5 California Hikes for May

Savor the last bit of green before the hills turn gold...

I hope everyone has been enjoying spring hiking! In California, it’s been some ups (waterfalls have been flowing beautifully with heavy rains), but also some downs (we were all hoping for another super bloom, but it never came).

A quick recap to some of my best April Instagram content:

1. Revealing my favorite hike: Matt Davis to Dipsea trail. 1.1M views

2. Shell Ridge Open Space: A controversial public poppy spot. 657K views

3. Explorer Guide to Pismo: The 9 Best Spots. 544K views

Thanks as always for your engagement on both TikTok and Instagram- it’s what keeps the content flowing…

Now as we pivot to May, your trail inspiration is below. Reminder: consider a paid subscription as I will be facilitating May group hikes behind the paywall along with a bit of a social experiment…

Hike 1: “The Dancing Camel” (Not on AllTrails)

This was one of my more viral trail guides recently and with it much controversy: who is the family? Is this private property? Regardless, this is a super fun public trail called Las Trampas to Mt. Diablo Regional Trail. It’s kid/dog friendly and one of the places for a group hike. Note: Park under 680 in Danville and the trail entrance is on your right (the playground/park Hap Magee Ranch Park is on the left).

Hike 2: Montana de Oro Bluff Trail. A wildflower and tide pool wonder! While no dogs are allowed here, the trail is 3.7 miles and easy, and the coastal views are hard to beat. Recent storms have damaged some of the cove access points but it is still worth exploring if you are near the Morro Bay area. Note: there can be extremely aggressive turkeys that attack your car (no joke!)…back up then when safe, speed around them!

Hike 3: Mayfair Ranch and Longwall Canyon Loop. This 4.75 mile moderate loop near Morgan Hill is a great blend of wildflowers and views in Rancho Canada del Oro Open Space Preserve. Another one in which dogs aren’t allowed. Note: there is a new easy paved loop nearby that I will have a trail review of. If you go here, bring a picnic lunch and stop about 1/2 way at the peak (there’s a nice view with a picnic table).

Hike 4: Diamond Valley Lake Wildflower trail. An easy 2.1 mile trail in Helmet, CA, this trail was one of the premiere super bloom locations of 2023. It’s still a pretty loop around the lake with some wildflowers present. No swimming/no pets, open 5:15am to 5:30 pm. $4 lakeview trail fee. Be prepared for strong winds!

Hike 5: Sprig Trail, Mt. Madonna (Gilroy). I’m so impressed with the hiking trails in Mt. Madonna! A great redwood spot and an extension of my Miller Ruins guide, this can be an approximately 5-7 mile loop depending on which route you choose. Consider camping here with the yurts! Dog friendly!