Salton Sea is the largest man-made lake in California created by the flooding of the Colorado River. The lake is facing some environmental problems, in particular the high salinity level. Numerous fish species have died because of rising salinity level, leaving behind crushed up bones on shore.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is located right off Highway 1 and is a popular place for camping and hiking. There is no access to the beaches and they charge $2 if you want a map. Alternatively, there is a large map near the parking area that most people take a picture of with their phones. Because of the fire, the Big Sur area still has some closed trails.
Explore Slot Canyons at Cathedral Gorge State Park
One of Nevada’s finest and dramatic looking state parks just roughly 2 1/2 hours away from Las Vegas. Filled with cathedral looking spires, clay cliffs, and slot canyons there isn’t any other place like this in the US.
Fern Falls at Kahn Ranch
Fern Falls is a easy waterfall to see in Carmel Valley. The best time to visit is when it has heavily rained days before. There are small bridge crossings that might be slippery so tread carefully. You will need a parking permit to park here because of limited parking.
The Art of Recycling at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch
Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch is a recycled masterpiece. The owner, Elmer Long, lives on this property and has created over 200 bottle trees for people to visit free, donations accepted.
Calla Lily Valley at Garrapata Beach
If you are coming from Monterey, this is the car pullout before hitting the official Garrapata State Park Beach parking area. If you are coming from San Luis Obispo, this is the pullout after the beach. To see these flowers you need to come here during the late winter to spring months.
Elephant Seals at Año Nuevo State Park
Elephant seals are the star attraction at Año Nuevo State Park, especially during the winter months. Compared to other seal species, elephant seals got a large, long nose almost like a elephant trunk. From Dec 15 to March 31, there are guided elephant seal walks for the price of around $11 per ticket.
Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center
Hayward Shoreline Center is located at Hayward Regional Shoreline, an east bay regional park with views of wetlands, marshes, and salt ponds. There is only one trail, SF Bay Trail, that goes on for miles. The easy flat trail is ideal for hiking and walking.
Dublin Hills Regional Park
Dublin Hills Regional Park is another East Bay Regional Park featuring more green/yellow hills depending on the season. Two trails worth pointing out are the Calaveras Ridge Regional Trail and Donlon Loop Trail. The park is right off of I-580 and has no shade.
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
The black diamonds at this park mine are not actually jewels but a nickname for coal. Back in the late 1860s, coal was a main energy source at the time. Being a miner was hard work with long hours and dangerous conditions. After mining lost its popularity, the area became a cattle ranching community.