Jasper Wiggins
I've been in napa 12+ years and on this trail (o.k. read: fire road) many times in all seasons. It's never seemed too croweded or full of mountain bikers like other places can be in parts of the Bay Area. Best time of year is spring or fall, if you go in the summer I suggest go very early in the day, because it's 'exposed' much of the day. Bring sunblock and extra water. Here's the State Parks link: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=472
5.0
I'm from this area, my whole family still lives there. This is a great spot to visit in all four seasons. If you are tourist shy, come back in the fall when the maple trees are turning - it's glorious!
When planning a visit to this area it's also a good idea to keep in mind that the first week of August, every year, is the Sturgis Motorcycle rally. THOUSANDS of bikers from all over the country drive to get there. The first time I went (pre-cell phone era) I was passed by motorcycles all day long. What an interesting culturual phenomenon in contrast to the history and the geography of the area!
I used to live in the park and enjoyed doing this hike twice a week. If you need cardio, Walter's Wiggles is the place for you! As the reviewer noted, you don't have to go all the way to the end (that last 1/2 mile on the chains). Bring plenty of water, more than you think you'll need.
I used to live near this spot and hiked it frequently. It's low impact and not as strenuous as other hikes in ZNP.
I don't recommend doing this drive on a weekend, or during high summer - there are just too many cars & motorcycles on the road now, it's too stressful if you are the driver. Go in the "off season" February, March, April and early May or in the fall, October and November are lovely.
You can encounter all kinds of weather here in a single day. Definitely bring layers.
One of *the* best places to hike in the Sierra's.
I would recommend hiking at Point Lobos State Park (just below Carmel-By-The-Sea on Hwy. 1, about 3 miles south of downtown at most). It's a hidden gem and offers great ocean views.
Fantastic spot! Bring your camera, stay up late and watch the stars. This is a wildly popular backcountry spot because the JMT (John Muir Trail) runs through this area. Try to get to the lake earlier in the day to pick a great campsite. Bear cans are a must out here.
Always bring more water than you think you are going to need. You never know, you might meet a climber on the way down who could use a little extra after a long climb.
It can be a little windy up there, bring a jacket! Also, if you like to draw / paint, you can park in the lot, and walk to the wall surrouding it (facing the valley) and work up there for hours. On full moon nights you'll see a number of photographers that set up for long shots here too.
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