Los Angeles may be known for the Hollywood Sign hike, but the City of Angels also has a fair share of hikes that offer picturesque views of waterfalls that look straight out of a storybook. After living in the LA area for over 20 years, I’ve realized that there’s something delightful about having a waterfall as a hiking destination. The base of a cascade not only provides a wonderful spot to eat a granola bar and admire the view, but it’s also such a breath of fresh air in a busy city with incessant traffic noise. Listening to the rushing water and trickling creeks is a magical way to experien ..read more

A California Coast road trip is a rite of passage for any outdoor adventure traveler, and the central coast of California is particularly iconic. This stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway provides incredible ocean views, beautiful sights, easy access to quaint California beach towns, and of course, endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. A few years ago, I joined forces with Visit California in search of the best adventures along the Central California Coast. I’ve compiled what I discovered into this itinerary along with recommendations from the rest of the Bearfoot Theory team who have s ..read more

It may be surprising to some, but Los Angeles offers a wide variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Just beyond the city’s bustling streets, there is an abundance of outdoor adventures to be had. From hiking in the nearby mountains, to playing in the ocean, to exploring nearby islands and camping under the stars, there’s something for everyone. Being a California local, I love to explore the the natural beauty around Los Angeles and its surrounding areas every chance I can get. If you look for it, you can easily escape the crowds and quickly be immersed in n ..read more

If you’ve ever been to California, you’ve probably seen some of the beautiful campgrounds that dot the Pacific Coast. But have you ever wanted to experience that beachside camping yourself? Bodega Bay camping is the perfect answer! When I lived in San Francisco, Bodega Bay was my go-to camping spot because it’s less than a 2-hour drive from the city and it’s one of the most picturesque hidden gems on the Sonoma Coast. Camping in Bodega Bay means falling asleep to the sound of the crashing waves of the Pacific, strolling on expansive beaches during the day, and seeing abundant wildlife. There’s ..read more

Hiking Half Dome is a rite of passage for outdoor enthusiasts and ranks among the most famous hikes in the US. Etched into the stunning canvas of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Half Dome is famous for its sheer granite face and the iconic (but nerve-wracking) steel cables you must climb to reach the summit. Hiking Half Dome is not for the faint of heart – it’s an extremely strenuous day hike spanning 14+ miles with 5,300+ feet of elevation gain. But you’ll be rewarded with stunning waterfalls along the way and panoramic views of the entire Yosemite Valley and High Sierra from the 8,800 ..read more

Hiking the John Muir Trail is a life-changing experience. Once you’ve followed the crest of the Sierra from Yosemite to Mount Whitney (or visa-versa if you’re hiking Northbound), you’ll forever be returning to those memories of hiking across one of the most scenic mountain ranges on Earth. I hiked the JMT Southbound back in 2014 over 22 days and kept a day-by-day log of my journey. Below, I share my 3-week JMT itinerary, broken up into sections by resupply points, to highlight some of my favorite viewpoints, campsites, swimming holes, and lunch spots. In 2023, BFT contributor Mary of The Blond ..read more

Most people take about three weeks to hike the John Muir Trail, which means you’ll get to enjoy 20+ nights of epic alpine camping. Most of the JMT is above the tree line and you’ll have nightly opportunities to set yourself up for incredible sunsets, moonrises, Milky Ways, and sunrises. Water for cooking and drinking is everywhere and flat, established campsites are plentiful, especially if you’re willing to hike a half mile or more off the main corridor. Don’t worry about mapping out where you are going to camp each night, because your pace will change throughout your hike, but there are a fe ..read more

With off-season prices, thinner crowds, and the change of seasons, winter is one of my favorite times for outdoor adventure in the US. Whether you are a winter lover and want to hit the slopes on a snowy vacation or are looking for warm weather and sunshine, there are plenty of winter destinations where the season and weather will fit the bill. In this blog post, we’ve rounded up the best winter vacations in the US for outdoor adventure. Best Snowy Winter Vacation Destinations Visit Crested Butte, Colorado A few years ago, I had the opportunity to explore Crested Butte, Colorado in the winter ..read more

Ok… so you got your John Muir Trail permit, planned your resupply points, and got your gear lined up. Congrats! You’re almost ready for the best backpacking trip of your life.  But don’t lace up those boots just yet… you still have a few more logistics to take care of, one of which is your John Muir Trail transportation plan. John Muir Trail transportation is pretty simple if you have two cars and two people to drive. Simply drop one car off at one end, drive the other up to your permitted trailhead, and after your hike run a shuttle back up to your starting point. But what ..read more

There’s nothing quite like summer in Lake Tahoe – beaches, crystal blue water, epic hiking, and mountain biking… there’s something for every kind of outdoor adventurer. Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, is 1,644ft at its deepest point, and its striking blue color comes from the fact that the water has been tested as 99.994% pure, which is cleaner than most commercially distilled water! In this blog post, I share some of the best things to do in Lake Tahoe in the summer so you can plan your trip with ease. Forewarning – Lake Tahoe gets BUSY in the summer, so I recommend star ..read more