South Yuba River State Park: Hoyts Crossing Area

Near: Nevada City
Trip Type: Day Hike
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation: 1,200 to 1,500 ft
Vegetation: Transition between foothill oaks and Sierra pine forest
Last Visit: September 2018

South Yuba River State Park is one of just a few California state parks that allow dogs on trails.  The park consists of a series of disconnected chunks along the South Yuba river in the Sierra foothills.  In the late summer and early fall, a long string of cascades and swimming holes open up along the river as the water level drops, making it a favorite local swimming spot.  On our first trip to this park we headed upstream from the Hwy 49 crossing to check out some of the most choice swimming areas (though crossing points farther upstream allow for longer hikes).  We followed the maintained trail out of this section of state park for a bit less than a mile, then a half-mile or so of unmaintained use trails to some excellent water-carved rocks for lounging in the sun and jumping into the river.

Calero County Park

Near: San Jose
Trip Type: Trail Run
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation: 500 to 1,000 feet
Vegetation: Oak and pasture
Last Visit: September 2018

Calero County Park is yet another Bay Area tract of wide fire trails rolling over steep, lumpy hills dotted with oak trees.  It's pretty unremarkable in my opinion, though that's probably slanted by the fact I've only visited in late summer/early fall.  It will make for a much more pleasant landscape in later winter and spring when the grass is fresh and green.  This loop takes you over the most prominent ridge of the park, which offers sweeping views across the Santa Clara Valley towards Mt Hamilton to the east.