San Clemente, California, in south Orange County boasts miles of coastline and plenty of opportunity for recreation. One easily accessible trail is the San Clemente Beach Trail is a 2.3 mile rail-to-trail that runs from North Beach down to the San Clemente State Beach. The path shares its corridor with an active rail line that serves Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner route from Los Angeles to San Diego, The path is quite popular year-round and offers lovely views of the expansive Pacific Ocean.
On a cloudy, cool day, Owen explores a different hike from Angeles Crest to a familiar spot: the Gould Mesa Campground.
For a special birthday hike, Owen and his cranky campers take a local hike at the Ernest E. Debs Regional Park in the Montecito Heights area of Los Angeles. This short post features photos of Peanut Lake (Debs Pond) and vast LA views- along with a 'secret' hiker swing.
Owen splashed in the surf at the Leo Carrillo dogs allowed beach in Malibu, California.
About 12 miles from Lee Vining on California 120, the Tioga Road connects U.S. 395 to Yosemite National Park. The road continues west into the park and gives access to many fun landmarks within the national park, including Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, Olmsted Point, and Tuolumne Grove.
The Cranky Camper 