A spring hike through Borrego Palm Canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park brought blooming wildflowers, desert birds, butterflies, and a surprising palm oasis hidden among the canyon walls.

Palomar Mountain State Park feels worlds away from Southern California's coast. From forest birds and quiet trails to wildflowers and mountain views, it's a favorite day trip that keeps drawing us back in every season.

Our hike to Tahquitz Peak followed Devil’s Slide Trail through the forests above Idyllwild before reaching a historic fire lookout and sweeping mountain views.

Quail Hill Loop is an easy two-mile trail through open grassland in Irvine. We came looking for Blue Grosbeaks and also found Western Kingbirds, House Finches, and Red-tailed Hawks watching the trail from above.

A winter hike down the South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge brought icy switchbacks, exposed canyon views, Desert Bighorn Sheep, and two soaring California Condors.

Ryan Mountain is a short but strenuous Joshua Tree hike, climbing more than 1,000 feet to a windy summit with expansive views across the desert.

An evening hike around the reservoir at Peters Canyon Regional Park brought steep little hills, quiet overlooks, California Quail, young Western Bluebirds, and noisy parrots overhead.

The Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail is an easy, shaded hike through the forest above Idyllwild. Mossy boulders, seasonal creek crossings, and glimpses of Suicide Rock make it a good choice when we want mountain scenery without a steep climb.

Our Point Reyes loop hike connected Bear Valley, Meadow, Sky, and Coast trails through shaded forest, open meadow, coastal fog, and creek-lined woodland. A bee sting added an unexpected scare, but the varied scenery made this one of our most memorable Point Reyes hikes.

Red Rock Canyon in Whiting Ranch feels surprisingly far removed from suburban Orange County. This easy local hike follows Borrego Canyon Trail through grasses and oak woodland before reaching a colorful pocket of red sandstone cliffs.

Bryce Canyon completely stole my heart during one unforgettable hike. Descending through Wall Street, climbing among towering hoodoos, and completing the Figure 8 Trail quickly made Bryce one of my favorite national parks.

Observation Point rewarded us with the biggest view we found anywhere in Zion National Park. The climb was long and steep, but the changing scenery, Echo Canyon, and panoramic overlook made every switchback worthwhile.