Tag Archives: horse

Samuel P Taylor Campground

San Francisco Redwoods Camping

Samuel P Taylor State Park
Samuel P Taylor Campground

San Francisco Redwood State Park

SamP is one of the large redwood parks north of San Francisco, CA. Coastal redwoods can be found in the mountains above Santa Cruz, as well as on the Point Reyes peninsula in Marin County. Hiking in the region is amazing w/ enchanted forests, dramatic fog, waterfalls, numerous trails in every direction.

califrepublic

One of the best developed campgrounds in the region for car camping and RV campers.

Consisting of several camp loops, a group camp site, a horse camp and hike-in or bike-in camp sites. There are even cabin rentals in the park. This park has several camp sites that can accommodate visitors with disabilities. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during summer months. Be prepared to pay hefty fees for overnight use.

RVMax RV Camper Length: 31′
Max Trailer Length: 27′

  • Creekside Loop
  • Orchard Hill Loop
  • Madrone Group Site
  • Madrone Cabins
  • Horse Camp
  • Hike & Bike in Sites
    (8 person max)

Marin Redwoods
CA State Park

Samuel P Taylor State Park
59 developed campsites
+ cabin rentals
Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
415-488-9897

15 miles W of San Rafael, CA

Samuel P Taylor

camp

hiker

nearby towns:

State Park link

nearby parks:

  • Mount Tamalpais State Park
  • Point Reyes National Seashore
  • Tomales Bay State Park

Bridge

Reyes Adobe Days

Reyes Adobe Days: like the Harvest Festival but with 0% 'Lil Sebastian.

Agoura Hills – Reyes Adobe Days

Reyes Adobe Days is held in the City of Agoura Hills, California. Carshow, parade & 5k run. The parade starts at Forest Cove Lane and travels along Thousand Oaks Boulevard to the Reyes Adobe Historical Site.

Families can experience California culture, past and present, with free museum tours, a music stage, interactive historical demonstrations, children’s history scavenger hunt, horse competition, pony rides, inflatables and carnival games, Victorian games, beer garden and food vendors.

30400 Rainbow Crest Drive
(next to Reyes Adobe Park)
Agoura Hills, California

Annual event; October
818-597-7361

reyesadobedays.org

 

Arabian Horse

14S11 – Sequoia NF

trails to meadow

Big Meadows Road: Sequoia Forest Rd# 14S11

SEPT 2021: Closed due to the KNP Complex Fire

GIANT SEQUOIA: in between Sequoia & Kings Canyon, inside Sequoia NF

Sequoia Meadows

This chunk of National Forest land is perfectly located in between 2 very popular National Parks – Kings Canyon and Sequoia. This primary paved road leads to some great camping, a perfect option for NOT camping inside the crowed National Parks.

Turn east off of Sequoia ‘Generals Highway’ 198, on to the well signed Big Meadow Rd. There is primitive camping all over this area & a few developed campgrounds along this route. Motorhomes be warned: the road narrows to one lane with no “turn outs” or U turn spots for the last 10 miles (on a steep cliff w/ large overhanging rocks)

SEE CAMPING PHOTOS

campIn the first few miles, the dispersed camp sites on the right side have great views & some situated on fairly flat granite slabs, perfect for astronomer campers or adventurous RVs. To the left side of the road is more primitive style campsites in wooded areas. The whole area is also a very popular cross country ski & snowmobiling spot for winter recreation. Hunters also like these camps during hunting season (in September).

horseback

There is a developed Horse Camp on the left side of the road for equestrian campers. This camp is located across from the biggest meadow and may be the first place you notice on this drive.


Buck Rock Campground
(7600′ elevation, 5 spots) & Big Meadows Campground (7600′ elevation, 25 spots) are both family style camps, perfect for those who want picnic tables, plus bathroom nearby. Sorry no flush toilets out here, only pit toilets.

 

Sequoia maps

Buck Rock Fire Lookout Tower @ 8500′ elevation – is located to the north on Forest Rd # 14S02. It’s a great spot for some impressive views – if you aren’t afraid of heights. To reach the tower you must climb several flights of steel steps. This place is worth a stop if planning a sightseeing day.

Big Meadows Guard Station @ 7500′ elevation (also known as Big Meadows Cabin), is located next to the BIG MEADOW and is available for rent on a weekend basis from the NFS. Hiking Jennie Lakes Wilderness and fly fishing Big Meadows Creek are favorite activities to be enjoyed.

Big Meadows Road is long & narrow – 12+ miles. RVs are not recommended beyond the Big Meadow Campground, as the road is one lane in some spots & it skirts a cliff edge. The views are incredible the farther you go & many creeks feed the region.

The narrow, long paved road eventually forks off into several smaller dirt roads back near Horse Corral Meadow. Way back here, the dirt roads lead out to trail heads for backpacking, horse packing or day hiking in Jennie Lakes & Monarch Wilderness. Backcountry access to either Sequoia or Kings Canyon National Park! Have a good map if you plan to venture out this far. Pay attention & don’t get lost.

GPS would be helpful in this area. Some of the smaller of the dirt roads are not even on the NFS maps. Make sure to GPS way-point your favorite camp site, so you can find in next time…. in the dark.

Sequoia National Forest

Sequoia National Forest MAP

nearby services:

Sequoia Groves

see all – Big Meadows in California 

Marvin Pass Trailhead

Snake Lake California

Snake Lake Campground

Snake Lake Campground, Plumas NF

campDon’t let the name frighten you, Snake Lake is a very scenic fishing lake – but you will NOT want to swim in it. Lily pads cover the water surface most of the year so it is considered “frog heaven” during the warmer months. NFS has been upgrading these camping facilities recently. Snake Lake Campground has new picnic tables, camp fire rings, bear boxes, vault toilet and expanded equestrian camps and corrals. No piped water, so bring your own. A bucket & shovel are always required for proper campfire maintenance.

morninglakeview

One of the best campgrounds in the region, Plumas National Forest and close to Quincy, CA. Paved road access means an easy 3 miles off the main road (Bucks Lake Road, aka Oroville-Quincy Highway, Oro Quincy Hwy). 7 miles west of the town of Quincy, the green, metal, one-lane bridge is easy to spot, but the small sign for “Snake Lake 3” is easy to miss, if driving 50 mph or faster. Turn off is located in between Quincy and Meadow Valley.

New Signs

Horse Camping

Equestrian camp sites, horse corrals, OHV trails, group picnic areas. Hiking, fishing, mountain biking, off roading, horseback trails, kayaking or canoe.

horseback

Snake Lake Campground NFS

• Elevation: 4200′
• Number of Sites: 17
• Vehicle Accessibility: small RV
• Campsites Reservation: No
• Camp Fee: Yes
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Season: May – October
• Trailheads: OHV, Horse & Winter Rec

This lake camp serves as a central hub for travelers, motorcyclists, campers, hikers, fishermen, off roaders and equestrians alike. Mountain biking & OHV trails go off in numerous directions and horseback trails are readily accessible. Winter Recreation Area means snowmobile trails too.

Another smaller lake, Smith Lake, is a short drive or short hike (on dirt road) further into the woods, with the Butterfly Valley Botanical Area neighboring it.

fish

another Snake Lake?

Another SNAKE LAKE exist inside Plumas National Forest. The smaller Snake lake can be accessed by off-road trail Road#12E66, off the Gold Lake Highway; 4×4 is required to reach this one. West of Gold Lake in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area. The PCT is routed nearby one mile away.

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Big Meadow Sequoia

Big Meadow Kern

Big Meadow – Kern Plateau

Sherman’s Pass, Sequoia National Forest
Big Meadow borders Dome Land Wilderness
in the Southern Sierra Nevada mountains

horse camping National Forest Camps Mountain Biking Kern Hikes Trailer access camping

There are many large and gorgeous meadows inside Sequoia National Forest, but none compare in ‘grandeur’ to this southern Sierra public pasture. BIG MEADOW KERN

Find your way north of Kernville and the river really comes into view. Up close, right there! Stop, get out of the vehicle for a stretch break and breathe; take it all in. This is only the start of the adventure. Gorgeous Big Meadow is located up on the Kern Plateau, 3000′ above the river on the eastern ridges. Only accessible half the year due to snow, this meadow is a must see for those exploring the eastern side of the Kern River.

22s05 sherman pass

Sherman’s Pass Road #22S05 is a hard right turn after the Johnsondale Bridge. It is well signed and still easy to miss. Climb out of the dryness and into the dense forests and meadows of higher altitudes. Driving this southern Sierra-crossing route, Sherman’s Pass Rd. will require all of your concentration. Steep, curvy road without guard rails. Plus epic, scenic views (NOT to die for).

At this point – Rock slides, snow gates and road closure are typical in winter months. Check w/ rangers in Kernville about road conditions (before you head up this way).

Sequoia National Forest National Forest Camps
Kernville Ranger Station
105 Whitnet Rd
Kernville CA
760-376-3781

While traveling eastbound on Sherman’s Pass Road, the intersection to look for is

Big Meadow Road #22S12

 

The partially paved road will lead south a few miles, then becomes GRADED DIRT and ventures another 15+ miles – way, way out into dead-end territories. Not one road connects down to Lake Isabella!

Spur roads (all one lane, dirt roads) lead out to various places like – Cherry Hill, Big Meadow, Horse Meadow Campground, Dome Land Wilderness Trailheads, Manter Meadow, Salmon Creek Falls, Cannel Meadows, dozens of trails and spurs. Plenty of primitive camping back in these forest areas. A high clearance rig may be required the further back you go. Mud and snow are quite common in spring and fall.

Camping California Back Roads
Extra Large Camp Sites

BIG MEADOW is a favorite camp area among –
backpackers (trailheads)
equestrian (horse campers)
hunters
mountain bikers
off-road campers

westsidedrive
westside drive: ample parking and camping for horse trailers

cattlecowsbeefy

no 'froading on meadows
no ‘froading on meadows

publicpasture

Big Meadow Rules

Back Loop Road
Back Loop Road, around the Big Meadow. Narrow & muddy

fencedmeadow

Or perhaps this is not the Big Meadow near Sequoia that you are seeking. National Parks The scenic, giant, public horse pasture listed above is not to be confused with #14S11 Big Meadows Road, also in National Forest land, located in between popular Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon. (100 miles north of here)

Santa Barbara Camping

Campground Santa Barbara – Lake Cachuma
Los Padres / Santa Barbara District:

campground elev spots veg toilet water notes
Cachuma Campground 2100′ 8 mixed vault creek year round creek
Fremont Campground 1000′ 14 oaks flush piped March-Sept
Lower Caliente Camp 1800′ 2 oaks vault no hot springs
Middle Santa Ynez 1500′ 9 trees vault creek shady
Mono Campground 1400′ 4 trees vault creek shady, 3 walk-in
Paradise Campground 1000′ 13 oaks flush piped reservations
P-Bar Campground 1500′ 4 vault creek water can close
Upper Oso Campground 1200′ 23 oaks flush piped corrals, OHV traffic

Some of these camps above may have been damaged in recent wildfires, so it’s best to inquire before you make the drive. Call rangers to verify or have a backup alternative (plan B). See more campsites @ Santa Barbara Beach Camping

Los Padres Forest Headquarters
Goleta CA
805/968-6640

Santa Barbara District
Santa Barbara CA
805/967-3481

San Lucia District
Santa Maria CA
805/925-9538

NFSlogo

Los Padres National Forest

maps of the Los Padres region –

dscn5027
Upper Oso Campground in oak hills behind Lake Cachuma w / horse corrals

Tour of California

oldestrocks
Day hiking near Mammoth Lakes, CA

Tour of California, by Total Escape

DSCN1584

California has so much land and sheer beauty, it’s hard to wrap your mind around the vastness, much less the amazing and awe inspiring scenery. Snow skiing, kayaking, horseback, snowmobile, sleigh rides, dinner cruises, beer trains, wine tasting and so much more.

Drive California top to bottom (from Shasta to Baja) and you could be looking at months of prime vacation time. If you have that kinda luxury free time. If not, you might be looking for a local weekend of adventure, cave history or sightseeing. Total Escape has been featuring California tours for decades. We have something perfect just for you!

see camping & guided tours by Total Escape Adventures

Tour California

viewfromtent

Self Guided Tours of California:

viewfromtent

Looking for the CYCLING EVENT ‘Tour of California’?

kern

California Countryside Hikes

California Wine Country Hikes, Gold Country Hiking, Sierra Foothills, River Trails

DSCN1649

7N83 – Stanislaus NF

whitehorse

Forest Road #7N83 – Clark Fork Rd
Paved spur road, off Highway 108, Sonora Pass

Stanislaus National Forest
Clark Creek, flows west to Middle Fork Stanislaus River
Horse camping, Campground Camping, close to trailheads

NFS Campgrounds on this road:
NFS

Clark Fork Campground
Clark Horse Campground
Sand Flat Campground

Clark Canyon is a popular horse camping area in Stanislaus, located in between 9000′ – 10,000′ elevation peaks. This Sierra Nevada area is known for volcanic features and nice meadows. A small set of (hidden) cabins and pay phone along highway will be the best landmark for identifying the Clark turn off.

Hiking trailheads on this road:

Iceberg Meadow Trailhead
Carson Iceberg Wilderness Area

Forest Road #6N06, a dirt road to higher elevations and primitive camps, is also close by. Traversing up above the Fence Creek Campground (NFS).

Topo Maps of this Region:

Stanislaus National Forest Map USDA
Carson Iceberg Wilderness Map USDA
Carson, Emigrant, Mokelumne Map NatGeo
Sierra Nevada Topo Map

clarkstrails

Closest towns:

Dardanelle, CA
Pinecrest Lake, CA
Twain Harte, CA

Horse Meadow Campground

Kern Meadows Camping

Horse Meadow Campground

Salmon Creek, Kern Plateau –
Sequoia National Forest

horse camping National Forest Camps Mountain Biking Kern Hikes fish Trailer access camping
Looking to stay away from the masses camping at the Kern River?

Horse Meadow Campground can be found on the east side of the Kern River, up on the Kern Plateau. Up the infamous, steep and rugged Shermans Pass Road. How exciting!

Steep Grades

Climb the hill slowly and cautiously, no guardrails. Up the grade, Shermans eastbound – out of the dryness of the Kern canyon. Find Cherry Hill Road, that is also the Big Meadow turn off: Forest Road# 22S12, a long, narrow dirt road leads from paved Shermans Pass Road, 10 miles out to this ideal campground. Far enough off the main road, so you won’t see much of a crowd out here.

22s05 sherman pass

Hunters, horse campers and hikers really like this spot. Mountain bikers are known to frequent the region as well. Forest, meadows, trails, creeks, nature, all around. Dome Land Wilderness is close by; Waterfalls hikes, swimming holes, viewpoints. Fishing, hunting, horseback trails. Dirt roads and single track trails all over – all within the vicinity of Big Meadow.

Kern Meadows Camping

From the main Rd #22S12, the camp access road #23S08 will lead out to the NFS Campground – HORSE MEADOW. Located at higher elevation forests – 3000′ feet higher than the Kern River!

Nice forested, high country camp spots in a developed campground. The long, access road is worth it for all the scenery and seclusion. Vault toilets, piped water, maybe a small fee. Open summer into autumn, closes for winter months.

Horse Meadow Campground

• Elevation: 7600′
• Number of Sites: 41
• Vehicle Access: RV 23′ max
• Campsites Reservation: No
• Camp Fee: Yes
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Season: June – November
• Trailheads: Salmon Creek

33e36trailhead
Developed Campground @ Salmon Creek Trail #33E36. Hiking trailheads lead off to various destinations like, Salmon Creek Falls, Big Meadow, Cannel Meadows and Dome Lands.

Sequoia Kern Map

Sunny Campsite

SUMMERTIME: If you are coming in from Kennedy Meadows on the EAST (or the Mojave desert US 395) – first verify that the Sherman Pass is OPEN for through traffic. Ask road conditions with local rangers ahead of time. ANY amount of snow will close this whole paved route for the winter season, up until June sometimes.

Over 30 miles (one way) to the nearest general store for supplies. Pack ‘block ice’ in the cooler, instead of cubes.

nearby towns:
Fairview
Kennedy Meadows
Kernville
Lake Isabella
Mojave

Big Meadow is closeby. Check it out!

Big Meadow Kern

22S12 – Sequoia NF

open camping

Big Meadow: Forest Road# 22S12 – Sequoia National Forest

Take Sierra Hwy. N of Kernville, past Fairview & over the Johnsondale bridge; Right turn on Sherman’s Pass Road & drive up to a signed intersection (near a snow gate). NOTE: This area may not be accessible during winter months.

Turn right on Big Meadow Road, aka Forest Service Rd# 22S12. This is a very long road which is paved for the first few miles. 22S12 becomes a graded dirt road, suitable for horse trailers; it forks off to other smaller dirt roads, as it progresses through the forests & dead ends back by Cannell Meadow. The main routes are passenger car accessible, but some of the smaller dirt roads can get quite bumpy. A truck or SUV would be advisable to explore these secondary routes. Certain areas have suffered from wildfires 2000-2002.

Big Meadow Sequoia

Horses & equestrian camping are very popular in this region. There is also a fair amount of backpackers heading into the Domeland Wilderness and mountain bikers looking for premium backcountry rides, away from the crowds at the Kern River.

NFS developed Horse Meadow Campground can be found on the right via road# 23S08. Located at 7400′ elevation w/ 41 spots, in the forest. Trailhead to Salmon Creek leads directly from camp.

SPUR – side routes include:

  • #23S14 Cherry Hill – a few camp spots near creek & a meadow with views at the very end
  • #23S41 Poison Meadow
  • #23S13 Salmon Creek
  • #22S07 Big Meadow – loop road around the “Big Meadow”. Plenty of primitive camp sites around Big Meadow, but they are the first ones to fill up during a popular summer weekend. The region is perfect for backpackers or day hikers wanting to access Manter Mdw. & the Domelands Wilderness.
  • #24S13 feeds the last stretch of road to Rattlesnake Meadow. Taylor Creek near 24S43, features numerous waterfalls leading to the South Fork of the Kern River
  • #24S12 Cannell Meadow & Pine Flat. The Cannell Meadow National Recreation Trail runs thru here, from Big Meadow down to Kernville, CA.

North Meadow

Sequoia National Forest

Sequoia National Forest MAP

DOME LAND Wilderness MAP

Nearby towns include:

Ishi Wilderness

Bridge and Chute from top of Black Rock

NorCal Ishi Wilderness

41,840 acres
20 miles N of Chico, CA
Lassen National Forest

  • Barkley Mountain (elev. 4488′)
  • Black Rock Campground
  • Deer Creek
  • Flat Iron Mountain (elev. 4400′)
  • Iron Mountain (elev. 3274′)
  • Indian Ridge Campground
  • Mill Creek
  • Peligreen Place
  • Pine Creek
  • Pinnacle Peak (elev. 3293′)
  • South Antelope Campground
  • Twentymile Hollow

Up in the mountains behind Chico sits a rugged landscape of deep canyons lined with bizarre rock formations and roaring mountain creeks. Wilderness encompasses lower elevations – ranging from 1500′ – 3500′  – making this outdoor destination a winter haven, when the rest of the backcountry is covered in several feet of snow. One of the most historic wilderness areas in the state, as the aboriginal existence of the Native Americans came to an end in this area.

COHASSET ROAD climbs up the volcanic fin of Cohasset Ridge into the pine forests high above the valley floor. The paved road becomes dirt and the road name changes to Ponderosa Way (Lassen Road# 28N29). The Ishi Wilderness can also be accessed from the north side via Highway 32, near the Tehama State Game Refuge.


View Larger Map

  • backpacking trails
  • hiking trails
  • fishing creeks
  • horseback trails
  • wildlife viewing

 

Ishi Wilderness mapIshi Wilderness Map

Ishi Wilderness


Trinity Alps Trailheads

Trinity Alps Wilderness Trailheads
NorCal Hiking Vacations

Meadow on Trinity Alps Long Canyon Trail

Northern California, Trinity Lakes
Shasta Trinity National Forest

  • backpacking
  • camping
  • fishing lakes
  • hiking trails
  • horseback trails
  • waterfalls

Trinity Alps Wilderness

hike

 

Trinity Wilderness trailhead locations –

trailheads from Highway 3:

  • Scott Mountain (PCT access)
  • Bear Creek
  • Eagle Creek
  • Stoddard Lake
  • Boulder Creek
  • Big Flat
  • Swift Creektrinityalps_lg

trailheads from Highway 299:

  • Canyon Creek
  • Hobo Gulch
  • French Creek
  • Green Mountain
  • Jim Jam Ridge
  • East Fork
  • New River
  • Grizzly Camp

trailheads from Highway 96:

  • Tish Tang
  • Red Cap Lake
  • Bear Hole
  • Mill Creek Lake
  • Salmon Summit

trailheads from north @ Salmon River, Cecilville Rd #1C02:

  • Hidden Horse
  • Trail Creek
  • Carter Meadows Summit (PCT access)
  • Middle Boulder

Trinity Alps Wilderness Trail
Overview @ SummitPost

Dome Land Wilderness

Southern Sierra Nevada Mountain / Domeland / Dome Lands
Kern Plateau, Sequoia National Forest

Dome Land Wilderness

130,081 acres

55 miles of trails (hiking & horseback)

Located at the southern end of the Kern Plateau about 20 miles east of Kernville, granite domes give this area its name. Domeland Wilderness is a unique geologic area with semi-arid to arid mountainous regions. Elevations ranging from 3,000′ to 9,730′ – it is surrounded by National Forest, where the Sierra mountains meet the North Mojave Desert. The Wilderness is the southernmost habitat for the Golden Trout. The South Fork of the Kern and tributary streams attract many fishermen. Vegetation is mostly mixed conifer and piñon (pinyon pine).

The Domeland Wilderness is located at the southern end of the Kern Plateau. This land was first protected by the Wilderness Act of 1964 as a 62,695 acre wilderness and was later expanded to 130,081 acres in 1984 to include the delicate transition ecosystems that meet to the east, south, and north of the original wilderness. These new additions, now jointly managed by the Bureau of Land Management and Sequoia National Forest, are rugged and dry.

Though it is considered within the Sierra range, the Domeland Wilderness includes the overlap of several ecosystems to form unique plant and animal communities. The banks of the South Fork of the Kern River offer important riparian habitats of cottonwoods and meadows which stand in sharp contrast against the characteristic smooth domes and bold granite outcroppings. Domes that range from the size of a cottage to football fields across and spear-like jagged spires can be found in the Domeland. This range is one of the driest in the Sierra with the semi-arid mountains of the north and east crumbling into desert.

Notable Wildfires: Dome Fire 1996. Manter Fire in 2000.

Dome Land trailhead locations:

East side access near Rockhouse Meadow and at the Long Valley Campground (BLM). Access is via Nine Mile Canyon Road (J41) from US Highway 395 or Chimney Peak Road (graded dirt road) via State Highway 178 , the main route that passes Lake Isabella.

West side trailheads are at Big Meadow and Taylor Meadow. Two trails from Big Meadow can be reached from Kernville via Tulare County Road M99, Sherman Pass, and Cherry Hill Roads. Leading to Manter Meadow, the upper Big Meadow Trail is a rugged hike while the lower Big Meadow Trail follows more gentle terrain. The trail from Taylor Meadow (southeast of Big Meadow) also leads to Manter Meadow. North side access is available from the Blackrock/ Sherman Pass Road via the Dark Canyon and Woodpecker trails.

dome land mapManter Meadow is popular along with other camp sites located at Little Manter Meadow, Woodpecker Meadow, Rockhouse Meadow, and in the Bartolas Country at the south end of the Wilderness.

Dome Land Wilderness Map USDA

 

surrounding lands & forests –

Sequoia National Forest
Ridgecrest Desert BLM

nearby towns –

National Forest & Wilderness Permits –

USDA Sequoia NF

More Dome Land Wilderness Info & Links –

sierrawild.gov/wilderness/domeland
summitpost.org/domeland-wilderness
Dome Land Wiki