Ano Nuevo State Park

Ano Nuevo State Park and Pescadero

Pleasure Rating 1 2 3 4 5
Difficulty Rating 1 2 3 4 5
Mileage 4 miles roundtrip
For a map of this park CLICK HERE


Why Ano Nuevo?

There are very few places in the world where you can observe marine wildlife in their natural habitat.  Often times we visit the various creatures of the sea by going to an aquarium or theme park where they are treated more like performers than respected wildlife.

Ano Nuevo State Park, located just south of Pescadero, CA on HWY 1, is a Natural Preserve offering a unique and extraordinary experience to visit the place where every year up to 10,000 elephant seals return to breed, give birth, and molt their skin on the beautiful dunes and beaches.  Ano Nuevo State Park is one of the biggest colonies in the world of northern elephant seals.  It has been established to protect these unique and enormous mammals, as well as a variety of fauna such as otters, cormorants, sea lions, coyotes and more.  This is a truly special place that any lover of wildlife MUST experience.  To come into such close contact and observe the fascinating behaviors of this magnificent animal is a rare and awesome encounter.

Sea Lions Sunning on the Beach

Let's Get Hiking!

Guided tours ($7 per person) provide the only access during elephant seal breeding season which starts in mid-December and lasts until the end of March.  During the rest of the year, you may request a permit for no cost to enter the park at your leisure.  

This is a very full day trip, so pack plenty of water, a sizable picnic, and treats for the car.  Plan on spending the whole day outside followed by a trip into Pescadero for dinner.  You will probably need sunscreen, a hat, and layers or clothing as the temperatures on this stretch of coastline are inclement. 

Start by turning off of HWY 1 onto Ano Nuevo State Park Road.  Park in the main lot where you will find picnic benches and bathrooms with running water.  This is the designated eating and drinking area, as NO food is allowed into the sanctuary.  After a delicious picnic and a bathroom break, head down to the trailhead marked Ano Nuevo Point Trail.  This is the main trail that will lead you all the way down to the beach where main attraction awaits.  The truth is, the trail itself is treat too.  

Surrounding you are the rolling majestic dunes filled with lush flora, unique succulents, flowing seagrass, and the sound of humming bumblebees and twittering birds.  The thunderous crash of waves and the distant sound of barking elephant seals add a sense of exhilaration to the hike.  This winding downhill path is not a challenge, but with the mix of boardwalk and loose sand, I would not rely on a stroller for transporting small children.  Being on foot or in a baby backpack is probably the best way to go.  

You'll spot the marine education center and theatre which is a small area for groups to stop when on a guided tour.  You can pause here to read up on some of the awesome scientific information regarding the wildlife while you study the colorful displays.  Continue on the Ano Nuevo Point Trail.  After descending onto the beach, you'll notice a few docents guarding and monitoring the most populous groupings of elephant seals.  These volunteers work hard to keep these sanctuaries intact so that visitors do not disturb the animals.  Keeping a distance and respecting their need for space is very important- both for the sake of their breeding rituals and your safety.  Their hostile temperament and colossal bodies could pose a threat if you were to get to close.  

Spend some time down here on the beach, with cameras ready, to investigate and observe the fascinating behaviors of this rare mammal.  Their social structure, mating practices, territorial disputes, maternal protective instincts, and intricate hierarchical rules are so captivating and unusual. There can be thousands of them gathered together, a sea of mammals as far as the beach reaches.

You can first take the Cove Beach Trail spur to get your first glimpse at the elephant seals before continuing on the Ano Nuevo Point Trail to the largest observation area.  It is important to spend as much time here as your group will allow, because this is a rare chance to see these wondrous creatures.  Do not forget to take pictures! 

Make the trek back to the car and continue your splendid day by driving north to Pigeon Point Lighthouse.  This historic lighthouse has been guiding mariners since 1872.  Perched on the edge of this craggy and rugged coastline, the 115 foot lighthouse stands as one of the tallest in the U.S.  The Pigeon Point Lighthouse is still active and able to act as a beacon.

The drive north to Pigeon Point is a majestic panorama of coastal beauty, rich with wild life, and opportunities to pull off and explore the intertidal zones.  The rocky reefs that flank the light station contain a number of diverse plants and animals.  If you are lucky enough, it is not uncommon to spot a whale or seal just off the shore.

Your permit and parking fee will apply to this State Park, so entry will be free if you've already paid at Ano Nuevo.  Get out of the car, take a bathroom break, explore the area and take pictures of this gorgeous lighthouse.  The crashing surf, the smell of sea air, and the sights of pure natural California beauty are all around you.  

After spending some time here, get back in the car and drive further north into the quaint and adorable seaside town of Pescadero.  Here you will find just a few shops and restaurants, with world famous artichoke bread and clam chowder.  Often times there are farmers markets selling seasonal fruit and vegetables, which would be a sin to pass up.  Enjoy the rich local produce and bring some home to share with your neighbors.  This is some of the best food in the world!  Pick a restaurant to settle into for the night and order a delicious local wine paired with some divine artichoke sourdough bread.   Heaven!  Once again you have the perfect ending to the perfect hikeabout!

Rock City, Mount Diablo State Park

Rock City to Sentinel Rock 

Pleasure Rating 1 2 3 4 5
Difficulty Rating 1 2 3 4 5
Mileage apx 2 miles

Why Rock City?
Mount Diablo is the lonely mountain of the East Bay- a solo sky high attraction.  There is something undoubtedly impressive about this 4000 ft monolith that springs up from the valley floor, with its undulating ripples of surrounding hillsides.  Its immensity reminds me of how small we really are, but summiting its peak is also a reminder of mankind's uncanny ability to conquer almost anything.   

Mount Diablo State Park is more than just a hiking destination, it is a voyage into our ancient geological history.  According to savemountdiablo.org its story goes a little something like this:
165 million B.C. Mt Diablo began as volcanic rock beneath the surface of the Pacific Ocean and was scraped into a mass between the Pacific tectonic plate and the overlying sedimentary layers of the North American plate. As ice ages affected sea levels, sedimentation continued in shallow coastal seas. About four million years ago, the older, harder volcanic material from the sea floor forced its way up from between the two plates heaving the weaker sedimentary layers up an angle. Over time, younger rock above eroded and by 2 million B.C. the older rock we recognize as Diablo’s peaks was exposed as low-lying hills.

To most visitors today, it seems like a typical northern California mountain, but pay a visit to Rock City and you will find an unbelievable earthly wonder that is sure to impress.  


Lets get hiking!
The top of Mount Diablo is a lovely place to picnic and there are ample tables and porto-potties in most of the turnoffs.  This is an easy and simple hike, so you won't need to pack much.  Other than a bit of water and a few snacks, the only thing you will definitely not want to leave home without is your camera.  The vistas and scenery are awesome!
You can enter Mount Diablo State Park from the north or south.   Both the North Gate and the South Gate lead to the summit, so you really can't get lost.  To access Rock City, which is on the southern side of the mountain, it is advisable to enter from the South Gate.  Follow the Diablo Rd turnoff from I-680 in Danville and drive for about 15 minutes down the winding road all the way to the gate.  Rock City is another 5 miles up the mountain from the base, so be prepared if you have any little ones who are prone to carsickness- it is a dizzing assent.  

Once you reach the ranger station, there is a small fee to enter the state park.  Past the station another 2 miles you will reach the well marked parking area and picnic area for Rock City.  At this time, there is less of a "trail" to follow as much as a "network" of narrow dirt paths.  These paths wind up and down, intersecting and crisscrossing the rock formations, allowing for carefree exploration and trekking.  My kids loved wandering ahead and pretending to be on an expedition in search of archeological wonders.  The soft rock and porous ground make some areas slippery and hazardous, so keep little ones close.  There are innumerable rocks and boulders to scale, with eroded edges and footholds that make it accessible for kids and adults alike.  The fragility of this place is so evident as you can clearly see where erosion has taken its toll.  Sadly many people have defaced the rocks with carvings or made rock climbing routes to practice their skills.  It is heaven for the skilled rock climber and a huge gathering spot for many local climbing groups, so don't be surprised or intimidated if you see a few of them on your hikeabout.  You can clearly see how this precious land is vulnerable to its visitors.  I would plea with every visitor to respect the natural beauty of this place and not leave a permanent mark on it.

The cables to ascend Sentinel Rock

If you meander down a bit you can see the tip of Sentinel Rock peaking out from the trees.  This prominent feature will provide panoramic views from its summit.  Scramble down about 200 feet to the base of Sentinel where you will find a cable ladder and iron railings for safety. This is a treacherous area with children, so please use caution as you use these cables to make the steep climb.  On all sides there are steep drop offs, so keep children close.  Once you have reached the top, enjoy the incredible views of the San Ramon Valley below.  There is something magical that happens when you work together as a team to conquer a mountain, and although this may not be the summit of Mount Diablo, it is a huge rock with a rewarding view that everyone will enjoy and be proud of climbing.  

After meandering back through the network of paths, find your way back to the parking lot

and drive an extra 10 minutes up the mountain to the scenic overlook at the intersection of North Gate and South Gate Roads.  Here you can take a look at just about the entire Bay Area.  From this elevation you can see clear across the western horizon to the Peninsula, San Francisco, northward to Marin and Mount Tamalpais, as well as the east bay corridor of Benicia and Valejo, Martinez and the Delta.  Enjoy a snack and a rest while you take in the beauty of this vantage point.  

To make your visit to Mount Diablo State Park complete, continue the drive to the summit, about another 10 minutes up the mountain on Summit Rd.  Here there is a lovely historic lookout building that affords you the opportunity to see 360 degree views.  Since Mount Diablo is the tallest point in the San Francisco Bay Area between the Pacific and the Sierras, you feel as though you can literally see everything in the whole of this region. At 3,849 feet, you can feel the elevation in your ears, breathe, and temperature- it gets chilly up there with the wind whipping and the sun setting.  If you can time it just right, the sunset is celestial.  As the orange yolk of sun slips gracefully into the Pacific, you once again feel small on this enormous mountain as day turns to night.  Carefully and quickly drive down the mountain, as the park closes right around this time.

There is so much to see and do in Mount Diablo State Park, but for my family, Rock City, Sentintel Rock, and the drive to the summit is a perfect adventure!

Little Yosemite, Sunol Ohlone Regional Wilderness, East Bay

Little Yosemite Loop
Pleasure Rating 1 2 3 4 5
Difficulty Rating 1 2 3 4 5
Click here for Map of Little Yosemite

Why Little Yosemite?
Although the title might be deceiving, Little Yosemite is a fabulous and little known hiking gem for families to explore.  Located in the East Bay's Sunol-Ohlone Regional Wilderness, this 4.5 mile loop is a perfect day hike for those who enjoy beautiful undulating hillsides, rock climbing adventures, geological exploration, and discovery of local flora and fauna.  Although dwarfed in comparison to the real Yosemite Valley, this miniature rock formation area with trickling waterfalls is like its cute baby sister.
The warm late autumn afternoons can be a fun time to visit, but the waterfalls and "no-snake threat" time of winter and spring are probably the best times to visit.  Rattlesnakes and vipers are common and are often found sunning on rocks in summer.  Summer can also pose problems strictly due to sun exposure and heat.  But no matter what the season, it truly is a spectacular day excursion and loads of fun for all.
Let's Get Hiking!

Bring lots of water and plenty of snacks, but lunch is even better because there is a perfect picnic table waiting for you at your destination.  Start by parking at the Old Green Barn visitors center and begin your hike on the Indian Joe Trail.  Indian Joe will intersect with Canyon View Trail.  Start your assent onto Canyon View Trail.  This narrow uphill trail will zigzag across the hillsides, presenting lovely views of the Sunol Ohlone Wilderness.  You might see a few birds, possibly hear the echoing winds rushing through the tiny canyon ahead, and even the mooing of cows in the distance.  The smell of grass and chaparral, and the site of lush countryside that is so wild and free makes you feel like you've escaped from the busy bay area and into a pastoral paradise.
This 1.7 mile stretch to Little Yosemite is mostly a gradual uphill but there are times of straightaway to give your legs some rest.  Remember to take water breaks and breath- every hike deserves a moment to breathe in your surroundings.  Once you descend into the Little Yosemite area, you will see the intersection of Camp Ohlone Road and Canyon View.  Here there is an outhouse and a perfect picnic table.  Or if you prefer to get a little closer to the rocks, pick one to perch on and have your snacks.  After some refueling, go out and explore this pleasant little valley filled with enormous boulders, impressive rock formations carved out over millions of years by the small trickling of this miniature waterfall.  Some might enjoy the more challenging scramble up to the "W Tree" where you can go deeper into the canyon, but for small children, this rocky area is all the fun you'll need.  You could stay here for over an hour just playing around on the lovely cracks and crags of these glacial wonders.

After a fun hikeabout, you can return to the visitors center by double backing on Canyon View Trail, or make it a loop by taking Camp Ohlone Road downhill.  This 1.5- 2 mile stretch will take you down the base of the beautiful hills and wind you back down to the heart of the valley and the parking lot.

This is a perfect family hike, giving just enough challenge and adventure for all to enjoy.  Sunol Ohlone has so much to offer, but Little Yosemite is one of my favorites.

Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, East Bay

Las Trampas Loop to Rocky Ridge

Difficulty Rating 1 2 3 4 5
Pleasure Rating 1 2 3 4 5
Mileage: 4.5 miles
Click Here for Map of Las Trampas Loop

Why Las Trampas?
Located off Interstate 680 and Bollinger Canyon Road in the rolling hillsides of San Ramon, this one of a kind trail offers breathtaking 360 degree views of the entire San Francisco Bay Area, and the adjacent towering monolith of Mount Diablo.  With a challenging assent to the very climax of the East Bay ridge, you can strut upon what is the intersection of three fault lines, an area known by geologists as the Mount Diablo Thrust [to the common man, the Rocky Ridge].  On a cold cloudy day this craggy intersection of hillsides and fault lines with gnarly knobby trees and mysterious rolling fog can conjure images of troll dwellings.  But on a clear crisp and sunny day, you feel like you could just about reach up and touch heaven.  The vistas are spectacular and a must-see for anyone who finds themselves looking for an unparalleled East Bay hike.

 Let's Get Hiking
Pack plenty of water and bring lunch, along with healthy snacks like fruit, trail mix, or granola bars.  My kids love peanut m&ms's mixed in with cashews and raisins.  This is a challenging hike, especially for little ones, so keep energy and spirits bright with plenty of fuel for the journey.  Bollinger Canyon Road dead ends at the park entrance.  Park in the Las Trampas Regional Park lot and if need be, use their toilet facilities here- there will not be any bathrooms on the hike.  The trailhead is located at the northwest corner of the lot where you will immediately begin your 1000 ft assent to the top of the ridge on the Rocky Ridge Road.  It starts as a wide paved road and soon narrows as it turns into a dirt trail.  This initial climb is the toughest and most taxing part of the journey, so pace yourself and allow for breaks.  Take a sip of water and look at the view of Mount Diablo and the Las Trampas range behind you.  It is important to allow children time to rest their legs and catch their breath as to not drain the energy piggy bank on this leg of the hike alone.

Once you have reached the summit you will notice a gate and a short barbed wire fence that separates the Las Trampas Regional Park from land owned by EBMUD.  Technically you are required to have a permit here in order to enter the neighboring trails.  However having hiked these hills many many times, I haven't noticed the enforcement of these rules, nor have I ever crossed paths with any authorities.  So be advised of the rules, but bending them here to get this view is worth it!  Enter through the gate and head west on the trail until you climb another small assent to the top of the Rocky Ridge- you made it!  This is the East Bay summit!

Take a deep breath as you absorb this extraordinary vista.  On a clear day you can see the enormity of San Francisco's Bay Area in all directions- Bay Bridge, San Mateo Bridge, Dumbarton Bridge- Alcatraz, Angel Island, Mount Tamalpais, the east bay and the snakelike Delta that sprawls eastward toward Valejo and Benicia.  The word vista seems inappropriately small to describe this magical view.  This is where I would sit upon a large rock, whip out my delicious lunch or snacks and let the beauty stir your soul.  Allow your food to nourish your body with fuel for the journey back down.  Be proud of your climb, this is a steep assent! What makes this hike extra special is that this vista seems to be smiling at you for about 2 more

miles, as you retreat the original Las Trampas loop trail and continue your journey on the Upper Trail.  Snaking along this resplendent ridge you will continue to enjoy the view as the trail gently undulates along, until finally dropping you back down the eastern side of the ridge.  You will make a left at the Elderberry Trail and loop back around to the park, passing numerous cows and the stables.  The downhill can be steep and hard on the knees at times, so be generous with with the kids and perhaps a piggyback ride or two is in order.

This is a half day hike, so be sure not to get a late start or you will be stuck in the dark with the howls of coyotes haunting you.  With older children who can hike and scramble a whole lot faster, you might be able to time it right to catch the killer sunset atop the Rocky Ridge, but it is not advisable to take that chance with little ones.  It would be far too dangerous in the dark to descend the mountain.

Rocky Ridge and Las Trampas Regional Wilderness are an East Bay treasure and a must-hike for those who love to achieve the incredible summits of the San Francsico Bay.

Montara State Beach, Pacifica

Montara State Beach to Gray Whale Cove State Beach

Pleasure Rating: 1 2 3 4 5
Difficulty Rating: 1 2 3 4 5
Mileage: 3 mile round trip 
Click Here for Map of Montara Mountain Trail

Why Montara Beach to Gray Whale Cove?
The famous stretch of California's Hwy 1 between Half Moon Bay and San Francisco is an incredible sight to see.  Most visitors drive in their cars [preferably in a convertible] down the luxurious lanes of coastal highway, enjoying the elegant pacific ever present to the west meeting the dramatic sandy cliffs of the California coast.  This is a bucket list type of drive, so put it on your to-do list immediately.  But to take it a step further and really come into contact with this unique landscape- an even more incredible way to experience this special place is to park the car and go for a little hikeabout!  This perfect mini hike upon the Montara Mountain Trail will offer you a rare chance to witness flora, wildlife, coastline, mountains, and million dollar views in an easy 3 mile roundtrip trek.  

Let's Get Hiking!
Pack a lunch and some treats, maybe even a couple of beers or a bottle of wine to enjoy when you get to the beach.  Bring flip flops and a towel just in case you decide to get wet in the ocean.  Located just south of downtown Pacifica along Hwy 1, park your car at the Montara State Beach parking lot, on the westside.  This is a dirt pull off that you can miss if you are going too fast.  Walk north and you'll see a narrow path that winds for about 50 yards along the cliff and up to the highway.  Carefully cross the busy highway and begin the trail at the sign that says Montara State Beach, McNee Ranch.  This trail will lead you up and over the hills whilst overlooking the majestic Pacific.  For about 1.5 miles you will hug the edge of the mountain as you gaze at the dazzling sun sparkling on the ocean, or perhaps like me, you might spot a breaching whale or two!  
Blooming succulents, poppies and mustard, along with coastal pines envelope your senses.  This unique landscape can feel mysterious and seductive on a foggy day, and on a sunny day it will be cheery and invigorating- no matter what the weather, you can not go wrong.  It is that beautiful.  The trail winds throughout the hillside, so if one wishes to create a more challenging hike, take any one of the spurs that you hit along the trail.  Most of them will all spit you out at the next beach parking lot, which is at Gray Whale Cove State Beach.  Once you reach this parking lot, again, carefully cross Hwy 1 and take the steep ramp, then steep staircase down to the intimate cove. Surrounding you will be the colorful and craggy cliffs and in front of you, the grand Pacific ocean.  

Once you've a comfortable spot on the sandy shores, enjoy your lunch, sip some beverages, and let the kids play in the sand, splash in the waves, collect driftwood, and just be free!  This should feel like a brief escape from reality, a slice of utopia.  This 1/2 mile wide cove is quiet, spacious, gorgeous, and protected from high winds.  Although there are no facilities, it is a fantastic spot to relax and enjoy an afternoon. Two words of caution, the waves can be very powerful and large, so always monitor children closely.  Also, the north end of the beach seems to be a nudist hang out, so use caution when venturing in that direction or you might have a surprise!

Before it gets too close to sunset, head back to Montara State Beach, using the trail from earlier in the reverse direction.  If you time it just right, you'll be back to the parking lot safe and sound before dark.  From the cliffs of Montara State Beach, watch the sun become swallowed by the ocean and witness the sky explode into shades of purple, pink, orange and red. This is paradise!  This breathtaking sunset will complete the perfect ending to a perfect day!