On this snowshoe adventure, we decided to take a more groomed and easy route to build back up our confidence. A friend had recently explored the area, so we made our way to Truckee and did a portion of the Emigrant Trail. It was beautiful, pretty flat (compared to the last one!!) and dog-friendly.

Length: ~6 miles (3 hours)

Good for: anyone … beginners, dogs, kids, etc.

Other notes: parking can be tricky in the snow. We did the reverse route and parked at the end.

AllTrails link: alltrails.com/trail/us/california/emigrant-trail-to-alder-creek-out-and-back 

I always like to get in a hike when I go to visit my brother and sister in San Diego! This time we tried Iron Mountain in Poway. It’s a nice 5 miler out and back, with pretty views along the way and at the peak. The trail can get pretty crowded, but it’s great for most ages and abilities.

Length: 5 miles

Good for: anyone. There are some inclines but pretty easy overall. Would be a good trail run too.

AllTrails link: alltrails.com/trail/us/california/iron-mountain-trail–5?u=i

My mom found this great hiking and exploring area just an hour from our home, tucked away in Cool California. The park has trails that zig-zag in every direction, so you can do this area multiple times and take different routes. The trail follows the South Fork of the American River, so you might see some whitewater rafters! The trails also have options for mountain bikers, horses and it’s dog friendly. We’re looking forward to bringing the girls back as there are a few different picnic areas and they can in the sandy beach area along the water.

Length: choose your own adventure, we did around 10 miles

Good for: anyone

Other notes: I am pretty susceptible to poison oak, and even those there isn’t much in season right now I still got a few little rashes after the hike. There are a few bathrooms in the parking areas and along the trail

All Trails Link: alltrails.com/parks/us/california/cronan-ranch-regional-trails-park

On a beautiful winter day we decided to drive up to the Kirkwood area, Lake Margaret Trail, to try our chances at snowshoeing. Mom picked the trail, she thought a nice 5 miler would be good for our first time… Well, it was a beautiful trail, but we had to pave our own way the full 5 miles – I am guessing this trail isn’t used widely for snowshoers?? Anyhow, it was beautiful and a great workout. We didn’t see another person the whole 5 hours (yes, 5 miles in 5 hours…).

Length: 5 miles (if you don’t get too lost)

Good for kids: not during the winter, but probably a beautiful and nice family trail without snow

Other notes: we couldn’t park in the main parking area, so had to park down the street at the Kirkwood cross country ski park and hike into the main trail

All Trails link: alltrails.com/trail/us/california/lake-margaret-trail

On a clear day I can see the peak of Mount Diablo from a back yard, and I always joke that it’s been taunting me to climb it. Tyler and I had signed up for a Spartan Super on Mount Diablo right before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, so unfortunately we had to cancel it as it was scheduled right as I started chemo. A few years later, I tackled the mountain with my mom, brother and sister. The views were worth the wait – on a clear day you can see the buildings in San Francisco and up to the Sierras! This hike has a lot of incline and gets the heart pumping. It is a loop so you can do it in either direction – we started towards the West so we didn’t end with a huge incline at the end.

Length: 6.7 miles

Views: YES! on a clear day you can see a lot of Northern California

Good for Kids: a shorter loop within Mount Diablo State Park

All Trails Link: Mount Diablo Grand Loop Trail

Other Notes: Mount Diablo is a State Park – parking fees apply. There is also a pretty long and winding drive from the Ranger Booth to the trailhead. Look out for the cyclists. There is a Whole Foods just a few miles from the Ranger Station to get snacks if needed!

When we visited Utah, we stayed in Zion (Springdale) but couldn’t miss experiencing Bryce Canyon 1.5 hours away. Bryce looks quite different than Zion with a large canyon and an array of hoodoos that look straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. When we visited Bryce Canyon we started with a horse back ride – Lucy loved it and was so sad when it ended. It was an easy ride venturing through some land and then over to look at the views of Bryce Canyon.

We decided to do the Navajo Loop Trail which has a few different lengths and can accommodate most levels of hikers including Lucy (6) and my dad. Winding through the canyon switchbacks and observing the amazing rock formations and arches will keep you wanting more.

Length: 1.5-5 miles

Good for Kids: Yes – can get hot in the summer months and might be cold/closed in winter.

All Trails Link: Navajo Loop Trail

Notes: This hike is inside Bryce Canyon National Park.

Angels Landing is one of Zion’s most well known hikes, mostly do the the sketchy climb you have to do the make it to the top to see the amazing views. Thankfully the chains were just reopened when we visited and were able to make to most of the way to the top of Angels Landing. The hike is paved for the first half and features a long incline with switchbacks and beautiful views. The last part to get up to Angels Landing is pretty steep and not for the faint of heart or those scared of heights. It gets pretty narrow, and can be especially hard on a busy day. It’s worth the hike up even if you skip the last ascent.

We combined Angels Landing with parts of West Rim Trail and Emerald Pools trails to get about a 10 mile hike in. Every part of the trail is beautiful and I highly suggest it.

Length: 5-10 miles

Good for kids: everything except the final ascent to Angels Landing, which you can skip. The trail is pretty steep, so be aware. If you want a less steep hike, check out Emerald Pools.

All Trails Link: Angels Landing Trail + Emerald Pools Trail

Notes: Zion is a National Park and only accessible via shuttles. You need to be sure to reserve your shuttle pass in advance.