Via - May/June 2014 - California - (Page 14)

M E M B E R S ' FAVOR I T E Walks in the wilds after the morning fog dissipates," Steve Brown says. "The trail winds inland into a forest and past three sparkling blue lakes. Though you're less than an hour from San Francisco, you feel you're on a wilderness adventure." nps.gov/pore. Uinta Mountains, north of Vernal, Utah. "Easy-even for small children," Carola Groos writes. "Often there are fun surprises-patches of snow, a creek running across the trail, or fish jumping in the lake." www.fs.usda.gov/uwcnf. MIR ROR L A K E TR AIL Carmelby-the-Sea, Calif. "A wide selection of hiking trails offer breathtaking vistas of the wild Pacific coastline," Grant Joo says. "You'll see windswept cypresses, as well as seals and otters off in the distance." www.parks.ca.gov. P OI N T L OB O S STAT E NAT U R A L R E S E RV E Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monument, Utah. "Worth the drive," Carrie Moore says. "After a natural wonder-filled hike past red sandstone, beaver ponds, and ancient rock art, the state's ultimate cool spot is so refreshing." blm.gov/ut. C A L F C R E E K FA L L S T R A I L Palomarin Trailhead, Point Reyes National Seashore, Calif. "Stunning views of the ocean C OA S T T R A I L S AW M I L L L O O P Mount Charleston, west of Las Vegas. "Towering trees, wild horses, views, and snow in winter," Shannon Cangey says. "Relax after your walk with hot chocolate at Mt. Charleston Lodge." gomtcharleston.com. Uvas Canyon County Park, south of San Jose. "A great natural escape close to Silicon Valley," Lisa Amato says. "The canyon is lush with ferns and sycamore and bay trees." sccgov.org/sites/parks. WAT E R FA L L L O O P YA H I T R A I L Bidwell Park, Chico, Calif. "Discover the secluded swimming spots Bear Hole and Salmon Hole on Big Chico Creek," Wayne Edwards says. "Or take the North or South Rim trails." bidwellpark.org. » Know a restaurant serving delicious spicy foods? Email us at otr@viamagazine.com. We'll send you $25 if we quote you. For more great hikes, search for "walks in the wilds" at AAA.com/via. Blooms that last Stumped for a Mother's Day gift that's as special as your mom? Brighten her day with a garden basket ($50) from 1-800-Flowers. AAA members save 25 percent with promo code A74 through May 11. See details and order at AAA.com/1800flowers. I 14 VIA MAY+JUNE 2014 TOP: ZUMA PRESS/ALAMY; BOTTOM: COURTESY 1-800-FLOWERS W H AT ' S T H E DE A L? http://www.nps.gov/pore http://www.fs.usda.gov/uwcnf http://www.gomtcharleston.com http://www.sccgov.org/sites/parks http://www.parks.ca.gov http://www.bidwellpark.org http://www.blm.gov/ut http://www.viamagazine.com http://ww30.1800flowers.com/template.do?id=template7&page=8072&conversionTag=true

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Via - May/June 2014 - California