.5 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Elevation Change: 2200 feet
Best Season: Summer, Fall
Difficulty: Difficult
Usage: Moderate

Description: The crown jewel of the San Gabriel Mountains, majestic Mt. San Antonio (10,064 ft. elevation) towers over all other peaks in the range. More popularly known as “Mt. Baldy” or “Old Baldy”, it is the highest point in the San Gabriel Mountains. It is not, however, the highest mountain in Southern California. That distinction goes to 11,502 ft. Mt. San Gorgonio, popularly known as “Old Grayback”, which is in the San Bernardino Mountains within the San Bernardino National Forest. Mt. Baldy is visible from much of Southern California and conversely much of Southern California can be seen from its summit, air pollution permitting. Not only is Mt. Baldy high, it is massive, somewhat pyramidal in shape and fairly symmetrical it looks like a king of the mountains should look. It is one of the most photographed objects of the Southern California landscape. It’s snow-covered summit has appeared on post cards and tourist literature lauding the attractions of Southern California for nearly a hundred years. Seen with its snowy summit glowing like a live coal at sunset or with snow blowing in a great plume from the top, it is an awe-inspiring sight. This hike description is the shortest and easiest way to the top, attainable by anyone of moderate Hiking ability. Do not try this trip in winter. In winter, the passage over the Devil’s Backbone section of the trail is covered with snow and ice, with precipitous drops and strong winds which can be exceedingly dangerous. In summer and fall, during good weather, there is no danger for the average hiker. Your only discomfort may be a bit of shortness of breath if you are not used to high altitudes. From the top of the ski lift, follow a path easterly a few hundred feet then turn left and follow the fire road up the ridge. The fire road ends at the Devil’s Backbone and it is trail from there on up. Total trip one way is about 3-1/2 miles and 2,200 ft. elevation gain. The first part of the trip is through sparse pine forest, giving way farther up to a few stunted Lodge pole and rare Limber Pines and bare rocky terrain. Keep an eye out for small alpine type plants along the way. An interesting short side trip from the summit is to walk over the nearly barren ridge southwest and 1/2 mile to West Baldy, a slightly lower summit. You may see a few scraps of wrecked aircraft along the way, left by an unfortunate few who didn’t quite clear the mountain. Enjoy the magnificent view from the top and return the way you came, although it is possible for properly equipped experienced hikers to return by other routes if car shuttles can be arranged. If the ski left is not operating or if you prefer to hike, you can follow the fire road up from the bottom of the ski lift past San Antonio Falls to Baldy Notch. This will add another 3-1/2 miles distance each way and about 1,500 ft. more climbing.

Activities: Mountain Biking

Info:
State: California
Location: Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Length: Round Trip: 8 miles
Trail type: Loop
Best Season: Spring to Fall
Usage: Heavy

Description: This is a beautiful trail for Hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking in the spring and fall and on nice winter days. Summertime temperatures tend to discourage most use except in the early mornings and evenings after the sun has gone down. Wildflowers are spectacular in the spring and there are nice vistas across the Pit Arm of Shasta Lake. The trail climbs and descends through a forest of mixed conifer and black oak scattered with small meadows. Fisherman use the trail to access their favorite fishing spots below the trail along the Pit Arm of the lake.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
State: California
Location: Joshua Tree National Park
Length: Round Trip: 1.5 miles
Trail type: Out and Back
Minimum Elevation: 4300 feet
Best Season: Spring, Fall, Winter
Difficulty: Easy
Usage: Light

Description: The Wall Street Mill Trail heads into the Wonderland of Rocks from the northeastern end of Hidden Valley. This route has the highest concentration of mining era ruins of any trail in the park. It leads north from the trailhead .75 miles, passing a house foundation, historic site marker, a windmill and stamp mill. This hike provides plentiful examples of the desert’s power of preservation. Rusty old trucks still have their tires. Antique cars sit peacefully beneath oak trees. The mill protected by the National Register of Historic Sites due to its local technological and mechanical uniqueness still stands with its machinery intact, albeit a tad rusty. A barbed wire fence also protects the mill from visitors. Nearby are hulks of vehicles and other artifacts of life in the desert from 60 years ago. Visitors interested in the industrial history of the area will enjoy this short trek.

Activities: Hiking

Info:
Area: San Francisco Bay Area
Distance: 7.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult, with about 1600 feet elevation change.
Surface: Dirt