QUESTION:

I would love to start hiking around my area, but have no idea where to go. I love the wilderness and would love to go through forests, anything really. I live in Lathrop, CA and I have searched the internet but found nothing. If you have some ideas of where to go please shoot me a line. I would love to know where to go. Thanks for your time.

Thanks,
Casey in Lathrop, CA

ANSWER:
Thanks for the question, Casey! I am so glad that you love the wilderness and want to go hiking!

Here are some local trip ideas for you:

• Caswell Memorial State Park. This park is only 25 minutes away from Lathrop, and has lots of nature trails where you can hike. Plus it is a popular spot for bird watchers.
• Lodi Lake. Lodi Lake is 35 minutes north of Lathrop, and has a 58-acre nature area to explore.

For weekend trips, here are some ideas I have for you:

• Yosemite! You could take a short 3 hour drive to Yosemite. You are lucky to live relatively close to one of the most spectacular hiking spots in the world.
• Mt. Diablo State Park. Mt. Diablo is only an hour and a half drive from Lathrop. There are trails where you can hike, bike, horseback ride and more.

Happy trails!
Hiking Lady

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