How To Hike The Burney Falls Scenic Loop Trail

3 minute read | contains affiliate links

Burney Falls is one of the most visited state parks in all of California. Prior to covid, the park would see an average of 4,000 daily visitors. Since covid, that number has more than tripled to an average of 13,000.

It’s no wonder, either. Burney Falls is a spectacular waterfall. On top of that, it’s one of the most easily accessible waterfalls as it can viewed from an accessible viewing deck just steps away from the parking lot or by taking a short, paved trail to the base.

Many people are completely unaware of the hiking trails contained within the park. So we’ve decided to write a post about the most popular one, the Burney Falls Scenic Loop. It’s a beautiful trail that begins at the rim of the falls and concludes at the base.

If you’ve never been there, you should check out our comprehensive guide on Burney Falls. In it, we cover a lot of information such as directions, camping, hiking trails, best time to visit and more! So if you’re looking for that information, you should definitely read that one and come back here.

Let’s get into it.

Quick Stats

• Location: McArthur-Burney Falls State Park

• Fee/Permit: $10 per vehicle to enter the park

• Open: Year round

• For: All visitors/hikers

• Parking: Semi-large, paved lot

• Restroom: At the visitor center

• EV Stations: None

• Drone Use: Not allowed

• Difficulty: Easy

• Popularity: Highly trafficked

• Time: 1 hour or more

• Milage: 1.2-miles

• Elevation Gain: 167-feet

• Trail Condition: Well maintained

• Main Feature(s): Burney Falls

• Pets: Not allowed

• Special Notes/Hazards: Though it’s a beautiful trail, Burney Falls will be out-of-view for the majority of the hike

• Our Visit(s): October 2016, August 2019, & May 2022

Trailhead, Parking & Direction

The trailhead for the Burney Falls loop trail is directly across the road from the park’s visitor center and parking lot. You’ll see a sign up ahead indicating as such (pictured above).

The parking lot is fairly large, probably closer to medium sized, actually. As we covered in our guide to Burney Falls, this lot tends to fill quickly in the summer months. So if you go during that time, we highly advise that you plan for an early arrival.

Once you’ve parked and paid your entry fee ($10), cross the street and head towards the rim of the falls to begin your hike. There’s a viewing deck where you can get a from above view of the falls.

Burney Falls Loop Trail

If all you want to do is go to the base of falls and leave, bear right towards the stairwell. It’ll only take a few minutes to get down there as it’s only a third-of-a-mile along a well-maintained path.

If you’re dead-set on the loop trail (as you should be) you’ll want to bear left along the dirt path. This trail also takes you to the base, just not as quickly.

Unfortunately, Burney Falls won’t be visible for much of the trail. In fact, you’ll only get the full view once you’ve circled down to the base. Shortly after the beginning of the trail, you’ll get one final look at it through some trees.

After a short time, you’ll arrive at the serene, ‘Fisherman’s Bridge’, crossing Burney Creek just upstream from the top of the falls. If you’re an angler, there are great spots here along the creek to fish for Rainbow Trout.

Be sure to stop near the middle of the bridge to take in the views. You won’t be able to see the crest of Burney Falls from here, but you’ll get a great view looking upstream of the creek.

After the bridge, turn right and you’ll enter a heavily forested portion of the trail filled with Douglas Firs and Oaks. Also along this stretch are a number of benches. Feel free to rest your feet for a moment and take in the sights around you.

The trail will begin to descend slightly along a series of gentle switchbacks. Before hitting the descent, you’ll pass a junction to the Pacific Crest Trail and a series of rocky steps built into the trail. No need to worry as the steps are easily navigable.

Near the halfway mark down the switchbacks you’ll get your first glimpse of Burney Falls since the start of the trail. Again, it’s through a collection of trees but it’s a gorgeous view nonetheless.

Rainbow Bridge Junction

At the bottom of the switchbacks you’ll come to another footbridge crossing over Burney Creek. This one is named, “Rainbow Bridge”. Much like the first one, stopping here to take in the views of the creek would be worth your while.

From here, you have two directions in which you could go. Going left from Rainbow Bridge will take you on a detour to Lake Britton. This is a solid option as the picturesque lake provides many recreational activities.

*Note: The detour to Lake Britton from this junction is closed for the 2022 season due to heavy storm damage to the trail. No word on when it’ll open. To reach Lake Britton, you’ll need to utilize the trail leaving from the rim of the falls and through the campground.

To keep to the loop trail and continue on to the falls, however, you’ll want to bear right as you’re walking off of the bridge. Along this stretch, you’ll pass a huge boulder field on your left. Showcasing evidence of the area’s volcanic past.

Soon, you’ll begin to hear the sounds of Burney Falls crashing into the pool below it and before long, it’ll come into view. There are many spots along this stretch of the creek to get an excellent side view of the falls. You’ll need to scramble a bit but trust us, it’s worth it.

The Base of Burney Falls

This is the main viewing area of Burney Falls and is where you would’ve ended up had you gone right at the trailhead instead of left. This area is defined by a perimeter made of rocks and is a somewhat small area (considering the crowds this park sees).

For a closer look - or to go for a swim in the pool below the falls - you’ll need to scramble down a rock field. The constant mist from the falls makes most of these rocks very slick. So be sure to watch your footing.

If you’re here on a particularly busy day (pretty much any day during the summer season) expect to find many, many people to be here. It doesn’t take long before that viewing area - and even the rock field - becomes a shoulder-to-shoulder situation.

We’ve never been here during winter, but we feel spring is the best time to go, crowds wise. Our most recent visit was the first week of May, 2022, and we practically had the falls all to ourselves. A few people came and went but that was it.

Once you’ve gotten your fill of the views, continue on the trail by heading up the paved switchbacks back to the rim (where you first began). Along the way, you’ll encounter several interpretive signs detailing the development and history of Burney Falls and the area.

It may be a persistent climb back to the rim but fret not, it isn’t that bad. The switchbacks are gentle and towards the end, there’s a couple sets of stairs to help with the final push.

Once you’re back at the rim and satisfied with your visit to the park, simply cross the road to get back to the parking lot. Or better yet, stop by the visitor center before leaving. They have many interesting/informative exhibits.

Which Direction Should You Go?

That’s entirely up to you, but we wrote this trail guide in the clockwise direction as that was the direction we went and feel it’s the way to go. The reason is because of the epic payoff at the end (Burney Falls).

However, there’s nothing that says you can’t go counter-clockwise. If you do, you’ll arrive at the falls after just a third-of-a-mile. To continue past that, head down the paved trail along the creek.

When you reach Rainbow Bridge, simply cross it and head up the dirt switchbacks and onward to Fisherman’s Bridge. There’s no right or wrong. Either direction will provide the same great views and experience.

*Tip: Be sure to read our comprehensive guide about Burney Falls State Park. It’ll help you plan your visit with information on weather, camping, amenities, directions and more!

Your Thoughts…

Does this sound a trail you and your family would enjoy hiking together? Have you been to Burney Falls or have you been dying to go? Tell us about it in the comments below. We love love hearing from our readers!

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Thank you for reading.

Hedge Creek Falls: A Short Hike To An Incredible Waterfall

3 minute read | Contains affiliate links

While not a grand sight or a long, deep hike into the wilderness, Hedge Creek Falls still packs a punch as a highly scenic, simple trail terminating at the 35-foot waterfall spilling over a hanging wall of basalt.

The trail’s unique feature, aside from the waterfall itself, gives hikers the rare chance of going behind the waterfall via a large cleft in the rock.

Hedge Creek Falls is perfect for families with small children, pets, or anyone who happens to be driving by and wants to stretch their legs. Both the parking lot and trailhead are conveniently located right off Interstate-5.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you’ll need or want to know about hiking to Hedge Creek Falls. Let’s get into it.

Quick Stats

• Location: Dunsmuir, CA

• Fee/Permit: None

• Open: All year

• For: Hikers

• Parking: Small dirt lot across the street from the trailhead

• Restroom: Port-O-Potty in the parking lot

• EV Stations: None

• Drone Use: No signs stating you can’t

• Difficulty: Easy

• Popularity: Moderate

• Time: Less than an hour

• Milage: 0.7-miles, out and back

• Elevation Gain: 200 feet

• Trail Condition: Well maintained

• Main Feature(s): 35 foot waterfall, views of Mount Shasta, and views of the Sacramento River

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Special Notes/Hazards: Vehicle break-ins are common in the trail’s parking lot

• Our Visit(s): May 2022

*Please practice leave no trace principles and keep to the trail

Trailhead and Parking

The Hedge Creek Falls trail is probably one of the easiest trailheads on earth to find. Both it and the parking lot are located directly off Interstate-5 on Dunsmuir Ave.

Whether you’re traveling south or north on I-5S, you will see signs for Hedge Creek as you get close. From either direction, take exit #732 and go right on Dunsmuir Ave and it’ll be right there.

If you’re coming from Burney Falls, simply travel north on CA-89 for about 56-miles before jumping on Interstate-5 south for a short time. From there, follow the same directions above.

The parking lot is of the dirt variety and small. It fills rather quickly in the summer so the sooner you can arrive, the better. To find the trailhead, simply cross the street.

The Trail

The trail begins just past the water fountain on the left. It’s a well maintained, packed dirt trail with very little tripping hazards (rocks, branches, etc).

You’ll descend down to the falls under the cover of trees, providing plenty of shade even on the sunniest of days. After just a few minutes, you’ll take note of the sounds of Hedge Creek.

After just ten minutes or so, you’ll arrive at the waterfall. The time of year you’re visiting will determine how heavy the flow is. We were here in May and it wasn’t flowing very heavily.

As you approach the falls, the trail temporarily gets rockier (and slick during the winter) due to how close you’re able to get to both the falls and the creek.

Here, you’ll have the rare opportunity to walk directly behind a waterfall. There’s a large cleft cut into the columnar basalt wall for you to walk through.

You’ll also take notice of the dozens of handprints all over the walls of the hanging rock. These were left by visitors who used the mud in the cleft to leave those prints.

From here, the trail continues for another tenth of a mile to a spectacular view of the Sacramento River and an ‘ok’ view of the summit of Mount Shasta (the rest is obstructed by trees).

Onward to Mossbrea Falls

Now, there’s (almost) nowhere left to go. Most will simply turn around and go back their car. Others could cross the river (if it’s safe) and continue on to an even more beautiful waterfall, “Mossbrea Falls”.

Currently, there’s only an unofficial trail to Mossbrea that requires hikers to commit the crime of trespassing on more than one occasion. So the only other way is to cross the river.

The Mount Shasta Trail Association has been making efforts to finally construct an official trail. Essentially, the plan is to connect Mossbrea Falls to the Hedge Creek Falls trail via a bridge over the river.

Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much progress as the last update given by the MSTA was back in July of 2020. If you want to keep tabs on this project, go here.

Hopefully this project will pick up steam soon because Mossbrea Falls is amazing and it’s criminal that it can’t be accessed without risking a misdemeanor charge.

Have you been to Hedge Creek Falls? Or are you a local and have heard any rumors about the trail to Mossbrea or what the hold up’s about? Lets us know about it in the comments below!

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Thanks for reading.

McCloud River Falls: Three Fantastic Waterfalls in One Hike

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.

Just a short distance between two popular Northern California towns; Burney and Dunsmuir, McCloud Falls is a series of three beautiful waterfalls along the McCloud River.

Lower, Middle, and Upper McCloud Falls are easily accessible by foot via a 3.9-mile (out-and-back) hiking trail or by driving to each one via the paved road connecting the three. Additionally, each fall has its own parking lot with picnic tables, signage, restrooms and a campground nearby.

In this guide, we’ll cover a few things you’ll need to know about each of the falls like where to find them, how to access them once you’re there, etc. Let’s get into it.

Quick Stats

• Location: McCloud, CA (in between Burney and Dunsmuir)

• Fee/Permit: None

• Open: Year round, but can be difficult to access in winter

• Parking: Large, paved lots at each waterfall

• Restroom: Three (one at each waterfall)

• EV Stations: None

• Drone Use: Allowed (UAV must be registered and follow applicable laws)

• Difficulty: Easy by vehicle / Easy to moderate by foot

• Popularity: Popular

• When: Weekdays and early is best for lower crowds

• Time: 2-3 hours

• Milage: 3.9 miles, out and back via the trail

• Elevation Gain: 337-feet

• Trail Condition: Well maintained and easy to follow

• Main Feature(s): Three waterfalls of varying heights

• Campground: Fowler’s Campground (located near the lower falls)

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Special Notes/Hazards: Each waterfall can either be hiked or driven to. No specific dangers aside from usual wilderness hazards.

• Our Visit(s): August 2019 & May 2022

Directions To McCloud Falls

If you already happen to be at Burney Falls (or will be), making McCloud Falls part of your itinerary is easy as it’s just under fifty miles away. Even better, if you’re coming from Interstate-5, it’s only thirty(ish) miles away.

McCloud Falls is a well known destination, so simply plugging that into your GPS of choice will get you there without issue. If you’re not a tech person, here’s the simple directions:

• From Burney: Go north on Highway 89 for 35-40 miles, then take a left onto Fowler Public Camp road and follow the directions.

• From Dunsmuir: Go north on Interstate-5 and take the exit for Highway 89 south. Follow this for about 20-25 miles and take a right onto Fowler Public Camp road.

The road leading to the falls is paved and well maintained. You just need to decide whether you’re going to hike to all three or simply drive.

The falls are handicap accessible and feature viewing decks straight off of the parking lots. For those who wish to, you have the option to walk down to the base of each one for a closer look.

Because we stopped here between our visits to Dunsmuir and Burney, we decided to drive to each waterfall and walk down to their bases to save time. While I recommend hiking the trail connecting the three, you can save a significant amount of time by doing what we did.

Lower McCloud Falls

The lower falls is a great place to begin your visit. The parking lot is paved and decently large. The viewing deck is just off the parking lot, past the restrooms.

If you’re able, I highly recommend going down the stone steps to get a closer view of this 15-foot waterfall. These stone steps is also where the official beginning (or end) of the hiking trail is. I have seen pictures of people swimming in the emerald green plunge pool, so I assume it’s allowed.

In fact, while you’re there, look for metal hooks embedded into the rock. According to a local I spoke with, those are the remains of what used to be a ladder swimmers used to climb out.

From here, you can either start hiking up the trail to the middle falls or head back to your car and drive up. If you drive, simply take a right up the road and look out of the waterfall sign.

Middle McCloud Falls

The middle falls was our favorite and arguably the most impressive of the three. If you only have time for one, I recommend this one. If you’re hiking here from the lower falls, the trail will take you straight to the base. If you drive, you’ll need to hike down or simply view it from above.

To get to the base, you’ll need to hike the short, quarter-mile(ish) trail to the bottom. It’s easy to miss and there isn’t any signage indicating where to go (at least none that we saw). What you’ll look out for is a dirt path, lined with rocks, spurring off to the right from the paved one going to the viewing deck.

The trail consists of packed dirt and while a bit rocky in some spots, overall it’s a well-maintained, easy to-follow trail. You’ll take a short series of graded switchbacks before reaching the bottom.

When the trail flattens out at the bottom, keep left to the falls and you’ll eventually reach a rest area. Between you and the falls is a boulder field that you’ll need to scramble over if you want a closer view. The pool in front of the falls is perfect for swimming and while we don’t how deep it is, we have seen videos of people cliff jumping into it, indicating it’s decently deep.

Out of the three, the middle fall is where we spent the majority of our time. I wrote an extensive post highlighting the middle falls and its trail if you’d like to read more about it.

Upper McCloud Falls

The upper falls is the one with second tallest plunge at 30-feet. Similar to the lower fall, it’s narrow and dumps into a small pool but unlike the lower fall, it’s carved out an opening between the basalt rock walls, rather than just spilling over it.

There’s a plethora of viewing space up top but unfortunately, none of them provided an impressive view of the waterfall (in my opinion, anyway). To get a better view, you’ll need to rough it a bit.

Just past the last viewing deck, where the dirt trail begins, you’ll see a spur trail on your left going straight down to the waterline. Watch your footing and take your time. It’s short, but steep with nothing but loose dirt and rocks. Taking a spill here wouldn’t feel good.

There isn’t a lot of space at the water’s edge. Most of it consists of awkwardly spaced boulders that you’ll need to sit or stand on to view the waterfall.

When you’re done, head back up and go a little further upstream to see the cascades feeding the waterfall or read about the development of these falls on the informational signs near the trailhead.

Hike or Drive?

That all depends on personal preference, physical limitations, how much time you have, etc. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

• Hiking the trail: You’ll need to ensure you have the proper equipment with you such as trekking poles (see my recommendation here), hiking boots/shoes, water, sun protection, etc. Each waterfall is less than one mile from the next and the only real “challenging” part is the uphill slog out of the middle fall. Aside from that, it’s a fairly simple trail.

• Driving to each fall: For those short on time or with physical limitations, this would be the best option. Each fall has its own parking lot and all of the upper viewing decks are wheelchair accessible. If you’re able, you can still get a close view of each waterfall (which is really the main point, anyway).

As far as where to start, that’s also your personal preference. If you’re hiking with a group with multiple vehicles, our recommendation would be to leave a vehicle at the lower fall, take another up to the upper fall, and start the hike there.

This strategy is two-fold as:

1. You’re hiking down to the lower falls, bypassing having to work your way up and out of the middle falls.

2. Saves you time by cutting the hike in half.

If you’re driving, it doesn’t really matter where you start. If you only have time for one waterfall, we recommend the middle falls as it’s the largest, most scenic/photogenic, and has the best swimming hole.

Subway Cave: Explore An Awesome Lava Tube Near Burney Falls

5 minute read | Contains affiliate links

Subway Cave, located just a short distance from Lassen Volcanic National Park, is the largest and most easily accessible lava tube in the world.

The access road is right off of highway 44 and the cave itself is a short, five-minute walk from its decently sized parking lot.

If you’ve ever wanted to explore a cave but you don’t feel like crawling through tight spaces, Subway Cave is perfect for you as it’s large and wide open.

So how do you get there? What’s the inside of the cave like? We answer these questions and much more below!

Quick Stats

• Location: Near Old Station, California

• Red Tape: None

• Open: Seasonal. May through October

• For: Hikers/Explorers

• Parking: Fairly large, paved lot

• Restroom: Yes. At the trailhead

• EV Stations: None

• Drone Use: Not allowed

• Difficulty: Easy

• Time: One hour or more

• Milage: 1/3 of a mile

• Trail Condition: Well maintained outside the cave. Inside the cave is “as-is”. Rough floor, but no extreme hazards

• Main Feature(s): Lava Tube

• Pets: Not allowed

• Special Notes/Hazards: You’ll need to bring a flashlight as its pitch black in the cave. You’ll also need a light jacket or sweater as the cave hovers at around 46 degrees.

• Our Visit(s): May 2022

Getting To Subway Cave

Getting to Subway Cave is simple and straight forward. Especially if you happen to already be in the area or will be driving through.

Since it doesn’t take very long to explore, it makes for an excellent roadside stop to get out and stretch your legs for an hour or so.

From Reno

• Take highway 395 north for about ninety miles

• Go right on CA-44 west for forty-six miles

• Turn right on CA-89 north

• About a third of a mile after turning on CA-89, you’ll see a sign for Subway Cave. Turn right onto the road

• Total drive time is about two hours and twenty minutes

From Redding

• Take CA-44 east for fifty-seven miles

• Continue onto CA-89 north for about a third of a mile

• When you see the large sign for Subway Cave, turn right.

• Total drive time is just over an hour

From Burney Falls State Park

• Take a right out of the park onto CA-89 south for twenty-eight miles

• Total drive time is about thirty minutes

Parking at Subway Cave

After turning onto the road from the highway, it’s a short drive to the parking lot. The lot itself is fairly large, bring able to accommodate at least a few dozen vehicles.

There’s no guesswork involved as the road eventually terminates at the lot. You won’t have to worry about money as both parking and entering the cave are free.

At the trailhead you’ll find a few interpretive signs detailing the formation and history of the cave, along with the area as whole.

Subway Cave Lava Tube

As stated above, it’s only a five-minute walk from the trailhead to the entrance of the cave. You’ll start down a paved path before hitting a set of stairwells.

At the top of the stairwell, you’ll continue on a dirt path for a short distance before arriving at the mouth of the cave dubbed; Devil’s Doorway.

Devil’s Doorway

The entrance to Subway Cave will be on your right and down a couple sets of stairwells. Around you, you’ll notice debris from the cave collapse that formed the 25-30-foot across entrance.

As soon as you reach the cave floor, you’ll immediately notice the temperature change. It could be one hundred degrees at the surface, but the cave remains at a cool forty-six.

The other element of the cave you’ll immediately take notice of is how dark it is. It won’t take long before you’ll be unable to see your own hand in front of your face.

*There are NO natural or artificial light sources in Subway Cave!

Due to this, be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp with a minimum of 500 lumens to safely navigate the cave. The light on your cell phone will not cut it.

The image above is deceitful as its isn’t representative of the actual lighting conditions in the cave. This was a camera trick to enable us to show you details of the cave walls and its shape.

The image below is a more accurate depiction of how dark the cave really is. The flashlight we had was one we just picked up at Target on the way in. It wasn’t great as you can see.

While easy to navigate, you should know that the cave floor can be slick in some spots, along with being jagged and uneven throughout its entirety.

So much so, that the first stretch of the tube you’ll walk through is dubbed, Stubtoe Hall. Just aim your light to the floor while walking and you’ll be fine.

Lucifer’s Cul-De-Sac

You’ll eventually reach what seems like a split. A choice to go either left or right. Keep in mind that there is only one entrance and exit.

We recommend going left first, as this will take you to a room called, Lucifer’s Cul-De-Sac. You’ll start out with six-foot ceilings before reaching the room with a fifteen-foot high ceiling.

The trail dead-ends here so once you’re finished exploring it, head back the same way to came and go right at the split to continue.

At this point, you’re at about the halfway mark of the cave. There are small signs dotted along the cave floor that help you determine where you are.

The Sanctum

You’ll come to an even larger room called, The Sanctum. It has a high ceiling before reaching a point where, depending on your height, you may need to duck to get through.

Take this opportunity to check out the ceiling and walls around you. They’re covered in these popcorn looking formations called, Speleothems, or “Lavacicles”.

These formations develop when water passes through the soil above the limestone, absorbing carbon dioxide. It then becomes acidic and cools.

You’ll eventually reach a rubble pile on your right and soon after this, you’ll see the exit up ahead (Rattlesnake Collapse). Much like the entrance, a stairwell leads you up to the surface.

That’s it. As stated, Subway Cave isn’t very big and doesn’t take long to explore. Many people discover that its over before they know it.

After reaching the top of the stairwell, turn around (facing the cave exit) and take the trail to the left of the cave. This will take you back to the parking lot.

If you want to spend more time in the cave, there isn’t anything that says you can’t go back through to the other side. It’s totally up to you.

A quick note…

We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photos on our website. Below, we’ve added Amazon links to those products and others that we recommend.

If you decide to purchase, Amazon will pay us a small commission. This helps us keep Inked with Wanderlust running and doesn’t cost you anything extra.

• Nikon D780 Camera

• Tamron 24mm to 70mm 2.8 Lens

• GoPro Hero 10

• Mosiso Camera Backpack

• “Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson (this book is a great resource for anyone starting out in photography)

Conclusion

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Barney Lake: A Beautiful Day Hike Near Bridgeport

3 minute read | contains affiliate links

Hiking to Barney Lake via the Robinson Creek trail is one of the many premier hiking experiences in Mono County.

The trailhead is located behind the campground at Mono Village, which is just 10-miles or so outside of the small town of Bridgeport.

We have hiked this trail many times. It’s one of our favorites. In fact, it was on this trail where the idea and name for this website was born.

In this guide, we’ll cover topics such as directions, what to expect along the trail, places to eat and more! Let’s get into it.

Here’s some great hiking products we recommend…

• Venture Wipes for Adults

• Garmin Instinct Rugged GPS Watch

• Foxelli Collapsable Trekking Poles

• TETON Oasis Hydration Backpack

• Jetboil Flash Stove Cooking System

• Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera

• EllaPee Women’s Urinal Funnel

Quick Stats

• Location: Bridgeport, CA

• Fee: None

• Permit: None

• Open: Year round, though difficult to access in winter

• For: Hikers & Equestrians

• Restroom: At the trailhead in the campground

• Parking: Large day-use dirt lot

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Popularity: Medium

• Mileage: 8-9 miles, roundtrip

• Time: 3-4 hours

• Elevation Gain: 1,223-feet

• Condition: Fairly maintained, mostly unsigned

• Features: Robinson Creek & Barney Lake

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Drones: Not allowed

• Hazards: None aside from usual wilderness dangers

• Our Visit(s): 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, & 2021

Mono Village Campground

As stated at the beginning of this post, the trailhead for Barney Lake is behind the campground at Mono Village.

Mono Village is easy to get to from the town of Bridgeport. From town, go down Twin Lakes road and continue straight for about ten miles.

Mono Village is located at the terminus of Twin Lakes road. You’ll literally run right into it. Shortly after arriving, you can park in the day-use lot on the left.

If you have time before or after your hike, there’s plenty to do at Mono Village if you’re here during their normal operational months. These include:

• A large campground with many sites for tents, RV’s, etc.

• Boat, Kayak and Paddleboard rentals

• Bait & tackle shop

• A general store

• Restaurant

If you need to use the restroom before heading out, you can find one just behind the restaurant. If you’re eating there, there’s also one inside.

Finding The Barney Lake Trailhead

To find the trailhead, stand near the check-in booth to the left of the restaurant and face the campground.

Ahead of you, you’ll see two trees with a pathway going between them and yellow markers on each tree. Head between those trees.

Continue on this pathway until you see a meadow at the rear of the campground. Keep going straight while keeping this meadow on your left.

After a half-a-mile or so, you’ll see the one and only trail sign on this trail. It’s an arrow pointing right and says, Barney Lake, on it. Bear right with the sign.

Robinson Creek Trail to Barney Lake

As of now, you’re officially on the Robinson Creek trail. Initially, this part of the trail is mostly flat, with a few gentle inclines here and there.

There’s a plethora of tree cover and if you’re here during spring and early summer, there will be a few creeks to cross (easy to do).

After a mile or so, you’ll enter a large meadow with mountain peaks surrounding you. There isn’t a lot of shade on this section of the trail.

*Tip: Be sure to bring plenty of water with you. Tap to check out the Hydration Backpack we recommend (affiliate link). It can carry 2-liters of water in addition to your day-hike essentials.

You’ll eventually dip back down under tree cover but don’t get too excited. After a short time, you’ll come out of tree cover and start going at a slight incline.

This is also where you’ll meet back up with Robinson Creek. Aside from the lake itself, this is our favorite part of the trail.

There’s a few spots here where you can take a break and admire a couple mini waterfalls. All the while enjoying your return to tree cover.

Once you feel rested, continue up the trail. After coming into another opening, you’ll arrive to the start of the switchbacks (at this point, you’re close to the lake).

These switchbacks aren’t bad at all, but this is the least maintained part of the trail. There’s a lot of overgrowth.

To make matters worse, if you’re here in the spring or early summer, they’re muddy and slick from the water run-off.

About halfway up the switchbacks, you’ll come to a point where it seems as though the trail disappears. Continue up and over the granite rock to rejoin the trail.

Shortly after this point, the trail will flatten out and the sight of Barney Lake will soon come into view.

Barney Lake

The scenery at Barney Lake is impossibly gorgeous. Especially if you’re here on a day without wind. The surface of the lake is glass-like.

The west end of the lake (near the outlet) provides an alternate view, los of shade and many seating opportunities.

If you’re here in spring, the beach may be non-existent due to the amount of snow melt still coming off the mountains.

Throughout summer, as snowmelt lessens and water levels subside, the beach becomes more prominent.

Optional Lakes

From here, you have two choices. The first one is you can simply finish up with your hike and make your way back to the trailhead.

If you still have some energy to burn, you can continue up the trail and onto additional, even more amazing lakes.

Some of these lakes include Crown Lake, Robinson Lake, Peeler Lakes, Snow Lake and more!

Additionally, you can go even further by making your way over the pass and dropping into the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne in Yosemite.

Unless you’re a super fit hiker, you’ll need to secure a permit to do most of these as you’ll be spending a night or three in the backcountry.

*Tip: If you’re feeling hungry after your hike, stop by the Burger Barn before heading home. Tap the link to check out our post about them!

Your Thoughts…

Have you hiked to Barney Lake before? If so, tell us about your experience in the comment section below. We love hearing from our readers!

Please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends.

Thank you for reading.

The Mist Trail: Hike One Of Yosemite's Most Beautiful Trails

5 minute read | Contains affiliate links

Yosemite is filled to the brim with many popular and beautiful natural attractions and trails. However, there are a select handful that are insanely popular in the park.

We have been blessed to have hiked many Yosemite trails and while they are all amazing in their own right, there are two that stand out from the pack; Half Dome and The Mist Trail.

We’ve covered Half Dome in a previous article that details my experience and gives you a good idea of what to expect.

While The Mist Trail is partially covered in that one (The Mist Trail is where most hikers begin), we felt it to be deserving of its own detailed, dedicated post.

Quick Stats

• Location: Yosemite National Park (Valley)

• Red Tape: None for the trail, but you’ll need to pay the park entrance fee

• Open: Spring through Fall

• For: Hikers only

• Parking: Large dirt lot a quarter mile from the trailhead

• Restroom: Two. One at the Vernal footbridge and another at the top of Nevada Fall

• EV Stations: None

• Drone Use: Not allowed

• Difficulty: Moderate to hard

• Time: Two to four hours

• Milage: Three miles (RT) to Vernal Fall / Seven miles (RT) to Nevada Fall

• Elevation Gain: 1,925 feet

• Trail Condition: Well maintained and marked

• Main Feature(s): Vernal Fall & Nevada Fall

• Pets: Not allowed

• Special Notes/Hazards: The stone steps along the trail are slick, some are steep, and they can be dangerous. Watch your footing

• Our Visit(s): September 2017 & June 2020

The Mist Trail

Parking can be somewhat complicated for this trail (Yosemite as a whole, really). This trail is one of, if not the, most popular in the park. So the lot fills quickly.

Those who are hiking Half Dome utilize this trail and parking lot as well and they get an early start. So the lot may be already partially full by the time the sun rises.

Usually, if you get here before 9am, you’ll likely score yourself a spot. If it’s full, signs will be posted alerting you to that.

Your options in this case would be to park at Curry Village (an additional half a mile away) or park elsewhere in the park and take the free shuttle.

Private vehicles are not allowed on the road going to the trailhead. So either way, you’re going to have to walk to get there.

Simply follow the road to the trailhead. It’ll be to your right after the bridge. After a short distance, you’ll see a gate and trail signage on your left. This is the official starting point.

Vernal Falls

The first feature on this trail is the beautiful Vernal Fall. Not counting the distance from the parking lot, it’s 1.5 miles from the trailhead to the top of Vernal.

Don’t let the short distance fool you. This trail is anything but easy. It’s a relentless, uphill slog nearly the entire way. Not to mention the slick, stone steps.

After a mile, you’ll arrive at the Vernal Fall footbridge. Here, you’ll get your first and only opportunity at filtered water via the fountain. You’ll also have access to the first of two restrooms.

Both are located just past the bridge. This is the point where a lot of visitors decide to call it a day and head back (you do get a slight view of the falls from the bridge).

You’ll also have a fork in the trail here. If you don’t want to deal with the slick stone steps, you can take the John Muir Trail.

This trail is on a far more even grade, but it will not take you to the base of Vernal and it will add a bit more time to your hike. To experience the mist, continue left on the trail proper.

The trail begins to climb again as you get closer to Vernal. Soon, you’ll approach the beginning of the stone steps and get your first glimpse of this magnificent waterfall.

I’ve never counted them, but according to my research, there are 500-600 of these steps. Again, these steps are SLICK. Be mindful of your footing.

As you make your way up the steps, it’ll soon dawn on you where this trail’s namesake comes from. Though the amount of mist you experience will depend on the time of year.

If you’re here in the fall, you’ll experience little, if any. This is due to the falls not flowing as heavily as they do in the spring.

That said, come during spring or early summer and you’ll definitely find out why it’s called the Mist Trail. You WILL get wet. Soaked, even.

We caution anyone with a camera that isn’t properly weather sealed to stow it away before proceeding. Also, If you’re against getting wet, a poncho would be advisable.

Once you’ve reached the mid-way point between the steps (you’ll know you’re there when you’re on a flat-ish area at eye level with the waterfall), you’ll be mostly out of the reach of the mist.

You’ll also have a decent amount of tree cover to help you escape the sun for a bit with various rocks to site on, if needed.

From here, you’ll have an epic view of the gorge that Vernal dumps into and the river, which has been cutting through here for many years. It’s an amazing, unbeatable sight.

If you’re lucky, the sun will hit the mist just right and present you with a rainbow (or two) to gaze at. At this point, you’re roughly one-mile into the hike.

From here, you’ll have a choice. This is the point where a lot of visitors decide to turn back. However there are more amazing views at the top of Vernal.

To do this, you must hike another half mile up a few hundred more stone steps. These steps are not usually as slick as the ones along the base, though.

Pictured above, you’ll see the last of the steps you’ll need to tackle before reaching the top. Once up there, you’ll see much more of the gorge leading into the valley and get up close to Vernal’s edge.

The river you see feeding the falls is the Merced River. The waters leading to the edge usually appear calm, but strong currents are always present.

At the edge, the Merced dumps millions of gallons of water 317-feet into the gorge below. The view up here is simply remarkable.

From here, you'll again have a choice to make. You can head back to your car or you can continue on for another 1.5 miles to Nevada Fall.

Nevada Falls

About a mile from Vernal, you’ll come to the Nevada Fall footbridge. The view of the Merced cutting through the granite boulders is an amazing sight.

From the bridge, you’ll have a great view of Liberty Cap. Many visitors mistake this for Half Dome (wishful thinking). From here, you’re close to the end of the trail (and another restroom).

While Nevada doesn’t produce nearly the amount of mist that Vernal does, the steps will still be slick. The good news is you won’t have as many to deal with as in between the steps are moments of compact dirt.

Once at the top, there’s rocks and log furniture to take a break on. There’s also the second opportunity for restroom use. This one is surprisingly well maintained.

If you’re a Half Dome permit holder, you’ll want to continue onward from here. For you Mist Trail day hikers, it’s time to head back. You’ll have two options on how to do this:

1. You can take the John Muir Trail down. This will add another mile to the hike, but its much smoother as you won’t have to negotiate the stone steps. Plus, you’ll get a unique view of Nevada Fall.

2. You can head back down the same way you came up. Keep in mind, going down those steps is worse than going up (especially if they’re slick). Going down the JMT may add an hour, but it wouldn’t necessarily add more time as it would more than likely take longer to deal with the steps.

On our 2017 visit, we opted to go back down the Mist Trail versus the JMT. Almost immediately, I regretted that decision. Seriously, consider the JMT.

Things to Remember

• This is NOT an easy going trail. It may be fairly short, but don’t underestimate the potential dangers. More people have been killed or hurt on this trail than any other in the park. That includes Half Dome. It is sun exposed, has thousands of slick stone steps, and a powerful river running through it. Keep to the trail, watch your step, bring plenty of water/snacks, and don’t overdue it.

• Swimming or wading is NOT allowed. Years ago, people were able to swim in the emerald pools up river from Vernal Fall. Unfortunately, those days are over. Far too many deaths have occurred from people getting swept over the edge.

• The trailhead parking lot fills up early. The closest parking lot to the trailhead fills up quickly. Even if you do snag a spot, you’ll still have to walk a quarter-mile to the trailhead. So keep this in mind when planning your day and prepare for the possibility of having to park further away and taking the shuttle in.

• Have a great time. Despite the potential dangers, this trail is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful trails you’ll ever hike. Pace yourself, take pictures, and be sure to pause and allow the beauty of Yosemite to consume you. If you only have time for one day hike during your visit, this is the one.

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A quick note…

We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photos on our website. Below, we’ve added Amazon links to those products and others that we recommend.

If you decide to purchase, Amazon will pay us a small commission. This helps us keep Inked with Wanderlust running and doesn’t cost you anything extra.

• Nikon D780 Camera

• Tamron 24mm to 70mm 2.8 Lens

• GoPro Hero 10

• Mosiso Camera Backpack

• “Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson (this book is a great resource for anyone starting out in photography)

Conclusion

It is our hope that this article was helpful to you in planning your next adventure. If so, please share it with your family and friends on Facebook or Pinterest.

You can further show support by subscribing to our newsletter below. In it, you’ll receive a once weekly newsletter containing announcements, new post alerts, news, and more!

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please engage with us in the comment section below.

Thanks for reading and safe travels!

Explore Sutro Baths and Hike The Lands End Trail in San Francisco

7 minute read | Contains affiliate links

Located in the northwestern corner of the beautiful city of San Francisco, a coastal oasis awaits eager visitors and hikers alike; Lands End.

From the moment you leave your vehicle, you’re treated to near non-stop stunning views of the city’s coast, Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean, and Marin Headlands.

If that wasn’t enough, you’ll also get to check out many historic sights and subjects such as the USS San Francisco Memorial, Sutro Baths, Cliff House, and more!

You can spend your visit just exploring the ruins of the Sutro Baths or extend your visit by hiking this short, but beautiful stretch of California’s infamous, Coastal Trail.

So how do you get to Lands End? Is the trail dog friendly? How many miles is it? We’ll answer all these questions and more below. Let’s get into it!

Lands End Information

Lands End Lookout

The parking lot for Lands End is located in the Sutro Heights district of the city, just off of Point Lobos Ave.

Here, you can access the Visitor Center, Cliff House, Sutro Bath ruins, and the trailhead for the Lands End trail.

For GPS purposes, here is the address:

• 680 Point Lobos Ave. San Francisco, CA, 94121

Sutro Baths Ruins

From the parking lot, you’ll see a stairwell descending towards the ocean. This stairwell will take you down to the Sutro Baths ruins.

The Sutro Baths complex was a massive saltwater swimming pool owned by Adolph Sutro. They were built in 1894 and remained opened until 1964.

The complex was sold to real estate developers with the idea to build ocean-side condos, but a fire in 1966 put an end to that plan.

Now run by the National Park Service, all that remains of the baths are the concrete foundations, walls, and stairwells.

It may seem like nothing, but the ruins are fun to explore. You’re free to climb and walk on them but be careful! One misstep and you’re in the ocean.

To the right of the ruins is a tunnel carved into the rock. It isn’t long and there’s not much to see at the end, but it’s still a cool feature of the area.

Sutro Baths Upper Traill

On the concrete path to the ruins, you’ll notice a dirt path that spurs off up and to the right. This is the Upper Trail.

The view from above will give you an idea of just how massive the Sutro Baths complex really was.

Lands End Trail

Trailhead near Sutro Baths.

Trail Information

The trailhead on the lookout side of the trail is adjacent to the parking lot. If you’re facing Sutro Baths at the top, go right.

You can access the other side of the trail by parking near the Legion of Honor building and walking down the pathway along the road.

Trailhead near Legion of Honor off of Lincoln Highway.

The Lands End trail is a section of the infamous, Coastal Trail. A near 1200-mile trail stretching from Mexico up to Oregon.

The Lands End portion is 1.5-miles, one-way, along a mostly dirt path winding along beautiful coastal bluffs lined with Cypress trees.

The trail is easy-to-mild in difficulty, but does present a few moderately challenging stairwells at certain points.

The trail starts out (from the lookout side) on a wide path under Cypress trees, before opening up to an amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

About halfway through, the path narrows and turns into a more traditional hiking trail. For the most part, the trail is very shaded.

*Bathroom Alert: In short, there are none. Not on the trail, anyway. There are bathrooms at the Lands End Lookout visitor center and occasionally, there’s a portable restroom near Fort Miley at the dead-end.

Trail Detours & Features

If you just want to go from one end to another, you can. However, along the way, you’ll encounter a few cool detours you should consider taking.

Lands End Point

At around the half-mile point (coming from the lookout side), you’ll see a sign pointing towards a set of steep steps (pictured below).

This stairwell will take you down to three great detours; Lands End Point, Mile Rock Beach, and Lands End Labyrinth.

Halfway down the stairwell, where it flattens, veer to right to Lands End Point. It features a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge.

It makes for an excellent spot to take a break and take some photos. You could also enjoy a picnic here with your partner.

You’ll see remnants of a foundation that held some kind of military artillery. To the left of that is the Lands End Labyrinth (our photo didn’t turn out well at all. Sorry).

*If you’re interested in more locations around the city with military history, check out our articles about Kirby Cove and the Muir Beach Overlook.

Mile Rock Beach

Taking the second set of stairs will take you to Mile Rock Beach. There’s also a short, but sketchy, path from Lands End Point you can take.

The beach is small, but beautiful. What it’s most known for are the seemingly hundreds of rock stacks along the cove.

These were left by many visitors over the years and the rocks used in the Labyrinth above the beach were taken from here.

Eagles Point

Eagles Point isn’t a detour as it’s directly off the trail, but it’s worth mentioning as it provides the closest view of the bridge on the trail.

If you’re starting on the Lincoln Highway side of the trail, you’ll see it right away as it’s just past the trailhead sign on your right.

Legion of Honor

Legion of Honor is a museum located near the trail in Lincoln Park. They display a collection of ancient and European artifacts from the last 4,000 years.

The Beaux-arts building was built in a way to commemorate Californian soldiers who were killed in battle during World War 1.

We would recommend visiting before or after your hike. For more information or to purchase advance tickets, go here.

USS San Francisco Memorial

This memorial was built to honor the memory of the men who died on the USS San Francisco during the Battle of Guadalcanal.

The memorial was built out of materials from the actual ship. You can see the holes made by enemy bullets all around it.

Coming from the Sutro Baths side of the trail, you’ll soon come to an opening on the trail with the Golden Gate Bridge on full display.

To the right of this viewing area, you’ll see a steep set of concrete steps on your right (you can’t miss them). Take these to the top and go right.

Additional Information

When To Go

The Lands End Trail and Sutro Baths are accessible throughout the year, so there’s no real bad time to go.

The summer months will obviously be the hottest and will have the heaviest crowds. Aside from that, it’s pretty much your preference.

It was late November when my Dad and I hiked this and we experienced minimal crowding and perfect weather.

Most of the crowds we saw were at the Sutro Baths and it was close to noon by the time we reached that point.

Cliff Warnings

Scattered throughout the trail and at Sutro Baths, you’ll likely notice signs such as the one pictured above. It’s best to heed these warnings.

Unfortunately, there have been many deaths along this trail. One being a 17-year-old girl who lost her life after falling over a cliff.

When my Dad and I were here, someone had fallen off a cliff after entering a restricted area near Sutro Baths.

Thankfully, he was recovered by Fire & Rescue Personnel and survived his injuries, but it could have been much, much worse.

Is The Trail Dog and Bike Friendly?

Dogs, leashed or not, are welcomed all along the trail and at Sutro Baths. Bikes, on the other hand, are a bit more complicated.

Bikes are allowed between Lands End Lookout and the cut-off for Mile Rock Beach. From there, there’s a bike trail that splits from the main one.

The new trail you’ll be on parallels Lands End Trail, but higher up and will eventually terminate near the Legion of Honor building.

A Quick Note…

We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photos on our website. Below, you’ll find Amazon links to them.

If you decide to purchase, Amazon will give us a small commission. This helps us keep the site running and doesn’t cost you anything extra.

• Nikon D750

• Nikon 24mm to 70mm 2.8 Lens

• K&F Concept ND Filter

• Gopro Hero 10

• GoPro Media Mod

• Mosiso Camera Backpack

• “Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson (this book is an excellent resource for anyone getting into photography)

It is our hope that this article was helpful to you in planning your next adventure. If so, please share it with your family and friends on Facebook or Pinterest.

You can further show support by subscribing to our newsletter below. In it, you’ll receive a once weekly newsletter containing announcements, new post alerts, news, and more!

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please engage with us in the comment section below.

Thanks for reading and safe travels!

The Complete Guide to Muir Woods: Trails, Reservations, and More

Muir Woods National Monument is one of the most popular attractions in the Bay Area, bringing in hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. A trip to the area just wouldn’t be complete without a visit.

Enacted as a National Monument by Theodore Rosevelt in 1908, Muir Woods is 554 acres of tranquility. These giant coastal redwoods have an average age of 600-800 years old. The oldest clocking in at a whopping 1200 years!

Your first time walking amongst these ancient giants is a magical experience. Many of the trees in the monument are north of 200-feet tall and will undoubtedly leave you in awe as you gaze upon them.

While we encourage anyone and everyone to visit this amazing place, there are certain things you need to know and do before going to ensure a successful visit. Let’s get into it!

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Visitor Information

Parking Reservations

If you want to visit Muir Woods, before you do anything else, you need to check the park calendar and ensure there is an available parking reservation for the day(s) you want to go.

Reservations are required no matter the day or time of year. Parking lots at the monument are not large and parking isn’t allowed on the sides of the road. So this is needed in order to mitigate over-crowding.

How To Make a Reservation

To make a parking reservation, follow the steps below:

• Go to this website

• Click/Tap the reservation button and select the day you want.

• You’ll then select your vehicle type.

• Select your arrival time window (Arrival times are in 30-minute intervals).

• You’ll then be given the option to pay for your park admission fees ahead of time (This fee is in addition to your reservation fee).

• Now you’ll enter your information and payment method.

• You’ll be emailed a QR code that will contain your reservation and admission fees (if you opted to pre-pay). Be sure to screen shot this and save it. When you arrive, pull it up on your phone and the parking attendant will scan it.

• You should also print it out a hard copy in case your phone dies.

Parking Reservation Fees

The following is a list of parking fees for your type of vehicle. These fees are mandatory and are paid at the time you make your reservation:

• Standard Vehicle - $9.00

• Handicap Accessible - $9.00

• Electric Vehicle - $13.00*

• Vehicle 17-22 feet - $30

• Vehicle 23-35 feet - $45

*The reason EV’s are more is because it includes charging. If you think you’ll be fine without it, just opt for the standard vehicle price. If you’re driving a Tesla, remember to bring your J1772 adaptor.

Shuttle

If you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday, the shuttle is another option. You’ll park at an offsite location at Pohono Park & Ride and take the 30-minute ride in.

If you go with this option, you will NOT need to make a parking reservation. Though you WILL need to select a 30-minute window of arrival at the Pohono lot.

The address for Pohono Park & Ride is as follows:

• 100 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Fees for the shuttle are:

• $3.50 (per person 16 years and up)

• Free (persons under 15 years)

The shuttles are ADA accessible with each one able to accommodate two wheelchairs. When making your reservation, be sure to select this option to ensure a spot.

Is Ride-Sharing an Option?

The short answer? Yes and no. You could get an Uber to take you into the monument but once there, you won’t have cell reception. So getting one to pick you up wouldn’t be possible.

Taking a Taxi would be your best bet if you don’t have your own vehicle or you’re visiting on a weekday. We would advise you to arrange a pick-up time with the driver or you can call them on the payphone behind the restrooms near the entrance.

Speaking of restrooms, there are two at the park:

• As mentioned above, there’s one just before the entrance near the parking lot.

• The other is located near the gift shop and cafe.

Beyond the gift shop, there are no other bathrooms in the monument.

Park Entrance Fees

In addition to paying for either the shuttle or a parking reservation, you will need to pay park entrance fees as well (unless you’re a holder of one of the various annual passes).

Muir Woods entrance fees are as follows:

• $15.00 (per person ages 16 and up)

• Free for persons 15 years and younger.

*Pro Tip: If you’re a family of 3- 4 and everyone is 16 years or older, consider purchasing the Muir Woods Annual Pass. It costs $45 (the total cost of three adults), is good for 12-months, and covers up to four people per visit! Just keep in mind that it will NOT cover parking or shuttle fees.

The easiest and most convenient way to pay for your entrance fee is online while making your shuttle or parking reservation. When you arrive, the attendant will scan your QR code and you’re done.

If you prefer to pay on arrival, you can. Current accepted forms of payment are cash, credit/debit card, or Apple Pay. Just keep in mind that shuttle or parking fees MUST be paid online, in advance.

Directions to Muir Woods

From San Francisco

Most don’t realize just how close Muir Woods is to San Francisco. How close? Only a mere 11-miles from the Golden Gate Bridge! To get there:

1. Go north on Highway 101 and cross the Golden Gate Bridge

2. Take the Highway 1 exit to Stinson Beach

3. Turn left to stay on Highway 1

4. Turn right on Panoramic Highway

5. Turn left on Muir Woods road and continue until you reach the parking lot

From the East Bay

1. Make your way to and get on Highway 101 South

2. Take the Highway 1 exit to Stinson Beach

3. Follow steps 3, 4, and 5 above

For GPS purposes, here is the official address for the monument:

• 1 Muir Woods Road, Mill Valley, CA 94941

Park Hours

Normally (as in, when we don’t have pandemics going on), Muir Woods is open all year long, including on major holidays. However, it is NOT open 24/7. The monument is open to the public:

• 8:00am to 5:00pm, daily.

The park facility hours vary slightly from normal park hours. They are:

• Visitor Center: 8:00am to 4:30pm. This is the building at the entrance to the monument.

• Gift Shop: 9:00am - 5:00pm. This building is roughly 50-60 yards or so behind the visitor center.

• Cafe: 10:00am - 4:00pm. The cafe is adjacent to the gift shop.

Best Time to Go

Busiest Time

Peak travel months for Muir Woods is May - October. Due to its proximity to San Francisco, it sees heavy visitation during these months. So much so, it can downright miserable.

If you must come during these months, we highly recommend a weekday and arrive as close to opening as possible. It’ll still be crowded, but it’ll at least be slightly easier than the weekend.

Off Season

In our opinion, the best time to visit is between the months of November and April. Yes, it does get cold and yes, it can be rainy, but the park also sees a major reduction in crowds.

The photos in this post were from our trip in November 2021 and as you can see, the crowds were minimal. If you can help it, we highly advise that you plan your trip for the off season.

Hiking Trails

Within the monument itself, there are 6-miles of trails. There are others that begin in Muir Woods but spur off to other locations such as Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, and neighboring Mount Tamalpias State Park.

All of the park trails begin and end at the visitor center at the entrance of the park. These include:

• Bridge 2 and back ( .5 miles): This is a short, peaceful walk along Redwood Creek. The boardwalk following this trail is both wheelchair and stroller friendly.

• Bridge 3 and back ( 1 mile): This also follows Redwood Creek (on both sides) but extends your excursion into old growth Redwoods.

• Bridge 4 and back (1.5 miles): We highly recommend doing this. This trail takes you all the way to the end of the park (any further and you’ll enter Mount Tamalpias State Park). From here, you can turn around and head back or…..

• Hillside Trail (2.0 miles): The first two miles includes the initial 1.5 miles to bridge 4. Instead of heading back the way you came, cross the bridge and head up the hill. This will loop you back and spit you back out at bridge 2. Going this way gives you a different perspective of the forest.

As mentioned above, there are other trails that spur off to other places outside park boundaries. A couple of these include:

• Muir Woods to Muir Beach (6 miles): This trail takes you to Muir Beach and back. It isn’t a long or difficult trail but depending on your level of fitness, we would definitely recommend allocating at least a few hours.

• Dipsea Trail (up to 10 miles): Dipsea is one of the most popular trails in the area. It begins at Muir Woods and ends at Stinson Beach. You can do the whole thing (about 10-miles, one-way) or you can shorten it to your desired milage.

To see more more trail options, go here.

Whether you intend to stay within the park or hike beyond it, we recommend picking up a park map at the visitor center. You’ll likely be handed one when you get there but if not, definitely ask.

What to Bring

Muir Woods is located almost directly off the coast of the Pacific Ocean. In the morning, that misty fog San Francisco is known for appears quite often. Temperatures rarely exceed 70 degrees and due to the height of the trees, there’s plenty of shade.

Due to this, there are certain things you’ll want to bring with you. Particularly if you’re visiting during the off season months. Here are a few of our suggestions:

• Backpack: For us, this is essential. I never go anywhere without my backpack. I use it for camera gear, carrying water, snacks, spare clothing, and other personal items.

• Camera: Nearly everyone has a camera on them these days. From DSLR’s to iPhones. Whichever you use, be sure to bring it to capture the memories you’re sure to make. Just don’t try to use a Drone here. They’re not allowed.

• Water: Beyond the gift shop, there are no water fountains. Make you to bring plenty of water with you.

• Dress in Layers: For the off season months, bring a waterproof jacket. As the day progresses, it’ll start warming up. So keep a long sleeve and short sleeve shirt with you.

• Proper Footwear: While the main trail along Redwood Creek is well maintained, you’re still in a wild place. There’s tree stumps, rocks, dirt, etc. Hiking boots or sturdy shoes with good grip would suffice.

• Snacks: You can pick some up at the Cafe or save some money/time by bringing them with you. Just be sure to pack out any empty wrappers, bags, etc.

Keep to the Trail

We don’t mean to be preachy, but it needs to be said. It’s important to remain on the trail and boardwalk in Muir Woods. As tempting as it may be to get closer, please don't.

Redwoods have shallow roots and stepping on the little ones can stunt growth. Trampling through the soil could also have devastating consequences for the insects and other wildlife that depend on it as their habitat.

Muir Woods Gift Shop & Cafe

About 20 yards behind the visitor center, you’ll find the gift shop and cafe. Both are housed in one building. The gift shop has all the usuals; shirts, framed pictures, pins, patches, coffee mugs, etc.

The cafe mostly serves a variety of hot and cold sandwiches and some grab & go options. I’ve had the gilled cheese with tomato soup and found it to be fine. Nothing out-of-this-world, but it did the job. You can see their full menu here.

Things to Do Nearby

While you could easily spend an entire day at Muir Woods, if you’re up to it, there are a few places nearby that are worth a visit in their own right.

• Muir Beach Overlook: This stunning overlook is located about 10-minutes from Muir Woods. From it, you have endless views of the Pacific Ocean, stunning views of the beach and coastline, and you’ll also learn some awesome military history on top of that. You can read all about it on our post here.

• Stinson Beach: About 20-minutes is all it takes to drive to Stinson Beach from Muir Woods.

• Kirby Cove Hiking Trail: About 13-miles from Muir Woods and on the Marin Headlands side of the Golden Gate Bridge, this short hiking trail takes you to a stunning cove with jaw an amazing view of the bridge and city. Read our guide on it here.

• Mount Tamalpais State Park: What the locals refer to as, “Mount Tam”, this stunning State Park has a huge network of hiking trails through amazing forests, waterfalls, the mountain’s summit, and more!

Conclusion

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Muir Woods and we have no doubt you will too. We’re so excited to finally add it to our website and help you put together a trip for yourself. Let us know in the comments if you have any further questions!

We hope you enjoyed this article and it was helpful to you. If so, please support our website by sharing it with your friends and family on Facebook, Pinterest, or your favorite social media site. You can further show support by staying on and reading one or more of the related articles above.

Thanks for reading and safe travels!

The Ultimate Guide To Visiting and Touring Alcatraz Island

Jump To…..

• History of Alcatraz

• Visitor Information

• Cell House Tour

• Exploring the Island
  

Welcoming more than 1.4-million people annually since opening its doors to tourists in 1973, Alcatraz is one of the undisputed top rated attractions in San Francisco.

Its rich, yet complicated history makes it appealing to anyone with even a remote interest in the subject. While its gone through multiple stages of claims and ownership, what it’s most famous for is its service as a Federal Penitentiary.

From 1933 to its closing in 1963, Alcatraz, or simply, “The Rock”, housed some of the most notorious inmates in the United States, including; Al Capone, George “Machine-Gun” Kelly, Bob Stroud, and Roy G. Gardner.

Though many have tried, Alcatraz was considered inescapable. Most escape attempts ended in surrender or death of the escapee. Five inmates, however, were never found. Assumed to have drowned in the frigid waters of the bay.

These days, visitors are welcomed and tours of the cell house and island are offered daily. With the click of a mouse, you can visit this historic place for yourself.

This guide will cover everything you’ll need to know, including; making reservations, prices, tour types, and history. You’ll also get sneak peaks of what you’ll see during the tour of the cell house tour.

NOTE: This post is long. At the top of the page, you’ll find jump links to the four major sections of the post. While we encourage you to read the whole thing, if you’d rather skip to what you’re most interested in, just click or tap to go to that specific section.

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History of Alcatraz

Military Period (1850 - 1933)

Alcatraz’s notoriety started back in 1850 when, at the behest of a joint Navy and Army commission of implementing a “triangle of defense” to guard San Francisco Bay, President Fillmore signed an executive order to secure land around the bay for such use. This included Alcatraz.

Construction on the lighthouse was completed in 1854, beginning its service as the first lighthouse on the Pacific Coast. By 1859, 87 men of Company H, Third US Artillery took post on the island and by 1863 would take their first prisoners by seizing a confederate ship and imprisoning its crew.

The prison was heavily used during the Spanish-American War and by its conclusion in 1898, Alcatraz would be severely overcrowded. This resulted in the building of the upper prison on the parade ground at the turn of the century.

In 1912, the new cell house (the one you see today) was built. It was constructed using convict labor and finished in the same year. This would be the final cell house built under Military supervision.

By 1930, the Federal Government was in need of a tough prison that could house a criminal population that was either too dangerous, too difficult, or had a high potential for escape. So in 1933, Alcatraz was transferred to the Feds and began its service as a Federal Penitentiary.

Federal Penitentiary Period (1934 - 1963)

The whole goal of the Federal Government was to have a prison that criminals feared. ‘The Rock’, fit the bill and quickly earned a reputation of being tough, miserable, and impossible to escape from. The cells were small (even by prison standards) and frills were minimal.

A man by the name of James A. Johnston would be appointed as its first Warden and would go on to serve for 14-years, nearly half of its operating years. Warden Johnston implemented many rules and other security features such as fortified bars, strategically-placed guard towers, and a dozen inmate counts per day.

Though it had a reputation of being “escape-proof”, some inmates challenged this as several attempts were made, most of which resulted in surrender or death of those involved. There are two notable attempts we will briefly cover.

Battle of Alcatraz

In 1946, several inmates planned and executed an escape attempt that quickly went awry and resulted in the deaths of all inmates directly involved and two guards. Not to mention over a dozen additional guards getting severely injured.

The three main inmates never made it out of the cell house and, after refusing to surrender, died in a hail of gunfire in a small utility corridor by Guards and U.S Marines. If you would like to read about it from the point of view of an inmate who was there, read:

Inside Alcatraz: My Time on the Rock: by Jim Quillen (highly recommended)

Frank Morris & The Anglin Brothers

Probably the most famous escape attempt, due to a Clint Eastwood film being made about it, is the one by Frank Morris and brothers John & Clarence Anglin. The men spent several months chipping away at the deteriorating walls around the vent at the rear of their cells.

They also made dummy models of their heads out of paper, plaster, and real hair, placing them in their beds to fool guards into thinking they were asleep. Sometime after final count on June 11th, 1962, the three men made their move by squeezing through the vent and to the roof through the utility corridor.

They successfully made it to the island’s north shore without being detected, hastily constructed a raft made from 50 raincoats, and headed out into the frigid waters, never to be seen again.

The official conclusion from the Warden was the men drowned. In reality, no one knows for sure. The water temperatures in the Bay are notorious for being very cold with strong currents. Their fate remains a mystery to this day.

Book - Escaping Alcatraz: The Untold Story of the Greatest Prison Break in American History

While successful in building an image feared by criminals, Alcatraz would prove itself to be too costly. The salty ocean air was slowly deteriorating the prison. Rising maintenance costs and other ongoing expenses proved to be too much. By order of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, Alcatraz was closed in 1963.

Tribal Occupation Period (1969 - 1971)

In 1969, an activist group called, “Indians of All Tribes”, landed on Alcatraz with the intent of reclaiming it as Native-American land. They did so in the name of an 1868 treaty that allowed for Indians to reclaim unused federal land. They wanted to redevelop the island into an Indian cultural center and school.

As is often the case, the federal government didn’t agree with their interpretation of the treaty and swiftly began negotiating with the group. It soon became clear that the group would settle for nothing less than complete ownership of the island. Soon, the group of activists on the island would swell to over 300 people.

When negotiations went nowhere, the Feds cut power to the island and used other tactics in an effort to remove the activists. In 1970, after the death of his young Daughter on the island, the leader of the group, Richard Oakes, left the island.

Eventually, more activists would leave and by 1971, just a handful of men, women, and children remained. At this point, the Feds moved onto the island and removed them. While technically defeated, the actions here inspired many Indian related protests at locations across the country, including Mount Rushmore and Plymouth Rock.

If you want to read about the Indian occupation in greater detail (and we suggest you do), read this article. They give a great account of what happened, why it happened, and the end result.

National Park Period (1973 - Present)

During Alcatraz’s operational years, there were only a few ways you could go to the island; you were either working there, incarcerated there, or visiting an inmate. That changed in 1973 when Alcatraz was transferred to the National Park Service and began offering public tours.

The NPS has done a wonderful job maintaining the island and keeping the facilities as authentic as possible while allowing the public to get up close and personal to what was once described as, “hell on earth”.

You, too, can visit and tour Alcatraz for yourself. However, there is a lot to know and you’ll need to be prepared. Now that we’ve gone over the general history of the island, lets get to the information you’ll need to know in order to go.

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Visitor Information

Buying Tickets

Much like anything else, there is a fee to tour the island. The fee you’ll pay includes your entrance to Alcatraz, the cell house tour, and the round-trip ferry ride. Prices for the day tour are as follows (subject to change):

• $41.00 - Adult (12 years old and up)

• $38.65 - Senior (62 years old and up)

• $25.00 - Child (5 - 11 years old)

• $119.60 - Family Pack (Two adult & two child tickets)

As far as purchasing tickets go, you have two options:

• Online: This is the preferable and easiest way. Often times, it’s the ONLY way. Tickets are known to sell out months in advance. So purchasing your tickets right when you decide on a date is the only sure-fire way. Alcatraz City Cruises is the official concessioner for Alcatraz tickets. You’ll see many others but they’re middle-men and you’ll end up paying more.

• Purchase Day-Of: As stated above, tickets have been known to sell out far in advance. We’re not saying it’s impossible to get day-of tickets, but it’s not worth risking the disappointment. If you decide to go this route, head to Pier 33, scan the QR code at the entrance with your phone, see if there’s availability and if there is, make your purchase.

After you make your purchase, you’ll be emailed a receipt with a QR code (your tickets are contained within it). Simply screenshot it with your phone and present it to the ticket booth upon arrival. They’ll scan it and send you on your way. As always, be sure to print a copy just in case your phone dies.

Types of Tours

While the day tour is the most popular, there are two other types of tour you should be aware of:

• Night Tour: Limited to just a few hundred visitors per night, the night tour gives you the opportunity to see a sure-to-be spectacular sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge and experience the island in the dark. Prices are similar to that of the day tour but cost just a bit more.

• Behind the Scenes Tour: Ever walk by a spot on the tour with the dreaded, “closed to the public”, sign? Here’s your chance to go to THOSE areas. While pricey, you and a group of no more than twenty are taken to areas of Alcatraz seldom seen by the public. Areas such as special gardens, the underground jail, and the tunnel that stretches from one end of the island to the other.

Best Time to Go

There’s really no bad time to visit San Francisco but in our opinions, September - November is best. Temperatures are warm but not unbearable and crowds are minimal.

Winter is when you’ll get the best deal on hotels but you’ll also be contending with regularly occurring rain showers. Spring is good due to mild temps and rain is nearly non-existent.

Summer, as you guessed, would be our least desirable time of year to go. It’s hot, crowded, and everything is pricier than usual. If you can help it, try either spring or fall.

Pier 33 - Alcatraz Landing

Location

Your journey to Alcatraz begins and ends at Pier 33 on the Embarcadero. The simplest and best ways to get there is by either walking, taking public transit, or a ride sharing option.

If you need to drive, parking can be found at Pier 29.5 (adjacent to Pier 33), across the street from the Exploratorium, a parking garage across from Pier 39, behind the ferry building, and other locations nearby. They all charge their own fees.

The boarding area contains multiple informative displays and a scaled model of what the island looked like when the prison was operational. There’s plenty of seating scattered about and portable restrooms.

You’ll see the boarding queue up front and at the entrance will be a sign indicating which group is boarding (your group is the time you selected during your ticket purchase).

You can arrive as early or as close to your departure time as you like. However, it is recommended to arrive one hour prior as the vessel is loaded on a first come-first serve basis. You could end up having to wait for the next one if it’s full.

*Side Note: It is here where you can request a Braille and American Sign Language transcript of the cell house tour.

Arriving at Alcatraz

The Ferry Ride

The ride to Alcatraz is scenic and short, maybe 12-15 minutes. In fact, you’ll spend more time embarking and disembarking. If you’re going on a particularly busy day, be prepared for a cramped ride.

*Side Note: As of December 2021, masks are required in all boarding areas, on the vessel (ferry), and in all interior areas on the island. Vaccination status is NOT being checked.

Building 64 will likely be the first thing you’ll notice as you pull into the dock. The upper section was where the military barracks were. Soldiers protecting the bay and guarding the prisoners slept here.

The lower section was part of the fortification protecting the bay. Looking closely, you’ll notice large square holes around the lower section. Those were canon ports.

Before taking off, stop and listen to the Ranger presentation held in front of the bookstore. In it, the Ranger discusses the Indian occupation that took place on the island. You’re asked to take part in this but it isn’t required.

The small building across from the bookstore is the first of three restrooms on the island. There’s another adjacent to the entrance of the cell house and one more across from the administration building.

*Side Note: Take note of the sign displaying ferry return times. They vary according to day and the type of tour you’re on. Unless you grabbed a brochure, it would be a good idea to take a picture of this so you’ll know the next available ferry.

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Cell House Tour

Getting There

To start the tour, walk parallel to Building 64 on East Road towards the guard tower. Before the tunnel (Sally Port), you’ll see a door on your left. This is the theater exhibit room. It wasn’t in operation when we were here, but we’ve seen it before and it’s worth checking out.

Here’s a few important details about the pathway to the cell house:

• The walk from the dock to the cell house is a quarter-mile.

• During this, you’ll have 130-feet of elevation gain.

• This is the equivalent to climbing a 13-story building (spread out over a quarter-mile).

It does get a bit steep in some places but honestly, it isn’t difficult to get up there. I only mention this because most people don’t realize how the walk to the cell house is.

On the way up, the pathway spurs off in different directions. At these crossroads, you’ll see signage indicating the correct way to the audio tour. Just follow those.

If you have mobility issues of any kind, you can utilize the shuttle. It picks up at the dock and drops you off right at the cell house entrance (and vice versa). Oh, and it’s free.

Cell House Entrance

Audio Choices

When you see rotted bars with a sign stating, “Main Prison”, you’ve reached the beginning of the tour. Before heading in, you’ll need to make a decision on how you’ll plan to take the tour. You have two options:

1. Utilize their audio device.

2. Download the app and use your phone.

Each comes with they’re own negatives and positives. The audio device is small, but it’s in a thick plastic sleeve and due to covid, they no longer include headphones. So you’ll continuously need to hold it against your ear.

Downloading the app means you won’t have to worry about hearing the narrator through a sleeve as you'll able to use your headphones. The downsides are that it’s known to be buggy and the connection gets lost in some spots.

Neither is perfect but in order to hear the tour, you’ll need to do one or the other. We opted to use the audio device as we didn’t know about the app ahead of time and already drained the batteries on our AirPods.

Alcatraz Showers

After walking through the entrance, you will enter the shower room. The queue wraps around the showers to the other side, where you will pick up your audio device. Each person in your group will be given one.

When you reach the front of the queue, inform the attendant if you’ll be using the app or the device. If you choose the app, you’ll go right through.

If you want the device, inform the attendant of your language preference. You can choose between:

• English

• Spanish

• Mandarin

• Japanese

• Italian

• German

• French

• Dutch

Once you’re set, head up the stairs to the cell house (there’s an elevator for those with mobility issues). At the top of the stairwell, go left and look for a red sign (pictured below). Do not start the device/app until you reach this point.

Michigan Ave

When you reach this point, the tour officially begins. After you hit the green button, you’ll be introduced to the narrators, four former inmates of Alcatraz. They are:

• Leon “Whitey” Thompson (Weapons charge, 1960 - 1962)

• John Banner (Bank Robbery, 1954 - 1958)

• James Quillen (Kidnapping, 1942 - 1952)

• Darwin Coon (Bank Robbery, 1959 - 1963)

You’ll also hear from a couple former guards as well (unfortunately, we didn’t catch their names). Also, park officials swap narrators from time to time. So they may be different when you go.

The cell block you’ll see in front of you is B Block. Behind you is A Block, which was seldom used during the island’s run as a federal prison. Unfortunately, it is not part of the regular tour. To see A Block, you’ll need to book the “Behind the Scenes” tour.

The tour narrators will tell you when to stop, what to look at it, describe what you’re looking at, and which direction to go in next. This is why it’s imperative to pay close attention.

You will have the ability to pause the tour and rewind in case you get turned around, missed something, or want to linger in one spot for a while longer.

To the left of the sign with the narrators on it is the, “cut-off”, a passageway through the middle of B Block. You’ll go through here and turn right coming out.

Broadway

After going through the cut-off, you’ll turn onto, “Broadway”. This is the aisle between B and C Blocks. Your narrator will guide you to a few different cells with notable occupants.

Each cell on B and C Blocks are some of the smallest you’ll ever see. Grown men lived in cells that were 5 feet by 9 feet and 7 feet high. Most inmates could stretch their arms and easily touch each side of their cells.

You’ll work your way up Broadway towards what is known as, “Times Square”. When you reach this point, you’ll turn left and head towards the doorway leading to the Recreation Yard.

Recreation Yard

The Recreation Yard (or simply, “Rec Yard”), is where most inmates would spend a portion of their days. Some would play cards while others played handball. Some, simply, would sit and stare at the impressive views of the city and Golden Gate Bridge.

You will want to pause the tour and spend some time looking around the yard. If you look towards the back wall, you’ll notice an open, rusted door leading to a steep stairwell.

This is the door where inmates would march through to go to whichever job they held. They would have to go up and down these stairs on a near daily basis.

Feel free to spend all the time you want exploring the yard. Once you’re ready to resume the tour, simply head back the same way you came in. When you reach the doorway, hit start on your device and head straight to D Block.

D Block & Prison Library

Inmates who proved to be problematic for guards, i.e, got into fights, assaulted guards, or just didn't follow a specific rule, were sent to D Block. It was quickly given the nickname of, “Punishment Block”.

These cells were much bigger than the ones in the other blocks, but inmates were confined to them 24 hours a day (with the exception of their twice weekly showers).

Since they were completely confined to their cells, everything was brought to them by other inmates or guards. On top of that, the only two activities allowed here were reading and quietly talking to the inmate next to you.

The other feature of D Block, specifically on the upper tiers, was the view of the city. Inmates, however, said this was the worst part because when the wind blew towards Alcatraz, it carried sounds of people talking and laughing from the city, reminding them of how isolated they were.

Further down D Block is where you’ll find the infamous solitary confinement cells, also known as the, “prison within a prison”.

These cells were solid concrete with nothing but a toilet, sink, and a bed inside. No light source was provided so when the solid door was closed, inmates were in total darkness and could hear nothing.

If you want a small taste of what it was like, go to the cell at the very end. Both doors are left open and you are allowed to step inside. Although you cannot shut the door behind you, it will give you a sense of what the inmates experienced.

After D Block, your next step will be the prison library. It’s another example of a, ‘prison within the prison”, as you feel like you’re walking into a cage.

On arrival at Alcatraz, inmates were given a library card and were allowed three books at a time. This was in addition to a bible, text books, and approved magazine subscriptions (newspapers were prohibited).

Inmates weren’t allowed to come and go as they pleased, though. If they wanted to check out a book, they would fill out a slip and turn it in. The Librarian would find the book(s) and deliver them to that inmate’s cell.

There are benches in the library that you’re free to use if you need to sit-down for a bit. When you’re ready to move on, exit the Library and go right on “Park Ave.”

Park Ave., Good-Time Cells, & Visitation

Coming out of the library, the narrator will have you view a few of the cells on C Block on what is known as, “Park Ave.” These cells are referred to as, “Good-Time Cells”, as inmates in these cells were allowed paint supplies and other privileges.

From here, you’ll round the corner to view the visitation area, also known as, “Peek’n Place”. Here, inmates would visit their loved ones by talking to them through a phone and thick, glass barriers. Under most circumstances, inmates were allowed only one visit per month.

Head to the opposite side of the wall to see it from the visitor’s perspective. There would be a guard stationed here listening to all conversations. Among other topics, discussing current events was prohibited and could’ve resulted in privileges.

The area behind the visitation is where the administrative offices are. You can come back here after the conclusion of the tour. For now, head back down broadway.

Broadway & Dining Hall

Before arriving at the Dining Hall (the final room of the tour), you’ll take one last stroll down Broadway. On the way, you’ll stop to see the cells of Frank Morris and the Anglin Brothers. They took part in the greatest escape attempt in the history of Alcatraz.

You’ll see the vent in the back of their cells where they squeezed through to gain access to the corridor. They took advantage of Alcatraz’s deteriorating state by chipping away at the wall around the vent.

You’ll also see the plaster molds of their heads they constructed. They placed them in their beds at night to fool the guards into thinking they were asleep. In reality, they were in the corridor behind the cells working on the next phase of the escape.

The final section of the cell house tour is the Dining Hall. Here, hundreds of men would gather together for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, everyday. The guards would tell you that this was always the most tense part of the day as fights or riots could break out at any time.

To deter this, tear gas canisters were positioned in the rafters throughout the room that could be set off remotely. There was also an abundant of armed guards present. Despite these security features, a few riots have broken out here.

Inmates were given 20-minutes to eat and were not limited in how much food they could consume. The only caveat to this was no matter how much they took they had to eat it all, leaving no waste. If they made a habit out of doing that, it could result in the removal of privileges.

Hanging above the entrance to the kitchen is the menu of the final breakfast served at Alcatraz. Inmates reported the food here to be the best of any Federal Penitentiary they’ve been to.

By now, the narrator has concluded the tour and from this point forward, you’re free to explore the island at your leisure. Turn in your device to the booth in the middle of the room and head back down the stairs.

From there, you’ll come down the stairs and back into the showers. You’ll be directed to exit through the gift shop and when you do that, you’ll be right back where it all began at the cell house entrance.

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Exploring the Island

Your visit to Alcatraz doesn’t end with the cell house tour. You’re free to spend as little or as much time here as you please as long as you’re off the island by the final ferry departure time.

At the conclusion of the tour, simply head back down the path and go from there. Having a map of the island would come in handy here but if you don’t have one, just follow the signage.

Southwest & Northwest Side

On the southwest side of the island (facing the Bay Bridge) is the administration building, the remains of the Warden’s house, the historic Lighthouse, and the ruins of, ‘Officer’s Row’ (where housing for the guards and their families used to be).

In the admin building, you’ll see the Warden’s office, control room, and other offices. You can also access the cell house from here if you want to see it again.

Outside the admin building is the former home of the Warden. As you can see in the image above, the elements and nature have taken over. As you’ll see when you’re here, though, the Warden once had an amazing view of the bridge and city.

Take the west road (pictured above) to see the Northwest side of the island. Here you’ll find a beautiful garden that was once maintained by the inmates.

The west road eventually terminates near the stairwell that leads back to the Recreation Yard. If you like, you’re welcomed to go back up there. If not, you’ll need to turn back and go the way you came in.

Southeast and Northeast Side

These are on the opposite side of the island. To get there, you have two options:

• Go up the stairs through the recreation yard and cut through the cell house to the other side. You’ll go back down the stairs in the Dining Hall and out through the gift shop. Or….

• Take the west road back to the Warden’s house and loop back to the other side on east road.

There are multiple historic buildings on this side of the island. Building 64, the Sally Port, the old Boat Dock, and (pictured above) the remains of the Officer’s Club.

Continuing straight away from the Officer’s Club is where you’ll find the Powerhouse, Model Industries Building, and Water Tower. A bit further up the road (going towards the cell house) you’ll find the Morgue.

The Model Industries Building is fenced off so you’re not able to go in and see it. We did see a lot of construction material nearby so that may possibly change in the future.

At this point, you have no other recourse but to turn around. From here, it’s completely up to you where to go.

As stated above, you can remain on Alcatraz for as long as you wish. You can explore the island some more, do the cell house tour again, you can hike the Agave Trail (starts near the ferry dock), or head back to the city.

*We’re often asked about the kind of camera equipment we use to capture the photos used on our website. Below are Amazon links to what we use. If you decide to purchase, Amazon pays us a small commission and it doesn’t cost you anything extra.

• Nikon D750 Body

• Nikon 24-70mm 2.8 Lens

• Nikon 50mm 1.8 Lens

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Conclusion

Phew! That was a long one. If you read that entire thing, you rock! If you skimmed through it, you still rock! We’ve been wanting to add Alcatraz to our website for a long time and we’re excited for you to read it. Be sure to let us know in the comment section if you’ve been to Alcatraz or are now wanting to go.

We hope you’ve found this post helpful in planning your next adventure. If so, please support our site by sharing it with your family and friends on Pinterest or Facebook. You can further show support by staying on and reading one or more of the related articles above.

Thanks for reading and safe travels!

San Francisco's Embarcadero: Best Things to Do, Getting Around, and More!

3 minute read | contains affiliate links

In San Francisco, there’s an endless amount of things to do, sights to see, and food to eat. You would have to spend at least a week just to see the main highlights.

There’s one street in particular that runs along the eastern shoreline of the city and in just 1.5-miles, contains multiple attractions, restaurants, and historic sites - that street is Embarcadero.

We spent a few days going in and out of the Embarcadero and since there’s so much to see, we thought it would be a good idea to put this guide together to help you navigate it.

We’ll show you many of the main attractions along and throw in some some ideas on where to eat, where to park, and the best way to get around. Let’s get into it!

Exciting news for our readers!

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Discover a range of unique designs that capture the spirit of wanderlust, from cozy hiking-themed t-shirts to charming accessories that make your wanderlust spirit soar!

Visit our online store today and start your journey of style and adventure. Happy exploring!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!

The Embarcadero

Where to Start

There’s no real official beginning or end and where you start is completely up to you. For simplicity sake, this guide will cover where we began and ended.

The vast majority of the attractions are directly on the street between the historic San Francisco Ferry Building and Pier 39. This stretch is roughly 1.5-miles in length and without stopping, takes around 25-30 minutes to walk.

We were staying in Vallejo so instead of driving in, we opted to take the Blue and Gold Fleet Ferry into the city. This is an excellent option to start your day on the Embarcadero.

The ferry leaves from multiple cities around the Bay Area including Vallejo, Richmond, Oakland, and more. If you plan to utilize the ferry or other modes of transportation in the area, consider getting a Clipper card.

Embarcadero Attractions

Pier 14

Pier 14 is a pedestrian pier that stretches over the ocean and offers fantastic views of the city, the bay bridge, and Yerba Buena Island.

If you arrive at or close to sunrise, it’s an excellent spot to catch sunrise photos. We arrived just before 6:00am and managed to get quite a few beautiful shots of the bridge with the sun rising.

It’s also a great spot to watch the multiple cargo ships and ferries coming in and out. Since it’s a public pier, you can fish from here without needing a license as well.

Along the pier you’ll see metal plates from the poem, “The Sea and the Hills”, by Rudyard Kipling. Near the pier, at the base of the bay bridge, there’s a cupid’s bow and arrow sculpture. We didn’t take the time to check that out, though.

Historic Ferry Building

If you do nothing else on Embarcadero, be sure to stop by the ferry building and head inside. All of the ferry terminals are located outside, to the right of the building. The inside, however, is where it’s at.

It’s been transformed into a gourmet hot spot for the city. It features numerous local restaurants and shops offering up delicious food, local wines, handcrafted soaps, deserts, coffee, and more!

What it’s most known for is its weekly Farmer’s Market. They set it all up right on the street outside the building. This occurs on the following days:

• Tuesdays & Thursdays - 10am - 2pm

• Saturdays - 8am - 2pm

Simply admiring the beautiful architecture was enough for us. The shops and restaurants inside were just icing on the cake.

*Pro Tip: Go to Blue Bottle Coffee inside and order the New Orleans style cold brew. You’ll thank us later.

Pier 7 Walkway

Much like Pier 14, Pier 7 is another beautiful pier that also offers amazing views. Unlike Pier 14, though, this one is dotted with antique looking light poles all the way to the end.

Our first time here, it was packed with Instagramers all jockeying for position to get that perfectly lined shot. Our second visit was shortly after sunrise so I managed to get a shot without anyone in it.

To the right, you’ll have more amazing views of the bay bridge with a couple historic boats in the foreground. One of them hosted Kisha’s senior prom back in the day so that was cool to see.

The Exploratorium

The Exploratorium has been a mainstay in San Francisco for a long, long time. Not to age ourselves, but we can remember going on school field trips here as kids.

It moved to the Embarcadero in 2013 from its original location in the Palace of Fine Arts (another wonderful attraction, by the way). You can find it split between Piers 15 and 17.

The Exploratorium is an interactive museum filled to the brim with participatory exhibits allowing kids and adults alike to learn more about topics such as physics, science, weather, and more.

This is perhaps the best attraction on the Embarcadero for families. We remember having a blast here and have no doubt you will to.

Alcatraz Tours - Pier 33

Touring Alcatraz isn't just the most popular attraction on the Embarcadero, but it’s one of the biggest in the entire city (in our opinions, it’s behind only the Golden Gate Bridge).

Alcatraz first served as a military prison and then - most famously - a federal penitentiary that housed some of the most notorious criminals in the United States, such as Al Capone, George “Machine-Gun” Kelly, Alvin Karpis, and Bob Stroud.

Due to significant erosion and expense, Alcatraz ceased operations in 1963. Ten years later, it would once again open its doors, this time to tourists. The National Park Service has operated daily tours to the island ever since.

We have toured Alcatraz multiple times. The island is surprisingly extensive and each time we’ve gone, we’ve discovered something new (to us). We cannot recommend it enough.

Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay sits at the entrance to famed Pier 39 and is home to more than 20,000 marine animals including Sting-Rays, Sharks, River Otters, Octopus, and multiple species of fish.

While technically part of Pier 39, we decided to give it its own listing as it’s easily the biggest attraction on this pier (aside from the seals). If interested, you can read more and purchase tickets here.

Pier 39

Pier 39 is the dining, shopping, and entertainment meca of San Francisco and has been the city’s most visited tourist attraction for nine years in a row as of 2021.

Sea Lions ( or “Sea-Lebrities”) have become permanent residents at the west marina (K-Dock). There is a dedicated viewing deck where you take pictures and watch them play.

While a handful stay year around here, the majority migrate to the Channel Islands for mating season. During winter months, you can find as many as 900 Sea Lions here.

Where to Go From Here

Some will disagree, but we consider Pier 39 to be the unofficial end (or beginning) of Embarcadero. Going west, there’s a few historic sites offering close up views of WW2 era vessels. These are Piers 43 and 45.

Past that, you start entering Fisherman’s Wharf and we consider that to be its own thing entirely. We’re eyeing that for a future post. Next, we’re going to give some suggestions on where to eat and how to get around.

Where to Eat

Fog Harbor Fish House

If you ’re into clam chowder, then you need to head to Fog Harbor. They’re located inside Pier 39 and normally, I wouldn’t recommend restaurants in touristy attractions like that. Reason being is they typically rest on their laurels.

Don’t fret though, because that isn’t the case here. Their service is outstanding, the clam chowder is delicious, and views of the bay and Alcatraz are amazing.

Their entrees are on the higher side of the pricing scale but you can get a heaping sized bowl of their award winning clam chowder for less than $10 bucks. Add in a freshly baked piece of sourdough for a few bucks more.

Pier 23 Cafe

Pier 23 cafe is a family owned and operated restaurant directly on historic - you guessed it - Pier 23. They serve up fresh seafood and you can choose between indoor or outdoor dining.

The views of the bay from their beer garden and waterside patio are unmatched. There’s a reason why they’ve been in business, successfully, for 35 years. The food is great as is the service.

Other Restaurants

We can’t personally vouch for these restaurants but based on their reviews, they seem to be great options:

• Hog Island Oyster Co.

• Delancey Street Restaurant

• Coqueta

• Kirimachi Ramen

• Angler

• The Slanted Door (Temp. Closed)

Getting Around

Walking

For most people, walking is going to be the easiest and most efficient way to get around to the piers of the Embarcadero. The distance to Pie 39 from the ferry building is only 1.5-miles on a flat surface.

Driving to and from each individual attraction just wouldn’t be feasible given how scarce parking can be and of what you can find, you’ll have to pay for it.

If you’re driving in, you can find parking behind the ferry building, across the street from The Exploratorium, a parking garage across from Pier 39, and in multiple pier buildings such as Pier 29.5.

Electric Scooters & Bikes

While walking is the main mode of transportation on the Embarcadero, we did see a lot of people utilizing electric scooter and bicycles as well.

The only electric bicycles we saw were from Lyft. They have a check out station just outside of the ferry building’s west side that you can access if you have the app.

While we saw multiple scooters, the brand we saw more of was, “Scoot”. Much like the others, you’ll need to use their app in order to use them.

Quick Note……….

We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photos used on our website. Below, you’ll find Amazon links to that equipment. If you decide to purchase, we’ll get a small percentage of that sale that’ll go towards keeping the site running and will cost you nothing additional.

• Nikon D750

• Nikon 24-70mm f28

• USA Gear DSLR Backpack

• Victiv Camera Tripod

Conclusion

The Embarcadero is a great way to spend the day in San Francisco and we hope you decide to make it part of your vacation plans. If you've been there or are planning, let us know in the comments what your favorite part of it was.

We hope this article was helpful to you. If so, please support our site by sharing it with your family and friends on Facebook, Pinterest, or your favorite social media site. You can further show support by staying on and reading one or more of the related articles above.

Thanks for reading and safe travels!

Coit Tower: How To Tour This San Francisco Icon

In San Francisco, there’s no shortage of historic sites to visit. Fort Point, Alcatraz Island, and the Golden Gate Bridge are just a few examples of these.

One more, though, is not only one of the city’s more popular historic sites, but it’s also been an iconic part of San Francisco’s skyline since its construction in 1933; Coit Tower.

Coit Tower was named after Lillie Hitchcock Coit, a wealthy patron of the city’s firefighters. Upon her passing in 1929, plans were set in motion to erect the tower as a monument to the firefighters she loved so much.

Despite us growing up less than an hour from the city, we have NEVER taken a tour here. During our most recent visit to SF, we decided to change that and do it.

Read along while we give some factual tidbits of this amazing place and get all the information you’ll need to put together a trip for yourself. Let’s get into it!

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Visitor Information

How To Get There

There are numerous ways to reach Coit Tower and is highly dependent on your travel style.

Walking

Coit Tower is a fairly short distance from many neighborhoods and tourist areas of the city. The easiest thing to do is to type Coit Tower into Google or Apple Maps and select the walking option.

Be warned, though. The maps will fail to mention the steep hill you will have to negotiate to get there. Not to mention the other steep hilly streets found throughout the city. Just something to keep in mind.

Driving

If you’ve driven your car here or have rented one, the address to the tower is as follows:

• 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd. San Francisco, CA 94133

Simply plug it into your GPS and follow the directions. Just be aware that parking can be scarce. The parking lot is very small and most people will need to park down the street and walk up.

*Note:

• No EV charging stations on site.

• The closest is a ChargePoint station in a parking garage on Sansome street about a 10-minute walk away. You could park there and walk up the Greenwich Steps until you reach the tower.

Uber, Lyft, or Taxi

This is by and large the easiest (but admittedly not cheapest) option and is what we did. For clarity, we spent $10.82 plus tip for an Uber Comfort from Pier 39.

Our driver was able to get us there quick and dropped us off right at the entrance. Lyft will probably have similar fares but we have no idea what a traditional Taxi would cost.

Here’s a list of some of San Francisco’s Taxi companies. Tap/click on their name for their contact number:

• American Taxicab

• Yellow Cab of San Francisco

• Airport Taxi Cab

Bus #39 from Fisherman’s Wharf

If you’d like an affordable transportation option, the best to go would be to take the #39 bus from Fisherman’s Wharf. You can get the detailed schedule here.

The only downfall to this is the bus doesn’t make change. One-way fare is $2.25 per person. So either make sure you have exact change on you or you can pay with a Clipper card.

You can either get a physical card or keep the digital version in your phone’s wallet. If you’re planning on utilizing Bay Area transportation options like buses, ferries, etc, this is the way to go as it’ll save you money.

Hours and Fees

Coit Tower is open to the public daily (except for major holidays) between the hours of 10am - 5pm. If you plan on visiting during a holiday, it would be best to call ahead to make sure they’ll be open.

Fees vary depend on the type of tour you want to do and other variables. If you just want to go to the top floor, it’s $5 per person. If you want the full tour, prices are as follows:

• Adult: $10 (non-resident) / $7 (resident)

• Senior (62+): $7 (non-resident) / $4 (resident)

• Youth (12-17): $7 (non-resident) / $4 (resident)

• Child (5-11): $3 (non-resident / $2 (resident)

• Child (4 & under): Free

The full tour includes access to the second level and a docent-led tour of the murals on the main floor. That part of the tour is 30-40 minutes in length and you’ll learn about the tower’s inception as well as the 26-Artists who painted the murals.

Coit Tower Cafe

Located outside the tower near the parking lot is the Coit Tower Cafe. It is open daily from 9:30am - 6:00pm. They serve a variety of foods like pizza, burgers, pastries, etc.

Keep in mind that food is not allowed inside the tower. So you will need to finish whatever you have before starting your tour.

To pass the time, take in the views surrounding the tower via the viewing scopes. They cost a quarter and you’ll get a few minutes for each use.

The Tour

To begin your tour, head up the stairs and go through the entrance. There, an employee will greet you and send direct you to the ticket window.

• Many of the same rules you’ll find at other historic sites apply here. Most of it being common sense. They have one rule, though, that I haven’t encountered anywhere else and that’s if you’re carrying a backpack or any other kind of bag, it needs to be worn on the front of your body. Just something to be mindful of.

If all you want to do is check out the murals on your own and you DON’T want to go up to the top, you won’t have to pay anything.

If you want to take the docent-led tour of the murals, they’ll only do so if it’s a group of at least 4 and no more than 6. So you may end up having to wait a bit if it’s just 2-3 in your group.

The murals are stunning. Be sure to take the time to really at them. They were painted by 26 Artists a year after the towers opening in 1934 and depict daily life for Californians during the Depression.

Once you’re finished checking out the murals, simply circle back around and get into the left side of the queue line near where you first entered. The employee will direct you to the elevator once they’re ready for you.

The elevator is old and tiny. The door is manually closed and locked by an Operator (via a gate) and rides up to the upper level with you. Once up there, you’ll walk up two sets of spiral staircases to reach the viewing deck.

The viewing deck is completely open. As in, there’s no roof. There’s a raised, yellow step at the top of the red stairwell so be sure to watch your footing. This was done to prevent rain from flooding the lower part of the tower.

From here, you’ll have a commanding 360-degree view of the city. The windows were originally unobstructed but as a precaution, glass has been installed to act as safety barriers.

Some highlights you’ll be able to see from here are the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, nearly the entire Embarcadero, Nob Hill, and many other well known attractions.

If it’s a particularly busy day, I can see how it could get uncomfortable and cramped up there. There was maybe 10 other people in there with us and it was slightly difficult moving around.

Back Down the Elevator

Once you’ve gotten your fill of the views, simply head back down the spiral stairwell and wait for the elevator to come back up. They make regular trips up and down so no need to call for them.

After leaving the tower, you’re free to stay and explore the grounds more. Behind the tower is a nice grassy area that’s not only good for a break area, but also provides a killer view of the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island (pictured above).

Conclusion

We hope this article has inspired you to visit this amazing place for yourself. If so, please support our website by sharing it with your friends and family on Pinterest, Facebook, or your favorite social media site. You can further support us by staying on and reading one or more of the related articles above.

Thanks for reading and safe travels!

Muir Beach Overlook: A Breathtaking View of The Pacific Ocean

If you’re looking for an epic view of the Pacific Ocean, look no further than the Muir Beach overlook. If you’re coming from San Francisco, it’s only around 20-minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s even better if you’re at Muir Woods National Monument, it’s less than 10-minutes!

The epic ocean view isn’t the only reason to come here. The shoreline was once used by the U.S Navy as a lookout station and quite a few of the original structures still remain (they’re not fully intact but there’s still plenty of it to see).

We were just going to stop, take in the views, and leave. After discovering its history, however, we knew we had to give it its own post. So continue reading and we’ll give you all the information you’ll need to check it out for yourself.

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Directions

From San Francisco

From the area of the Golden Gate Bridge, its only about 20-minutes or so to the overlook. To reach the overlook from there:

• Get on US-101 North crossing the GGB. You’ll travel this freeway for about 5.5 miles.

• Take exit 445B for CA-1 to Mill Valley/Stinson Beach and stay left for around 7 miles.

• After traveling up the winding road, you’ll see a sign for Muir Beach Overlook on your right.

• Turn left shortly after the sign and you’ll turn right into the parking lot almost immediately.

From Muir Woods National Monument

It’s even easier if you’re coming from Muir Woods and in fact, the overlook makes for a perfect pit stop after visiting the monument and before continuing on to to other attractions. From Muir Woods:

• Turn right out of the parking lot (you should see signs pointing the way to Muir Beach).

• You’ll travel this road for about 3-miles or so.

• You’ll come to a stop sign. You’ll want to turn right here (the sign points the way to Stinson Beach but rest assured, you’re going the right way).

• After about a mile, you’ll see that sign on your right with the left-hand coming up shortly after it.

Parking

Parking is free and plentiful. The lot could easily accommodate a couple dozen vehicles or so but it is known to fill up quickly and often during the summer months. There’s a restroom at the rear of the lot but there aren’t any other facilities or services.

Additional Info

• No EV charging stations available.

• The upper viewing deck is stroller and wheelchair friendly but the path down to the lower viewing platform isn't .

• You can expect to spend an hour or less here.

• We would rate the trail down to the main platform as easy.

• This is an excellent spot to watch the sunset

Viewing Levels

Upper Viewing Deck

The upper viewing platform is accessible to everyone and offers beautiful ocean views all its own. So don’t fret if you’re unable to make it down to the lower platform.

There’s informational boards detailing the coastline’s formation over millions of years and how the Navy used this shoreline as a lookout station (more on this later). You’ll also see an example of a “dugout” used by the Navy.

Main Viewing Platform

If you want to go further out and get a totally unobstructed view of the ocean, you’ll want to head down the pathway leading to the partially-shaped, hexagon platform. There are small stairs carved into the pathway making it easier to go up and down.

On the way down you’ll get expansive views of the beaches below and the beautiful coastline on either side of you. We found the views on the right side (going down) to be the best. Views of Muir Beach can be found on your left (again, going down).

At the end, you’ll reach the platform. When we say the views from here are endless, we mean it. We were fortunate to have it all to ourselves for quite a bit but during the peak tourist season, you may be sharing it with more than a few others. I would estimate about 6-8 adults could fit here comfortably.

If you’re here between November and June, it is possible to spot migrating Blue Whales from either lookout. If that’s what you’re wanting to see, bringing binoculars with you would be beneficial. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any during our visit.

Once you’ve gotten your fill of the views and snapped a few photos, you’ll simply head back up the same way you came. Just be sure to be mindful of others coming down the path. It’s wide enough for two people to pass eachother but still narrow enough to make it easy to bump into one another accidentally.

Military History

Dugouts

For history buffs, this is the best part about visiting the overlook. Scattered throughout the overlook you’ll see these dugouts buried halfway into the ground. Prior to 1941, these were used by Soldiers to view incoming ships and triangulate their distance, directions, and speed.

During World War II after the Pearl Harbor attack, these gained particular importance as many feared an attack on San Francisco was imminent. Soldiers would use these to watch for any incoming enemy ships. If one would be spotted, they would then advise the Batteries further down the coastline (such as Kirby and Spencer) to prepare for engagement.

Layout & Locations

As you can see in the illustration above, Soldiers would climb down a latter through a roof hatch to access these dugouts. They used to be nearly fully covered, leaving only a slight opening to look through. In the event of an attack, this opening could be closed for protection.

Soldiers would often spend days in these dugouts, leaving only to go to the bathroom. They kept radios, a calendar, food, water, and other personal items with them. They even had bunkbeds installed on the back wall.

There are four that we saw scattered throughout the overlook. Their locations are:

• One at the upper viewing deck behind the informational boards.

• Two of them (one on top of the other) at the start of the pathway leading to the lower viewing platform.

• Another to the left of the aforementioned ones.

Unfortunately, they’ve been tagged with graffiti but despite this, they’re still an awesome part of our history and will hopefully be further preserved. In case you’re wondering, yes, you are allowed to get inside them. Just be careful getting in and out as there isn’t a ladder anymore.

Conclusion

We have no doubt that you will thoroughly enjoy your visit to this breathtaking overlook. The sheer amount of history contained here makes it even more appealing. Be sure to let us know in the comments below if you’re planning on going!

We hope this article has inspired you to visit this great place. If so, please support our website by sharing it with your friends and family on Facebook, Pinterest, or your favorite social media site. You can further show support by staying on and reading some of the related articles above.

Thanks for reading and safe travels!

Kirby Cove: The Most Gorgeous View of The Golden Gate Bridge

There are countless vantage points one could view the Golden Gate Bridge from. You could see it from the plazas on either side, Battery Spencer, or Fort Point to name a few. Additionally, you could even walk or bike across it.

An estimated 10 million people, in one or another, visit the bridge every year. It is one of, if not THE most significant and recognizable landmarks in not just California, but the entire world. I could write an entire article on the countless view points. There’s one, however, I feel deserves the most praise.

I’m referring to Kirby Cove. A small enclave on the Marin Headlands side of the bridge. It’s accessible via a 1.5-mile trail that leaves from Conzelman road (just up the way from Battery Spencer). You may not get a close view, but seeing the bridge span across the bay with waves crashing against the rocky shoreline is a stunning sight.

So how do you get there? Where do you park? Can you just drive down there? All of these questions and more will be addressed in this article. If you weren’t planning on making a trip out to San Francisco this year, you very well may change your mind after seeing what this magical spot looks like. Here we go…

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Trail Information

Kirby Cove trailhead. San Francisco, California.

Directions

As stated above, Kirby Cove is located on the Marin Headlands side of the bridge (opposite of the city). So if you’re already in the city, you’ll need to cross the bridge. If you’re coming into the city from the other side, the exit you’ll take is just before getting onto the bridge (or just coming off from the other side).

• Take exit 442 to Alexander ave (We’re not kidding when we say it sneaks up on you. Be sure you’re paying attention or you’ll end up on the bridge and will have to pay toll)

• Take a right on Alexander and shortly after, take a left on Bunker road

• You’ll come to the single lane, “Bunker-Berry Tunnel”. Since it’s one lane, traffic is regulated via signal lights. You will likely have to wait a bit here

• You’ll travel along Bunker road for a few miles before coming to McCullough road. Turn left here

• When you come to the round-a-bout near Hawk Hill, you will take the Conzelman road exit and continue straight until you reach the signed trailhead

Parking

During our first visit in 2016, you essentially had to get lucky finding a spot at one of the 2-3 tiny pullouts along the road. Battery Spencer would’ve been your best bet as it’s the largest. Sometime between then and our most recent visit in December 2020, though, things have changed.

By altering the route people take to get here and making it a one-way road, they’ve increased the available parking tenfold via setting up parking spots along the side of the road in addition to the pull-outs. Regardless of this, parking still fills fast.

Our advice? Just pull into the first spot you see. Whether it’s the side of the road or in a pull-out, just take it. If you decide to roll the dice on getting a spot further down the road, you risk there being nothing available and you’ll be forced to drive around again (remember the single lane tunnel?)

The Trail

Trail to Kirby Cove. San Francisco, California.

The trail begins just up the way from the Battery Spencer parking lot. If you’ve managed to snag a parking spot here, congratulations! If you had to park further up, no worries. Simply walk down the road (on the dirt side) until you reach the signed trailhead.

Most people ask if they can just drive down there. The short answer is yes and no. The only real way to drive down is if you have a campground or event reservation (family reunion, birthday, etc.). Otherwise, you’re walking. If you want information on how to make a campground reservation, go here.

The trail is relatively smooth (if you're used to mountain trails this one will feel like a breeze). It’s a steep-ish, 1.5-mile hike to the bottom and is mostly sun exposed until you reach the campground. Just keep in mind that it can be a slog going back up so please stay hydrated.

Kirby Cove Campground

Kirby Cove campground.

Once the trail flattens out and you’re under tree cover, you’ll hook a left into the campground. Here, bathrooms are available if you’re in need of relief. If you feel like you’ve lost the trail, look for the logs positioned on the ground just as you enter the campground (pictured above).

Kirby Cove campground.

The campground is lush with cypress, eucalyptus, and pine trees providing plenty of shade. In the center of camp you’ll find a cluster of picnic tables and grills. We’re assuming this is where events are held. Shortly past this area is where you’ll see the bridge pictured above.

Battery Kirby

Battery Kirby.

After crossing the bridge, you’ll come across an old military artillery battery named, “Kirby Battery”. After construction in 1898, it was originally named, “Gravelly Beach Battery”, before being re-named to honor Lieutenant Edmund Kirby who died in 1853 during the Civil War.

Battery Kirby

This battery was built with concrete and had two M1895 mounted guns for defense. It was built in such a way where soldiers would have a commanding view of the bay while at the same time, making it nearly impossible for the enemy to see it from the water. If you'd like more information on the batteries around San Francisco Bay, go here.

Kirby Beach

Kirby Cove and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Just beyond Battery Kirby is the overlook that provides some of the best views you’ll ever see. To your right, waves crash against a rocky shoreline with endless ocean views. To your left is where you’ll get more rocky shorelines with the city of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge providing the most amazing backdrop.

Kirby Cove and the Golden Gate Bridge.

You’ll find stairwells on either side of you leading down to the beach. When we were here, there were quite a few fishermen here so if that’s your thing, bring your gear along. Most of the fishing seemed to take place on the right side of the beach but we did see one of the other end.

The Cave

Sea cave at Kirby Cove. San Francisco, California.

On the left side of the beach (facing the bridge) you’ll find a small sea cave cut into the rock wall. It isn’t much to look at but still cool, nonetheless. Access to it will depend on what the tide is doing. On our first visit, it wasn’t accessible but during our second visit, it was. If it looks sketchy, don’t risk it. As stated, it’s not much and isn’t worth being swept out to sea over.

Kirby Cove Swing

Kirby Cove swing. Now cut down.

Believe it or not, the expansive view of the ocean and bridge wasn’t always what Kirby Cove was known for. Around 2015 or so, images of people on a swing with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background began to spread through Instagram like wildfire and Kirby Cove became an overnight sensation.

When we came here in 2016, the swing was there. At that time, I was just getting into photography and all I had to work with was a cell phone (and not a good one), but my wife did manage to get a decent picture of me on it.

Kirby Cove. San Francisco, California.

Sometime between then and December 2020, the swing was taken down. NPS officials have taken it down a couple times before but a new one always managed to take its place. Now, though, the tree itself has been cut down entirely. Eliminating any possibility of a return.

We don’t know the exact reason(s) why the NPS is so against that swing being there but we have our suspicions. Either someone was injured to the point a lawsuit was filed or the NPS just wanted to avoid it all together. It’s understandable, but also unfortunate because that swing was pretty cool.

I don’t see how it could ever return but if it ever does, we will update this.

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Conclusion

We hope this article about Kirby Cove has inspired you to visit this wonderful place. If so, please support our website by sharing it with your friends and family on social media. You can further show your support by staying on and reading one or more of the related articles above.

Thanks for reading and safe travels!

7 Things You Will Love About Lee Vining

Prior to launching Inked with Wanderlust, one of the first articles I wrote as part of the first batch was, “7 Things You Will Love About Bridgeport”. At the time, everybody else was doing top ten lists so I figured we would be different by doing lists of seven. It eventually went on to become one of our most read articles. Thank you for that.

So we started to think about all the other communities along highway 395 that could be featured in a post like this and decided to turn, “7 Things”, into a series. There’s plenty to love about dozens of towns throughout the state but we decided that the first follow up would be dedicated to Lee Vining.

If you’re unfamiliar with it, Lee Vining is a small town with a population of just 98 (as of 2019). It sits just 21-miles southeast of Bridgeport and is the gateway town to Yosemite National Park’s east side. In the winter, with that part of Yosemite being closed, not much is going on here. Once summer gets into full swing, though, the population and energy increases significantly.

With its proximity to Yosemite, multiple hiking trails, Mono Lake, hotels, great restaurants, and more, Lee Vining has something for any person, couple, or family who love the outdoors. So read on while we show you the 7 things you will love about Lee Vining.

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1) Proximity to Yosemite’s East Side

Tenaya Lake in Yosemite National Park.

I like to consider the eastern side of Yosemite to be the hikers side. While there’s many beautiful trails in the valley, the east side boasts, in my opinion, the best ones. Cloud’s Rest, Cathedral Lakes, North Dome, Mono Pass, and Glen Aulin are just a few of the highlights. Plus, from the gate, the valley is only an hour or so away.

Luckily for anyone staying in Lee Vining, all of this is just a quick 20 minute drive up Tioga Pass to the gate. There are no other towns that have direct access to this side of the park so if your intention is to spend a few days here, then staying in Lee Vining is a no-brainer.

READ ALSO: The 10 Best Things To Do On Yosemite’s East Side

2) June Lake Loop

June Lake, California.

Many of you are probably familiar with June Lake as it’s one of the most popular lakes for fishing in the area. What a lot of people may not realize is that in addition to that, this area also features one of the most scenic drives you’ll ever take. Called the, “June Lake Loop”, this beautiful drive is 16-miles and features four incredible lakes in that time.

Additionally, you could drive to Convict Lake (making it five lakes) as it’s only another 25 miles from June Lake. The official beginning of the drive is only a few miles south of Lee Vining on 395 making it an easy day outing. The first lake you’ll see is Grant Lake, followed by Silver Lake, Gull Lake, and finally June Lake capping it off.

READ ALSO: June Lake Loop: A Scenic Ride In The Sierras

3) Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve

Mono Lake Tufas.

One visit to Mono Lake will make you feel like you’re walking on an alien planet. There are many access points to the lake along the road but none are more popular than the state reserve. This area contains the largest concentration of tufas and is only a few bucks per person to visit.

Aside from being the gateway to Yosemite east, Mono Lake is what Lee Vining is most known for. Kayaking tours can be arranged (not through the reserve) and in some places throughout the lake, swimming is permitted. However, due to the saltiness of the lake, we advise you be 110% sure you have no cuts on your body. It WILL hurt.

READ ALSO: The Essential Guide To Seeing The Mono Lake Tufas

4) The Upside Down House

Upside Down House in Lee Vining, California.

The Upside Down House is owned and operated by the Mono Basin Historical Society and is part of a collection of other attractions including the Old Schoolhouse Museum and an old boat that used to provide tours of Mono Lake. It was originally built as a roadside attraction in the 1950’s and has since been moved here in order to preserve it.

Admission is free, but they do appreciate donations as any money they get goes towards the preservation of these historical buildings. To find it, turn on Beaver Street (you’ll see “Mono Cone” on the corner) and then take a left on Mattly Ave. The Upside Down House will be on your left shortly after turning.

5) Whoa Nellie Deli

Exterior of Whoa Nellie Deli.

There are quite a few great, local restaurants in Lee Vining and we encourage you to try them all. However, our personal favorite and one we always recommend is Whoa Nellie Deli. It is located inside the Tioga Mart gas station and serves up great dishes such as delicious omelettes and burritos for breakfast to pizza, fish tacos, and baby-back ribs for lunch and dinner.

While the gas station operates year round, the mart and deli are open seasonally. Essentially, once Yosemite is close to reopening, they open and when it’s close to closing, they close. This is generally from May to October. Be sure to stop by to fill up both your gas tank and stomachs before heading up to the park.

6) Driving Tioga Pass

Tioga Pass leading to Yosemite.

If your plan is to visit Yosemite, then driving Tioga Pass is already built into the trip. However, even if you don’t plan on going to park, driving this pass is still worth it. It is the highest drivable pass in the state and features a few beautiful lakes and amazing views.

The lakes you will see are Lake Ellery, Tioga Lake, and Saddlebag Lake. There’s also a short interpretive trail called, “Nanutak Loop”, that shows examples of how volcanic activity and glaciers carved out this massive mountain pass and Yosemite itself. If that isn’t enough, there’s numerous pullouts along the road you could use to take in the views (such as the one in the image above).

7) A Variety of Hiking Trails

Twenty Lakes Basin loop located near Sanddlebag Lake and Yosemite.

There are many hiking trails located near Lee Vining. A couple well known ones being Panum Crater, Lundy Canyon, and Virginia Lakes (all amazing). My personal favorite, however, is Twenty Lakes Basin Loop. The trailhead begins at Saddlebag Lake just over the border of Yosemite. I like to refer to it as, “Yosemite without the crowds”.

No matter which one you choose to do, you won’t be disappointed. There are trails ranging from family friendly all the way to difficult, mountain summits. It just depends on your skill, experience, and comfort level. There’s something for everyone here.

BONUS! It’s Proximity to Bodie

Bodie State Historic Park, California.

Much like in our Bridgeport post, we decided to spoil you with a bonus. While we listed Bodie as something you will love about Bridgeport (since it’s so close), Bodie is also very close to Lee Vining as well. In fact, it’s almost perfectly situated in between both towns.

From the center of Lee Vining to Bodie’s entrance, it’s 45 miles. That’s an easy day trip. So if Bodie was a big part of your plan to visit the area but you also want to be close to Yosemite, staying in Lee Vining would be the perfect compromise. Head north on highway 395 for 20 miles and turn right at the sign. You can’t miss it.

READ ALSO: The Complete Guide For Your First Trip To Bodie

Conclusion

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You can further show your support by staying on and reading one or more of the related articles above. Thank you and safe travels!

If you haven’t read the first entrant in this series yet, you can so here.

June Lake Loop: A Highly Scenic Drive in The Sierras

3 minute read | contains affiliate links

In the state of California, there’s a large number of scenic drives you could take. Some can be done in a day while others take multiple days.

There’s one drive in particular that is not only highly scenic, but it can be done in half a day or less. That drive is the June Lake Loop.

The drive begins where State Route 158 breaks away from Highway 395 for 16 miles, then reconnects with it and either end.

You can begin at either the southern tip (closest to June Lake) or at the northern tip (from Lee Vining). This article is going to focus on the north to south route.

In this direction, the lakes you will see are listed below in order of appearance:

• First - Grant Lake

• Second - Silver Lake

• Third - Gull Lake

• Fourth - June Lake

If you’re coming from the southern direction, look for the sign indicating you’ve reached the June Lake Junction and turn left here.

At the end of the article, we’ll fill you in on a nearby lake we think you’d be interested in seeing once you’re finished with the drive, proper.

So buckle up, fill your tank (or charge your battery) and head out to this unique, one-of-a-kind drive.

Quick Stats…

• The drive is 16 miles in length

• You’ll pass a total of four lakes with an option to add a fifth

• You can start from either end (north or south)

• If you just drive the whole way without stopping, you could complete the loop in less than an hour

• However, if you get out at each lake and spend some time on the lakes themselves, you could easily spend a full day here

• Bathrooms are available at all four lakes (some are portables)

• A variety of restaurants and taverns can be found in the downtown strip between June and Gull Lake

• Gas stations are available in the town of Lee Vining (northern end) and at the June Lake Junction (southern end)

Grant Lake

As stated above, this article is going to cover the north to south route. From here, your journey will begin in the small town of Lee Vining:

• Head south on Highway 395 for about 5 miles

• Turn right on State Route 158

Once you turn onto State Route 158, you have officially began the June Lake Loop. Right around the 3.8 mile mark you’ll run into the largest lake of the four, Grant Lake.

Though it’s the largest, water levels vary greatly as it’s a reservoir for the City of Los Angeles. Early morning fishing and camping are popular here.

While the mountain side of the lake is scenic, the lakeshore and roadside are a bit barren with sagebrush shrub being the closest thing to flora.

Silver Lake

Once you’re done checking out Grant Lake, get back in your car and drive south for another five miles. At that time, you’ll see my personal favorite lake of the four; Silver Lake.

The road runs along the west shore. There’s a small parking lot on your left as you approach the lake with additional parking at the resort.

Much like all the lakes on this list, fishing is the most popular activity here. In fact, The Silver Lake Resort, is one of the oldest operating lake resorts in the Sierras.

If you’re feeling hungry, stop by the cafe inside the resort for lunch. It’s a small space, but they offer meaty sized portions for fair prices.

Gull Lake

Gull Lake is the smallest of the four but it’s no less scenic. Our first time on the loop, we drove right by it without noticing.

The highlight of this lake is the Gull Lake Marina. This small, charming Marina offers a variety of boat rentals such as pontoons, motor barges, kayaks, paddle boats, and boards.

In addition, they have a tackle shop where you pick up bait, licenses and a variety cold sandwiches and drinks. It’s a nice place for a picnic if you’re so inclined.

From Silver Lake, you’ll drive 4.1-miles (roughly 10 minutes) and:

• Make a sharp left turn on Gull Lake Road (seriously, it sneaks up on you)

• Turn left onto East Granite Ave

• Turn left onto West Granite Ave (you’ll see the parking lot/entrance to the marina ahead of you

June Lake

Leaving Gull Lake, you’ll drive through the charming downtown area of June Lake. This strip is dotted with shops, restaurants, motels and a brewery.

There are also two marinas that serve June Lake and much like Silver and Gull Lakes, you can rent boats or launch your own if you’d like.

At the southern end of June Lake you’ll find the popular overlook, “Oh! Ridge”. This is a highly scenic and photogenic spot and has been the subject of many photos.

Also at the southern end is where you’ll find June Lake Beach (pictured above). To get there:

• Turn left onto North Shore Drive

• Turn left onto June Lake Beach Road and follow it to the parking lot

At this point, you’ve reached the official end of the June Lake Loop drive.

From here, you can complete the loop by heading away from the lake to June Lake Junction and rejoin highway 395 towards Lee Vining. Or………

Convict Lake Add-On

If you feel like calling it a day at June Lake (or Grant Lake if you went northbound) I wouldn’t blame you.

You’ve just driven one of California’s most beautiful roads and spent time at four, fantastic lakes.

If you’re feeling to it, though, we do have one more suggestion; Convict Lake.

Convict is just 24 miles from June Lake is one of the most picturesque in the area. It is definitely worth the extra effort.

Getting to Convict Lake from June Lake couldn’t be any easier:

• From June Lake, head south back to the June Lake Junction (about 2 miles)

• Turn right onto highway 395 for about 20 miles

• Keep an eye out for Convict Lake Road and turn right. Keep going straight until you’ve reached the parking lot.

Much like the others, there’s a marina where you can rent boats or other water equipment. The nearby Convict Lake Resort features a highly rated restaurant if you’re hungry.

If you have time, we highly recommend hiking the Convict Lake loop. It’s a family friendly, two mile trail that encircles the lake. You can read about it here.

Best Time To Drive June Lake Loop

June Lake is a year round destination offering world-class skiing in the winter. Due to this, the road is open and drivable all year long.

However, this area gets pounded with snow on an annual basis. Sometimes necessitating closing famed highway 395. June Lake Loop is also subject to this.

During spring, you’re usually free of snow. The area flora comes to like, surrounding the lakes with color. Hiking trails can like hiking though creeks, though.

Summer is the tourist season. Lots of people with occasional afternoon storms. Hiking trails are clear and the resorts are in full operational mode.

Fall brings beautiful color to the region. Mono County is known for its fall colors and June Lake Loop is no exception. In my opinion, this is the best time.

Your Thoughts…

What are your thoughts on June Lake Loop? Does it sound like a drive you would love to take your family on?

Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing from our readers.

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Thank you for reading.

Check Out These Amazing Destinations In Oregon!

Hike The Virginia Lakes Trail In Mono County

4 minute read | contains affiliate links

There are numerous trails in Mono County that stand out from the crowd. Robinson Creek, Lundy Canyon, Twenty Lakes Basin, Crown Point Loop, and Virginia Lakes round out our personal top five in Mono County.

The Virginia Lakes trail is a great option for everyone from total beginners to seasoned backpackers as you can customize it to your comfort level.

You can keep it semi-shot only only hiking from the trailhead up to Frog Lakes. Then turn around. This will be about 6-miles, out-and-back.

If you want to push further, head past Frog Lakes up Burro Pass to higher elevation lakes like Summit Lake and Hoover Lakes.

So how do you go about hiking this beautiful trail? How do you get to the trailhead? What can you expect? We answer these questions and more below.

Quick Stats

• Location: Mono County, CA (between Lee Vining and Bridgeport)

• Fee: None

• Permit: None

• Open: Usually opens late spring and closes around November

• For: Hikers

• Restroom: At the trailhead

• Parking: Large parking lot at the trailhead

• EV Stations: None

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Popularity: Moderate to high

• Mileage: 6-8 miles, out-and-back

• Elevation Gain: 571 to 2,329 feet (depending how far you go)

• Condition: Rocky, but maintained

• Features: Numerous lakes and old mining cabin structures

• Pets: Allowed on leash

• Drones: Not allowed in Hoover Wilderness

• Hazards: Nothing aside from usual wilderness hazards

• Our Visit(s): 2018 & 2022

Getting to the Trailhead

Getting to the trailhead is pretty simple. If you’re coming from:

• Bridgeport: You’ll travel on Highway 395 south for about 13 miles and turn right on Virginia Lakes road. From there, travel 5.5 miles until you reach the parking lot at the end of the road.

• Lee Vining: Travel on Highway 395 north and turn left on Twin Lakes road (this will happen shortly after passing the Mono Lake Viewpoint) and follow the same directions above.

Virginia Lakes road is mostly paved and well maintained until around the last quarter mile or so. After passing Virginia Lakes Resort the road turns to gravel (don’t worry, compact cars will have no issues here).

Shortly after the start of the gravel section, you’ll reach the road’s terminus at the parking lot for Big Virginia Lake.

Parking is plentiful on both the upper and lower sections. The lower portion has picnic tables and the upper portion has the restrooms.

Speaking of the restrooms, look for the Hoover Wilderness information post behind them. This post is directly adjacent to the trailhead.

Before you head off, be sure to spend some time checking out Big Virginia Lake. This lake is VERY popular with fisherman.

There’s a short trail to Red Lake heading south away from Big Virginia you could use as a warm-up if you’d like to check it out.

The Trail

You’ll begin at 9,800 feet at the trailhead and trek an uphill slog right from the start. You can skip this by turning right on the trail along the lake (by the restroom) but if you do, you’ll miss out on an amazing view of Big Virginia (pictured above).

The trail will drop you back down a bit before flattening out. Around a quarter of a mile in, you’ll come to a sign announcing your official crossing into Hoover Wilderness and offers you two directions to go in.

Going in either direction will keep you on the trail but the one to the left hugs the lake while the one to the right takes you a bit up and around it. You can’t go wrong with either as both will eventually intersect again at Blue Lake.

Blue Lake

Shortly after crossing into Hoover Wilderness you’ll get your first glimpse of Blue Lake on your left.

This would make for an excellent place to stop for a quick break to take pictures. There’s a few spur trails leading to the lake’s rocky shore.

You’ll begin your ascent through a large scree field (don’t worry, the trail is obvious). Using trekking poles might be beneficial.

The trail flattens out at the top for a brief reprieve. While there, go off trail a bit to the rocky shelf to get an unparalleled view of the lake.

Miners Cabin & Cooney Lake

After some more climbing the trail will smooth out once again (this is common on this trail) and you’ll soon come across an old miner’s cabin.

Gold & silver mining was huge in this area in the late 1800’s. There are more cabins on other trails such as Lundy Canyon, Gaylor Lakes, and Mono Pass.

Support beams on the left side of the cabin keep it from falling over and rocks help keep the roof intact. It’s an interesting, unexpected find.

After the cabin you’ll begin to hear running water as you inch your way closer to the second lake; Cooney Lake (10,244 feet). Cooney was our favorite of the three.

Just before you arrive, depending on the time of year, you may find a small waterfall near the lake’s outlet. In spring and early summer it’s quite the sight. In fall, however, it’s a trickle.

Frog Lakes

Just a short distance from Cooney Lake is Frog Lakes. If you could view them from above you’ll see that they’re three lakes shaped in a triangular pattern.

We’re almost certain that they begin the season as one giant lake (right as the snow pact begins to melt).

To the north, picturesque granite crags make up the backdrop for these beautiful lakes. To the northeast, Dunderberg Peak (12,374 feet) fills in the skyline.

At this point, you’ve hiked about two miles and are at an elevation of 10,371 feet which gives you 571 feet of elevation gain from the trailhead.

Where to go From Here

This is usually the point where people decide what they want to do. Some choose to call it a day (which is what we did) and some decide to head up to Burro Pass (11,120 feet).

This would add another 1.2 miles up a rocky, barren series of switchbacks. From what i’ve been told by others who have do it, it’s challenging.

From there, you can hike to Summit Lake (10,183) and make it a four and half mile hike. You could also go right and hike to Hoover Lakes.

Your Thoughts…

Does the Virginia Lakes trail sound like one you and your family would enjoy? Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing from our readers.

Please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends.

Thank you for reading.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been recently updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy.

Manzanar National Historic Site: Directions, Things to See, and More (2022)

Our first visit to Manzanar came in 2017 while on our way home from Southern California. We researched attractions along 395 and we were surprised to find Manzanar as neither of us have ever heard of it.

We only had a few hours to spend but that was all it took for Manzanar to take hold of us. When I was younger, I visited the Museum of Tolerance in L.A and it had a huge impact on me. Manzanar had the same affect.

If you’ve been wanting to visit Manzanar or have never heard of it, keep reading to find out how you can visit this highly historical and important place. Let’s get into it!

Jump To: Directions

Jump To: Things to See

Jump To: Manzanar Annual Pilgrimage

Jump To: Additional Information

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Visitor Information

Getting to Manzanar

Manzanar is located in the small California town of Independence nestled between the equally small towns of Lone Pine and Big Pine. The mighty Sierra Nevada mountains provide a beautiful backdrop to what was once an active relocation camp.

Northbound

• For simplicity sake, we’ll use Los Angeles as the example.

• From Los Angeles, you are roughly 220-miles, or 3.5-hours, away from Manzanar.

• Work your way from L.A to Highway 395 North.

• You’ll know you’re close once you reach the town of Lone Pine.

• From Lone Pine, you’re about 10-minutes away from the turn-out.

Southbound

• For southbound, we’ll use Reno.

• From there, you’re about 252-miles, or 4.5-hours, from Manzanar.

• Find your way from Reno to Highway 395 South and keep to it.

• When you reach the town of Big Pine, you’re around 30-minutes away from the turn-out.

Things to See at Manzanar

Manzanar Visitor Center

The first thing you’ll see upon driving in is the same as the thousands of Japanese Americans that were once held here; the Sentry Post. Here, Military Police once stood guard checking vehicles coming in and out.

After securing your parking spot, your first stop should be the Visitor Center. We reccomend this because it’s packed with informative exhibits, a 22-minute park film, information desk, and a bookstore.

Hours for the visitor center are as follows:

• Monday: 11am - 4pm

• Tuesday: Closed

• Wednesday: Closed

• Thursday: Closed

• Friday: 11am - 4pm

• Saturday: 11am - 4pm

• Sunday: 11am - 4pm

If you arrive on a day or time that the Visitor Center is closed, you can still access the remainder of the park.

Fair warning, you may find some of the exhibits offensive. The one below in particular. However, it does give you a sense of how badly Japanese Americans were treated after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and during the war.

Honestly, we were ignorant to it. We didn’t understand the extent of it all and until we discovered Manzanar, we had no idea our country utilized camps like this. It was difficult for us to grasp.

Manzanar was the first of 10 of these camps and at its peak held more than 10,000 Japanese Americans, mostly from the Los Angeles area. The photo above gives you an idea of its original size.

The entire property was 6200 acres with the developed portion covering 540 acres. The residential area alone was around one square mile and was made up of 36 blocks of 20-foot by 100-foot apartment style barracks, housing up to 8 people each.

The barracks had partitions with no ceiling, providing little privacy. To make matters worse, both the latrines and showers were communal, providing no partitions or stalls. Many who were interned here have said the lack of privacy was one of the worst parts about it.

Block 14 & Barracks

In the back of the exhibit hall you’ll find a giant mural with the names of each person interned. Behind that, there’s an exit leading you to the next feature of the site; Block 14.

Block 14 consists of a mess hall, latrine, four barrack buildings (reconstructed in 2015), and a recreation area. The barrack exhibits describe the arrival process, loyalty questionnaire, the Block Manager’s Office, and the School.

The latrine is where you can see the rows of toilets and communal showers, giving you a sense of the camp’s harsh realities.

The mess hall was originally built in 1942 and was moved to Manzanar from Bishop Air Base in 2002. It’s nearly identical to the 36 mess halls that, between 1942 and 1945, served over 28 million meals.

The exhibits in Block 14 are open daily from 7:30am - 3pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). The remainder of the site is open from dusk until dawn.

Cemetery Monument

After exploring the visitor center and block 14, we were running low on time. Neither of us expected to have this much to do. However, there was one more thing we wanted to check out before we left; the Cemetery Monument.

The monument was erected in 1943 by the people of Manzanar to honor the dead. The cemetery and monument were built just outside of the camp’s boundary and the three letters on the front of the monument translate to, “soul consoling tower”.

You’re more than welcome to enter the cemetery and photograph the monument, but keep in mind that this is an active cemetery with burials on site.

More than 145 Japanese Americans died while incarcerated here. Many were cremated and sent home for burial elsewhere, but 15 were ultimately buried here.

After the camp’s closure in 1945, some families would have the bodies removed and brought home. In 1999 National Park Service Archeologists confirmed the remains of five people still entombed here.

Manzanar Annual Pilgrimage

Every year on the last Saturday of April, an event called, “The Manzanar Pilgrimage”, is held. It began in 1969 when a small group of people wanted to bring awareness to the injustices that took place here and has now morphed into an event that welcomes people by the thousands.

It is held at the cemetery and features speeches by local tribe members, the NPS, politicians, and community activists. Dance and music performances are also featured throughout the event. Buddhist Priests and Christian Ministers attend to honor the bodies that remain.

We had the honor of attending the 49th annual event in 2018 and were moved by it. Being able to hear from the Daughter of someone incarcerated here gave me chills as she described her Mother’s struggle and plight. If you ever get a chance, we highly recommend attending.

Additional Information

Manzanar is FREE to visit! Again, free. No entry fee, parking fee, etc. As always, you could stop by the bookstore to make a purchase, donation, or both!

Be mindful of visitor center hours. The site itself is open from sunrise to sunset but the visitor center is only open from 11am-4pm and closed completely on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and most holidays.

Limited resources available. There are bathrooms in the visitor center but other things such as food and gas are limited to the surrounding towns of Lone Pine and Independence. Be sure to fill your tank before visiting.

Be respectful of the site. This site is highly historical and as such, is fully protected. Please don’t destroy or remove anything from the site. Also, you may come across families visiting their deceased loved ones at the cemetery. Be sure to give them space.

No EV charging stations. There are no charging stations at the site itself. However, there is a Tesla Supercharger 10-minutes away in Lone Pine.

No Drone use. As is the case with most NPS properties, Drone use is strictly prohibited.

Jump To: Back to Top

Conclusion

Our visits to Manzanar were fantastic and we have no doubt you would love it as well, especially if you’re into history. Be sure to drop us a comment and let us know if you plan to visit Manzanar for yourself!

We hope you found this article to be helpful in planning your next trip. If so, please support our site by sharing it with your friends and family on Facebook or Pinterest. You can further show support by staying on and reading one or more of the related articles above.

Thank you for reading and safe travels!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2020 has recently been updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy.

7 Things You Will Love About Bridgeport

3 minute read | Contains affiliate links

The small mountain town of Bridgeport in Eastern California is one of our favorite places in the country. There’s so much much to do in town and so much within a close proximity, you could spend an eternity exploring the area.

The following list is by no means exhaustive, but it’s a combination of what the town is most known for and what we feel you would enjoy most about it. So let’s get into it!

1) Twin Lakes

Located just 10 miles from town down highly scenic Twin Lakes road (which is honestly an attraction all its own), Twin Lakes is both easy to get to, features top notch views, and offers great recreational opportunities.

Twin Lakes is made up of two separate lakes (lower & upper) and covers a combined 650 acres. Lined with evergreens and towered by the Sawtooth Mountain Range, many activities such as fishing, boating, and more can be enjoyed here.

2) Soak in the Hot Springs

There are two hot springs within close proximity of Bridgeport. Travertine Hot Springs (pictured above) is just up the road from the Bridgeport Ranger Station and the other, Buckeye, is located near Twin Lakes.

Both springs are clothing optional, however, we have been to Travertine numerous times and people have always been respectful whenever families were there. Just something to keep in mind if you decide to go.

READ ALSO: Soak and Relax At Travertine Hot Springs

3) Hiking & Camping

If you’re into hiking, camping, or both, Bridgeport is where you’ll want to be. At Twin Lakes there are at least half a dozen wonderful campgrounds to choose from including Mono Village, Doc & Al’s, Twin Lakes Resort, and Lower Honeymoon.

Pictured above is Barney Lake and can be accessed via a 4-mile hike on the Roberson Creek trail. Other popular trails include Green Lake, Benson Lake Loop, and Virginia Lakes.

READ ALSO: Take A Day Hike To Beautiful Barney Lake

4) Local Restaurants

After hiking all day, there’s nothing more we want to do than head to the nearest burger joint and chow down. Bridgeport has many local eateries serving up delicious food daily. These include Burger Barn, Nugent’s High Sierra Bakery, Jolly Kone, and more!

5) Fishing Galore!

Bridgeport is one of the premier fishing destinations in Mono County and is often touted for having the best trout fishing in the entire state. In fact, back in 1987, the current record holding brown trout was caught in Upper Twin Lake and weighed a whopping 26 pounds, 8 ounces.

Who knows? Perhaps you could be the one to catch the next record breaker.

6) Historic Buildings

There are numerous historic buildings in Bridgeport but perhaps the most known are the Mono County Courthouse and the (old) Mono County Jail. The courthouse was built in 1880 and is the 2nd oldest operating courthouse in California.

The old jail was built in 1863 and is located behind the courthouse. The new and far more modern jail was built directly adjacent to the old one. Due to Covid-19, the interior is closed off to all visitors for the remainder of 2020.

READ ALSO: Tour The Mono County Historic Jail In Bridgeport

7) Bodie State Historic Park

If exploring abandoned places is your thing then you need to head to the Disneyland of ghost towns, Bodie State Historic Park. The turn off to Bodie is just 7 miles outside of Bridgeport and then another 13 miles to the park itself.

If you’ve never heard of Bodie, it’s an abandoned gold-mining town that’s being preserved in a state of arrested decay. Multiple original buildings remain (including the mill) and the interiors remain as they were back in the day.

We highly recommend spending a full day exploring Bodie and everything it has to offer.

READ ALSO: The Complete Guide To Your First Trip To Bodie

Bonus! Proximity to Yosemite East

Bridgeport is a fairly short drive (about 45 minutes) from the east entrance of Yosemite National Park. This will take you through the charming town of Lee Vining and up Tioga Pass to the gate.

You won’t see the likes of Tunnel View or Yosemite Falls (those are an additional hour or so away) but you will find equally awesome sights on this seldom known area of the park.

You can wander through Tuolumne Meadows, see the infamous Half Dome from Olmsted Point, hang out on the beach of Tenaya Lake, or take in a hike to the famous Cathedral Lakes. These are just a few mentions of the many things to do here.

READ ALSO: The 10 Best Things To Do On Yosemite’s East Side

Your Thoughts…

Does Bridgeport seem like a place you’d want to visit for yourself? Perhaps with your family? Are there any special places in or near Bridgeport we left out? Let us know in the comments below. We love hearing from our readers!

Please support our website by sharing it with your family and friends.

Thank you for reading.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2020 and has been recently updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy.

Our 6 Favorite Spots To View Fall Colors in Mono County

Throughout the United States, there are literally thousands of locations that feature amazing fall colors. California alone has some of the top spots in the country!

One of those places in California that is known for fall color is Mono County. It is located in the east central part of the state and contains dozens of amazing sights.

These sights are great any time of the year, but fall in particular is when they shine most. The dramatic fall color in this area can turn even the most featureless lake into a must-see destination.

The official tourism website for Mono County does a great job tracking the fall colors at numerous locations throughout the county as they progress in their weekly reports.

For this article, we’re going to showcase six of our personal favorite locations in Mono County for fall color. All of which are easy to access either by driving up to them or hiking.

Let’s get into it.

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1) Convict Lake

Convict Lake is situated in the Sherwin Range of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and near the town of Mammoth Lakes. It is known for its beautiful turquoise-blue water and is popular among Fisherman.

When the foliage surrounding the lake peaks in the fall, the color contrast with the water makes it pop like none other. Combine that with Mount Morrison providing the backdrop and you’d be hard pressed to find better scenery.

2) Conway Summit

Conway Summit is a large mountain pass situated between the towns of Bridgeport and Lee Vining. Just beyond the pass, you’ll find amazing views of Mono Lake. The pass is always beautiful, but fall is when it really comes to life.

During this time, you’ll see a ton of cars parked alongside Highway 395 all vying to get that perfect shot. Thankfully, there are multiple large pullouts along this stretch of road. Just pick one and enjoy!

3) Silver Lake

Silver Lake is one of four amazing lakes featured along the famed, “June Lake Loop”, drive. If you’re coming from the direction of Lee Vining, it is the second lake in the series. If you’re coming from June Lake, it’s the third.

The sheer concentration and amount of foliage surrounding the lake gives an explosion of color when they peak. It isn’t the largest lake you’ll ever see, but it’s certainly one of the most scenic.

4) Town of Coleville

Coleville is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town along Highway 395 near the California-Nevada border. Lots of outdoor activities such as fishing, ATV riding, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, and more can be enjoyed here.

Much like the rest of the county, Fall colors tend to be their best in late September or early October. Dozens of large trees line the highway so when they peak, it makes for an amazingly scenic drive.

5) Virginia Lakes Trail

The Virginia Lakes Trail is an easy to moderate hike in the Sierra Nevadas and features many picturesque lakes such as Blue Lake and Frog Lakes dotting the trail.

The road leading up to the trailhead and the trail itself are usually one of the first areas in the county to start turning. When it peaks, it makes for an unforgettable hike. Be sure to stay on top of this one.

6) Lundy Canyon

Without a doubt, our absolute favorite location in Mono County to view Fall colors is Lundy Canyon. The views start as soon as you reach the trailhead and only get better as you go up the trail.

The hike is moderate to hard and for most people, concludes with an epic series of cascading waterfalls. Prior to those, you hike through a heavy concentration of Aspens that when peaking, pop in color like no other. If you only have time for one, make it Lundy.

Conclusion

There you have it! Our six favorite spots to view Fall colors in Mono County. These are just a small handful of all the amazing places here. To see the full list and watch the color progression, check out the Mono County Tourism fall report here.

We hope you enjoyed this article. If you did, please support us by sharing it with your friends and family on your favorite social media site. You can further show support by staying on and reading one or more of the related articles above.

Thanks for reading and safe travels!

The Essential Guide To Seeing The Mono Lake Tufas

At first glance, Mono Lake doesn’t look like much. Driving past it and not knowing anything about it, you’d be forgiven for chalking it up to just another old, barren lake on its way out of existence. At least that’s what we thought the first couple of times we drove past it on our way to Yosemite.

Once we looked it up and started doing research, though, we were quickly intrigued by its history and unique features. The biggest and most known of those features being the tufa formations along the shores of the lake, the largest concentration of which can be found at the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve.

From the parking lot, it doesn’t look like much, but once you start making your way on the boardwalk down to the shore, you’ll quickly realize how truly amazing and beautiful this lake is. As my wife pointed out, walking among the tufa formations gives you the feeling of being in the underwater domain of King Triton.

There are a few access points to the shoreline of Mono Lake, but this article is going to focus on the State Reserve portion of the shoreline as it’s the area with the largest concentration of tufas and all monies collected goes towards the preservation of this wonderful place. It’ll also give you all the information you’ll need to help plan your visit. Let’s get to it.

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The Visitor Center

Mono Lake Visitor Center in Lee Vining, California.

I firmly believe that all visits to places to such Mono Lake should either begin or end at the visitor center. A lot of people skip them, but they are essential to the preservation and education of natural resources. The Mono Basin Visitor Center is no different. They’ve recently re-opened for the first time since 2019 and we (finally) had the pleasure of visiting.

This visitor center contains many exhibits explaining the history and development of not just Mono Lake, but Mono Basin as a whole. The main exhibit, which is located adjacent to the information desk, walks you through the development of Mono Lake’s tufa formations and the variants, before moving on to the wildlife that call the lake home and finishing with Native American history of the region.

Exhibit Hall in Mono Basin Visitor Center.

An example of an Ice Age Tufa in the Mono Basin Visitor Center.

Other features include a room filled with wonderful images by a variety of Photographers, a detailed display explaining the history of the region and how Yosemite once had a much closer relationship to the lake than it does now, an information desk, a viewing deck in the back, a nature trail, and a gift shop.

An example of a brine shrimp.

Behind the visitor center is where you’ll find the viewing deck. You’ll get a sweeping view of the lake and be able to take the “Secrets of Survival” nature trail that offers a direct route to the shore of the lake. The trail is maybe a mile, roundtrip and from what we could see, it looked like a gentle decent.

View of Mono Lake from the viewing deck.

The hours of operation for the visitor center varies depending on the season:

• Summer: Open daily from 8am to 5pm

• Spring & Fall: Open from 8:30am to 4:40pm Thursday - Monday (closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays)

• Winter: Closed for the season

The address is as follows:

• Lee Vining Creek Trail, Lee Vining, CA 93541

It’s really easy to find as it’s just off Highway 395. If you’re coming from Lee Vining, you’ll travel north on 395 and turn right at the sign (just after passing the school). If you’re coming from Bridgeport or Hawthorne, you’ll see the Mono Basin sign on the left side of the road. Turn here. Continue on the road until you see the visitor center on your right.

The State Reserve

Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve

The reserve was established in order to protect the tufa formations found along the shore. This small section of the lake contains the largest concentration of the tufas and features a 1-mile interpretive loop trail with signage detailing the formation of the tufas, the local wildlife, and more.

Directions

Both Apple and Google maps seem to be confused on how to get here and give wildly different directions depending which you use. For example, I typed in, “Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve”, which is what this park is called, and Google directions wanted to take me in the opposite direction to the visitor center. For simplicity, here are the two routes you can take to get there:

• From Lee Vining, travel south on highway 395 for a few miles and turn left (or right from the opposite direction) on Picnic Grounds road.

• Just before reaching the campground, you’ll turn right on Test Station road (turns to gravel).

• Continue straight on this road until you reach the parking lot on the left. You’ll know you’re heading in the right direction when you see the old house pictured below.

Old house near Mono Lake along Test Station road.

The other way you can get here is as follows:

• From Lee Vining, travel south on highway 395 (passing Picnic Grounds road) and turn left (or right traveling north) on Mono Lakes Basin road.

• Take this paved road for around 5-miles, then turn left on Test Station road (turns to gravel).

• You’ll travel this road for a short time before turning left into the parking lot.

Neither way will take you very long and both will provide easy access to the reserve. The only real differences are the views coming into the park and access during winter. Mono Lakes Basin road is well plowed during the winter (unless it was a particularly heavy storm) and in my opinion, it would be the better option during that time.

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READ ALSO: The Essential Guide To Visiting Burney Falls

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Fees and Parking

Mono Lake boardwalk.

As with most state and federal designated parks, there is a fee to come here and they are as follows:

• $3.00 per person 16 and up

• Kids 15 and younger are free

• If you have the Interagency Pass, it is honored here

These days, the park seems to follow the honor system as there hasn’t been a heavy Ranger presence like in the past. There is a pay station with envelopes where you’ll fill out your vehicle information and insert your payment. You’ll rip off the tab to place on your dashboard and insert the envelope into the lockbox.

Keep in mind that there are no electronic pay stations where you can use your credit card. This is a cash only park and you’ll want to bring exact change (unless you’re willing to donate the difference). Park Rangers and Mono County Deputies do make regular rounds checking vehicles for pay stubs and will issue fines to those who haven’t paid.

The parking lot is fairly large and could hold a decent amount of vehicles. There’s space for RV’s to park as well. Bathrooms are located at the north end with the entrance at the center just beyond the perimeter of the lot. For those who just want a view, benches are placed to the left of the entrance and face the lake.

The Tufas and Loop Trail

The boardwalk at Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve.

The one-mile loop tail starts at the entrance and begins as dirt before moving you onto a wooden boardwalk. You’ll see the first major example of tufas on your left just before getting onto the boardwalk. On the right side of the trail, you’ll see markers indicating past water levels of that particular spot. Yes, you’re walking along what was once the bottom of the lake.

Your first glimpse of the Mono Lake tufas.

At the end of the boardwalk, you’ll step out onto the sandy shores of the park and start seeing the large tufa formations up close. From here, the trail continues to the right but you’re free to break off and explore the tufas at your leisure. Just be sure to not climb or stand on them as they are very fragile.

Along the water’s edge you’ll no doubt take note of the massive amount of tiny flies. These are Alkali Flies and are harmless. They spend 3 of their 4 stages of life beneath the surface of the lake (contributing to the formation of tufas in the process) and spend their adult stage at the surface feeding off algea.

A tufa with a window at Mono Lake.

Interpretive signs dot the trail and further explain the history of the area. From this point, the official trail can be a little difficult to follow as you’ll be presented with many opportunities to explore the tufas up close. Just keep an eye out for those little brown trail markers indicating the path.

Tufas at Mono Lake.

Tufas beneath the surface of Mono Lake.

Tufas that are above the surface of water have stopped developing and are now at the mercy of the elements (and us). The one’s beneath the surface can still be in active development. In fact, if you look closely enough, you’ll see bubbling in the water in some spots. This is indicative of underwater hot springs rich in calcium interacting with the lake water to form the tufas.

So if you do see bubbling, that’s nature at work still developing these amazing limestone formations. We managed to spot a few examples of this at the south end of the park at the water’s edge. I’ve also read that kayakers and swimmers have come across large bubbling events further out into the lake.

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READ ALSO: The Complete Guide To Your First Trip To Bodie

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Other Activities

Kayakers on Mono Lake.

Kayaking

While motorized water crafts are prohibited, human-powered vessels such as kayaks are permitted. If you have your own kayak, you can launch from nearby Navy Beach at the south end of the lake. If not, several outfitters provide kayak rentals and organized tours. One such outfit is Caldera Kayak.

Swimming

Swimming is also permitted in the lake (just not from the state reserve). You’ll just need to be sure to avoid hitting the tufas. Before diving in, be certain you have no cuts or sores on your body and keep the water out of your eyes. Mono Lake has 2.5 times the salt concentration as the ocean. It WILL hurt.

Mono Lake from above.

Birding/Photography

Another popular activity here is bird watching/photography. The lake contains no fish at all but is home to the aforementioned Alkali Flies and Brine Shrimp. Due to this, Mono Lake attracts around 300 species of birds that feed on the flies/shrimp and use the tufas to nest. So if that’s what you’re into, you can’t go wrong here.

Photography is another favorite. Photographers from all over the world have come to Mono Lake to capture its beauty, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Drone use at the state reserve and directly above the surface of the lake is prohibited. However, there are other parts of the lake where you could launch from provided you don’t fly over the surface.

Viewpoints

Mono Lake from the Highway 395 viewpoint.

There are a few other viewpoints but the one I feel is worth pointing out is the pullout from highway 395 coming into Lee Vining from Bridgeport. You get a “from above” view (even more so with a drone) and there’s more interpretive signs as well. They don’t say anything different than what the ones at the lake and at the visitor center say, though.

Coming from Bridgeport, you’ll find the pullout on your right shortly after passing Virginia Lakes road (just before you start descending). To get here from Lee Vining, travel north of highway 395. As you near the top of your ascent, you’ll see the pullout on your left.

Nearby Attractions

There are many additional attractions located near Mono Lake. We wrote two articles entitled, “7 Things You Will Love About Lee Vining” and “7 Things You Will Love About Bridgeport” that give examples of things you can do or see in those respective towns. Mono Lake is located in Lee Vining while Bridgeport is just a short drive north on 395.

Below, we’ll list a few of the major attractions you MUST see while you’re in the area and the links to our articles on them:

• Bodie State Park: Located just 32 miles from the lake (read here)

• Yosemite National Park (East Gate): Just 15 miles up Tioga Pass (read here)

• June Lake Loop Scenic Drive: The start of which is just a few miles down highway 395 (read here)

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Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this article about Mono Lake and that it was helpful to you in planning or inspiring your travel plans. If so, please consider support this site by sharing it with your friends and family on social media. Thank you and safe travels!