Hiking is one of the most complete aerobic sports, so the positive changes in health are extensive..
Walking outdoors on marked trails in green areas helps reduce tension and stress, reduces the risk of diabetes, lowers cholesterol levels, increases bone density and strengthens the heart and lungs.
People can burn up to 400 calories on average for every hour of hiking, in addition to toning the body and reducing the chances of falling into episodes of depression.
Fortunately, one of the characteristics of San Mateo County is its wealth of natural reserves, which provide enormous possibilities for hiking.
A perfect place to go hiking in San Mateo County is the Edgewood Park and Nature ReserveThe park's 467 acres of forests and grasslands provide wonderful opportunities for long walks while enjoying incredible scenery.
There are also hiking trails in the Monte Bello Open Space, Stevens Creek, and the return route along the San Andreas Fault. Educational trails also take place at Alpine Pond or Skyline Ridge.
Visitors can often encounter deer, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, and other small animals. The cool, wooded ravines on the eastern side of the park are rich in ferns and mosses, and a thick cover of woody and herbaceous plants.
If you want to get out of the country and go hiking in the winter, we recommend a trip to Northern California, where the first stop is Mount Shasta to see the snowy landscape, make snowballs or go sledding. You can camp (taking all precautions for the cold weather into account) or stay in a hostel in the small town with a view of the mountain.
We recommend two possible options for hiking in the following areas Mount Shasta:
First, you can check out the Lake Siskiyou Trail. A 7.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Mount Shasta, California that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.
If you want to climb to the top of the volcano, you can use the Avalanche Gulch route; known as the second most popular tonic route to reach the summit of Mount Shasta (located at 14,179 feet in California). One must officially register to travel along the volcano and specialized equipment is required for the climb such as mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axe, climbing helmet and Wag bag (to pack out human waste); as well as food and a tent to rest at Helen Lake before climbing to the summit.
Our next recommendation is Crater Lake National Park The park is located in the state of Oregon, an hour and a half from Ashland, north of Mount Shasta. If you plan ahead, there are many activities, trails and opportunities to maximize your enjoyment and appreciation of this special place. The park is open year-round, but winter access is limited. You must have snow tires or chains, otherwise you will not be allowed in. In the winter, ranger-led snowshoe hikes are offered on weekends, usually beginning in late November through late April. Please call the information office at (541) 594-3100 for details and reservations.
On the coast, we recommend hiking in the Redwoods forests. Famous for their height and magnificence, this reserve of forests is located in both Oregon and California.
We headed back along the coast on US 101 and made two stops. The first was at Trees of Mystery, which is recommended for when traveling with children.
Trees of Mystery It is a park and tourist attraction located near the coastal town of Klamath, California. Although it is paid and private, it is well worth the visit. It features interpretive trails among giant sequoias and a number of unusual tree formations. Additionally, the attraction includes a suspension bridge where you can really appreciate the height of these immense trees, as well as its own cable car ride that takes you through the trees and 1,500 vertical feet up the mountain. Its Tall Tales Trail features some 50 sculptures and chainsaw carvings that illustrate the stories of legendary storyteller Paul Bunyan and his team. Dogs are also welcome to use this trail but must be on a leash.
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