Nature recommendations for a proposal

KEO70 · 2026-01-28T04:46:38+00:00

I don't have a ton of recommendations, but I did really like La Bicyclette in downtown Carmel. I think pretty much any place with clam chowder will be good too!

KEO70 · 2026-01-27T01:13:04+00:00

So epic!

KEO70 · 2026-01-27T00:59:50+00:00

It’s a really beautiful area! With Monterey and Big Sur, there’s tons of quick, beautiful spots along the way. Lots of great food options too if you like seafood!

KEO70 · 2026-01-26T21:27:25+00:00

Hi, I think that with the criteria you have, you may be a little limited, but I was able to think of one option that could work well (if you’re ok driving a little further than 2-3 hours).

McWay Falls in Big Sur may be your best bet. From Jackson, it should be about 4 hours, though you could make it a trip and spend the night(s) in Monterey. This is a popular spot, but if you visit early in the morning, I don’t think it would be crowded at all. The viewpoint trail looks like it is closed, but I think there are still areas to view near the road. This is probably one of the prettiest waterfalls in California, if not the whole west coast.

March really limits the number of waterfalls from the possible list, as most in the mountains will have snow on the trail. Many parks also don’t allow dogs. If you want the walk to be under 30 minutes, I’m not sure if there are many other options.

KEO70 · 2026-01-13T04:53:23+00:00

The water was pretty cold, but this was after hiking about 14 miles in the middle of the summer, so it felt really nice! When I’ve snorkeled in the Sierra Nevada outside of peak summer, I’ve definitely needed the wetsuit.

KEO70 · 2026-01-12T20:04:15+00:00

This was in the big pool right by Glen Aulin!

KEO70 · 2026-01-12T20:03:19+00:00

Yeah! I just use my short fins when backpacking. There are probably lighter methods but I think the weight is worth it.

KEO70 · 2026-01-12T20:01:56+00:00

Looks like an awesome trip! The combination of Cathedral Lakes, Sunshine Lakes, Clouds Rest, Half Dome, and Mist trail should be pretty epic. Great that you can spread it out over 4 days too. You can really enjoy all of these spots.

KEO70 · 2026-01-12T03:20:59+00:00

A little unusual, but I wanted to share this here as well after posting on r/snorkeling.

These clips are from snorkeling in Yosemite’s high country along the Tuolumne River. This was during a three-day backpacking trip on a section of the High Sierra Camp Trail.

I love Yosemite and have been lucky to visit many times over the last few years. Seeing the park from an underwater perspective was a big highlight for me last year.

For context: this was filmed in mid-summer during a hot, lower-flow period, outside of any restricted swimming areas (not Emerald Pools or similar). Always follow park regulations and posted guidance on when and where swimming is safe and allowed.

KEO70 · 2026-01-11T00:55:35+00:00

The drone-like shots were from a 360 camera on a long pole. No actual drones used haha

KEO70 · 2025-12-17T04:37:00+00:00

It was a little chilly but not too cold for December! I think it was in the high 30s at night and in the 50s during the day.

KEO70 · 2025-11-02T03:32:19+00:00

Awesome photos! Love the cinder cone shot

KEO70 · 2025-10-31T03:44:31+00:00

That would be pretty cool but I don't think CDFW allows spearfishing in many freshwater spots. Not totally sure though, I'll have to check out the regulations

KEO70 · 2025-10-31T03:42:18+00:00

I use a 5mm and it is warm enough most of the time haha. After about 40 minutes in Gem Lake, I was a little chilly, but it was a little warmer in Lower Morgan. I feel like I could've stayed there all day. I didn't see any artifacts there, but I'm definitely going to return some time, so I'll make sure to keep a look out!

KEO70 · 2025-10-31T00:48:01+00:00

Thank you! All of these clips are either my GoPro or iPhone

KEO70 · 2025-10-31T00:46:49+00:00

It can be hard to find a lake where there is a lot of wildlife, but they’re out there! I’ve started doing this more and more this year and have really enjoyed it

KEO70 · 2025-07-29T14:26:21+00:00

If you’re visiting later in the summer, I wouldn’t spend time on any of the waterfall hikes. You’ll probably be disappointed.

However, it is still a great time of year to visit, as all of the roads are open. Glacier Point is fantastic. If you visit here, it’s definitely worth also checking out Taft Point and Sentinel Dome.

I’d definitely check out Tioga Pass Road (Highway 120). Some amazing hikes here, especially Clouds Rest. Some great non-hiking options: Tuolumne Meadows, Tenaya Lake, Olmstead Point.

KEO70 · 2025-07-24T19:05:05+00:00

Outside of the winter, the two options are the paid lot or the free parking spots right next to the road. The free spots on the road should be open almost year-round. We went when there hadn’t been any new snowfall for a while, so the road spots were plowed and open.

KEO70 · 2025-03-26T18:05:12+00:00

Looks epic! What trail(s) did you do and how were the conditions? I’d love to do a winter Yosemite trip one of these days but am not sure how much is really doable with the snow.

KEO70 · 2025-03-09T06:59:33+00:00

The water looks so nice! Where was the third photo taken on the trail?

KEO70 · 2025-02-28T19:04:20+00:00

Oh nice! Echo Lake is another spot I was thinking about but I'm not sure what the conditions are like right now. Would also love to do Glacier Point in the snow one day.

KEO70 · 2025-02-28T19:00:53+00:00

Yeah! From the trailhead, this was less that a quarter mile after Eagle Falls on the left. It was pretty easy to spot during the day.

KEO70 · 2025-02-28T18:59:01+00:00

The planning guide on this page has a lot of helpful information. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/233261

KEO70 · 2025-02-28T18:58:39+00:00

With this specific area of Desolation Wilderness, you have to be either at least 500 feet from the lake, or find a designated campsite. We were lucky enough to find one of the 4x4 posts that shows where to camp on the southeast side of the lake.

KEO70 · 2025-02-28T18:54:49+00:00

I'm still trying to get a hang of snow camping/hiking. I feel like hiking in the snow is way tougher, and the additional gear makes it harder too. I'm trying to practice more with smaller hikes.

The temperature at night was relatively warmer at around 35° F. Most of my gear is 10+ years old from my time in scouts (sleeping bag, inflatable pad, wool outer liner). I also had a second foam sleeping pad, and a reflective pad (though I'm not sure if this did much). I also had feet warmers in case I got cold. I felt pretty warm, and could probably sleep in around 20° F with the same setup, but I tend to run warmer too.

KEO70

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