Local's Summer: Weekenders
Weekenders
Last but not least - our final installment of ‘Locals Summer’ brings to you three of our staff’s favorite end of season weekend trips. While it was difficult to narrow down, we chose a coastal, desert, and mountain-based destination as all three regions consist of comfortable fall temps, camping options, and a wealth of activities to choose from. Enjoy the changing leaves, depleting crowds, and crisp air before we head into winter.
Kirkwood, CA
Most notable for its’ impeccable ski terrain, Kirkwood is South Lake Tahoe’s hidden crown jewel. While winter is considered high season for the region, the greater Kirkwood area boasts expansive, tourism-friendly open spaces that offer up boundless summertime views of the pristine Mokelumne Wilderness. If you’re looking for a family friendly hike in the area, check out the Shealor Lake Trail, or head over to the PCT or Caples Lake for a longer day hike. Silver Lake has the perfect picnic area if you’re interested in a sandwich and a lunch time swim. Or, bring your SUP board for an uninterrupted paddle session. For the bikers out there - peddle around the ski resort for a mix of technical and flowy trails. Check out the Thunder Mountain loop if you enjoy steep, technical descents and slab rides. The views from this trail are quite incredible.
Venture out to Markleeville to the South for dining options along the town’s quaint downtown or Hope Valley to the North for a meal at Sorensons Cafe. Luckily, there are plenty of wild camping spots off of Carson Pass for both car and tent camping.
Toiyabe Range - Central Nevada
The Humbolt-Toiyabe National Forest between Austin, NV and Tonopah, NV is characterized by several ranges of towering peaks and expansive valleys home to forests of pinyon pine, juniper, sage brush, and an abundance of geothermal hot pots. While the town of Austin is nearest to the range, it offers limited amenities and restaurant options outside of the local gas station and two motels - so plan your trip accordingly! Fortunately, there are several free campgrounds and an abundance of space for wild camping in the area.
The Forest Service and Nevada-based bike enthusiasts have put some serious leg work into improving the Toiyabe Crest Trail over the past year or two, mainly by clearing overgrowth. Hike or bike sections of this nearly 30 mile trail to get eyes on 11,000 ft peaks above and desert brush below. For those interested in a driving tour, head East of town to complete a mega-loop of the Toquima and Toiyabe Ranges, where you can find endless camp spots in the mountains or in the foothills of Monitor Valley, Smith Creek Valley, and Big Smoky Valley. Check out the Smith Valley playa and various buttes along the way as you search for the region’s scattered hot springs, petroglyph caves, and inactive mines.
Mendocino, CA
Pack your surfboard and mountain bike this weekend and head to the coast to taste the quiet, salty air of Mendonico. This coastal haven is no short drive (~5.5 hours), though it is well worth the travel time. Start the morning with a walk along the town’s sandy Highland Bluff Trail for a picturesque bluff tour, then throw on your wetsuit and send it over to Big River Beach to sample some waves. Afterward, check out Jackson Demonstration Forest. The forest’s trail network is known for tacky, rooted trails that range from technical to flowy to more relaxed, cross-country style terrain . The towering Redwoods above will make you feel as small as an ant, just passing through.