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The 620-foot single-drop Bridalveil Fall is not the longest waterfall in Yosemite National Park, but it is one of the most elegant. A half mile round trip hike delivers visitors to a viewing platform at the base the waterfall. The short and easy hike is not to be missed. From the trailhead, Bridalveil Fall is visible through the pine forest, plunging from a hanging valley along the south... Read more.

This less-traveled single track on the southern end of Yosemite National Park visits thundering cascades and one of the longest falls in the park outside Yosemite Valley. Chilnualna Falls Trail passes through charming forests on the way to Upper Chilnualna Falls where hikers can connect to other trails delving into the Yosemite backcountry. Chilnualna Falls Trail is rated as strenuous for... Read more.

This short hike travels up a narrow history-filled canyon to a charming double waterfall.  At the turn of the previous century, the canyon was home to Rubio Pavilion, at the base of the Mount Lowe Incline Tramway, which escorted visitors to an immensely popular resort atop the ridge to the west.  A hundred years later, only the foundation remains and nature has rebounded to provide a rustic... Read more.

Temescal Canyon Loop offers a good workout along with ocean and canyon views. Temescal Gateway Park is situated just off Sunset Blvd in the Pacific Palisades, and this convenient urban location makes Temescal Canyon Loop a very popular hike. The basic dimensions of the loop is 2.6 miles with 860 feet of elevation gain, but the hike can be expanded to four miles or longer thanks to a variety... Read more.

La Jolla Canyon Falls is a short seasonal waterfall located 3/4 of a mile up La Jolla Canyon Trail in Point Mugu State Park. The twenty-foot cascade offers one of the easiest hikes in the park, with just 250 feet of elevation between the trailhead and the falls. La Jolla Canyon Trail continues above the waterfall, ascending a rocky V-shaped canyon. If you choose to hike farther, the... Read more.

Point Mugu State Park protects 15,000 acres of rustic wilderness on the west end of the Santa Monica Mountains between Oxnard and Malibu. More than 70 miles of trails explore this sprawling park, leaving hikers with options. An excellent way to experience Point Mugu State Park is to set out on a daunting and rewarding 11.75-mile loop. Start at the mouth of La Jolla Canyon just across... Read more.

Nojoqui Falls Parks is located just off Highway 101 north of the Gaviota Tunnel between Santa Barbara and Buellton. In addition to picnic tables and playing fields, the park offers a short hike to an eighty-foot waterfall. This two-thirds of a mile round trip trail ascends 175 feet up a shaded canyon to the enchanting Nojoqui Falls. Nojoqui Falls Trail There are no junctions on the... Read more.

A remote and picturesque basin on the west side of Sequoia National Park rises to a large lake with waters so deep and blue you will think you are staring up at the heavens. The trek up Miter Basin begins at Rock Creek Meadow, nine miles from the nearest trailhead. Those making the hike typically stay overnight in the area, and nearby Lower Soldier Lake offers great camping for... Read more.

If you visit Arches or Canyonlands National Parks in the summer, you may be greeted by long days with temperatures in the triple digits. In those conditions, a simply swim in a cold creek can be as satisfying as any of those parks' amazing landmarks. The Colorado River around Moab is swift and silty, so instead bathe in the refreshing waters of Mill Creek. Mill Creek Trail heads deep... Read more.

The Emerald Pools are located on the west side of Zion Canyon near Zion Lodge. A stream of water descends from the canyon rim down to the Virgin River, passing through three tiers of pools. The popular pools enchant visitors with their falling water and hanging gardens. Lower Emerald Pool is the easiest to reach, but it is possible to see all three levels of pools by hiking a 2.4-mile loop. ... Read more.