Go west young man. The left coast, the best coast. California is the state of vacation paradise. Zillions relocate to the golden state to experience the wonderful weather and more life out doors. It is one of the top US destinations in terms of number of people visiting.
Beautiful, fantastic and scenic; there is something for everyone, unique coastline, wild terrain, mountains, deserts. Camp for free, or find a luxury RV resort. We have accommodations listed for every type of traveler.
Small towns, big cities, freeways, farms, and lots of mountains. Weather is always the biggest draw, attracting millions to the sunshine on the West Coast. Another major factor in the population is diversity. Come for college and never want to leave. Near perfect weather, locally grown food, great wine, alpine lakes, freeways and earthquakes too.
Whether you are out for a week long road trip, living on the road full time or just planning a one day escape from the city, you are bound to find it here in California.
Drastic desert landscapes, extreme mountain peaks, granite rock walls, raging rivers, volcanic landscapes, and plenty of adventures. Follow the images above and below to discover new spots & explore hidden secrets. We have thousands of pages just on California.
US Hwy 395 runs up the eastern side of California, with the highest Sierra peaks towering on the west side of Owens valley. Fossil Falls, Mount Whitney, Alabama Hills and Death Valley NP, all easily accessible. This main artery, a north-south route from LA to Reno, offers some of the best sightseeing and outdoor recreation in the whole state.
wine country, gold country, river canyons, oak hills, reservoir lakes, hot springs, wildflowers, covered wooden bridges, suspension bridges, mountain foothills, railroads, ranchlands, historical parks, museums, tribal reservations
California Country Terrain Baja California
Southern California
High Desert California
Coastal Foothills
Central Valley:
San Joaquin & Sacramento Valley
Central Coast Inland
Central Sierra
Eastern Sierra
Southern Sierra
Western Sierra
Cascade Mountain Range
NorCal: North State California
Pack Animals for backcountry trips are not limited to only horses. Goats, mules, donkeys and llamas are also used for wilderness trekking and backcountry trips. Llama outfits can offer overnight lodging, as well as meals, on their beautiful, rural properties.
Llama Pack Camping California
Pack llamas for rent. At one time there were dozens of California llama outfitters, now-a-days there are only a few of these types of businesses left, as we display in the list below.
Fort Bragg, CA
Lodging and Llamas
18301 Old Coast Hwy
707-964-7191 2 fully furnished cottages, hot tubs, fireplace, pet friendly
Many people confused llamas with alpacas, but they are indeed two different animals. Llamas are larger, growing to twice the size of alpacas and llamas belong to the camel family. Alpacas are very much herd animals, while llamas are more independent minded. Alpacas also tend to be a bit more skittish than llamas. Differences Between Llamas and Alpacas
As the number of pack animal outfitters within California have decreased, over the past 2 decades – alpaca farms have instead tripled.
alpaca farm tour
Alpacas farms may offer visitor tours, boarding and sales, breeding, but no wilderness treks; Sometimes they sell alpaca fiber (otherwise known as yarn), and they may have alpaca gifts and handmade items for sale.
Alpaca Farms in California
(visits by appointment only, call first to confirm)
Alba Alpacas
80 Feghali Rd.
Ramona, CA 92065
858-337-4656
A & M Ranch
Madera Ranchos
RV Camp sites
Madera, CA
PDF Smith River Map & Guide 6.5 MB download
20 page river guide w/ trailheads mileage and information, navigable runs detailed, campgrounds, picnic sites, fire lookout tower, plus cabin rentals
pack horses horseback camping horse pack trips
pack trains high sierra packs
& wild horses in California
Overnight Guided Horse Trips into the backcountry wilderness
The most scenic spots in the California high country can only be accessed by foot. If your physical body is not up for carrying all the gear (weight) on your back (backpacking) and hiking (trekking) on foot, uphill for (many) miles, then an overnight horse camping trip (horse packing) may be an option to consider.
Get way out there – with guided professionals. Camp the real back country wilderness. No campground crowds, no RVs humming, no easy access! These experienced stock animals are well trained, familiar & dependable on the trails. Specific interests tours and custom destinations can make it worth your wild. Fishing alpine lakes, hot springs, wildflowers, high country camping (in style). Guides usually provide the camping tents, food and meal prep.
Cottonwood Pack Station
Lone Pine, CA
559-478-2258 Horseshoe Meadows, Mt Whitney, John Muir Trail
Frontier Pack Station
PO Box 656
June Lake, CA 93529
760-648-7701 summer
760-872-4038 winter
Glacier Pack Train
5 County Rd
Big Pine, CA 93513
760-938-2538 Big Pine Lake, Palisade Glacier
JC High Country
Little Antelope Pack Station
Mill Canyon Rd
PO Box 179
Coleville, CA 96107
775-315-6222 backcountry fishing & hunting trips
Antelope Valley Pack Station Wolf Creek Pack Station
D & F Pack Station Huntington Lake
PO Box 156
Lakeshore, CA 93634
800-434-RIDE
559-893-3220
Horse Corral Packers
Sequoia National Park
PO Box 546
Woodlake, CA 93286
559-565-3404 summer
559-564-6429 winter Mineral King Valley, Giant Sequoia National Monument
Wild Horse Sanctuary
5796 Wilson Hill Road
Shingletown, CA 96088
530-474-5770
(overnight treks on horseback to view wild horses)
Wild Horses in Northern California near Lassen Peak, North Sierra Nevada mountains. The mission of the Wild Horse Sanctuary is to protect and preserve America’s wild horses as a living national treasure by providing range sanctuary in an ecologically balanced environment open to the public.
The large list below might seem absurd for a typical camping trip, but if you are planning a full week of tent campin’ w/ 4 wheelin’ in the high country, then many items may come in handy. Gear-heads will appreciate the fun times and the break downs. Remember, repairs are just part of the adventure!
Items specific to off-road travel –
air pressure gauge
allen wrenches
crescent wrench
electrical tape
crimp connectors
grease
pliers
set of open end wrenches/combo wrenches
pocket/utility knife
socket set
screw driver set
pry bar
bailing wire and wire cutters
tie-rod puller/Pitman arm puller
dental pick
telescopic magnet
small lengths of angle iron
tubing/flare wrenches
snap ring pliers
BFH
vise grips
impact driver
JB weld/solder seal
left handed drill & tap/easy out
socket adapter, extension
Locktite
chisel & punch
fresh duct tape
flare tool
bolt cutters
metal shears
disposable gloves
handcleaner
WD40 lubricant
propane canisters & torch
silicone seal / gasket material
brake cleaner
starter fluid
rags
lug wrench
tire plugs
welding sticks
welding goggles
When it comes to the holiday season, California has epic destinations and outdoor recreation. There’s more to do outdoors than look at the holiday lights!
Snowy winter wonderlands span the Sierra Nevada mountains; palm desert oasis can be found in Southern California, ghost towns in the deserts to remote hot springs, there is something for everyone.
These particular locations go ‘all out’ with holiday decor, lights, craft shows, street fairs, and maybe a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Most events are focused around the downtown areas.
Yes, you can! Cut down a Christmas Tree out of the forest. Get a tree cutting permit from your nearest National Forest ranger station.
This half-day adventure is best done with company (more people to help haul the tree). Hot cocoa in a thermos!
Buy a forest map and bring a sturdy hand saw. Be prepared to hike on hillsides and physically haul your chosen pine tree back to the rig. Make sure your vehicle can accommodate the size of your tree; a pick-up truck would be ideal.
Measure the height of the indoor space before you leave, so you know how TALL of a tree to cut. When standing in front of the tree in the forest, there is no reference point for your living room ceiling. May need to cut additional length off the bottom, when you arrive home.
New Years Eve
Everyone knows about the Rose Parade, otherwise known as the New Years Day Parade, held in Pasadena, CA – but few know that you can view these floral floats lining up the night before.
the scent of flowers fills the air
Annually on New Years Eve, the public can stroll along tree-lined Orange Grove Blvd to watch the “finishing touches” being placed on the impressive parade floats.
Be prepared to walk miles for the FREE viewing. Many streets are blocked off (closed) for the upcoming event- so public parking can be tight.
Dress warmly and wear good walking shoes; bring a flashlight and expect chilly temps. Large lights are erected along the boulevard for this last minute finale.