Hiking is a very therapeutic activity. It works the heart, other muscles and lungs and is good for your soul. It's more than the exercise that lowers your blood pressure and makes you feel good.  Fresh air and spectacular scenery help feed the soul. The trails of the Sangre de Cristos abve Santa Fe New Mexico are such sould food. People pay serious money to get the views and trails that are a few minutes from my house.  Santa Fe is in the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos mountains which have easy skiing, snowshoeing and walking and bike trails, many easy to navigate and many with spectacular views. The trails exercise your body and the views and silence feed the soul. If you live close by, or happen to pass by Santa Fe check these out. All are relatively easy to moderate trails of 3 -9 miles.

Offers fantastic trails -- from easy to climbing ladders!

There's something extremely special about being near (and in!) the cliff dwellings of the Native Americans of the Southwest. Go when it's not too touristy; there are places to sit and meditate, or wonder into the woods, or  just gaze at the magnificent cliffs. I find peace there.

Muir Beach: Bay Area's Green Gulch Trail and Coyote Ridge Trail

These are open-air trails that provide peaceful settings around the organic Buddhist gardens of Green Gulch and Muir Beach; clear views overlooking the ocean.  Sit looking out, take a deep breath, and everything is OK!  In March and April, there's a good chance you'll see Pilot or Humpback Whales!

 

Christmas Tree Hill in Corte Madera -- it's that bump in front (east) of Mt Tam. It's a wild car-ride (or bike, if you're a pro-athlete) to the top -- seriously -- it's not for the faint of heart. Beautiful and quiet trails with incredible views wait for you at the top.

Japanese Tea Garden, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco -- early morning is the best time to go to avoid tourists. It's one of the most peaceful places around. Plus, you get to have tea served to you, pond-side.

POPPIES!  POPPIES! Find them on the way to Yosemite in spring.

 

 

 

Duxbury Reef --Bolinas

is the largest exposed rocky reef in the world. This wonder is the home of an incredible number of marine species, daily scientific research, and... at one time, 12 shipwrecks. But don't get caught out on the edge when the tide is moving in!