Trip planning to the bay area

[pokits]

Fortunately enough, i have 5 days off from work the 7th-12th of April. I plan to drive up north to visit some relatives, sight see, hopefully hit a trail and most importantly go on my sons first family vacation!! The wife and I went to Mammoth about a month ago but didn't take the little man w/ us. Needless to say, i'm super hyped.

My cousin lives in Roseville and another in Alameda. I've never really stayed in the city, just visited several times while staying with family in Sacramento area (Lincoln, Elkgrove, Roseville.) Just wanted insight from people out there on trails, real light and easy where the wife won't freak. Any real good ones that overlook the city? bay bridge? Planning to spend either the 9th or the day before to trail/sightsee.

Thanks in advance.

ps would be great to meet up and wheel along side a local!!!

 

[Oneluv13T4R]

I would post this in the Nor cal section for those guys to see, you might have better luck with getting a response from a local.

 

[pokits]

I would post this in the Nor cal section for those guys to see, you might have better luck with getting a response from a local.

Done! Ty btw

 

[Xtremluck]

Fortunately enough, i have 5 days off from work the 7th-12th of April. I plan to drive up north to visit some relatives, sight see, hopefully hit a trail and most importantly go on my sons first family vacation!! The wife and I went to Mammoth about a month ago but didn't take the little man w/ us. Needless to say, i'm super hyped.

My cousin lives in Roseville and another in Alameda. I've never really stayed in the city, just visited several times while staying with family in Sacramento area (Lincoln, Elkgrove, Roseville.) Just wanted insight from people out there on trails, real light and easy where the wife won't freak. Any real good ones that overlook the city? bay bridge? Planning to spend either the 9th or the day before to trail/sightsee.

Thanks in advance.

ps would be great to meet up and wheel along side a local!!!

Unfortunately, there is nothing remotely resembling 4x4 trails near San Francisco. I would really recommend driving or biking (rent bikes in SF and ride across the GG bridge) up to Hawk Hill from the city: Hawk Hill Some killer views of both the city and GG bridge!

For wheeling the closest place is Hollister OHV Park near San Jose: Hollister Hills SVRA
I've never been but wanted to check it out. I could potentially do Saturday 4/9 or Sunday 4/10. Depends how badly i damage my truck on my Moab trip this week

 

[wasteland_gunsel]

Just a heads-up...car break-ins are up 3x in San Francisco right now. It's an epidemic. If you drive into the city, don't leave anything inside your 4Runner--and I mean anything. Particularly in touristy areas.

If you keep that in mind, you won't have a problem no matter where you go. I would be more worried about leaving my Runner in a good neighborhood with an iPad on the passenger seat than I would leaving it spotless in a bad neighborhood.

 

[Xtremluck]

Just a heads-up...car break-ins are up 3x in San Francisco right now. It's an epidemic. If you drive into the city, don't leave anything inside your 4Runner--and I mean anything. Particularly in touristy areas.

If you keep that in mind, you won't have a problem no matter where you go. I would be more worried about leaving my Runner in a good neighborhood with an iPad on the passenger seat than I would leaving it spotless in a bad neighborhood.

So true, I witnessed a guy smash and grab a parked Accord on my street. He jumped into a getaway car before I could even call the police. All in broad daylight too.

 

[pokits]

Currently in SF, planning on heading home either early morning Sunday or Monday. I wanna take the scenic route but don't really wanna get stuck in traffic in LA on the way home lol. Anyhow, any suggestions for stops or pic ops along the 1? Really wanna do big sur.

 

[RedSled]

Currently in SF, planning on heading home either early morning Sunday or Monday. I wanna take the scenic route but don't really wanna get stuck in traffic in LA on the way home lol. Anyhow, any suggestions for stops or pic ops along the 1? Really wanna do big sur.

If you are up by Santa Rosa you can take the 12 west to Bodaga Bay, then go down hwy. 1. It's beautiful.

 

[anferneey]

Currently in SF, planning on heading home either early morning Sunday or Monday. I wanna take the scenic route but don't really wanna get stuck in traffic in LA on the way home lol. Anyhow, any suggestions for stops or pic ops along the 1? Really wanna do big sur.

If you take the 1 you can stop by the Bixby Bridge for photos. There is also a really easy trail right before you cross the bridge that takes you towards Big Sur.

 

[pokits]

If you take the 1 you can stop by the Bixby Bridge for photos. There is also a really easy trail right before you cross the bridge that takes you towards Big Sur.

Happen to have exact directions for me? I tried putting in bixby bridge on my maps app, nothing popped up. What's my exit? How many miles to trail from said exit? Trail name/number? Really looking forward to it.. Hoping it doesn't rain.

 

[pokits]

If you are up by Santa Rosa you can take the 12 west to Bodaga Bay, then go down hwy. 1. It's beautiful.

I don't think we gonna stop by wine country on this trip, wife feeling a little under the weather! Looked it up and most definitely on my future to do list.

 

[2003-4x4runner]

Happen to have exact directions for me? I tried putting in bixby bridge on my maps app, nothing popped up. What's my exit? How many miles to trail from said exit? Trail name/number? Really looking forward to it.. Hoping it doesn't rain.

Try using Google maps for Bixby Bridge. When you get to the bridge, make a left onto Old Coast Road. It's a great back road with great views, two bridge crossings and some Redwoods. The road will take you back to HWY 1 and it ends right next to the Ventana Wildlife Society's Discovery Center. It took me about 45 Min to drive the entire road, but I also stop to take photos. Don't worry about getting lost, theirs only one-way in and out on the Old Coast Road. You can also check out "Old Coast Road" on YouTube.

 

[2003-4x4runner]

Happen to have exact directions for me? I tried putting in bixby bridge on my maps app, nothing popped up. What's my exit? How many miles to trail from said exit? Trail name/number? Really looking forward to it.. Hoping it doesn't rain.

[MENTION=122077]pokits[/MENTION] Did you make it to the Old Coast Road on your way home?

 

[pokits]

[MENTION=122077]pokits[/MENTION] Did you make it to the Old Coast Road on your way home?

No sir, weather was shit and had to visit fam in Elk Grove. We stayed in Marin and if we went home from there I definitely would've.

 

[2003-4x4runner]

No sir, weather was shit and had to visit fam in Elk Grove. We stayed in Marin and if we went home from there I definitely would've.

Bummer! Well if your ever in the Big Sur area, you have to drive the Old Coast Road.