Saturday, June 21, 2025

Northen California

 


Map of the  4 nights-5 day itinerary  (customized  layered Map)





🗺️ 5-Day Northern California Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: June 17 – San Francisco to Mount Shasta

  • Depart San Francisco early morning.

  • Stop 1: Sundial Bridge in Redding – a striking pedestrian bridge and functional sundial. (Turtle Bay)

  • Stop 2: Sacramento River Trail – a scenic 5.6-mile loop, perfect for a light hike. (AllTrails.com)

  • Stop 3: Shasta Lake – California's largest reservoir, ideal for a picnic or boat rental. (Wikipedia)

  • Stop 4: Castle Crags State Park – explore granite spires and hiking trails. (California State Parks)

  • Overnight: Stay in Mount Shasta.(Tripadvisor, AllTrails.com, Visit California, California State Parks)
    Day 1: Explore Lake Shasta - On to Mount Shasta

    Shasta Lake, located just 15 miles north of Redding, is the state's largest reservoir.  It has 370 miles of shoreline and five major lake arms, each with its own distinct character.  There is much to explore on the lake, but  your destination today is a paddle up the McCloud arm.

    On your way to Lake Shasta, stop by the Heritage Roasting Company, a small non-profit coffee roaster/cafe that has a friendly small-town feel and amazing coffee.  Grab breakfast for now, and a sandwich for your lunch later in the day, maybe with one of their amazing brownies for dessert?

    Pick up your kayak from Holiday Harbor in the morning, and head out onto the McCloud arm of the river.  This arm is famous for the grey rocks that rise out of the water.  These rocks were formed from ocean sediments many millions of years ago.  They make a beautiful picture against the blue-green water of the lake. Padding can be hot work, so feel free to jump into the lake at any point to cool off. Whenever you are hungry, there are plenty of nice coves to pull out of the river, have a picnic lunch, and enjoy a spot of sunbathing.  There is no rush to get anywhere today.  It is just a day to enjoy the peaceful water, beautiful scenery and fresh air.

    Whenever you are ready, paddle back and drop your kayaks back at the marina.  Your last stop of the day is to visit the Lake Shasta Caverns. Thought to have formed roughly 250 million years ago, a tour through the caves provides a fascinating view of beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations.  Also, the caverns are at a constant 58 degrees Fahrenheit, no matter the temperature outside, so it is a great way to escape the heat in summer.  

    After the tour, it's time to head to your hotel in Mt. Shasta. For dinner, try Cafe Maddalena, an elegant Mediterranean restaurant with a small garden for outdoor dining during the summer.

Day 2: June 18 – Mount Shasta to Arcata via Weaverville

  • Stop 1: Whiskeytown National Recreation Area – enjoy waterfalls, hiking, and lake activities. (National Park Service)

  • Stop 2: Weaverville – a historic Gold Rush town with unique architecture and museums. (Wikipedia)

  • Drive: Trinity Scenic Byway (SR 299) – a 130-mile route offering breathtaking views. (AAA)

  • Overnight: Stay in Arcata.(National Park Service, Wikipedia, AAA, Hotels.com)

  • As you head out of Eureka this morning, stop in the nearby Beachcomber's Cafe for breakfast, and a to-go lunch.  Try their poached egg sandwich, a local favorite.  Also, the cafe takes a great stance against disposable cups, so drink your coffee at the cafe, or bring your own cup to take your coffee with you on the road.  

    Your first stop as you head out of Eureka proper is in Weaverville (103 miles and 2 hrs away).  Be aware that the roads can be winding, with a number of hairpin turns, so take your time, and take breaks to enjoy the scenery and lush forests along the way.  In Weaverville, stop at the Joss House State Historic Park.  The site is a Taoist temple, which is still in use and is the oldest continuously used Chines temple in California.  It is an interesting place to learn about the role played by Chinese immigrants in early California history.

    The next stop is Whiskytown Lakes (39 miles, 50 minutes). The lake takes its name from the Gold Rush mining town that lies beneath its waters, inundated by the building of the 282-foot Whiskeytown Dam.  The lake is known for it's warm, crystal-clear waters- perfect for sunbathing, summer-novel reading, and sandy picnics.  The best place to do all of that is at Brandy Cove, where you'll find a sandy beach, shallow water, and all the ingredients you'll need for a relaxing summer afternoon.

    After your picnic lunch, if you want a bit more action, head to one of the four waterfalls in the area.  Whiskeytown Falls is the tallest with an impressive 220-foot drop.  From Hwy-299, turn off at Crystal Creek Road and drive up around 3.5 miles until you reach the James K. Carr trail.  From the trailhead, follow the signs for the James K. Carr Trail, as it ascends steadily uphill through a ravine.  The trail is 3.4 miles round trip, and the trail is very steep in parts, with over 600 feet of elevation gain, so it is not suitable for young children.  

    For those with younger children, Brandy Creek Falls is a better option.  From Hwy-299, take the turnoff at Kennedy Memorial Drive towards the Whiskeytown Dam.  After crossing the dam, follow the paved road that winds around the lake to the Brandy Creek Beach area, and then turn onto Brandy Creek Road.  Drive 2.5 miles on the road until you reach the sign for Brandy Creek Falls Trail.  The trail is 3 miles round trip and still has modestly steep sections, so watch your step.  The waterfall is made up of 5 large cascading falls that sweep down the polished granite rock.  From the trail, you will enter a narrow box canyon and see the first of the tiers - Lower Brandy Creek Falls.  The Upper Falls is still 0.25 miles ahead.  Cross the plank bridges to traverse the creek, and use the footholds chiseled out of the rock and the iron railings to ascend to the upper falls, past five pools and cascades. The upper falls are split in the middle, creating two cascades that flow on either side of the 50-foot-high waterfall.  Entering the upper chamber of the waterfall is like being in one of nature's chapels.

    After the hike, it's time to head to your hotel in Redding.  For dinner tonight, you could splurge with a visit to Clearie's.   This high-end eatery is a local favorite for its friendly and cozy atmosphere, as well as amazing cocktails - did someone say smokin' martinis? It will be the perfect end to the perfect day.

Day 3: June 19 – Explore Redwood National and State Parks

  • Morning: Visit Redwood National and State Parks, home to the world's tallest trees. (Condé Nast Traveler)

  • Afternoon: Optional trip to Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park for coastal redwood views.

  • Evening: Return to Arcata for overnight stay.(Hotels.com)
    Full Day: Explore the magnificent Redwood National and State Parks. These parks are cooperatively managed and offer incredible opportunities to walk among the tallest trees on Earth.

  • Morning: Focus on the central and northern sections of Redwood National and State Parks.

    • Visitor Centers: Start at a visitor center (e.g., Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center near Orick, or the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park Visitor Center) for maps, current conditions, and ranger advice.

    • Tall Trees Grove (Permit May Be Required): This grove is home to some of the tallest trees. Check if a permit is required for your visit date as it often is.

    • Newton B. Drury Parkway & Big Tree Wayside (Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park): A scenic alternative to Highway 101, offering easy access to impressive redwoods and short walks. Keep an eye out for Roosevelt Elk in Elk Prairie.

  • Afternoon: Consider heading further north to Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park.

  • Late Afternoon: Drive back to Arcata.

    • Redwood National and State Parks Official Website: NPS.gov/redw (This is the official NPS site for the combined parks, a good starting point for planning).

Overnight: Arcata, CA


Day 4: June 20 – Arcata to Mendocino via Avenue of the Giants

  • Drive: Avenue of the Giants – a scenic route through towering redwoods.

  • Explore: Stop at Humboldt Redwoods State Park for short hikes and photo opportunities.

  • Overnight: Stay in Mendocino, a charming coastal town.(Condé Nast Traveler)

    venue of the Giants & Coastal Drive to Mendocino

  • Morning: Drive south from Arcata to the Avenue of the Giants.

    • Driving: Arcata to the northern start of Avenue of the Giants is approximately 45 miles / 45 minutes - 1 hour.

    • Avenue of the Giants: This 31-mile scenic bypass runs parallel to Highway 101 and offers numerous groves, hiking trails, and roadside attractions where you can stop and walk among giant redwoods. It's part of Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

      • Founders Grove: An easy loop trail with some of the park's most impressive trees, including the Dyerville Giant.

      • Immortal Tree: A very old redwood that has survived floods and fires.

      • Shrine Drive-Thru Tree (Private attraction, fee applies): A classic tourist stop.

      • Avenue of the Giants Information

Afternoon: Transition from Highway 101 to Highway 1 (the Pacific Coast Highway) as you head towards Mendocino. This section of Highway 1 is incredibly scenic with dramatic coastal cliffs and small towns.

  • Driving: End of Avenue of the Giants to Mendocino is approximately 100 miles / 2 - 2.5 hours (can be slow due to winding coastal roads).

Evening: Arrive in Mendocino

  • Mendocino Headlands State Park: Offers beautiful coastal trails and views of the town.

  • Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (near Fort Bragg, just north of Mendocino): A beautiful coastal garden.

Day 5: June 21 – Mendocino to San Francisco

  • Morning: Enjoy Mendocino's coastal views and local shops.

  • Drive: Return to San Francisco via Highway 1 or 101.

  • Arrival: Reach San Francisco Airport by 2:00 PM.

🏨 Recommended Accommodations

Mount Shasta

Arcata

Mendocino

🗺️ Interactive Map

Here's a Google Map outlining your route and key stops:
 View Northern California Road Trip Map(AAA)

🌤️ Weather Forecast

  • Mount Shasta (June 17): Highs around 75°F, lows near 50°F.

  • Arcata (June 18-19): Highs in the mid-60s°F, lows in the low 50s°F.

  • Mendocino (June 20): Highs around 65°F, lows near 50°F.(Upstate CA)

Let me know if you'd like assistance with reservations or further details on any part of your trip!


If choose to have one more day at Mendacino 


🚃 5. Ride the Skunk Train + Railbikes

  • In Fort Bragg (~15 min from Mendocino), take a scenic train ride through redwood forests.

  • Or do the railbikes — pedal-powered carts on the tracks!
     🔗 Skunk Train


🍷 6. Wine Tasting in Anderson Valley

  • Less touristy than Napa, and closer than you think.

  • Visit Navarro Vineyards, Husch, or Roederer Estate for sparkling wine.

  • Combine it with a scenic drive down Hwy 128.

🏖️ 7. Relax on Hidden Beaches

  • Van Damme State Beach, Glass Beach (Fort Bragg), or Bowling Ball Beach near Point Arena.

  • Beachcombing, tidepooling, and dramatic coastal views.

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Monday, October 11, 2021

Durango

 he Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (D&SNG) is a narrow gauge heritage railroad in the U.S. State of Colorado that operates over the 45 miles (72 km) of 36-inch (914 mm) track between Durango in La Plata County and Silverton in San Juan County. The railway is a federally designated National Historic Landmark and is also designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

 

The trackage was originally built between 1881 and 1882, by the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad, in order to carry silver and gold ore mined in the San Juan Mountains. The line was an extension of the D&RG narrow gauge from Antonito, Colorado to Durango. The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad operates the line from Antonito to Chama, New Mexico. The line from Chama to Durango has been abandoned and removed. The line from Durango to Silverton, however, has run continuously since 1881, although it is now a tourist and heritage line hauling passengers, and is one of the few places in the United States which has seen continuous use of steam locomotives. In March 1981, the Denver & Rio Grande Western sold the line and the D&SNG was formed.

 

Some of the rolling stock dates back to the 1880s. The trains run from Durango to the Cascade Wye in the winter months and run from Durango to Silverton during the summer months. (Wikipedia)

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Thursday, October 7, 2021

New Mexico Trip Planning

Overview  of the  trip


Albuquerque 

My Map of Albuquerque 


 

Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. Operated by the nineteen Pueblos of New Mexico, the IPCC is dedicated to preserving and perpetuating Pueblo culture, highlighting the accomplishments and evolving history of the Pueblo people.

Walking  Tour of  Old town: he  oldest part of Albuquerque during a walking exploration of the plaza and surrounding area. Old Town has been the focal point of community life since Albuquerque was founded in 1706. About ten blocks of historical adobe buildings surround the central plaza, including San Felipe de Neri Church, which dates back to 1793. The city's settlers built their homes, shops, and government offices here; many of these historical structures have been converted into the restaurants, art galleries, and shops that we see today. 

Nearby museums include the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science across from Old Town on Mountain Road and the Albuquerque Museum of Art and History adjacent to Old Town.


Chaco Canyon

2a)  via 550  2:37 145 Miles Fastest 
2c)  Via  route 40   160 miles  3:07 ( two cinstructons near  Laguna Pueblo)  

we’ll set out on a full-day field trip to Chaco Canyon within Chaco Culture National Historical Park, which preserves one of America's most significant and fascinating cultural and historic areas. As it was a major center of ancestral Puebloan culture between 850 and 1150 C.E., it functioned as a central hub for ceremony, trade, and administration for the prehistoric Four Corners area – unlike anything before or since. While here, our knowledgeable local expert will lead us on a walking field trip to Pueblo Bonito and Chetro Ketl, two of the park’s “Great Houses.” First, we’ll see Pueblo Bonito which represents the zenith of Ancestral Puebloan culture as it is the largest and most famous ruin in Chaco Canyon. At 5 stories in height with as many as 700 rooms, Pueblo Bonito was the largest standing structure in North America until the 1800s

 Next, we’ll continue on foot and visit the 500 room Chetro Ketl Great House. Chetro Ketl contains an abundance of unique and stylish architectural features that belies its sophisticated design and its connections to Meso-American cultures to the south. An elegant great kiva, a tower kiva, 900-year-old interior plastered and painted walls, colonnade archways, T shaped doorways and a 500-foot-long back wall are just a few of the features that makes this “old house” an engineering marvel. Our local expert will provide commentary while exploring the site, pointing out these impressive features. Then, with a stop at Casa Rinconada, we will see the largest “Great Kiva” that stands in the southwest! Casa Rinconada is believed to be the impressive venue for ceremonial activities of old. Once having a look at Casa Rinconada, we’ll independently check out the park’s visitor center museum and various exhibits. We’ll then return to the hotel in the late afternoon with some time to freshen up before dinner.


Activity note: Driving approx. 21 miles each way to Chaco Canyon on a bumpy dirt road; about 1 hour. The Road to Chaco Canyon becomes impassable during heavy rain. In this rare instance, we will substitute Chaco Canyon with another interesting destination. Walking up to 2 miles total throughout the day; periods of standing; gravel paths with minor elevation changes to Great House ruins. Be sure to bring sun protection; wear comfortable walking shoes.There is no fuel available in the park. $20 per vehicel 

Bisti Badland  from Chaco is  1:48  78.5 Miles  ( durango via  Bisti Bad land 175 miks  3:51 )



Durango   Day 3 

https://www.durangotrain.com/  877-872-4607 
In the state of Colorado of the United States of America there’s a special highway built in the late 1880's: the Million Dollar Highway, part of the San Juan Skyway. It's one of the nation’s most spectacular drives. You'll be on the "outside" for a while with a hell of a view to your right (let the passenger look. You'll want to watch the road). Forget standard driving safety measures like guardrails and shoulders, there aren't any on this stretch, so swerving off the road is not advised!

Durango to Taos Day 4 



Chimney Rock National Monument http://www.chimneyrockco.org/ 


Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa 

50 Los Banos Drive, Ojo Caliente, NM 87549, USA

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge


Taos Pueblo


El Monte Sagrado
317 Kit Carson Road, Taos, New Mexico 87571, United States


Bandelier National Monument, Los Alamos

Walking up to 3 miles over varied, uneven terrain with inclines at elevation of 6000 – 7500'. Some elevation gains via stairs and optional ladders at Bandelier.hich is fascinating both for its geology and archaeology. After stopping at the visitor center, we'll explore some of the trails in Frijoles Canyon where we can see "cavates," the cave-like dwellings used by the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived here 400 to 800 years ago.

Take a short drive to Los Alamos, where we will visit the Los Alamos History Museum and the Bradbury Museum of Science for two self-led explorations. The Los Alamos History Museum is located next to Fuller Lodge, which was once the dining hall for the Los Alamos Ranch School. Its mission is to preserve and share the history of Los Alamos through award-winning exhibits that include the geology and archaeology of the area, as well as exhibits dedicated to various aspects of the Manhattan Project. The Bradbury Museum of Science has wonderful exhibits about the history of Los Alamos National Laboratory, its national security mission, and the broad range of science, engineering, and technology research programs including the lab's focus on Stockpile Stewardship. 

Itinerary references 






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Sunday, August 16, 2020

Maine and New Hampshire overview

Maine and New Hampshire's distinctive  landscape makes it a classic destination to visit again ,





Places 

1) Maine_NH Overview    


2) Portland_Lighthouse   : Maine’s lighthouses are the guardian of the coast.  65 out of the 55 hoghthouses are still active and  make a threme of travel track by itself.  Portland  lighthouse is the most photographed lighthouse.  The album is the pictures taken at the sunset (7:45 PM)and sunrise   (5:25 AM). 

3) Marine Midcoast The midcoast region of Maine is home to Many of the characteristics that  define Maine’s motto” “The way  life should be” . Every drive turns up with working fishing  harbors, light houses , dramatic  coastline. The   Marshalll Point, Port clyde is the place where the film Forrest Gump was shot. Camden Hills State Park  with road to summit of mount Battie has real sweeping views of the harbor. normal'

I like mountains (hills) with a body of water in front.. Acadia National Park readily meets that combination.

5)  Bee Hive trail , Acardia National Park 

8)  WindJammer 

New Hanpshire

9) White  Mountain 
10)  CancamagusPass 




15)  WindJammer_MT 
17) MT NH_2006_MT 

Others

20) People 

Videos  
To be added 

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Sunday, August 2, 2020

Mountain and Lake region

 


World Traveler Signpost

Address:
Valley Rd, Lynchville, ME
Directions:
On the northeast side of Hwy 35/Valley Rd at its intersection with Hwy 5/Crooked River Causeway.


Campus Map: Waterfalls In Maine Map
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Saturday, August 1, 2020

Maine , NH Trip Planning

Maine  and  New Hampshire Trip Planning 

My  customized layered map : Map and  Hiking adevnture videos

( https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1ouOgBYegRb7YGSYpNNspq7CRhzB2b6PS&usp=sharing)
 
Experience some of Maine’s most challenging hikes videos 

 Phoogrpaher's guide 
 

General Maine 

 Portland 


Midcoast

Maine  Highland 

3
37 https://bindutrips.com/itinerary/inland-maine-for-first-timers/
38 https://theblessingbucket.com/coastal-maine-road-trip-itinerary/
39 https://www.instagram.com/p/Byh0M7wBufI/?utm_source=ig_embed
40
41 #MaineHighlands
42
43 https://www.frommers.com/slideshows/833067-summer-in-the-u-s-a-20-best-vacation-destinations?utm_content=buffer25480&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
44 https://www.frommers.com/destinations/baxter-state-park/introduction
45 https://www.frommers.com/destinations/baxter-state-park/active-pursuits


New Hampshire General

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