Northern CA Trips

“OK you slackers, all the High Sierra trippers said they wanted to be aware of upcoming trips in order to get/stay in shape, here's what I've got so far... please correct, add to this, etc. so we can ALL have fun!

Feb 12-13 weekend: Dayhike in Tahoe aea somewhere, maybe a snowshoe campout... TBD (To Be Determined), waiting for responses! Pepperdog, Wanderer, who else??

Feb 26-28 weekend, snowshoe trip to Mammoth area, maybe Yosemite. Wanderer, Naviguesser. Few details available.

Mar 26-28 Weekend, Lost Coast Trail. Wanderer, who else?


Let's add AT LEAST one trip/month for High Sierra Trail trippers to sign on for. Who else has some ideas / locations?”

“Geologyguy posted a trip for June to Kibbie Lake.

Anyone want to come to Sonoma County? I can dayhike you into a state of fatigue. Or how about Napa County, hiking in Calistoga then soaking in one of the hot mineral swimming pools, then an elegant dinner........... I just can't drive to the mountains as often as I'd like to be there.”

“Thanks wannabp, I had somehow missed that post to Kibbie Lake, I just joined that trip.

SO... Now we have a Feb, Mar, and June trip, BUT none scheduled for April & MAY. Let's get going here folks.

I'd LOVE to come to Sonoma Co for a hike! What are the options?”

“I'm lurking. Some good sounding stuff here wanderer and wanna.”

“There is hiking in Pt. Reyes National Seashore in north CA. Isn't Mt. Tamplais on the north side too?

Save Sonoma and Napa for wine tours and tastings. Check out a book in the bookstore, bring pen and paper to take notes or buy the book or get a good one from your library system that they can send over to your library on what tours are available, which are free, which are self-guided, which need reservations etc.”

“That sounds nice. I think we should plan that trip for sure. How far from you is that Wannabp?”

“Lipstick hiker, there are some great hikes in Sonoma County. I go to Sugarloaf State Park and do a strenuous 11+ mile hike. There's a long hike in Calistoga - Napa County. You can see wagon tracks in the stone from when wagons went over the hill to Lake County. I like Point Reyes, but the ascents/descents are mild.

Late February/early March is good for wildflowers.”

“I'm 45 minutes from Calistoga.”

“Wanderer - what are you thinking of for the Lost Coast? I am not in love with hiking on the sand (which sounds like what you do at the north part of the trail) but the shuttle is pretty awful if you do the south part. I have car camped and day hiked there but never backpacked.

What about a long weekend at Pt Reyes in April? Coast Camp to Sky Camp is a pretty good 2 nighter with a bit of a butt kicker stretch.

Wannabp - a day hike around Sugarloaf with wildflowers sounds lovely. Have you ever taken the Redbud Trail? It is off Highway 20 near Clear Lake. There are bald eagles there, I hear.”

“Yeah, we did Redbud a few years ago. No bald eagles, but an abundance of wildflowers.

I'm not a big fan of backpacking in Pt. Reyes. The toilets and trash cans mess with my head. But I love hiking there and might be persuaded to stay overnight.”

“Would love to do some of the coast hikes but I'm so far away from the ocean now. But I still love the mountains!

If they are fairly close to me, i'll join you guys unless I have something else already planned. I just started a new job so I don't have any vacation right now to take off a Mon or Fri. :(”

“I don't know why the people hiking at Pt Reyes are the worst about leaving "tp daisies" all over the place....

That said, the hike up to Sky Camp from Coast Camp is a good training hike.”

“Bump.

It's almost time to hit the Lost Coast Trail & watch the whales migrate. Anyone interested in working out a car-pool deal send me an e, or post here, I'm still thinking Mar 25-26-27 time frame.

Wanderer, AKA CAbackpacker”

“It depends mostly on arranging dog care for me but we did all say that we need to get/stay in shape for the upcoming long trips. What part are you thinking of? Have you done it before?

What about a day hike next weekend (probably Saturday, I have a dinner engagement on Sunday). Either Redbud Trail, Sugarloaf, or whatever. I have some friends who might join up. As usual, if it is a place the dogs can come without benefit of leashes and/or too many other dogs it is a plus.”

“Hi ya Pepper, I'm good next weekend, anyplace is good for me, you wanna pick this time?”

“Hi, NorCalers, Jerry and I did some hiking on the Redbud Trail this weekend. He insists he saw a large black bear down by Cache Creek. His binoculars are stronger than my camera. The photo is an indistinguishable black blur. The wildflowers aren't at their peak yet.

The Lost Coast seems like too long a drive for me right now for only 3 days. I need to spend some quality time at home vacuuming and weeding!!!

I would love to tour you guys around Sugarloaf next Saturday. There'll be some wildflowers and maybe a lot by then. The trail I take is a good workout -- lots of fairly steep ups and downs. If it's clear, you can see Pyramid Peak in Desolation and the Golden Gate bridge from the top. But dogs are not allowed.

Another alternative would be the old toll road to the pinnacles out of Calistoga. I don't know about dogs on that trail since it is now part of Robert Louis Stevenson state park. It looks like about the same amount of driving for you guys either alternative.”

“Hey guys, what's up for this weekend (Feb 26-28)? I might be up for snowshoeing (though I've not gone before) or possibly something else in Norcal.”

“Karen, sorry we missed you this weekend. It would have been good to see you again. Tell Jerry I said Hello.

Hope to meet up with you again soon.

Rob”

“Will do, Robert. He had a really persistent cough. It wouldn't have been fun. We did a little local laidback vacation. Slept in cheap but historic motels and did little day hikes.

Hey, DocNice, it's too hard for my brain to go back and forth between threads, but..........

Anyone up for a Sonoma or Napa County day hike this coming weekend? See my post just before this one.”

“I may be up for a day hike this Sturday. I will let you know sooner to the weekend.”

“We could do Point Reyes, too, or one of those Mt. Tamalpais hikes.”

“Well, since PepperDog hasn't checked back in, let's do a tentative! I'm partial to Pt Reyes, but Sugarloaf is OK, too. I think I have what Jerry does, but am determined to beat it by the weekend!”

“I've been to Sugarloaf before, seems nice. Haven't been to the pinnacles near Calistoga, but that sounds good too. Pt Reyes is alright. I suppose this time of year is better, less wind and good temps, so that'd be okay too. I'm a bit slow on the steep downhills until I get my legs in better shape.”

“Hi wannabp. I can't this weekend but I still keep a trip over there in mind. I have a friend wants me to do a tour of an aircraft carrier in Alameda I have to keep turning him down on. I need to hike tho so I keep watching what you're doing.”

“DocNice, looks like we have 2 or 3 planning a snowshoe day-trip to Carson Pass on Sunday. Shoot me an email & I'll give you details.

(and anyone else too, of course)”

“I'm backpacking Pt.Reyes in March. Could we think of another place for this weekend? Snowshoe would even be OK. What about Sugarloaf or Calistoga as you were mentioning? Where are they? Day trip only. I don't think the hubby will let get away this weekend again. LOL”

“hi everyone! I might be up for some snowshoeing this Sunday too! I'll keep watching this thread!

wannabp, would love to do a coast hike but now I'm a bit far for a day hike there.”

“Just answered my e-mail and then read this thread. I'm fine with Sugarloaf or the pinnacles out of Calistoga.

JVZ, sorry you can't come. We still haven't listened to the comedy link. I need a live performer, I think.”

“Bump. The weekend is coming.”

“pepperDog checking in!

If I go I will have to go on Saturday. Sonora area sounds good to me. Pt Reyes is a little far. Whaddya say, songbyrd, can you go on Saturday? I have a friend in Sacramento who might want to go too, maybe you could hook up and then pass through Davis. I don't know if Shamus will make it.”

“Sonora? Do you mean Sonoma?

How about meeting at the Sugarloaf parking lot at 10 AM on Saturday? Do check in either here or e-mail me, so we are sure to wait for everyone.”

“OK, I guess the house work can wait till Sunday. I'm in. I will be coming from Orangevale (Sac area). I can pick up a couple of hikers along the way.
Pepperdog, youve got mail.
Hikerchick, you in?
So, we will meet at the Sugarloaf parking area @ 10:00 am.
How long a hike are we looking at(3 to 4 hours?). I don't want to be home late. My goal- back by 5:00 pm. Will that be possible? Hubby has something planned for us for dinner.
The weather is looking great.”

“So many trails,so little time. Sigh..8(. You all have fun.”

“JVZ, we will miss you. Have a good time touring the aircraft thing (carrier I mean). Go get that outta the way so you can join us next time.”

“How long a hike depends on how fast we hike. The hike I would like to do (maximum views and terrain variations) is about 9-1/2 miles.”

“I'm in. Email me and I'll give more contact info.”

“Hi, DocNice. I was wondering if you were still following this thread. Glad you can come. We can talk cameras and drive everyone else nuts.
Mrs. DocNice is welcome to join us, too.

I'm at work now, but will e-mail you when I get home, so the reply function works.”

“PepperDog and miscellaneous friends, Songbyrd (why not invite Dale and then we could all have dinner in Sonoma), DocNice, Wannabp and Landscaper.

There is now a $6 fee to park in state parks. Ouch! We could probably park near the turn off hwy 12 to go to the park and caravan from there, if people are concerned. Post or e-mail your preferences. If enough people are car pooling, it won't matter.

How about dinner after? Anyone interested?”

“Hey Wannbp, Dale has to work so wouldn't be able to attend. My goal is to be back by 5:00 to spend some time with him.
Pepperdag and others-- If you all want to stay for dinner that would be fine to take seperate cars. I will call you.”

“wannabp,
Yeah, I'm excited. I kinda wanted to go snowshoeing since Mrs DocNice (Kat, she'll probably post here eventually) is out of town. Kat doesn't like cold...at all...for any reason. There's no way I'll ever get her to go snowshoeing. So this might have been my shot, but Sugarloaf sounds like fun and a lot less trouble too.

Look forward to seeing you all there.”

“What to do, what to do???

I just spoke with songbyrd and she feels too busy to take the whole day driving and hiking, my other friend who expressed interest in hiking has baled, I would like to go somewhere I can take my dogs and maybe somewhere closer. On the other hand, I would like to see wannabp and landscaper again, would like to hike a new (to me) place, would like to meet a new tt'er (that would be you, DocNice).

Shamus will do whatever I do (you have to like that in a person) so it is all on my shoulders. I will be in touch...”

“Sorry,,,, I feel so bad. I just decided that I don't want to be rushed. I don't have the time I would need to really have a full day to enjoy this event. I hope that you all continue on with the plans and post some really awesome photos of some really beautiful flowers and scenery.
Pepperdog, go and enjoy.
Wannabp, I will email you to get together when I have a full day of time. I would really like to come up and see your house as well as hike.
Love ya all and see ya soon.”

“Whatever you decide is fine, Pepper. It is a longish drive, and the weather is not promising for views. But it would still be an enjoyable hike and a strenuous one, which is good prep for this summer's trips. If you're not in a hurry, we could have dinner before you drive home.

Songbyrd, I totally understand not wanting to be rushed. I live in that space.

DocNice, if you are still interested in a drive to Sonoma County, Landscaper and I, and maybe Pepper and Shamus, would love to hike with you.”

“Pepper......... Are you out there?

We are leaving now, meeting DocNice at 10 AM in the main Sugarloaf parking lot. My cell doesn't work there, but we're stopping for coffee and to pick up something for lunch en route. If you decide to come, call me 707 529 0605 so we'll wait for you if you're a few minutes late. Otherwise, we'll head out when Doc gets there.

The clouds are clearing. It looks to be a beautiful day.”

“I hope the weather was nice for you guys! I wished I could have gone on this one. I wasn't doing anything today so I said yes to overtime at work before I saw that you guys were going today.

Maybe next time!”

“Landscaper and I met DocNice at Sugarloaf after accosting only one other single man. (Hi, are you DocNice? Huh? Are you looking for strangers to hike with? Yeah, I'm a Sierra Club leader meeting a group. Well, we're not with your group. Okay, pleased to meet you, anyway.)

We hiked the Nature Trail to the Hillside Trail to the Brushy Peaks Trail. That got us the maximum uphill in the park and kept me breathless much of the way. DocNice and Landscaper just cruised along, seeming not to notice the uphills.

We took a snack break with some nice views of rolling hills, then continued on Brushy Peaks, going up and down more steep terrain and looking down at the town of St. Helena in Napa County. The trail changed its name to Gray Pine and continued up and down all the way to Bald Mountain. The gain from the parking lot is 1500 feet, but I took my GPS some years back and got 3000 feet ascent because of all the times you go down and then back up.

From Bald Mountain, you can see the Golden Gate bridge and San Francisco to the south and Pyramid Peak in Desolation Wilderness to the east, but not when it's cloudy. We had to be satisfied with rolling hills shrouded in clouds and the park's really nice signboards with labeled graphic representations of what you can see when it's not cloudy.

We had lunch at the top, then backtracked 0.8 miles to the Red Mountain Trail, then Headwaters Trail (the headwaters of Santa Rosa Creek), then Vista (I think), then Meadow and back to the parking lot. We took our time going back and stopped for photos a lot. We had a great time talking photography. DocNice and I have the same camera, but different lenses. Along Santa Rosa Creek, we went off trail a bit and DocNice scrambled into the creek bed for a good shot, and I set up my tripod. You know how people say the right hand doesn't know what the left is doing. It's really the other way around. My left hand opened the leg-extender on my tripod and pinched my right hand in the mechanism. That slow-witted left hand didn't let up until that poor right hand had a blood blister and a small cut!

Further along the way, Landscaper noticed that the fritallaria (mission bells to us, but checker lily on the CA Native Plant Society poster) were budding so I spent a while trying to capture one without the tripod. We also saw blooming Jeffrey's shooting star, houndstongue, buttercup, Indian Warrier (the red one you liked, DocNice) and a couple whose names I don't know.

Later on, Sharpeyes (Landscaper) spotted a kite hawk, but it was too far away for a good shot. DocNice thought he could walk closer, but the hawk disagreed. He did demonstrate his flying and hovering for us, though.

Altogether, we hiked 10 miles with 1500 feet elevation gain, not counting a gazillion extra ups and downs. It took us 6-1/2 hours with stops for snack, lunch, and photos. We all had a great time.”

“Nice trip report.

Shamus and I decided that getting to Sugarloaf by 10am would involve getting going up too darn early so we loaded up the dogs around 10 and hit the road. We went up Capay Valley (highway 16) and drove through the lovely rolling hills and orchards full of almond blossoms. Once we passed the monstrosity known as Cache Creek Casino we pretty much had the road to ourselves as we went on up the canyon all the way to highway 20. About 5 miles along highway 20 you come to the trailhead for the Judge Davis Trail. Near the trailhead we saw lots of Shooting Stars (my favorite! maybe I should say, one of my favorites) and Buttercups and a few about-to-open Queen Anne's Lace. At that point we started the big climb to the ridge and didn't see much by way of flowers for the rest of the trip.

I am afraid that we got pretty much the same view y'all got from Sugarloaf. You feel like you are walking on top of the world but there were too many clouds to have any view to speak of. It is a great hike though, some major steep downs and ups, then you can circle back along a more forgiving route and back to the car.

The dogs ran like crazy for the first half mile or so then stayed pretty close. They were very happy to see the car.

The area is one of the greatest undiscovered hiking areas in Northern California. There were a couple of cars at the trailhead but we didn't see a sole the whole time. You can also hike pretty much forever along the ridge. The biggest problem with the area is there is no water to speak of, just a couple of big ponds that were developed by the previous property owners to keep their cattle hydrated. It is all owned by BLM now and they stopped allowing grazing there a couple of years ago. Any time between May and October it is too hot and dry and the soil is heavy clay so you can't go up too soon after a rain unless you are interested in really building up your leg muscles.

We took the GPS unit Shamus got for his birthday but I'll be darned if I can figure out how to use it. I have even resorted to reading the instruction manual and still am in the dark. I think we set a bunch of waypoints but can't figure out what to do with them now. So I will just have to estimate that we hiked about 20 miles with elevation gain and loss of about 5000 feet.

Something like that.”

“Hey, Pepper, I think we did that trail once. I can't remember the name, but the TH was around there, and the trail was basically up to a mountain top, then a ridge option, although we just came back down.
Sugarloaf from Davis seemed like too long a drive for a day hike to me, too, but it would have been nice to see you.”

“wanna,

Shamus has to lead a trip to Bothe-Napa in a couple of weeks and he has never been there so we will probably go in a few weeks. Wanna join us? When we figure out which day I will get in touch. Anyone else? Weigh in on Saturday or Sunday, probably March 19th or 20th.”

“wannabp, I went to Pt. Reyes, because it was a good meeting place for me to meet up with other tters years ago when I visited CA, and the Alamere Trail with the waterfall was very nice. It was hot when we went, so we needed a coastal trail and that fit the bill and it was good for people with different skill levels.”