Yosemite National Park Fall Color Report 2025! Let's help you plan your upcoming Yosemite fall road trip with this detailed Fall color report and current conditions update. Discover where to see the best Yosemite Valley foliage, from dogwoods and maples to the iconic Cook’s Meadow Elm, plus waterfall flow, early snow on Tioga Pass, and what to expect during the ongoing government shutdown.
Read MoreEastern Sierra Fall Color Report 2025! This is your last chance to see California's fall foliage in Mono & Inyo Counties. Get the latest real-time updates from June Lake Loop, Convict Lake, Tioga Pass near Yosemite, Round Valley, and Bishop. Follow Flying Dawn Marie for weekly Eastern Sierra & Bishop fall foliage updates and Highway 395 travel inspiration to help you plan your next CA road trip.
Read MoreToday I'm sharing the top 3 ghost towns in California, perfect for a Fall & Halloween family friendly activity. Photographers, road trippers & history buffs can explore preserved gold rush relics of Calico, Silver City & Bodie State Park. This travel guide takes you through abandoned buildings, haunting landscapes, and remnants of the Old West that reveal California’s rugged, storied past.
Read MoreEastern Sierra Fall Color Report 2025! Get the latest real-time updates from June Lake Loop, Convict Lake, McGee Creek Canyon, Hilton Creek, Crowley Lake, Millpond Park, Intake Two, Cardinal Village, Aspendell, Lake Sabrina, and North Lake. Follow Flying Dawn Marie for weekly Eastern Sierra & Bishop fall foliage updates and Highway 395 travel inspiration to help you plan your next CA road trip.
Read MoreEastern Sierra fall color report 2025! Bishop Creek Canyon is glowing with peak foliage. Get real-time updates for South Lake, Mist Falls, Intake Two, Cardinal Village, Aspendell, Lake Sabrina, Middle Fork Bishop Creek, and North Lake. Follow Flying Dawn Marie for Bishop & Mono County current conditions and fall foliage travel tips & photography inspiration along Highway 395 in California.
Read MoreDrive the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway in the Sierra National Forest near Yosemite National Park for breathtaking mountain views, granite domes, wildflower meadows, and historic stops. This 100-mile California scenic drive includes highlights like Fresno Dome, Globe Rock, Mile High Vista & Jones Store. A must-do mountain road trip adventure near Yosemite's southern gateway, Oakhurst & Bass Lake.
Read MoreJoin me on a hike up to the summit of Fresno Dome in Sierra National Forest. Just south of Yosemite National Park along the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, this easy to moderate hike provides panoramic views with no crowds near Oakhurst, Bass Lake & Fish Camp in California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. It's the perfect easy alternative to Yosemite's Half Dome hike...no permits or reservations needed!
Read MoreExplore Boyden Cavern in Kings Canyon, a stunning marble cave in Sequoia National Forest. Learn about cave tours, unique geology, CCC history and how it compares to Crystal Cave in Sequoia National Park. A top spot on the Majestic Mountain Loop road trip and a must-see family-friendly adventure along Highway 180, perfect for travelers seeking hidden gems in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Read MoreDiscover the rich history and stunning wildlife of Piedras Blancas Light Station in San Simeon, CA just north of Hearst Castle. From elephant seals and whale sightings to coastal views and a storied lighthouse dating back to 1875, this scenic stop along Highway 1 is a must-visit. Learn what to see, when to go, and how to make the most of your visit to this historic California coast gem.
Read MoreLooking for the best hiking near Fresno, CA? Hike to Stevenson Creek Falls in Sierra National Forest—an epic 7-mile trail featuring waterfalls, tunnels and rich hydroelectric history. Best in spring for roaring falls, this hidden gem near Shaver Lake offers scenic views of the San Joaquin River Gorge, massive granite peaks, spring wildflowers, and a moderate challenge for hikers & nature lovers.
Read MoreGlacier Point Road is open for the 2025 season in Yosemite National Park! See what it looked like on opening day (May 10). Get the full report on road conditions, crowd levels, weather, waterfalls, parking, and tips for visiting early in the season. Includes updates from Glacier Point, Washburn Point, Taft Point trailhead, Summit Meadow, and more—perfect for planning your spring trip to Yosemite.
Read MoreYosemite Adventure Company is a top rated tour company just south of Yosemite National Park. Located along Highway 41 in Oakhurst, CA, this outfitter takes adventure seekers up into the mountains to explore the Sierra National Forest on ATVs, UTVs & Jeeps year round. Today we're taking a guided ATV Snow Track Tour near Bass Lake for some fun in the snow thanks to Visit Yosemite Madera County.
Read MoreExplore Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria, CA—a scenic coastal gem along Highway 1. Discover over 8 miles of hiking trails with ocean views, Monterey pine forests & abundant wildlife. Enjoy ADA-accessible Bluff Trail, unique benches & year-round free access. Perfect for hiking, birdwatching & photography. Don’t miss my 2-3 Day Central Coast Itinerary & Travel Guide for more adventures nearby!
Read MoreDiscover the best kayaking adventures in CA from Death Valley to Yosemite National Park, the Eastern Sierra & Morro Bay! Explore the stunning waters of Badwater Basin, Convict Lake, Tenaya Lake & the Merced River. Learn about must-have gear, like the best inflatable kayak, waterproof dry bags, compact binoculars, and life jackets to ensure safety, comfort & unforgettable moments on the water.
Read MoreDiscover the Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery in San Simeon, CA—an incredible free year-round wildlife experience along California’s scenic Highway 1. Learn about the fascinating history, conservation, & seasonal activities at this elephant seal colony. Plan your road trip visit to see newborn pups, epic male battles & stunning coastal trails. Explore nearby Hearst Castle, Cambria & more!
Read MoreDiscover the best of Morro Bay, CA with this travel guide to kayaking, tide pooling, and wildlife watching. Explore the calm Morro Bay Estuary, vibrant tide pools at North Point Natural Area, and marine life around Morro Rock. Spot sea otters, harbor seals, and rare birds in this coastal haven. Get tips on tide charts, must-visit locations, and gear for an unforgettable Central Coast adventure!
Read MoreWhat is Zzyzx Road? If you've ever taken a road trip from LA to Vegas along I-15, you've probably seen this strange Zzyzx road sign near Baker, CA. Located in Mojave National Preserve, this roadside stop was once a "health resort" in the mid 1900s, and now the abandoned structures are home the Desert Studies Center. Visitors are welcome to explore parts of the grounds, so let's take a look!
Read MoreWhat are the best hotels in Yosemite? Today I'm sharing 5 of my favorite unique hotel stays in & around Yosemite National Park, ranging from luxury resorts to airbnb villas to dog friendly stays. Check out this comprehensive travel guide to learn about lodging dining options, room & suite amenities, family friendly activities, and proximity to main entrances to plan your next Yosemite vacation.
Read MoreWhat are the best ghost towns in California? Bodie and Calico might be two of CA's official gold & silver mining ghost towns, but Silver City Ghost Town is one of the top historic spots to visit this year. Located in the Southern Sierra Nevada Mountains near the Kern River, Lake Isabella, and Sequoia National Forest, this top day trip destination is a short drive from Bakersfield & Los Angeles.
Read MoreLooking for a great stop on your next road trip from Los Angeles to Las Vegas? Calico Ghost Town is a family friendly pit stop located in the Mojave Desert near Barstow, CA along Interstate 15. Packed with history, attractions & fun activities, this old silver mining town now is one of the best roadside spots to explore a Wild West atmosphere in California. Stretch your legs and enjoy great food!
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