Gaby Colletta

To call this place "breathtaking" would not do it justice. The rusty red, orange, purple colors of million-year-old rock erosion are otherworldly, something you'd imagine on Mars. The Indians named Cedar Breaks the "Circle of Painted Cliffs," and when you see this brilliantly colored coliseum you will understand why. For photographers and nature-lovers alike, this is your spot.THE TRAIL:Rampart...

Crater Lake is one of the most visited natural wonders in the U.S. Anyone who has gone will tell you, it strikes a magic chord. Where there was once the volcanic Mount Mazama, now sits the deepest lake in the States. It's brilliant blue color and incredible depth of clarity leaves visitors from all over the world in a state of awe.The Garfield Peak Trail leads to the 2nd highest peak in the par...

Point Pinole Regional Shoreline is a 2,315-acre parkland that juts out into the San Pablo Bay. Only a brief car ride from San Francisco, this is a great spot for a Sunday stroll, picnic or simply to find a quiet space.There are several short trails to choose from that wind through eucalyptus groves, wildflower meadows and shoreline bluffs. Despite its proximity to the city you will notice how p...

One of the gems in the Shasta area, Castle Crags. You can spot these dramatic granite towers from a distance and their jagged formations beckon climbers and hikers alike. Imagine a slice of the Dolomites plucked out of Italy and placed in Northern California. Crags Trail to Castle Dome winds up through the shaded Shasta-Trinity Forest with beautiful views of the mighty Mt. Shasta. Expect a bit ...

Explore the shipwreck of the S.S. Point Reyes, perched on a sand bar off the shoreline of Tomales Bay. It is located in the small town of Inverness, just behind the grocery store. If you are driving North on Sir Francis Drake Blvd it will be on your right side. Parking is easy and you will see a small picnic area just footsteps away from the abandoned boat. This is a great little detour if you...

Picture a desolate place tucked away from time. If you are looking for some peace of mind and serenity, Mavra Volia is magic. Follow a narrow road just past the harbor of Emporios and you will find this black pebble beach. The pebbles were created by lava from the now dormant volcano, Psaronas. There are two stunning beaches, partitioned by huge rock formations.GETTING THERE: If you are facing...

A well-known sunset spot in the East Bay, and rightfully so - the views from Grizzly Peak are stunning. You have several pull-offs to pick from. The larger ones have logs to sit upon. The smaller pull-offs offer benches and sturdy rocks. Take your pick! You will share the sunset with some strangers but if you are one for solitude, check out the Northern pull-offs. They are smaller and therefor...

A short and scenic trail of tranquility that leads to the secluded Lake PJ, hidden on Hurricane Ridge. Nothing but nature stirs here. The trail, while well-traveled, is far quieter than others in the surrounding area of Olympic. You might see one other hiker. It is lined with wildflowers and in the late summer, huckleberries. The path is short but steep, dropping 600 feet in the first .6 miles ...

Tucked away in the hills of Oakland, you will find one of the homes of California's Coastal Redwoods. Created by a unique geographical circumstance, this forest breathes winds funneled through the Golden Gate across the bay, which created environment opportune for Redwood growth. These Redwoods are 3rd growth trees dating over 100 years old. This a great place to take a stroll, picnic, hike or...

It is said that "only the devil could play golf on such rough links." Just off Badwater Road you will find an immense field of eroded rock salt that bore small jagged spires in the Earth. What was once Lake Manly is now a surreal sight - one that makes you wonder what planet you are on. Devil's Golf Course is a great stop, especially if you are en route to the famous Badwater Basin down the roa...

From Inspiration Point, head toward Nimitz gate. Once you pass through the gate, keep an eye out for Curran Trailhead; this is the trail you'll be starting on. After about 1/8 of a mile, you'll reach a junction with the Meadows Canyon Trail. Turn right onto this trail to continue the loop. This part of the trail offers some decent shade as you pass through the Eucalyptus grove. After 1.5 miles...