Pinnacles National Monument
Pinnacles National Monument is a haven for rugged outdoor enthusiasts who welcome a challenge. The red spires and canyons of this area represent the remains of volcano from an ancient past and fertile soil helps keep this site packed with plants and animals. This area provides more than 30 miles of hiking trails, including very tough hikes for the experienced only, such as the High Peaks Trail, and interesting cave trails like Bear Gulch Cave. The park also offers plenty of cliffs to climb, but they can be very demanding, so leave the novices at home.
Pinnacles National Monument
nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/trails.htm
Lava Beds National Monument
This beautiful California park is another that was created through the violence of volcanic activity. The lava beds contain petroglyphs of the Modoc Indians thought to be between 300 and 800 years old. A walk through the lava tube caves that are scattered throughout the park can provide a hike experience ranging from easy to challenging. Backcountry camping here provides the potential for witnessing falcons and bald eagles in their natural habitat. The interpretive trail at Mushpot Cave is very informative, explaining how the various formations in the lava tube caves were formed.
Lava Beds National Park
(530) 667-8100
nps.gov/labe/index.htm
Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands Loop Bike Trail
Anyone can see the Golden Gate bridge while in San Francisco, but an avid biker should definitely take advantage of the Golden Gate and Marin Headlands Loop trail to see this and other San Francisco landmarks. The average riding time to complete this scenic tour is between 90 minutes and 2 hours. The total distance covered is 15 miles, with a gain of 1,500 feet in elevation. In addition to the famous bridge, the trip also takes you by the Point Bonita Lighthouse and Rodeo Beach.
gatetrails.com/headlands.html
Catalina Island
Getting to Catalina Island in Southern California requires 1 1/2 hour-boat ride across 26 miles of ocean. Once you get there, what you do is up to your particular interests. Swimming in the crystal clear water is definitely a popular activity, but then so is scuba diving beneath the surface. Catalina has trails to hike, paths to bike, golf courses, kayaking, tours conducted from a Hummer, Jeep or Segway, and that isn't even to mention the ghost tours highlighted by an actual burial ground on which Catalina was built. Whatever your interest, you can probably find some way to enjoy it on Catalina.
catalinachamber.com/island/activities
