Spectacular granite peaks known as the Castle Crags tower over Castle Crags State Park in Northern California. This dramatic enclave of peaks is largely inaccessible to hikers, but you'll get a great taste of the Castle Crags on Crags Trail, which climbs to the foot of Castle Dome, a 4,996-foot granite dome that looks plucked from the Sierra. Although Crags Trail stops below the summit of... Read more.

Root Creek Trail presents an easy 2.2-mile round trip hike, starting in Castle Crags State Park. Most of the trail is wheelchair-friendly, until it passes into Castle Crags Wilderness in Shasta-Trinity National Forest where the trail gets just a bit less maintained on the final push to Root Creek. When you reach the creek, you can relax and watch tumbling water cascade past mossy boulders... Read more.

A popular destination for visitors to Castle Crags State Park is the scenic overlook at the end of Vista Point Trail. This easy half-mile round trip hike leads to a triptych of views. On your left, you'll spot the Gray Rocks rising above evergreen ridges. On your right, there is a clear view of Mount Shasta. In the center, rise the Castle Crags, a fortress of daunting granite peaks. It's... Read more.

Not all trails in Tongariro National Park cross dramatic volcanic landscapes. At the south end of Tongariro National Park near the town of Ohakune, you'll find a short nature trail through a dense forest, typical of those found throughout New Zealand. Panels along the 0.8-kilometer walk describe the trees and other plants in the area. There are no big views or volcanic features along Rimu... Read more.

The Mount Shasta Area is full of daunting mountain peaks (not the least of which is Mount Shasta) but that doesn't mean you can't find a shorter summit hike with rewarding views. Spring Hill Trail is located conveniently close to Mount Shasta City and while this hike is just 2.9 miles round trip with 625 feet of elevation gain, you'll get an eyeful off the beautiful surroundings, including... Read more.

For a short, pleasant stroll, what could be better than a level, lakefront loop through evergreens? Set out for Lake Siskiyou, a reservoir southeast of Mount Shasta. From the edge of the lake's calm blue waters are clear views of massive Mount Shasta and the surrounding mountains. If you're feeling ambitious, you can hike all of Lake Siskiyou Trail on an over 7-mile loop around the lake. ... Read more.

Want to visit historic ruins and a waterfall you'll be wild about, all on a hike that's under 1.5 miles round trip? Set out for Ney Springs Creek near Mount Shasta City, where you can hike 0.7-miles (one way) up an evergreen canyon to Faery Falls, which plunges about 50 feet. Along the way to this beautiful attraction, you'll pass what remains of Ney Springs Resort, a former destination for... Read more.

Portuguese Bend Reserve is a 399-acre park on Palos Verdes Peninsula with an elaborate network of trails covering beautiful ocean-facing hillsides, canyons, and ridges. With so many trails, several hikes in the park are possible, including the 5.15-mile trek described here, made up of two loops. For something shorter, skip the lower loop for a 3-mile round trip hike with 575 feet of... Read more.

Tawhai Falls is a lovely little waterfall in Tongariro National Park. The short single-drop waterfall along the tree-lined Whakapapanui Stream is located near Whakapapa Village, home of the park's main visitor center and campground, making it a convenient and enjoyable addition to your Tongariro itinerary. The 20-minute walk to the falls is 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles) round trip with 40... Read more.

When the water is still, Lake Rotokura acts like a mirror to Mount Ruapehu, delivering a great postcard view. A relatively easy 2-kilometer (1.25-mile) walk crosses through Lake Rotokura Ecological Reserve, located east of the town of Ohakune, just outside the boundaries of Tongariro National Park. This is a peaceful short walk, leading to a setting that's quite beautiful in clear... Read more.