Top 3 Wilderness Survival Tips!

Hello Trailblazers! Make sure you are prepared next time you go out on the trails! Watch a brand new episode of trailblazing TV with Ben McSputters!!!

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Round Valley Regional Reserve

Hello Trailblazers! Welcome to the Round Valley Regional Reserve in Brentwood California! This low level mountain area is a real fun wintertime day trip for a moderate to easy hike.

Right now is probably the perfect time to go since most of the grass is beginning to turn green on the hills, the temperature is still pretty nice, and the views here are very relaxing. There are a lot of picture perfect moments in this area as you can see above. No need to worry about bugs, overcrowded trails, or scorching hot temperatures. There is plenty of shade when walking through the trees, and several of the creek beds are dried up. So if you want to go off trail and explore them go right ahead! I took my picture above in a dried out creek which took us right in between two mountains.

This was a fun hike and the best part was we didn't have to go too far to see some beautiful scenery. Have fun!

YOSEMITE!!!

Today Trailblazers we feature the BIGGEST and BEST park of them all! I am referring to the wonderful Yosemite National Park! This park is filled with some tremendous and wonderful sights to keep you awe struck for hours and hours.

I decided to include an old black and white photo to capture the true rugged essence of Yosemite. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, it doesn't matter. Yosemite's beauties are enhanced by all the seasons. If you are really itching for a great hike this winter break, grab a buddy and drive up to Yosemite for some snow shoe hiking. If you have ever wanted to experience a true winterwonderland with ice capped mountains, white valleys, and cool crisp air you should go to Yosemite.

So do it now, what are you waiting for!?!

Until the next trail calls!

I had no idea...

Hello everyone! I often post about the trails I have blazed through, carving my footprint on awesome trails. But I have never stopped to think about how EXACTLY are these trails created in the first place.

At Henry W. Coe State Park, which is in Morgan Hill and is THE LARGEST state park in Northern California, there is actually a group of volunteers dedicated to making it happen.

If you are interested in learning how the process of clearing trails is done through wild terrain mark your calendars for "Fall Trail Day" on November 1st. They have a day set up where an experienced guide shows you how this is done, and you use the tools they provide you with to go about clearing trails.

Visit: http://www.coepark.org/trailwork.html for more information.

Happy Trail Hunting!

Mt. Diablo

Have you ever driven by the 680 and noticed that huge mountain near the Danville and San Ramon area? Yeah, thats Mount Diablo!

Pick a day when the skies are clear and blue, when the temperatures are not too warm, and when the winds are calm and mellow to visit this awesome mountain range! Make sure you bring some cash, there is a 5-10 dollar entrance fee because it is a state park.

Your first order of business once you arrive? Drive to the summit, you get a full 360 view of the surrounding area near a stone observatory. Make sure to bring your camera and don't fall over!!!

Once your done at the summit drive down to any of the car stop areas and explore, there are so many pit stop areas along the way where you can stop, reflect on things, and explore the surrounding trails.

And for you hard core trailblazers, try going in the fall. I hear the tarantulas come out in the HUNDREDS for their annual mating! Doesn't that sound like fun?

Trinity Alps Wilderness!

Hello fellow trailblazers! This week features a blast from the past, a hiking trip that I just had to post for many many reasons. In May 2008 several of my friends and I decided to go backpacking into the Trinity Alps wilderness for the very first time. It was a test of the body and mind, truly the alps are NOT a place to come unprepared. We stayed there for 3 nights and hiked an average of 15 miles each day carrying 40 pounds on our backs (Not Recommended)!

We found a beautiful camp site next to a running stream with ice cold water freshly thawed from the mountains. The Alps are a hikers dream with scenic trails, ice cold running water, and high elevations. This hike was very difficult, mostly uphill, and the trails had been ravaged by previous rain storms. What does that mean? Well there were plenty of fallen trees and bushes to block your path.

Trip Highs: Seeing Morris Meadows, eating lots of smores, campfires, making our own spears, waking up next to the stream, seeing various wildlife (bears and deers). Yes I saw a bear and survived!!!!

Trip Lows: Hiking with 40 pounds of gear, getting rained on, and missing home cooked food.

I challenge you to challenge yourself and plan a backpacking trip into the Trinity Alps wilderness. Make sure you plan way in advance, talk to the park rangers to get tips on which trails are the best to hit, and avoid the busy times of the year (June-August).

You will not be disappointed, it was truly a grand experience for us all!