Getting Started

California is home to some outdoor wonders, from stunning coastline to rolling hills. Here are just some of the things that came to mind for us. Do a quick Google search, and you’ll find many more suggestions. If you’re looking for hikes, make sure to check out All Trails for recommendations.

National Parks

California is home to nine national parks - more than any other state. How lucky are we! The closest ones to Haas are Pinnacles National Park and Yosemite National Park. The best way to explore multiple national parks is to get the America the Beautiful National Parks pass ($80). You can buy this when you arrive at the park. The pass will allow you entry to all land managed by the National Parks Service, including national monuments like world famous Muir Woods (only 45 minutes from Haas).

California State Parks

You might come across California State Parks, such as Mount Diablo State Park. These parks are governed by the state of California, which differ from National Parks, who are governed by the National Park Service. Unfortunately, you can’t use the American the Beautiful pass in California State Parks. You’ll have to pay for parking separately.

NorCal Gems

Just some of our favorite outdoor destinations in Northern California. This list is not exhaustive!

Day Trips

• Muir Woods National Monument
  • Beautiful forest filled with giant redwoods
  • Parking is by reservation only, so make sure to make a parking reservation before heading over, especially on weekends
  • Mount Tamalpais is another good option connected to Muir Woods, if parking fills up
• Point Reyes National Seashore
  • Activities: Kayaking, Stand-up paddleboarding, and Hiking
• River Floating
  • Great summer activity you should try to do at least once. Bring a tube, lots of sunscreen and sun protection, and some beverages
  • Suggested Rivers: Russian River (Sonoma), American River (Sacramento)

Overnight Trips

• Big Sur
  • A stunning coastline with rugged cliffs and backed by rolling hills, breathtaking ocean views, curvy drives, and beautiful hikes
  • A lot of people take a road trip down the famous Highway 1 aka the Pacific Coast Highway, which passes through Big Sur, as a scenic route to get down to Southern California. The trip takes ~11 hours. Make sure to check the Highway conditions, as it is often closed for repair due to landslides in the winter.
  • Suggested stops: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Andrew Molera State Park, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
• Lake Tahoe
  • Tahoe is divided into North Tahoe and South Tahoe that’s some distance from each other, so be sure to do your research before heading over
  • Activities:
    • Hiking and biking in summer, fall, and spring
    • Skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the winter
• Yosemite National Park
  • No explanation needed. Also the destination of our annual school-wide Haasemite event in the fall.

Local Gems

Outdoor fun within 30 minutes from Berkeley.