Mount Davidson Park, San Francisco, CA

Mt. Davidson Park is the tallest point in San Francisco sitting at 938 feet. The mountainside park has a few easy to moderate hiking trails, once the top of the mountain has been reached; a beautiful view of San Francisco can be seen. On one side of the mountain visitors will find a few trails within a small lush forest of trees and shrubs; on the other side of the mountain views of San Francisco to the Oakland ports can ben seen. There is a 103 foot concrete cross that is a memorial of the Armenian Genocide that happened between 1915-1923 in Armenia.

This is the parks entrance located on Myra Way. The easiest way I found to getting to the main entrance without getting lost is by going up Market St. which will turn into Portola Dr. and make a left on to Teresita BLVD and a quick right onto Juanita Way and go all the way down till you reach Dalewood Way then make a left and you will see the parks entrance on the left.
***Note that there is a entrance point on Juanita Way into the park but the trail is moderate and at a few points is strenuous.

This is the starting path from the main entrance.

This is at a split where the trail can go up or to the right.

Almost reaching the top!




Made it!



Keep following the path to the eucalyptus forest.



Memorial cross for the Armenian Genocide.



Plaque at the base of the cross.



One of the few paths that lead from the memorial site.


Lush vegetation



Overall Mt. Davidson has some great hiking trails that lead to beautiful views. The park is surrounded by a residential area and there is ample parking. The 36 Muni bus stops right at the entrance. It unfortunately is not wheelchair friendly unless you have some off roading wheels on that wheelchair.  There are no bathrooms or drinking fountains or kids playground. The main trailhead is the most kid friendly.

Thanks for stoping by!

Here is more information on Mount Davidson Park:

http://sfrecpark.org/destination/mt-davidson-park/

Forever wander,

~Vero

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Mt. Lassen

Kings Creek Falls Trail

Kings Creek Falls Trail

Over the weekend my husband and I went to camp at Manzanita Lake in Lassen. Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in Northern California, just 70 miles south of Mt. Shasta. I have visited this park in winter and most of the road through the park is closed due to snow. I was excited when my husband an I planned this trip because we have never been to Lassen in the summer. Wow! I can say that Lassen is absolutely gorgeous. There is still a little snow about 8,000 ft of elevation and with the lush vegetation leaves for amazing views to anyone that visits. There are so many places to explore and I could not see them all, but there's always next time. I'm going to share with you pictures of the Kings Creek Falls, Bumpass Hell and Cinder Cone trails. The road throughout the park is only 30 miles long so many trips could be planned in one day depending on what you would like to see. If you ever have a chance to visit Lassen I highly recommend it!

Thank you for stopping by and enjoy!

Forever wander,

~Vero

Kings Creek Trail

Small creek across the way from Kings Creek Falls Trail.

          

Looking up at Mt. Lassen from Hat Lake.

Bumpass Hell Trail            

Deer are often seen all over the park.

Bumpass Hell 

Bumpass Hell Trail

Scenery along the highway.

Bark from a tree along the Cinder Cone trail

Fresh Pine cone off of the Cinder Cone Trail.

Lava rock alongside the Cinder Cone Trail.

Cinder Cone Trail

All my other photos from my Lassen trip can be found on my social media accounts.

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/wandering_vero/

Flickr:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/142543422@N02/



Camping Note:
In Manzanita Lake Loops A,B, and C are reservable through www.reserveamerica.com. Loop D which is tent only is on first come basis. There is a small store, camp host, laundry facility and showers available at this campground. There are many campgrounds in the park and this is the most popular because of services. If you are looking for something less popular Butte Lake is beautiful but most of the sites have no shade!

Camping Info:
https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/camping_in_campgrounds.htm

Here is more information on Lassen Volcanic National Park:
https://www.nps.gov/lavo/index.htm

Rodeo Beach

Rodeo Beach is located 3 miles northwest of the Golden Gate Bridge and is part of the Golden Gate National Park Conservancy. It's perfect for surfing, walking on the beach, spending the day with the family or flying a kite and more. There are a few picnic tables that overlook a lagoon and benches located along the main road. There are a few trails to explore and overall a beautiful small beach to enjoy. This beach does get very windy so I would suggest bringing layers.

Looking onto the main road from the beach. 

If you get there during low tide you can explore the rocks at the edge of the cove. 

You can see one of the trails that leads to an old bunker at the top of the hill.

One of the few large rock formations located in the cove. 

Rock formations

The rocks are covered in barnacles.

This is the lagoon that is located on the other side of the beach, there are a few picnic tables to the left that are ADA accessible. 

Here is more information on Rodeo Beach:
http://www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park-sites/rodeo-beach.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/

Thanks for stopping by!

Forever wander,
~Vero

Roy's Redwoods (Marin)

Entrance

Roy's Redwoods Open Space Preserve is located in Marin County just outside of San Francisco, CA. It's a 293 acre preserve that offers hiking trails, horseback riding, mountain biking and dogs are allowed leash.

RR(Roy's Redwoods) is free to explore and is open daily from 8am-4pm. There is no parking lot as well but you can park on Nicasio Valley Road. RR is great place the whole family can enjoy.

Canopy of Redwoods

Open Meadow

View from the path over looking the meadow.

If you take the path that's located to the left of the entrance you come to a big open meadow that leads to hiking trails and many area to explore.

Path that leads to the trails

 

There are many large open spaces to explore.

Path from the Meadow loop trail.

Canopy of Redwoods


Roy's Redwoods is perfect for younger children to explore and there are many hallow trees that were created into small little houses. 

Exploring in progress

Small bridge

         

There are many fallen trees to climb and explore.

If you get a chance to visit I highly recommend going on a weekday, you would practically have the whole place to yourself except for a few locals that walk their dogs. Please note there are no picnic tables and wheelchair access is extremely limited. If you get to visit Roy's Redwoods I hope you have a wonderful time! 

Forever wander,

~Vero

Here is more information on Roy's Redwoods Open Space Preserve:

http://www.marincountyparks.org/depts/pk/divisions/open-space/roys-redwoods

http://www.marincounty.org/~/media/images/departments/pk/open-space/roys-redwoods/roysredwood-11_30_2014w.pdf

Photography website: 
https://silvamirandaphotography.com/