This route to Maple Falls is about 10 miles, averaging a brisk pace of 2.7 miles per hour. Because the winter gate is closed, we'll start at George's Picnic Area. After a short walk on Aptos Creek Road, we'll veer left to Loma Prieta Grade, all the way to Bridge Creek Trail which takes us up to Maple Falls. Expect a moderate intensity hike. There are definitely some more challenging spots as we get closer to Maple Falls where scrambling is required. Because we're going clockwise the steepest part is downhill.

Please note: the section of trail to Maple Falls includes some climbing and scrambling, an agility course of sorts. Gloves come in very useful. The hike may include extra fun of making your way over, around and up different types of natural barriers. There are several smallish shallow creek crossings. Total elevation gain is...