Mono Lake
Location: California, Eastern Sierras, Lee Vining Area
Lake with fascinating mineral towers (called tufa) exposed due to decreasing lake levels
Limekiln Trails
Location: California, Central Big Sur
Nice hike through forests to historic limekiln ruins and a waterfall
McWay Waterfall Trail
Location: California, Big Sur, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Iconic view of the idyllic beach, waterfall, and bay with turquoise water
Partington Cove Trail
Location: California, Northern Big Sur
Tunnel and nice walkways lead to a picturesque hidden cove
Pfeiffer Falls and Valley View Trail
Location: California, Big Sur, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Easy hike featuring a valley viewpoint and waterfall
Lava Trees State Monument
Location: Hawaii, Big Island, Volcanoes National Park Area
Short hike through an area with numerous lava trees
‘Akaka Falls
Location: Hawaii, Big Island, North of Hilo
Very tall and impressive waterfall accessed via a scenic 1 mile jungle hike
Lake Wilkie
Location: New Zealand, South Island, The Catlins
Easy scenic walk featuring a boardwalk, plant life, and lake views.
Jack’s Blowhole
Location: New Zealand, South Island, The Catlins
Very pretty, short hike to a surging sea cave
Purakaunui Falls
Location: New Zealand, South Island, The Catlins
Cascading waterfall with a very short but pretty approach hike
Matai and Horseshoe Falls
Location: New Zealand, South Island, The Catlins
Pair of waterfalls accessed via a very short approach hike.
McLean Falls
Location: New Zealand, South Island, The Catlins
Pretty waterfall with a short approach hike
Muir Woods
Location: California, San Francisco Bay Area
Hiking amidst beautiful old growth redwood trees
Distance: 0.5 – 10 miles, 0 – 1240 feet of elevation gain
“The Slot”
Location: California, Anza Borrego Desert
Very short non-technical slot canyon with easy access
Distance: 0.8 miles round trip, 100 feet of elevation gain
Wind Caves
Location: California, Anza Borrego Desert
Short hike to cool sandstone formations with pockets, tunnels, and shallow caves.
Distance: 1.25 miles round trip, 250 feet of elevation gain