Hiking trip early October within 5 hrs drive SF
 

Am looking at the first week of October for a hiking trip with friends. We live near San Francisco and don't want to drive more than about 5 hours. We aren't backpackers so need a place with lodging/house rental nearby. My usual places to base hikes from have been Mt Tamalpais area and Point Reyes. It looks like Big Sur trails are unfortunately still affected by the Sobrantes fire. We aren't thinking Tahoe or Yosemite at this time.

I haven't been to Sequoia/Kings Canyon since a child...and have never been to Mammoth area. Are these good October destinations?

Anyone have places I might not be aware of? There are so many places in California that even as a native I haven't been, so thanks for anything you might suggest.

Pinnacles National Park (motels in Salinas or King City).

Big Basin/Henry Cowell (hotels in Saratoga, Scotts Valley or Santa Cruz)

How many days?<br /><br />It's primarily the east side of Julia Pfeiffer Burns that's still closed in Big Sur. Trails are either open or the majority have reopened at Point Lobos, Garrapata, Andrew Molera, Pfeiffer Big Sur and Limekiln. Weather is good on the coast in October.<br /><br />Pinnacles can still be hot in October. As far as "nearby" towns go, staying in Hollister would be better than Salinas or King City. The best option is the campground (RV or tent) at Pinnacles but it doesn't sound like you're willing to camp.<br /><br />Sequoia/Kings Canyon would be good in October. You can still drive down to the bottom of the canyon. That road typically closes in early November.<br /><br />Mammoth would also be nice. Fall is my favorite time of year in the Eastern Sierra but there's a slightly higher chance of snow.

Any of the above suggestions would be good. OR -- up the coast into Mendocino County or a little farther north into the Redwoods. October is generally a great time of year anywhere along the coast.

Patty - Thanks for the update on the Big Sur area. Garrapata, Andrew Molera are parks I've never been to (love Pt Lobos). Can you describe the terrain or type of trails? For example, can you do n 8-10 mile hike?
Yes, Pinnacles too hot in October for me, and I just went for two days last spring. Stayed in Hollister.

janisj - Hmm, the far north would be fantastic, although a little farther than I had wanted to drive. The Mendocino area also does have some nice hiking and it's been awhile since I've been. I go to a music camp often in the Mendocino Woodlands (the only camping I do these days!).

And thanks sf7307. Pinnacles see above, and I do days trips for hiking in Big Basin and Henry Cowell (super suggestions, love them both!)

Thanks everyone. Food for thought.

Downieville, Sierra Buttes, Lake Basin Recreation Area. May be s but far.

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/l...O&parkId=70167

>>janisj - Hmm, the far north would be fantastic, although a little farther than I had wanted to drive. <<

Where are you in the Bay area? Because places like Ferndale or Mendocino/Ft Bragg are less than 5 hours from San Francisco.

At Andrew Molera yes .:. Hiking in Big Sur - Andrew Molera Loop .:.

Garrapata only has short trails. The west side has coastal bluff trails and the east side currently has a 3 mile out and back that goes through a cactus covered canyon and then enters a redwood forest crossing back and forth over a creek. It's this hike https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/c...s-canyon-trail minus the Rocky Ridge side which is still closed.

And if you stay on the Monterey Peninsula, Garland Ranch in Carmel Valley is only 20 minutes away https://www.mprpd.org/garland-ranch-regional-park

janisj - I live on the SF Peninsula near Redwood City. By the Far North I meant the area close to Avenue of the Giants. Prairie Creek is a favorite park, but a little too far for this trip. I do love your suggestion of Mendocino. Good hiking, easy to find houses to rent and I haven't been in awhile.

Patty - Thanks for the details on Molera, Garrapata and Garland Ranch. All these are new to me; have no idea why as a native of the SF Bay Area I've never been. I also love AllTrails, BTW.

MichelleY - The Lakes Basin is a super suggestion...but one of my friends has just been so I will delay that trip until the spring.

Thanks to all!

MichelleY - The Lakes Basin is a super suggestion...but one of my friends has just been so I will delay that trip until the spring.

We went to this area 2 years ago in October, in search of fall colors. I had always wanted to explore Downieville etc. So beautiful! We stayed at Sierra Shangri-la. Perfect. This area is just as beautiful as Tahoe, but much quieter. Hope you get to this area soon.

I also live in the Bay Area, and love to hike and I know NOTHING about the Lakes Basin! Going to have to look into it...

I've only heard of the Lakes Basin because a friend has a cabin near Graeagle. His photos of the area are gorgeous and it's on our list of places to explore.

sf7307 - if you want to hike during the week, check out the San Jose Midweek Hikers on MeetUp. I hike with this group 3 times a week...fabulous. Where do you live? I live between San Jose and San Francisco...most of the hikes I go on are not in San Jose.

We love the Lakes Basin area. Our family has been going to that area since my great-grandparents spent their honeymoon up there in the 1920s :heart:

It's a wonderful area, and it's amazing how many Californians don't know it exists.