California Hiking Trails – There are a number of different types
There are a number of different types of trails to hike in California. During certain times of the year you can take your choice of mountain hiking or desert hiking. It will be so enjoyable that you may want to go for a week and try different trails or maybe you just have a weekend available. You can take your pick of hiking around rivers, glaciers, deserts, and the coastline and in the grasslands.
Mount Tallac offers you a 9.4 mile round trip hike at an elevation reaching 9.735 ft. The gain on this hike is 3.255 ft so make sure you have lots of water, good shoes and are in good condition for this hike. As probably on of the best trails in the Lake Tahoe region you will enjoy the stunning views from the summit. Even with the best camera you probably won’t be able to capture the beauty that your eyes will see and memories will retain. With both wooded areas and mountainous areas the hike gives you the diversity you are probably looking for. You will pass two lakes on this hike. The switchbacks are a steep climb taking you up to the summit which will be very hot, so be ready.
If you choose to hike Upper Yosemite Falls you will be on a 7.2 mile round trip hike with an elevation at the summit of 6,526 ft and an elevation gain of 2,700 ft. This hike is best if done from May to July because the waterfall is at its full force during this time and the view is beautiful. This hike will take you through a section of switchbacks through the forest and then you will enter the flat area of the trial with your first view of the falls. The mist from the falls will be heavy as you get closer and then you will encounter another set of switchbacks before the summit. These are very steep and the most difficult area to climb so be prepared to work hard here.
Enter the wonders of the desert with the heat and lack of water on the hike in Mosiac Canyon. Although the trail is just 2.5 miles round trip you will think you went further due to the climate conditions. After all, this is the hottest place in the US so it’s a challenge. Bring plenty of water to rehydrate yourself on this hike, you’ll need it. You might see some desert wildlife as you view the stunning designs nature created on the formations of the canyon walls.
If you want the most challenging trail in California you will want to hike Mt. Shasta. This trail is 12 miles round trip with body assaulting climbs. Not only is the climb a challenge physically but at an elevation of 14,179 ft at the summit and a gain of 7,259 during your climb you are going to experience pain you only thought about before. You need to plan this hike for between May and mid July due to the changing weather. In the spring the storms can hit quickly and violently and in the summer you are facing lava rocks that are nasty on your body and feet and the risk of rolling boulders that have come loose with the snow melt that will roll down the mountain and your chances of getting out of the way are limited at best. Not only that but you will face the problem of altitude sickness so be sure you hike with a partner for safety reasons and practical sense. You must be in superior physical condition to take on this challenge. If you aren’t, find another path to hike.
For the hike at Mt. Shasta you will want to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and ice axe, shelter (remember, you are going way up and the weather may change in a minute where you need protection.) Bring your crampons, helmet, summit pass, winter boots, and extra layers of clothing and plenty of water. Don’t plan on “ice melt” for water; bring it with you since most of the snow around Helen’s Lake is contaminated by urine…yes, human and animal. Sweet.
Another of the biggest challenges for a hiker is Half Dome which is a 16 mile round trip hike with an elevation gain of 4,800 ft to reach the summit of 8,842. You will need to plan this one for between late May and early October. Hearing about this hike at Yosemite National Park has brought people from all over the world here to take the challenge. Because of the difficulty of this climb (hike) if you aren’t in superior physical shape with lots of hiking experience behind you, pass on this one. You will face switchbacks that are rocky causing many ankles to be injured, be careful. Nevada Falls is the halfway point on this hike. When you reach it you should take some time to assess your strengths and skills before continuing on. The climb gets tougher from here on and if you aren’t ready for it not only will you be miserable, you can expect to get hurt. If you aren’t in good shape, turn around at this point and go back, you’ve still done more than most people. If you decide to go on know that the hike will be very steep, excruciatingly hard and long before you reach the back of Half Dome rock. The switchbacks assault your body during this whole phase and you aren’t done yet! Half Dome cables will both shock and send fear into you (at least they should) so assess your ability to go on. If you are sure you can, the success of the climb will give you a fabulous view of Yosemite Valley below and bragging rights for the rest of your life!
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January 17 2009 07:57 am | Vacations