Pillar Point, CA ~ Intertidal Pools of Sea Life

 Pillar Point beach has extensive tide pools where visitors view crabs, sea anemones, sea urchins, star fish, octopus, in their natural environment! 

Sea anemone in Pillar Point, CA tide pool.

Pillar Point Leather Sea Star

Help with starfish wasting and recovery research at Pillar Point and other sites. The problem is devastating, destroying the starfish limbs leading to their death along the west coast of North America.  There is concern that it may be crossing into other species as well.  Even if you do not join the research, see the images and learn more starfish wasting through iNaturalist and University of Santa Cruz websites.

Pillar Point Rose, about the size of a half dollar.  Their bright pink color is easily visible as you stroll around the tide pools.

Pillar Point crab hiding in a crevice.

Location:  Pillar Point is northeast of Half Moon Bay, and south of San Fransisco, CA.  Driving directions link.
Advisories: Check tide times here before you go.  Low tide makes the colorful pools accessible to visitors.  (For other locations check here.)
Do not pick up or touch the sea life, just take photos and leave everything where it is.
Shoes with good tread for walking across the jagged rocks are best. Watch out for waves; I know you know, but people have been swept away. You will want a hooded sweatshirt, a camera, snacks, water and plenty of time. It is great to have a change of clothes at the car. There are some porta-potties near the parking area. Many people want sunglasses and a hat or beanie.

More coastal options:

2015-08	Pillar Point Tidal Pools	Your choice	Stay safe!
2013-07	Muir Woods	.5-2 accessible and longer for hikers	Easy
2013-04	Grizzly Island Wildlife Reserve	Your choice	Easy, great for taking kids!
2012-06	Montgomery Woods State Reserve (Redwoods)	3+ mile loop with options and benches	Easy

Happy Beachcombing!
  Check the entire Table of Contents!

Added links 06-2016

Lyons and Sylvia Lakes in Desolation Wilderness July 2015

WILDFLOWERS ARE BLOOMING 

EVERYWHERE, IN EVERY COLOR, ALL AT ONCE

along the Lyons Creek Trail!  

Alpine Lilies

Leichtlin's Mariposa Lily

Fireweed

Assorted Indian Paintbrush, lupine, and other wildflowers.

Single-stemmed Groundsel

More Alpine Lilies

This is the creek just before the Lyons Lake Junction sign looking SW into the woods.

Difficulty:  At 10 miles I would rate any hike "Strenuous", and there are a couple of shallow creek crossings this year.  A plus is the elevation gain is accomplished going in, and coming out is downhill.  Not for strollers, but babypacks work!
Distance:  10+ miles round trip, upward, some loose rocky sections.

Elevation gain:   + 1875 feet up and -1875 back down.
Driving Directions:

• Take Wrights Lake Road north off of Highway 50 near Kyburz. 
• Follow the signs to Lyons Creek Trailhead. There is parking, but no restrooms are available. If you reach the Bloodsucker Lake parking, you have gone too far.  

Notes: Day passes are available at the trail head, seasonally. In the winter season, stop by Pacific Ranger Station at Fresh Pond, CA and pick one up.
You could stop at Fresh Pond for gas, restroom use, drinks and snacks before you get off of Highway 50. For backpacking, see the notes near the end of this page.  For even a small cooking stove, have your fire permit with you.  Also bring your fishing license with if you bring your pole.

A great website is Desolation Wilderness Volunteers.  It includes a photo gallery and a wealth of information if you plan on visiting the area.
I just returned from hiking to both lakes on the Lyons Creek Trail and the weather was, as expected, random!  Sunny and hot on my first day and then on my way out after my over-nighter and day hiking, a thunderstorm blew in. In Desolation these weather changes are not uncommon, so be prepared.  

Walk along a barely used roadway for forestry related activities.  In a short distance though it becomes trail, first leading you through an large open meadow.

Take one of the "use paths" to your left when you hear the water, and

at some of those locations you can refill your water in Lyons Creek

or maybe splash to cool off.

The following photos will take you through to Sylvia Lake.

Enter the woods on a hard packed soil trail.

I get excited when I reach this point, feeling closer to my destination.
Some hiker's goal is Pyramid Peak.  Sylvia Lake is in the bowl beneath the peak though, so you won't have to climb it unless you are prepared to do so.  Lyons Lake is a steep climb north marked with a forestry post at the trail junction.

This open area has corn lilies blooming at shoulder height right now,
along with Lupine, Paintbrush, Pennyroyal, Larkspur, Asters,
Mountain Bluebells, and many other wildflowers.

Corn Lilies and Mountain Bluebells

The creek crossings are quite shallow.  Step across the rocks and head into the woods again.

The view to the south side.  

As you get closer to the lake, the trail is composed of loose rocks.  If you are prone to twisting an ankle, mid boots will help prevent injury.

We have arrived!  Bring your fishing pole if you have one.  There were fishermen along the WNW shore of Sylvia Lake and also at Lyons Lake. 

 Please note that Sylvia Lake is a sensitive area with recent restoration work done. Please respect the restoration effort.  These signs will show you the areas to avoid:

Larkspur

Please, please, please respect fire restrictions in place.  More than ever before, Desolation Wilderness could be lost in fire due to the extreme drought, and even lasting effects from dead and dying trees that resulted from the drought.  Fires mar the surfaces and change the resources, but at the end of the day, fire hazards are very high regardless of how careful you feel you are.  Build fires in campgrounds designed with safe fire rings rather than in the wilderness. 

•  Day use fees: none; permits available at some trail heads after Memorial Day weekend, specifically at Lyons Creek, Rockbound, and Twin Lakes Trailheads.   

To obtain passes or for assistance in trip planning:

• You can make online reservations for Desolation Wilderness Permits for a small reservation fee at Recreation.gov, 
• or visit Pacific Ranger Station Fresh Pond, 7887 Highway 50, Pollock Pines, CA or call (530) 647-5415 .  
• If you are from the Tahoe side, check with Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit at (530) 543-2600. 

Other regulations and restrictions can be found on the website, too.

 I highly recommend you bring water and some snacks or lunch. No campfires are permitted in the wilderness. Have your Wilderness Permit to use your stoves and lanterns. 

 Please Leave No Trace and enjoy your trip!

Happy Trails!

Related Posts

Desolation Wilderness
2015-07	Lyons & Sylvia Lakes	10+ miles	Strenuous
2014-08	McConnell Lake Loop	30 miles	Moderate to Strenuous/Difficult
2014-07	Rockbound to Doris, Lois & Maud Lakes	18 miles	Moderate-Difficult
2014-06	Lyons Creek Trail to Lake Sylvia	12+ miles	Moderate to Strenuous
2013-06	Lawrence Lake	13+ miles	Moderate to Strenuous
2012-09	Umpa Lake & Enchanted Pools	8+ miles	Cross country ~ Moderate
2012-08	Horsetail Falls via Pyramid Creek TH	Aprox.  10 miles to lakes at the top of the falls	"Difficult, and potentially dangerous" miles
2012-07	Rockbound Trail to Maude Lake	10 miles	Moderate
2012-07	Twin Lakes Trail to Island Lake	8 miles	Moderate-Strenuous
2012-06	Lyons Lake via Lyons Creek Trail	10+ miles	Strenuous
2012-08	Lyons Creek Trail to Lake Sylvia	9.2 miles	Moderate
2012-06	Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lakes	6+ miles	Strenuous
2011-07	Lyons Creek Trail with melting snow	9+ miles	Moderate
2011-02	Grouse Lake	3.8 miles	Moderate
2010-09 We hiked 12 days.	Tahoe Rim Trail	167 total	Moderate to Strenuous

See the Full Table of Contents.

Added links and updated permit information  06-2016

Alta Sierra Biblical Garden in Grass Valley, CA

 has a waterfall, creek, gardens, outdoor chapel, and a historical 13th century prayer and meditation labyrinth.  

This walk is a privately owned daytime retreat located near Grass Valley, open sunrise to sunset daily.  The gardens are  closed in winter months.  They also have a quaint outdoor chapel for up to 150 persons and includes a PA system, and electricity available.  No reservations for a few people but if more than 5 of you are going please make reservations.

Difficulty:  Easy.  It is made to be a pleasant place to reflect and find some peace. They say allow 1 1/2 hours for a self-guided walk through the gardens. The trail is very short, but perfect to spend some time reflecting. There are uphill and downhill areas and rocks sticking out of the dirt, and some has wood chips making use by wheelchairs unavailable.

Driving Directions:  From I 80 take CA 49 east.  In approximately 17 miles turn left on Auburn Road.  The Biblical Gardens is located on your right in about .7 mile.  There is plenty of parking, even for buses for events!
Notes: I called two days ahead to say we were coming.  We were greeted sternly because people have been using their parking as a park and ride, leaving cars in the parking area for overnight even.  The woman also looked quite suspiciously at our small day packs and said we cannot take food or water on the trail.  She complained that people have been leaving trash.  We never made it to see the labyrinth, but did walk the trail.  It is indeed serene and beautiful.  Please use the picnic area to eat.  Take your water in a non-disposable container.  Please, please be considerate of the owners and of people who use this place.  Leave it cleaner than you find it.  Enjoy the view.  The restrooms are only open on week-ends due to the drought.

MapQuest

16343 Auburn Rd.

Grass Valley, CA 95949

You can call them at (530)272-1363.  

Below is their map of the gardens to give you an idea of the layout.  You walk from station to station within the garden. Benches are placed to pause and enjoy the garden, meditate, perhaps pray, reflect, or simply take it all in. On their website you can click on each number and see a photo of a spot in the garden.  Click the link below the photo.

http://biblicalgarden.org/HTMLS/mapofgarden.html

Notes of interest:  

• A picnic area is available for reservation for bible studies, or other small group activities. A family picnic is fine too. Please take out your trash.  No BBQing is allowed.
• The prayer labyrinth is a historical replica of a 13th century as a meditation or prayer path. Please don't let children run about or disturb the rocks that line the path.  It sits near Rattlesnake Creek and the gardens.  
• Please, no wading or splashing around in the creek.
• No pets allowed.
• The outdoor chapel accommodates 150 people, and is available for memorials, weddings, and baptisms.
• While the property is privately owned, the Grace Works Community Project has designed and constructed the interfaith nondenominational labyrinth.  (Donations are welcome and are tax deductible.)

The original owners and developers of the land have moved on and since 1996, Paula and Maskey Heath have continued the traditions of Alta Sierra Biblical Garden.

To learn more about the Gardens check out all of their website pages at Alta Sierra Biblical Garden.

Packing for a Fun and Safe Hike

For a full day hike, you may have read "The Ten Essentials" lists over and over again on the internet.  The lists sound like everything but the kitchen sink, and you are only going for a full day in the woods, hiking along designated, maintained trails.  I routinely see people on the trails with no more than water, sunglasses, and maybe a sandwich...maybe not even water and food.  You think that in a worse case scenario you would be close enough to others, or a ranger, and some help should you get sick, injured or lost.  Many of us tell ourselves those troubles only happen to people who are not familiar with the outdoors, or the daredevils and adrenaline junkies who tempt disaster.

My day hiking pack is ready to go with all the items shown and mentioned below!

Over the years I confess that I have been, on a few occasions, over-confident and under-packed.  I have used a space blanket, needed medication, a fire starter, or my bear spray (safely locked in my car trunk!)  I have gone without food, and been stuck in unexpected snow flurries overnight without a headlamp....really. Stormy Nightfall will fill you in on some of that.

For now, let's explore what you really need, basics, and some fun things too.  To nail down your own list, I recommend that you research your destination's weather forecasts, trends, and learn about the topography, distances, and consider possible injuries.  View maps of the trails you want to use, and get a "quad" map. Those are available at the local ranger station.  While you are visiting the ranger station, ask them about potential hazards (like high creeks, snow drifts, and tree falls), as foresters have given us great insights about current weather and trail conditions.

Here is a bullet list of things I pack:

• Snacks/food.

I enjoy salami, jerky, trail mix, cheese, and those sports jelly bean like snacks.  I may take french bread.  It holds up well and I am not big on sandwiches, but need the carbs.  Whatever it is, pack some food that will survive your hike!

Favorite snacks and fizzies (electrolytes)

• Water and a purifier, electrolyte fizzies.

Keep your electrolytes balanced out there.  Otherwise you may find yourself battling muscle cramps that were avoidable.  Be sure not to get dehydrated.

I love my SAWYER Squeeze Water Filtration System, and my Life Straw.  I look for lightweight, compact means and prefer to avoid batteries. (No, I am not getting compensated for telling you my favorite products).

The Life Straw needs to be broken in like some shoes.  It is very hard to suck the liquids through until you do it a few times.  I recommend doing this at home to make it more fun on the trails.  Kids need it broken in for them.  On the trail it is lightweight and easy to carry.

This is the water system I use.  All you do is screw on the filter to the water bag and you can drink through the filter or pour the water through the filter into your cup to add electrolytes before drinking.

• Small tarp/space blanket.

The little thin, super compact ones are fine.  We once used a one-man, but for two of us it was very narrow, and even for one person, the extra width would be helpful, so I recommend you get a two-man....they weigh next to nothing and are compact.  My friend got me the heavier red/silver one that is the backdrop for these photos. I like to have it for sitting on, for a picnic and a nap, and using on snow! Minimally, take the featherweight one though. Be aware, they tear pretty easily in use.

The ultra light style of space blanket (Mine has been used!).

• 1 brightly colored item.

It is preferable when you are in the wilderness to see people in natural colors.  It keeps wilderness experiences more pure.  But in the event of injury or getting lost, having one brightly colored item to capture the attention of helpers may save you misery and get you help more quickly.  SAR teams will have a higher likelihood of finding you faster.  My red tarp with the silver back is excellent!

• A small first aid kit, with bandaids, bug spray, an extra dose or two of medication you take at home, and I suggest having moleskin.  I have used it for years!  Cut  a piece that is larger in diameter than your hot spot. Next cut a hole the size of the hot spot (discard it) and use sports tape to keep the disc in place without covering the actual blistering area. This really helps prevent a full blown, torn up, bleeding blister. The opening leaves room for swelling and protects the skin from rubbing. 

Prepackaged first aid kits are available, or self pack one. 
Mine also includes migraine meds.

Remember your epi pens!

You can pick up small prepackaged kits for reasonable prices and I get a small one for each kid to carry, just in case, (without medications they shouldn't handle of course).  Prepackaged kits will have a couple of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Benedryl tablets, and probably some ointment good for treating small wounds.

• A light source like headlamp +/or flashlight.

I prefer a good headlamp, then if you are out after dark your hands are free.  Just be sure your batteries are good!  My zipper tab tiny flashlight is practically invisible it's so small and is handy.

• Sunglasses, a hat or scarf.  

  

  I love my Panama Jack hat!

I need prescription glasses now.  My college professor recently got the ones that go from sunglasses to indoor glasses quickly and she loves them out on the trails. They are on my wish list!  If you don't need prescriptions, get some good sunglasses with rubbery stems to help them stay on if you get sweaty.  I like NATIVEs.

A baseball cap is sufficient, but I like my hiking hat with a wide brim all the way around.  I may look like a hiking geek, but I am sheltered and cooler.  I love the fabrics nowadays.  I can dunk my hat in the cool stream and feel cooler on my hike without wrecking my hat.

My Native sunglasses with flexible stems.

• Fun items for the kids.

We take mini cards to play Go Fish or dice to play a form of Yahtzee.  I also have a lightweight floppy frizbee that is bright orange, making it easy to find in the woods.  I did some internet searches and found some fun games to play while hiking.  My grandson enjoyed doing "What if" scenarios and learned a lot about finding your way.   

• A pencil and paper have come in handy.

• Make a tradition. We have a little "toast" of an adult beverage carried in a flask when we reach our destination.  One time a friend made old-school chocolate, cream-filled cupcakes, frosted with a traditional white zigzag stripe across the tops for another friend's birthday.  Figure out something fun!  Repeat!

• A camera.

You never want to forget at least a cell phone camera for selfies.  I like my Nikon Coolpix S9700.  (No compensation here either, just my favorite).  I bring 2 extra batteries!

• Your dog.

I could be writing a whole article on this. Use good judgement about taking your dog. Be sure your dog is fit enough.  They get tired and sore just like people. Dogs get sick, over-exerted, affected by heat and cold they are not accustomed to.  They also get lost on occasion. A dog's feet may not be up to a hike in the woods unless they are out on trails often.  Dogs with bloody feet are not what any loving pet owner wants.  If you decide to take your dog, take a leash and use it if your dog is not under verbal control.  When a dog is not accustomed to the woods, it may get over-excited and harass wildlife, frightening wild creatures, and may put itself in harm's way.  Please carry dog waste out with you. Carry food, water, first aid and a leash. 

• Shoes.  You will surely wear them anyway, but please be sure they can stand up to the terrain you will be on.  Shoes Have Soles too is a true story of an urbanite hiking in her tennies.  I have learned that appropriate shoes are a safety factor. (I do carry light weight flip flops or water shoes on a carabiner on my pack to wear at the destination) Try looking at REI's shoe guidelines to help decide how much shoe you need.  I also found out that for the kids, shoes matter.  One came with shoes recently purchased and didn't make it in a mile before being upset about blisters!  It turned out he had a growth spurt and his next pair purchased when we got home was 2 sizes larger!  Check the kid's shoe fit before you go.

A real hiker's shoe with multiple repairs needed to get through the hike!

Leave No Trace.  Remember Wilderness Etiquette.

And with that, I wish you a happy and safe hike!

7/4/2015 Photos added and related written edits.
Italicized edit on 7/5/2015

McConnell Lake Loop ~ Primitive Trail ~ in Desolation Wilderness

Unmaintained, "PRIMITIVE",
marked only with cairns*,

the McConnell Lake Trail helps you find

 numerous lakes hidden in the 

depths of Desolation Wilderness.  

We walked 15 miles hiking to (and searching for) the
rugged McConnell Lake Trail and visited 9 lakes.

This link has an interactive topo map of the lakes you will travel by on this reportedly 8 1/2 mile loop. The trail it shows appears to be hand drawn and is not an exact representation of the trail. We hiked about 15 miles following cairns* across granite, across streams, through woods, and hiking through vegetation with a barely visible, or invisible, trail. If you go now, I do not recommend you follow ANY cairns! According to information taken from my Tom Harrison topo map the trail is closer to 10.5 miles. This is a snapshot of the online interactive map, but please use the link to use the interactive version of this map.

Location:  Desolation Wilderness near Wrights Lake Recreation Area, CA, USA.
Distance:  It can be done in less than 30 miles round trip including the hike from the TH and back.  It is recommended backpackers first hike in to Lois or Schmidell Lake, via Rockbound Trail, then get a fresh start the next day. Schmidell Lake is 8.5 miles, depending on your rest stops and side trips along the way.  From there it will be no less than 8.5 miles to do the loop, conservatively since every hiker we met reported having trouble keeping on the trail and spent extra time and miles finding it.  Cross country side trips are available over to Zitella and Highland Lakes (which we didn't opt for).  We recommend allowing at least two or three days, and to backpack the loop rather than day hiking it unless you are traveling with someone who is familiar with the trail.
Difficulty:  Strenuous and difficult.  It requires fitness, skills in using maps, confidence in back country hiking, having exceptional trail finding skills, being comfortable doing cross country hiking, and being prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions common to this area. The terrain varies from loose rocks, giant slabs of steep granite, thick vegetation, creek crossings, (one easy log crossing) through forest, through mountain meadows, and steep "rock stairs" down into Leland Lakes (or up if you do the loop counter clockwise).  It is also recommended you be prepared for a workout at elevation where the air is thinner, and more tiring.
Driving directions will be posted at the bottom of this post.

View of Schmidell Lake from the trail to Leland lakes.

Leaving the Schmidell Lake basin to Lois Lake.

View of inclement weather that set in when we were at Doris Lakes.

Warning that the trail is difficult, and stock are not able to travel it.

McConnell Lake itself is small and grassy.

We paused here searching for the trail down to the junction with Blakely Trail to get back to Schmidell Lake.

Granite slopes between Horseshoe Lake and the 4-Q Lakes.  I wish you could see the
granite in 3-D for a better understanding of the steep hike down it.

Areas with vegetation are not maintained so they are overgrown and look like deer paths. 

Another view of the steep granite we had to negotiate to get down to 4 Q Lakes.

A 4-Q Lake

A 4 Q Lake, nice swimming hole, the first going clockwise around the loop.

Horseshoe Lake was grassy and we opted not to even filter water here.

In Nov. 2015 I came across this discussion: "... I'm one of the USFS Desolation Wilderness managers and recently hiked the McConnell Loop this summer and removed every cairn that I came across on the trail. Wilderness for most visitors is about discovering and exploring, not only the challenges and beauty our wild land has to offer, but about how we as visitors travel in it. Seeing sign of other people's passing is not enjoyable or acceptable. We as Wilderness rangers enforce the code of federal regulations and there is a CFR for removing or disturbing any natural feature in a federaly protected Wildernes area. Placing rock cairns along system trails is unnecessary and a blight on the land and against the CFR's .

Our trails are maintained to their designated standard as detailed in our Wilderness plan. The McDonnell loop is a remote trail that is in one of the more isolated areas of the Wilderness and is maintained accordingly to preserve it's Wilderness character.
Rock cairns are finding their way into camping and vista areas in the Wilderness and are becoming an increasing problem.
The stacking and placing of these rocks can become a safety issue when they are used to create shortcuts off of our trails.
Take the time when hiking and look ahead of you, there are subtle signs of where the trail is.
Enjoy your hike!

Jon Erickson
Desation Wilderness Manager
USFS"

With cairns this trail was a challenge and took us hours to follow.  Your map finding skills ARE ESSENTIAL!  This edit was made in November of 2015.  Happy Trails!

• Early in the season (May- June, please check out road conditions before you go.  In June 2016 there are snow drifts crossing the road before the intersection with Ice House Road.)

Driving directions:  Take Highway 50 to Wrights (Lake) Road north from the Kyburz area. The Wrights Lake Road will be between Tract 36  and Tract 39 along Highway 50.  Follow the signs to Wrights Lake Recreational area.  When you get to the Wrights Lake Welcome Cabin and parking lot on your left, go straight ahead following signs to Rockbound Trailhead.  There is ample parking and a restroom there.  (The trailhead is near the restroom.)

Notes: For backpacking you can get permits online or at a Tahoe or El Dorado National Forest Ranger Station, for a fee.  There are no campfires allowed inside the wilderness boundaries and if you fish, be sure to have your regular fishing license with you.  Fire permits are still required to use camp stoves.

Happy Trails!

Related Posts you might be interested in for nearby trails:

Desolation Wilderness
2015-07	Lyons & Sylvia Lakes	10+ miles	Strenuous
2014-08	McConnell Lake Loop	30 miles	Moderate to Strenuous/Difficult
2014-07	Rockbound to Doris, Lois & Maud Lakes	18 miles	Moderate-Difficult
2014-06	Lyons Creek Trail to Lake Sylvia	12+ miles	Moderate to Strenuous
2013-06	Lawrence Lake	13+ miles	Moderate to Strenuous
2012-09	Umpa Lake & Enchanted Pools	8+ miles	Cross country ~ Moderate
2012-08	Horsetail Falls via Pyramid Creek TH	Aprox.  10 miles to lakes at the top of the falls	"Difficult, and potentially dangerous" miles
2012-07	Rockbound Trail to Maude Lake	10 miles	Moderate
2012-07	Twin Lakes Trail to Island Lake	8 miles	Moderate-Strenuous
2012-06	Lyons Lake via Lyons Creek Trail	10+ miles	Strenuous
2012-08	Lyons Creek Trail to Lake Sylvia	9.2 miles	Moderate
2012-06	Grouse, Hemlock, and Smith Lakes	6+ miles	Strenuous
2011-07	Lyons Creek Trail with melting snow	9+ miles	Moderate
2011-02	Grouse Lake	3.8 miles	Moderate
2010-09 We hiked 12 days.	Tahoe Rim Trail	167 total	Moderate to Strenuous

See the Full Table of Contents.

Added updated links and Table of Contents 06-2016