Category Archives: hike

How to photograph from Corona Heights Park

2012/01/08 – 16:31

Corona Heights Park is the only place in San Francisco that offers a true 360 degree unobstructed vista. The former quarry does not show up in most guidebooks. Corona Heights is thus, mostly a local hang out spot and a dog’s playground.

The rocks are easy to climb, yet steep enough for superb unobstructed views. Randall Museum is located on the grounds of the park. It too has breathtaking views.

Corona Heights is the ideal place for scenic photography. Its views are less familiar than those of nearby Twin Peaks, yet often more spectacular.
Corona Heights

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Bay Area, landmark, Museum, night, Northern California, San Francisco, Skyline | Tagged , , | Comments (1)

Taking great pictures on top of the Golden Gate Bridge

2011/10/12 – 03:30

Take brilliant pictures of San Francisco from the top of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge that spans the waters where the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean meet, symbolizes the Gold Rush and wealth of the Golden State of California. San Francisco’s most recognizable landmark is also its biggest tourist attraction. Featured in every travel publication, the Golden Gate Bridge is the most photographed attraction in California.

Although it is hardly possible to photograph this icon in a novel way, the hike across the bridge promises some distinct compositions that are harder to find than the most typical overview photographs. Hiking on this majestic bridge also lets you appreciate the marvelous accomplishment that this bridge represents.
Golden Gate South Tower

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Bay Area, Coast, golden gate, landmark, Northern California, NRA, San Francisco, Skyline, Transportation | Tagged , | Comments (4)

Point Reyes Lighthouse and Chimney Rock

2011/07/27 – 03:49

Point Reyes Lighthouse is perched on a steep cliff in the windiest place on the Pacific Coast and the foggiest place in California. Despite the unusual weather, the lighthouse is a favorite destination for visitors. Located on the westernmost outcrop of Point Reyes National Seashore, the lighthouse is also the best location for whale watching from land.

Chimney Rock is a similar outcrop, on the opposite side of the tip of Point Reyes’ peninsula, at Drakes Bay. It is a narrow stretch of land of unbelievable beauty. Surrounded by deep blue and turquoise sea, this small peninsula is vividly colorful during spring, when carpets of wildflowers cover portions of the lush green pastures.

It is not a secret how picturesque this portion of Point Reyes is. Consequently, you will have a lot of competition for your photographs. Despite the large number of visitors, both locations still are exceptional photographic treasures that you shouldn’t miss.

red queen fungus

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, landmark, lighthouses, Marine, National Seashore, Northern California, Point Reyes, Seasonal | Tagged , | Comments (1)

Golden Gate Park: Stow Lake, Strawberry Hill, Botanical Garden

2011/06/01 – 02:55

Stow Lake, Strawberry Hill and the San Francisco Botanical Garden (Strybing Arboretum) are photogenic attractions inside the giant Golden Gate Park. Stow Lake surrounds Strawberry Hill, creating a picturesque artificial island. Strawberry Hill is also the highest point in Golden Gate Park, presenting good views of San Francisco. The Botanical Gardens lie next to Stow Lake, making a combined visit practical. Nearby you can also find the Japanese Tea Garden, the parks most famous attraction.
Stow Lake Footbridge

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Bay Area, flowers, golden gate, lake, landmark, Northern California, NRA, San Francisco, waterfall | Tagged | Comments (2)

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

2011/05/04 – 04:27

One of California’s most iconic and most photographed locations is McWay Falls, part of the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Less than ten years ago, I was alone on the overlook trail. Today, tourists step on each other’s toes.

It is no surprise. The serene beauty of this place will blow you away. A secret cove, a waterfall that plunges into the ocean, and turquoise waters seem to stem from the imagination of a painter, yet the unspoiled nature of this park is real. The solitude is all but gone these days, but you can still capture the essence of this place, thanks to the non-existent access to the beach below.

Understandably, most people come to see McWay Cove and leave in a rush to see even more of Big Sur’s beautiful coastline. However, if you have time, you should consider the canyon hike opposite to the overlook trail that leads you through a coastal forest to yet another waterfall. Not nearly as spectacular, the refreshing hike offers a pleasant diversion from the day’s driving and from the crowds.

Do not miss California’s most spectacular beach cove!

McWay Cove, McWay Falls overlook trail

By myphotoscout | Also posted in beach, Big Sur, Central Coast, Coast, scenic drive, Southern California, state park, waterfall | Tagged , | Comments (3)

How to photograph Cambria

2011/04/27 – 04:34

The upscale town of Cambria and its small tranquil fishing village neighbor, Cayucos, have retained most of their small town charm. Remaining independent from the influence of retail chains, restaurants, and the real estate development boom, these idyllic towns are perfect summer gateways. Located along the Pacific Coast, far enough from the bustling Southern California cities, Cambria is a perfect vacation destination, if you can afford the lodging.

Even if lodging is too expensive for your budget, a visit to both cities, a stroll along main street, a photography session in one of the many parks, and a short stop at the pier does not cost anything, leaving enough to sample the fine food in Cambria. The romantic old town area, hiking and wildlife viewing choices, and numerous quiet places make Cambria such a desirable place to visit and to photograph.

Bench Fiscalini Ranch

By myphotoscout | Also posted in beach, Coast, park, San Luis Obispo, South Coast, Southern California, wildflowers | Tagged , , | Comments (2)

How to photograph Crystal Cove State Park

2011/02/09 – 04:27

Clinging to the cliffs between lavish Orange County residences and the Coastal Highway, Crystal Cove State Park is a pristine refuge for naturalists and a godsend to photographers. It offers a wide range of outdoor water sports activities, ranging from fishing to diving, surfing, and kite flying. Miles of backcountry trails and several campsites provide a sense of nature and open space that make it easy to forget the proximity to the yachts of Newport Beach and the villas of Laguna Beach.

The weather conditions that attract wealthy Orange County residents to this area make Crystal Cove State Park a year-round pleasant destination. Dramatic Southern California sunsets, rugged cliffs, tidepools, and an unspoiled mountainous backcountry wilderness area will give you a chance to deploy your full creativity on this beautiful landscape and to walk home with fond memories and a full memory (card).

Crystal Cove Sunset

By myphotoscout | Also posted in beach, Coast, Los Angeles, Orange County, South Coast, Southern California, state park, Wildlife | Tagged , | Comments (5)

Montana de Oro State Park

2011/01/05 – 04:20

Montana de Oro State Park is California’s largest coastal state park. Despite the 1 million visitors each year, you will be able to find solitude on the nearly 50 miles of trails. Diverse coastal landscapes, spectacular wildlife viewing, and outdoor sports activities make this park so popular.

Montana de Oro’s sweeping views of rugged coastal landscapes, dunes, and the chance to photograph wild animals make it very attractive for photographers. Unspoiled coastal landscapes are becoming increasingly harder to find, which makes the park such a treasure. The constant pressure from Sacramento’s budget threatens this jewel of the Central California Coast.

Sand Spit - Montana de Oro

By myphotoscout | Also posted in beach, Central Coast, Coast, San Luis Obispo, South Coast, Southern California, state park, Wildlife | Tagged , | Comments (5)

Wall Street Mill – Joshua Tree NP

2010/12/15 – 06:11

The Wall Street Mill hike in Joshua Tree National Park is a welcome distraction from the beautiful desert landscape. Old ruins, several weathered cars, and a macabre gravesite and other superb subjects await hikers on the short trail that ends at Wall Street Mill, an old gold stamp mill.

A hearty prospector, William (Bill) F. Keys, owned the mill and built a ranch around it. He was able to carve a life from this unforgiving landscape, leaving an abundance of highly photogenic evidence, including a headstone that he erected for a person he shot in a dispute.

Today, only photographers shoot here. If you love ghost towns or the Old West, you should take the short trail and discover an unchanged piece of the Wild West.
head on

By myphotoscout | Also posted in desert, Joshua Tree, national park, park, San Bernadino, Southern California | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment

Tule Elk Reserve and Pierce Point Ranch

2010/11/04 – 04:24

The majestic Tule Elk, a subspecies of elk native to California, living at Point Reyes now number over 400 animals, making it the largest herd in California. After becoming nearly extinct just a few decades ago, this is one of the biggest success stories of conservation.

You have a very good chance of spotting these magnificent creatures, while hiking along the windswept Tomales Point Trail, north of historic Pierce Point Ranch, a former buttery dairy. The elk are friendly and used to hikers, making them easy subjects. The Tule Elk Reserve is thus one of the best wildlife photography spots in California.
Tule Elk Bull

By myphotoscout | Also posted in Coast, Fall, National Seashore, Northern California, Point Reyes, Wildlife | Tagged , , | Comments (6)
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 457 other followers