🌸 5 California Hikes for Mom in May
Must-See Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wonders
Looking for the perfect way to plan a Mother’s Day adventure or simply celebrate the beauty of spring?
🌿 This May, I’m bringing you five handpicked California hikes that blend easy waterfalls, family friendly adventure, and wildflower magic. These trails are easy, scenic, and packed with fun discoveries!
As always, thanks for your support and engagement! Be sure to subscribe to my blog: you won’t want to miss my next post with some hidden spots and gorgeous Yosemite-area waterfalls!
You can find all my best trails on my California Map, and be sure to follow along on Instagram or TikTok to see more inspiration!
5 California Hikes for May (and mom too!)
1) Carlon Falls Trail (Yosemite Border Magic)
🥾 Distance: 3 miles out-and-back
📈 Elevation Gain: 200 feet
📍 Parking: Carlon Day Use Picnic Area Google Map ($10 fee, bathrooms available). Free ~5 spots near trailhead.
AllTrails: Carlon Falls Trail
Why You’ll Love It:
Imagine visiting Yosemite — but without the crowds. Carlon Falls is a hidden waterfall oasis along the South Fork of the Tuolumne River, tucked just inside the park boundary.
Follow a riverside trail and end at a swimmable (once spring flows slow down) waterfall framed by giant granite boulders. Note: the final section to get to the top of the falls is more ‘moderate’ and steep but short. Not required to see the main falls.
Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for the best chance of solitude before summer crowds arrive!
Note: Dogs allowed until you hit the Yosemite boundary gate about 100 meters in.
2) Mussel Rock Trail (Daly City’s Secret Coastal Playground)
🥾 Distance: 2 miles out-and-back
📈 Elevation Gain: 250 feet
📍 Parking: Mussel Rock Park Parking Lot (Free, no facilities)
AllTrails: Mussel Rock Trail
Why You’ll Love It:
Think Morro Rock vibes, epic ocean views, and a secret 1870s tunnel — all just minutes from the city. Explore geological sea stacks, watch colorful paragliders overhead, and if you time it right with low tide, scramble your way to a hidden tunnel carved over a century ago.
Pro Tip: Dress in layers — coastal winds can sneak up on you! Dogs welcome on a leash.
3) Hedge Creek Falls + Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens (Two-in-One Adventure!)
🥾 Distance (Hedge Creek Falls): 0.6 miles out-and-back
📈 Elevation Gain: 150 ft
📍 Parking: Hedge Creek Falls Trailhead and Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens
(Free, picnic tables and water fountains available)
AllTrails: Hedge Creek Falls Trail
Why You’ll Love It:
A short stroll leads you behind a gushing 30-foot waterfall! Hedge Creek Falls offers the magic of getting behind the falls, plus a bonus: hike just a little further for panoramic views of Mount Shasta rising over the Sacramento River. Dogs welcome on a leash.
Nearby Bonus:
After your hike, wander the nearby Dunsmuir Botanical Gardens, a peaceful retreat filled with Shasta lilies, fragrant native azaleas, and meandering riverside trails.
You will find so many blossoming Pacific Dogwoods in Dunsmuir this time of year!
4) Tiptoe Falls (Creek Crossing within a Redwood Forest)
🥾 Distance: 1.3 miles out-and-back
📈 Elevation Gain: 300 ft (expect one creek crossing!)
📍 Parking: Portola Redwoods State Park. $10 entry fee (bring cash)
AllTrails: Iverson Trail to Tiptoe Falls
A family-friendly favorite tucked inside Portola Redwoods State Park, Tiptoe Falls might be small, but its tranquility and charm make it a perfect outing for all ages. With the trail mostly shaded under towering redwoods a single creek crossing along the way, it's a magical little escape — especially great for young kids or anyone looking for a peaceful, short adventure. Note: No dogs allowed and bring a change of shoes for the car.
5) Capitol Park Loop Trail (and the World Peace Rose Garden)
🥾 Distance: 1.1 mile loop
📈 Elevation Gain: N/A
📍 Parking: Varies around the park, obey parking signs
(Free, picnic tables and water fountains available)
AllTrails: Capitol Park Loop Trail
Celebrate Mother's Day in a unique way by hiking the Capitol Loop Trail in Sacramento. This 1.1-mile flat trail winds through memorials and ends at the breathtaking World Peace Rose Garden near 15th Street, featuring over 150 varieties of vibrant roses. It's a scenic, easy stroll that’s both meaningful and beautiful — perfect for a leisurely holiday outing. Dogs allowed on leash
Bonus Spots:
Not really hikes, but beautiful and relaxing places for a Mother’s Day stroll with family!
🥾 Fremont bonus spot 1: Shinn Historical Park and Arboretum
Parking: Directly in front or across the street near the playground
Address: 1251 Peralta Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Fee: Free
Restrooms: Private use only
Trail: A 4.5-acre flat property, perfect for a relaxed, easy walk
Notes: Private tours available (including the ADA-accessible Shinn House) — check online for hours.
Kid-friendly: Yes!
Dog-friendly: Yes, dogs on leash
🥾 Fremont bonus spot 2: California Nursery Historical Park
Parking: Main lot
Address: 36501 Niles Blvd, Fremont, CA 94536
Hours: Open daily (no posted hours)
Restrooms: Public restrooms available
Trail: 20-acre property with flat paths; includes a 1/3-mile ADA loop
Notes: I recommend the beautiful main garden area near the entrance! Construction of more ADA paths is planned for this summer.
Kid-friendly: Yes, with the bonus excitement of nearby trains passing!
Dog-friendly: Yes, dogs allowed
🌸 Thank you to all the amazing moms out there — especially the two closest to me:
To my mom, who always enjoys watching these trail guides safely from home, your support means everything.
And to my wife, the incredible mom to the two greatest kids on the planet — thank you for enabling all of these adventures.
If you enjoyed this guide, don't forget to refer a friend!
Sharing these trail tips helps support more family-friendly adventures — and there’s nothing better than exploring together. 🌲💛
As always, I encourage everyone to hike responsibly—protect these landscapes so they can be enjoyed for generations to come. And if you haven’t already, consider subscribing to support more in-depth guides like this one.
Until next time, happy trails!
-Dan
Wow that is some beautiful scenery 🤘
I love this. You have captured the beauty of nature perfectly. 💛