Join 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 MoreDiscover California's Majestic Mountain Loop, a 3-park epic road trip through Sequoia, Kings Canyon & Yosemite National Parks. Explore giant sequoia trees, thundering waterfalls, scenic drives, iconic viewpoints & top hotels. Base yourself in Visalia & Oakhurst for easy access to these Sierra Nevada Mountain wonders. This is the perfect travel guide for first-time visitors & national park lovers.
Read MorePlanning a trip to Yosemite National Park this summer? Get insider tips from longtime park Ranger Scott Gediman on navigating Yosemite’s 2025 reservation system, avoiding crowds, popular hiking trails, staying safe around wildlife (like black bear), and being a responsible visitor. Learn what to expect in summer conditions and how to make the most of your Yosemite Valley road trip adventure.
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 MoreThe Tioga Pass Entrance is open for the 2025 Summer season in Yosemite National Park. Connecting Mono Lake, Lee Vining, and US-395 with Big Oak Flat Road, Tioga Road features some of the best views and things to do in and around Yosemite, and is a great way avoid the busy Yosemite Valley crowds. Join me for a live update of what the waterfalls, meadows, lakes & wildlife is currently looking like.
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 MoreJoin me for the perfect one-day family-friendly adventure in Grand Canyon National Park. This epic 1-day itinerary along the South Rim is optimized from sunrise to sunset, with epic Grand Canyon views all along the way, including stops at the best viewpoints on Hermit Road and Desert View Road. Learn about what shuttles to take and how to plan your perfect day in Grand Canyon National Park.
Read MorePlanning a Yosemite adventure? Discover the top 10 reasons to stay in Oakhurst, CA on your next Yosemite road trip. Just minutes from Yosemite’s South Entrance, explore family-friendly attractions, outdoor activities, scenic hikes, art galleries, local history, unique shopping & delicious dining. Find more inspiration at YosemiteThisYear.com and the 41 Things To Do Around Highway 41 travel guide.
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 MorePlanning a Yosemite National Park trip in 2025? With reservation uncertainty, budget cuts, and road closures from a Highway 140 rockslide, many travelers are unsure about visiting. But don’t cancel your plans! Entering through Oakhurst, CA, offers a reliable, rewarding way to explore the park while supporting local businesses. Discover why visiting Yosemite this year is more important than ever.
Read MoreEmbark on a California desert road trip to explore otherworldly landscapes, unique rock formations, and stunning desert scenery. Visit Red Rock Canyon, Trona Pinnacles, Death Valley National Park, Alabama Hills & Fossil Falls. Discover epic stargazing, hidden hikes, scenic drives, and surreal photo spots on this unforgettable desert adventure with this complete travel guide & itinerary.
Read MoreCan I still see Firefall? If conditions allow, Yosemite National Park visitors can experience the Horsetail Fall Firefall phenomenon in late February & into March, even though the official Firefall season has ended. Read this Yosemite current conditions report on how waterfalls are flowing, what crowds are like & how you can help protect our National Parks after recent ranger & staffing cuts.
Read MorePlan the perfect day trip to Death Valley National Park! Check out this 1 day itinerary, which includes top spots to visit in Death Valley, including hiking details and viewpoints of Death Valley's iconic landmarks, including Badwater Basin and Zabriskie Point. If you're planning a multi-day road trip, download my complete 2-3 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide, which includes hotel & dining info.
Read MoreCheck out this Yosemite National Park FIREFALL 2025 Opening Day travel guide with real-time updates on current conditions, crowds, road status, and waterfall flow. Find out what it was like to view and photograph Firefall, plus pro tips on the best Firefall viewing spots. Get the latest on Yosemite winter conditions, Yosemite Valley waterfalls, and what to expect for Firefall next weekend.
Read MorePlanning a Firefall trip to Yosemite? Get the latest Yosemite Valley conditions update, including road status, snow levels, and waterfall flow. Find out how the rain will impact Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite Falls, and the chances of seeing Firefall this season. Plus, get essential winter travel tips, including tire chain requirements and the best scenic spots after the winter storms in the forecast.
Read MoreWhere are the best spots along the Central Coast to see wildlife? Read this ultimate travel guide to viewing marine life, birds, and all kinds unique animals along a Central California Highway 1 road trip. We'll cover the top wildlife spots in Pismo Beach, Morro Bay, San Simeon, Cambria, Big Sur, Carmel, Moss Landing, and Monterey Bay, with special views of orcas, elephant seals, and sea otters.
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 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!
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