running trails: Trails and Trees at Empire Mine State Park - 02/28/13 03:24 PM
One of the most convenient trails in the Sierra foothills is Empire Mines State Park. I say it's convenient because it is actually inside the city limits of Grass Valley, California.  Grass valley is right at the "snow line" so you will find a forest of mixed growth, several oak species and other deciduous trees, manzanitas, incense cedars, and towering over all, our spectacular ponderosa pines, formerly known as yellow pines.  I'll explain why they used to be called yellow pines in this video.
 
There are about 12 miles of trails in the park and it's impossible to get lost.  Lace … (2 comments)

running trails: Flatlander Special, The Cascade Canal Trail - 12/14/10 12:35 PM
You don't need "hill legs" to run the Cascade Canal Trail. It's flat as a pancake, quite a rarity in the Sierra Foothills.  As a runner I find this kind of terrain tedious, but it does have its uses.  Some folks need a flat trail because they can't handle long upgrades.  It's also very shady and, because the trail follows the canal for its entire length, there is plenty of water for the pooch.
Lower Cascade Canal Trail The Cascade Canal trailhead is a couple of miles east of highway 49 between Grass Valley, California and Nevada City, California. There is a small parking area … (3 comments)

running trails: San Bruno Mountain State Park - 12/06/10 11:46 AM
San Bruno Mountain State (and County) Park is in that weird area where San Bruno, South San Francisco, Daly City, and Brisbane kinda mash together and you don't know exactly where you are even if you live there.  The park is largely ignored by the zillions of people who live all around it.  It's just a big empty space on the map.  I asked a friend who lives less than a mile away how often he visits the park.
"What park?"
This is like those newly-minted citizens who know more about the country than the "natives" who have lived here all … (0 comments)