   |
NorCal Hiking is a yet-to-be launched site under development.
Excerpt - "Home" Page: Welcome to NorCal Hiking Standing at the top of a mountain in Northern California, listening to the breeze, watching the raptors soar close by, it's easy to forget all the planning that went into getting there in the first place. From finding a location to hike and driving directions, to finding accurate trail maps, getting an idea for the topography, finding other hikers' comments and ratings. . . . . If you're like we are, then you've been frustrated by having to go to separate sites for each bit of information. NorCal Hiking was born of the idea that all of these pieces should be available in the same place, in an easy-to-get way. If you're looking for a hike idea, we've got them - complete with driving directions, trail maps, topo maps, reviews from other users, photos, even the best place to have lunch on the trail! We are hikers like you, who want to share our passion for the outdoors and our experience with each other! Please feel free to post comments and reviews about any of the hikes, or join our Outdoor Online forum to ask questions and share tips with other users. We hope you find this site as useful as we do in planning your next trip!
Excerpt - "Rating" Page Trail Ratings We have done our best to give an accurate idea of how difficult a particular hike is, however, we all have different ideas of just what "difficult" or "strenuous" means. As a group, the authors of this site are in relatively good shape. That being said, we all tend to stop often and take photographs and enjoy our surroundings, so we are by no means charging up the trail. To give you an idea of our rating system: Easy:We generally average about 20 minute miles (including photo stops). These hikes are typically do-able by just about anyone. The only factor is really the distance of the particular hike. An "easy" hike doesn't have much elevation gain. Moderate:We generally average about 35 minute miles (again, with photo stops). These hikes are generally possible, but require some level of fitness - particularly the longer distance ones. There will be some elevation gain (see Hike Notes for each hike for exact elevation change). Typically, we see plenty of other folks on these trails and everyone seems to be doing fine. Difficult:We average about 40-45 minute miles on these (with photo and rest stops). These hikes require a higher level of fitness and endurance. Typically there is substantial elevation change and most are fairly long hikes (over 8 miles). These are probably best not to attempt if you have reservations about your level of fitness.
Excerpt - "Gear" Page Gear One of the best parts about hiking, as opposed to many other pastimes, is the relatively small amount of gear that you can get by with. The most important (and really the only essential) piece of equipment is a reliable pair of shoes. The other suggestions on this list are made up of things that we carry on all hikes (because they are a good idea) and on longer/strenuous hikes (because it makes the hike more bearable). Shoes: Pretty self explanatory. A good pair of shoes cannot be stressed enough. Some people do distance hikes in running shoes. Others, like us, prefer boots for the support. It's really personal choice, but be sure that they are comfortable, durable, and broken in. Things we always bring: First aid kit: Mostly, this just travels with us and never gets used, but on the rare occasion that it does get use, it feels more than worth it to have carried it for all the other hikes. We always have: band aids, tylenol (or substitute), blister kit, ace bandage, sunscreen, emergency blanket, whistle/mirror, matches, and whatever else it seems like you might need. Bladders: We use 2-3 liter water bladders because it's easier for us than using water bottles. We also always bring extra bottles for longer hikes (have your bladder spring a leak mid-hike and you'll know why). Food: It's easy to underestimate how many calories your body is burning through while you're out walking. A small snack every couple of hours can make a world of difference in your energy level. Knife: You just never know when a knife will come in handy. Small enough that it can just ride around in the backpack most of the time and never get used. Duct Tape: No, we're not kidding. It's amazing what you can do in a pinch with duct tape. Just tear it into strips and keep it around a spare water bottle, or wrap it around itself and create a small roll. We never leave home without it. |
