All posts by danamite

Animals

Horseback Rides Los Angeles

Trails Rides near Los Angeles

Lockwood Valley

Los Angeles Horseback Riding

horseback

 

American Jousting Alliance
James Zoppe Trail Rides
Lockwood Valley
15568 Greenleaf Springs Road
Frazier Park , CA
661-245-4000

Cowgirl Tours & Training
3696 N Fair Oaks Street
Altadena Ca 91001
626-421-5749

Griffith Park Pony Rides
[PERMANENTLY CLOSED 2023]

LA Horse Rentals
Griffith Park
1850 Riverside Drive
Glendale, CA 91201
818-242-8443

Los Angeles Equestrian Center
480 West Riverside Drive
Burbank, CA 91506
818-840-9063

Malibu Horse Riding
2550 Old Topanga Canyon Rd
Topanga, CA 90290
818-225-7433

Marshall Canyon Equestrian Center
7000 Esperanza Dr
La Verne, CA 91750
909-593-8739

Montebello Barnyard Zoo
& Pony Rides
600 Rea Drive
Montebello, CA
213-718-5442

Palos Verdes Stables
4057 Viaduct Opata
Palos Verdes, CA
310-310-5178

Rancho Potrero
4790 West Lynn Road
Newbury Park, CA 91320
805-491-1230

Sunset Ranch Stables
3400 N. Beachwood Dr
Hollywood, CA 90068
323-469-5450

Sunwolf Farms
Lockwood Valley Rd
Frazier Park, CA 93225
661-245-9653

Trail 21W03 Mt Pinos

Outdoors

Winter Break Outside

Tamarack Sierra NF

Why spend time with family indoors, when you can be outside enjoying the mighty fine scenery and breathing fresh air?

In California winter can be dry and windy – or it can be snowy and cold, depending on the weather pattern. Droughts general last a few years, and then comes the deluge of rain for a year or two. Record snowfall, most rainfall ever recorded, biggest storm of 100 years!

atmospheric river

snow

If you plan to spend the holiday season traveling the golden state, always know before you go. Check the weather and road conditions; always plan for rain (anytime between OCT-APRIL) and have adequate jackets, footwear and tarps.

Planning for a coastal hike, with dinner plus an inn by the sea is quite different from a chains required, snow skiing weekend in the high altitudes. Below are just a small sampling of ideas for winter vacations – out of doors.

Back Roads
Bike Rentals
Cabin Rentals
Coastal Towns
Cross Country Ski
Desert Camping
Desert Towns
Farm Towns
Ghost Towns
Hot Springs
Ice Skating
Indian Rock Art
Meteor Showers
National Forests
National Parks
Rural Counties
Sledding Hills
Slot Canyon Hikes
Snow Chains
Snow Gear
Snow Ski Resorts
Snow Shoe Rentals
Snow Towns
State Parks
Wineries

bikes at beach

pinetree

Visiting National Parks, National Forests and mountain locations in California

(snow is common anywhere above 4000′ elevation, but possible down to 1000′ elevation)

At this time of year, expect park highways to be snowy or icy. When chains are required, all vehicles entering the parks must carry tire chains or cables, including 4WD and AWD vehicles.

During active winter storms tow trucks do not generally enter the park and towing bills can be very expensive. Vehicles that are incapacitated or stuck in the snow may not get out for a day or more.

locations by elevation

Camping

Coastal Camping California

Baja California

destination: outdoors

coastal cliffs camping, island camping, beach camping, overnight, ocean, surf, waves, shoreline, fishing piers, coastal foothills, redwood forests, state parks, state beaches, state recreation areas, national parks, national seashore, backpacking, free camping, hot springs, dirt back roads, off road camping

Big Sur Sunset
Big Sur Sunset – in a sea of clouds

Coastal Camping Redwoods, Beach Camping, State Parks on California Coast

  • tent camping
  • backpacking trailheads
  • walk-in campground
  • hike-in campsite
  • RV camping
  • 4×4 camping
  • hot springs
  • parks & trails
  • picnic & sightseeing

camping

Pacific Jade Cove
Pacific Jade Cove

see also – Best View Campsites

Outdoors

Camping

camping

California Camping

California has abundant lands, parks, rivers & reservoirs for outdoor enjoyment & public access; more so than any other state in the nation. No wonder so many move here!

Camping is a very popular activity among residents and travelers alike. Nomads may see it as a necessary life-style choice and others, fair weather campers, get out only in the summer months. Although camping is available all year long in the golden state, much of the region sees winter snowfall more than half the year.

Northern California tends to be wetter in winter, than Southern California. Mountains above 1000′ elevation usually get winter weather between December-April, with snow often lasting well into mid-summer. Check road conditions, fire restrictions and availability in whichever area you choose to camp. Free camping on dirt backroads means obtaining a campfire permit from local rangers.

emptycampsite
Sly Creek Reservoir Campground

Backpacking
Boondocking
Car Camping
Campground Reservations
Dirt Road Camping
Free Camping
Full-Timers
RV Parks
Tent Camping
Truck Camping
VanLife

camptruck


Camp Fires Correctly
Campfire Permits
Campfire Safety
Camp Clean
Camp Clueless
Camp Help

hiker

4×4 Camping
All Lake Campgrounds
Best View Camp Sites
Cabin Camping
California Camping Fishing
California Dirt Roads
California Off Road Areas
Central Valley Reservoirs
Creek Campgrounds
Creekside Camping
Dirt Cheap Camping
Fire Lookouts for Rent
Free RV Camping
Horsepack Camping
RV Camping
SUV Camping
Tent Cabins
Yellow Post Campsites
Your Public Lands

Blue Lake, Modoc National Forest
Blue Lake, Modoc National Forest
Free Camping North Lassen
Free Camping @ North Lassen
BLM South Yuba River Camp
BLM South Yuba River Camp

tent camping

Camping

Yosemite BLM Camping

merced BLM sign

BLM Merced River
Cheaper Camping
West of Yosemite NP

California Highway 140 (CA State Route 140) accesses Yosemite National Park from the west side @ Mariposa, CA. This not-so-secret camp spot is set in an ideal location, off the main highway and right on the river.

river road

Merced River crosses the highway near MidPines @ Briceburg Road, with 3 small BLM campgrounds located along the river. These river camps are open all year round, are dirt cheap and only available on a first come, first serve basis. There are numerous walk-in camp sites, where you must haul your gear and park a short distance away.

railroadflat

Briceburg River Road

BLM Briceburg Visitors Center
OPEN ONLY Saturday and Sunday 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Dirt road access w/ turn off at the Briceburg Information Center on California Highway 140. West of El Portal, CA and east of MidPines. Nearest grocery and services are 12 miles away to the west in Mariposa, California

BRING ALL YOU NEED for your overnight stay, as driving in and out on this (20 mph) dirt road can be an easy “half-day affair” with road conditions, passing traffic, potholes, stops for lunch, sightseeing and a gasoline stop. If you plan to do day-trips into Yosemite National Park – be aware that Yosemite Valley is ONE hour away from Briceburg, eastward via paved mountain roads.

Driving this non-paved route requires crossing a narrow suspension bridge, where big vehicles, RVs, trailers and rigs longer than 18′ are not recommended. The one-lane, dead-end dirt road hugs the cliff edge, above the river, is one lane in some spots, and mostly graded with a few pot holes; almost 5 miles long – ending at a locked gate with trailhead parking. Next to a vault toilet. (Not an ideal spot to be stuck at)

briceburg bridge
Briceburg Suspension Bridge

  • camping

  • fishing

  • hiking

  • kayaking

  • river rafting

  • swimming

  • wildflowers

campground full

Merced River Recreation Management Area

rare empty campsite

camp

BLM Campgrounds @ Merced River

vault toilet, picnic table, fire ring
and an overnight fee to go with

McCabe Flat Campground

Willow Placer Campground

Railroad Flat Campground

last camp view

BLM Hiking @ Merced River

This rugged canyon was the site of the historic railway called YVRR (Yosemite Valley Railroad), which hugs the Merced River for many miles. Now numerous hiking and biking trails. Dog friendly BLM campground. Walk-in campsites.

river_trail
The old Yosemite Valley Railroad Grade
wildflower merced
California milkweed

merced poppy patch

Camping

City Camping California

destination: outdoors

in town campgrounds, villages, RV Parks, en route, urban camping, suburbs, metropolitan cities

jackson gold country

camping

Amador City, Gold Country
Angel Island SP, San Francisco
Angeles NF, E Los Angeles
Auburn Campgrounds, Gold Country
American River Camping

Big Bear City, Los Angeles Mts
Bishop Campgrounds, Eastern Sierra
Bolsa Chica SB, Long Beach L.A.

Carlsbad State Beach, N San Diego
Carpinteria Beach, Santa Barbara
Castaic Lake RV Park, Los Angeles
Caswell Memorial SP, Stanislaus River
Cerro Alto Campground, San Luis Obispo
China Camp State Park, SF Bay
Chino Hills State Park, Riverside, CA
Cleveland NF, E San Diego
Colusa Sacramento River SRA

Doheny Beach Camping L.A.
Folsom Lake SRA, Sacramento
Fremont Peak State Park, South Bay SF

Gold Country California – Camps, Maps & Wilderness

Oroville Suspension Bridge
Oroville Suspension Bridge

Lake Oroville SRA Campgrounds
Leo Carillo State Beach, Malibu Camping
Los Angeles Forests
Los Angeles Group Camping
Los Angeles Lakes
Los Angeles Mountains
Los Padres National Forest

Morro Bay SP, San Luis Obispo
Mount Tamalpais SP, Marin SF

New Melones Reservoir, Gold Country
New Hogan Reservoir, Oak Knoll Campground

Beach Camp Pismo
On-the-Beach Camping Pismo

Oceano Dunes OHV, Pismo Beach

Oak Bottom Campground, Redding
Ojai Camping, Los Padres NF
Orange County Beach Camping

Pismo Beach Camping
Point Mugu State Park, N Los Angeles
Point Reyes Camping
Point Reyes National Seashore Campground
Pyramid Lake Camping, N Los Angeles

Redding Camping Lake Shasta
Redwoods Camping SF

Samuel P. Taylor, Redwoods Marin
San Bernardino NF, Big Bear Lake
San Diego Camping
San Diego Beach Campgrounds
San Diego Mountains
San Elijo Beach Camping, N San Diego
San Francisco RV Camps

Santa Barbara Beach Camping
Santa Barbara Camping
Santa Cruz Redwoods

Lake Shasta
Lake Shasta, Northern California

Sespe Wilderness, Los Padres NF
Silver Strand State Beach, San Diego
Sonora Camping, Gold Country
Sycamore Beach & Canyon, Pt. Mugu, N Malibu

Tahoe Camping, Lake Tahoe

Wild Plum Campground, Sierra City
William Kent Beach, Tahoe
Wine Country RV Resort, Paso Robles
Woodson Bridge SRA, Chico

sunset oceano
Pismo Dunes, aka Oceano
New Melones Camping
New Melones Lake, Gold Country California
Outdoors

Active Outdoors California

Experience California, Outside

Above Convict Lake, CA
Above Convict Lake, CA

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.

camping

Leisure

skies

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.

emptycampsite
Sly Creek Reservoir Campground

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.

snowy bridges
Big California Winters?

snow

sledding

snowmo

truckcamper

Sierra Nevada Lakes
Mojave Desert
Anza Borrego
Boulder Gardens
Wildflowers
Sequoia Groves
Camping Redwoods
Shasta Cascades
Mill Creek California
Free Campgrounds Sierra

hiker

big sur jade cove
Big Sur Coast @ Jade Cove
kernrivertube
Kern River @ Fairview
Blue Lake, Modoc National Forest
Blue Lake, Modoc National Forest
Northeast California
Northeast California is Cattle Country

Soak in a primitive hot springs near Mammoth Mountain, snow ski the slopes @ Lake Tahoe or maybe antique shop in Virginia City, NV

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.

Wheeling

 

Camping

PCT Highlights

Pacific Crest Hiking Trail

trailtoPCT
Bucks Lake Wilderness – Silver Lake to Gold Lake ridge line hiking trail.

pct

 

Highlights of the PCT route:

(from south to north)

hiker

elevation: high altitude

PCT maps: topographic

trailheadcamp

burney falls

Camping

Countryside Camping California

destination: outdoors

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

tehachapi pass
Tehachapi Mountains, Southern Sierra

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

camping

Amador City Campgrounds
Angels Camp, Gold Country
Auburn Camping, American River

Baja California Mexico
Benton Hot Springs
Bridgeport, E Sierra – Twin Lakes
Bridgeport South Yuba River, Gold Country

Caswell Memorial SP, Stockton
Cerro Noroeste Road, Kern
Cleveland NF, San Diego Mountains
Clear Lake Fishing Camps
Col. Allensworth SHP
Coloma, River Camping
Columbia, Gold Country Camp
Crowley Lake Camping
Cuyamaca Rancho SP, E San Diego

Figueroa Lupine
Peppermint Lupine of Figueroa Mtn.

Davy Brown Campground, Central Coast
Eastern Sierra Camping
El Dorado Camping, West Sierra

Figueroa Campground, Central Coast
Folsom Lake SRA, Sacramento
Fort Churhill Camping, Nevada
Frazier Park Camping, N Los Angeles
Fremont Peak SP, South Bay SF

Farms of Arroyo Grande
Farms of Arroyo Grande, CA

Garcia Wilderness, Central Coast
Gaviota Hot Springs
Gold Country California
Green Creek Road, Eastern Sierra

Henry W. Coe State Park, East Bay SF
Inyo Forest Roads, Eastern Sierra
Idyllwild Camping, SoCal

Jackson Campgrounds
Jamestown Camping, Gold Country
Keough Hot Springs
Kern River Camping
Kings River Camping

Lake Cachuma Camping
Lake Cuyamaca, San Diego Mts
Lake Isabella, Southern Sierra
Lake Hemet, SoCal Mountains
Lake Henshaw Cabins
Lake Kaweah Camping
Lake Oroville Camping
Lake Perris SRA Campground, SoCal
Lake Piru Camping, N Los Angeles
Lake Success, Tule Campground
Lake Sutherland
Los Olivos Wine Country
Los Padres National Forest

Mammoth Hot Springs
Marin Camping Point Reyes
Mason Valley Truck Trail, Anza
Matilija Wilderness, Ojai

McCain Valley BLM, E San Diego
McConnell SRA, Merced River
Mendocino National Forest
Millerton Lake SRA Camping
Miracle Hot Springs, Kern
Mono Lake California
Mount Diablo State Park, E Bay
Murphys Camping Gold Country

US395

cabinicon

National Forest Cabin Rentals
Fire Lookout Towers

Nettle Springs Campground, Los Padres NF
New Melones Lake Camping
New Bullards Bar Reservoir, N Gold Co
Northern California Mountains
Northern Sierra Nevada

Oak Bottom Campground
Oakhurst Campgrounds
Ojai Camping, N Los Angeles
Orange County RV Parks
Ozena Campground, Los Padres NF

Pinnacles NP, Central Calif
Pine Flat Reservoir, Kings River
Pine Creek Wilderness, E San Diego

Rancho Cuyamaca State Park, San Diego Mts
Redinger Lake, Western Sierra
Rock Front Ranch, 4×4 Camping

tent camping

Sacramento River Camping
San Diego Mountains
San Jacinto Camping
San Jacinto Wilderness, SoCal
San Luis Reservoir SRA, Central Calif

Santa Barbara Camping
Santa Lucia Camping
Santa Lucia Wilderness, Central Coast

Sequoia National Forest, Kern River
Sespe Wilderness, Los Padres NF
Sierra Canyon Wildflowers
Sierra NF – Road #9

Sierra City, North Yuba River
Sierraville, North Sierra Valley
Silverwood Lake SRA, Los Angeles
Small Campgrounds on Creek
Snow Mountain Wilderness

Springville, Giant Sequoia
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Susanville Camping Lake
Sutter Creek Camping

Tent Cabins in California

Trimmer Campground, Pine Flat Lake
Turlock Lake Camping, La Grange
Tuttle Creek Campground, Eastern Sierra
Tuttletown Recreation Area, Gold Co

Valle Vista Campground, Los Padres NF
Wine Country RV Parks
Ventucopa, California
Woodson Bridge SRA, Sacr. River, Chico
Woodward Reservoir Regional Park

Quatal Canyon
Camping Chumash Wilderness, Quatal Canyon
Animals

Llama Pack Trips

Llama Packing Trips

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

Julian, CA

Wikiup Bed & Breakfast Inn
1645 Whispering Pines Dr.
800-694-5487
Llama Petting Hours: 9am – 5pm daily

Grass Valley, CA

Highland Llama Trekkers
14223 Highland Dr.
530-273-8105
Llama sales & Pack trips

driftwood

skies

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.

Rayo LlamaTreck

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

Alpacas of El Dorado
4535 Boo Bear Lane
Somerset, CA 95684
530-642-8082

Alpacas of Somerset Farm
8226 Stoney Creek Rd
Somerset, CA 95684
530-620-6033
530-744-7474

Arapaho Rose Alpacas
10702 Arapaho Dr.
Redding, CA 96003
530-223-3364

Loomis Alpacas
3600 Holly Hill Lane
Loomis, CA 95650
916-768-0735

RockStar Alpacas
16440 Bonney Road
Royal Oaks, CA 95076
831-212-3695

Sierra Rose Alpacas
15895 Greenhorn Road
Grass Valley, CA 95945
530-272-1218

The Alpaca ​Hacienda
31755 Rancho Vista Road
Temecula, CA
951-440-9021
Tours, boarding & Sales only