Where to go for a weekend in Cali

“I'm a relative newbie to camping and backpacking but nothing makes me as happy as being in the outdoors.
I'll be celebrating my 25th this May and I want to go with my partner (and maybe a few friends if they are down) for a two or three day trip somewhere near the Bay Area ( I would say no more than a five hour drive but probably less cause I want to spend more time out of the car)
The limitations:
I am ridiculously broke ( try a $700 a month salary)
It would be the first overnight trip that I planned on my own so nothing to crazy.

What I like to see/do:
I like to see the ocean but swimming/kayaking in it is kind of frightening to me ( I grew up in the midwest and have a unexplainable shark phobia)
I like to swim and play in freshwater ( hot springs would be nice)
I don't like to see too many people

The trip would most likely be May 5-6-7

Any suggestions, I never have a good b-day so this time I'm going to make it happen!”

“Make reservations RIGHT NOW for a Pt. Reyes trip... very easy backpacking into the campgrounds.... beautiful views of the ocean, flowers, lot's of skunks, raccoons, mule deer, other critters! :)

2nd option.. VERY easy & close... Skylands-to-the-Sea trail through Big Basin Redwoods State Park. If you're from the midwest (I used to live in Chicago area) you'll be blown away by the redwood trees here.

From there.... head just a little further south and spend a day in the Monterey Aquarium... it's not backpacking, but it'll be one of the best days of your life if you like outdoorsy stuff.. I guarantee it!
last edited: 3/31/06 9:18:31 PM”

“A+++++ for wanderer.”

“I double wanderer's suggestion about Pt Reyes - close, fairly easy, established campgrounds, no bears (but lots of skunks and raccoons). I would suggest Sky Camp - great views and easy hike in. Once you establish your campsite you can day hike for hours and see lots of beauty.

Go to my webshots album and check the Point Reyes trip from the same time last year:
http://community.webshots.com/user/ttphotos.

(You will need to cut and paste because I am not too swift when it comes to making links.)

It is a great time to visit Point Reyes because there are lots of wild flowers but be prepared for fog and rain. If you aren't able to get a reservation they do keep a couple of sites open for walk-ins.”

“Another option if you can't get permits, a little more of a drive, but an awesome trip if, as you say, you like seeing the ocean... The Lost Coast! Do a google, there are tons of links to other peoples' trips there with lot's of photo's.”

“We actually have a group heading to the Lost Coast that same weekend. I think you would need more than 3 days however. It's a long drive and a 25 mile one way hike. Can't wait.

There's always Mt. Diablo.
Also, Henry Coe State park is nice. No hot springs but nice views, but kicking hills and lots of wild animals like coyote, turkeys, boars ect.. and the wild flowers should be good.”

“Hey Songbyrd, can I come?

I guess this is what happens wen I miss the beer-dringking fests :(”