When we want a family workout, we look for a hard hike. Here are three of the harder trails that we’ve hiked. Be ready for steep inclines and quick changes in elevation.
Danville: Del Amigo Trail to Calaveras Ridge in Las Trampas Wilderness Regional Preserve
This is a 3 mile round trip out and back, up and down, hike that really gets the heart pumping. In the first 1.5 miles, you’ll steadily climb up, mostly through a tree covered trail, approximately 950 feet until you reach Calaveras Ridge. Our oldest son did not like this hike because there’s really no flat trail on the way up to stop and catch your breath. At the top, you’ll see beautiful views of Mount Diablo to the east, and more trails to follow if you want to extend your hike further into Las Trampas. We parked along Starview Drive, near Starview Place.
Stinson Beach: Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Loop in Mount Tamalpais State Park
This hike is a family favorite, though it is long and difficult. This hike has it all. Lush forest adorned with ferns, stone stairways lined with moss, redwood trees, bridges to cross, views of the ocean, a waterfall, and a ladder – and a beach to lounge on when you’re done! This loop hike is about 7.6 miles, and you’ll reach the highest elevation point just before the 4th mile, gaining a little over 1400 feet from the trailhead. From the Dipsea trail, take a left onto the Lower Old Mine Trail, and then near the Pantoll Campground take the Steep Ravine Trail back to the Dipsea Trailhead. We found parking on a side street off of Route 1, and walked to the Dispea Trailhead near the Stinson Beach Fire Station.
Guerneville: East Ridge to Pool Ridge to Pioneer Nature Trail in the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve*
This is approximately a 7.3 mile loop trail that starts with a climb up the East Ridge Trail though the forest, out to a meadow, and ends with a stroll through the historic grove of redwoods. Follow East Ridge Trail for about 3.5 miles, cross Armstrong Woods Road, and pick up the Pool Ridge Trail for another 2.5 miles. When Pool Ridge Trail splits in two, we took Pool Ridge to the left so that we could join at the top of the Pioneer Nature Trail. We walked the Pioneer Nature Trail to see the Icicle Tree, which led to the Armstrong Nature Trail to see the Colonel Armstrong Tree. From there, we walked down Redwood Forest Theater Road to finish the hike at the Parson Jones Tree near the entrance to the park. You will gain about 1000 feet in elevation over the first 3.5 miles of the hike. Just after the first mile of this hike on the East Ridge Trail, there is a small well marked trail to the left that leads to an overlook of a waterfall. It is a nice spot to sit and have a snack. We parked in the free parking lot in front of the park. There is a fee if you drive into the park.
*The Armstrong Redwoods SNR is a beautiful spot currently closed due to the LNU Lightning Complex fires. We are praying for everyone and everything near the fires, and hope to be back to visit this spot soon.
Measureless Days 