Happy trails, anyone? Hiking question...

[RN ColbyJack]

Hi folks,

I'm a nurse in Pennsylvania. I'm coming to California this spring to check out the area (considering moving out west) and look into getting my license.

My question is more of a fun thing. If, say, any of you nurses get a few days in a row off (ha!), where might you recommend camping & hiking? I'll take any suggestions, but now I'm thinking northern California... like Redwood Park, Mt. Shasta, that area.

Thanks!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

As a teenager in the late 1990s I hiked in the Los Padres National Forest, which is located in Southern CA, many miles north of Los Angeles.

[physjenk]

Hmm, there are so many places.

Up (way) North, where you are talking about, I would suggest Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park

http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=415

Of course, Mt. Shasta is beautiful, as you said.

If you want to go to as far as my area (Santa Cruz), I would highly recommend Big Sur

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Sur

And there is always Yosemite...can't really go wrong there.

[MarathonGirl]

The best hike ever is the Dipsea trail. It goes from Muir Woods (there are several places you can start) down to Stinson Beach.

It is incredibly scenic. Unbelievable.

But it is a hike. Only attempt it if you are in good shape. Though if my 6 year old can do it, you probably can too. :)