All you need to know about the best trails, getting you out from behind the computer and into the great outdoors in record time.

We want you to know where to find the best hikes and snowshoe trails, the best places to ski and snowboard to your level of experience, plus we want to equip you with the important information, the maps, GPS downloads and images to help you on your way.

Every trail we feature on Trailspotting from Northern California and beyond, has been explored in depth by us so we can serve you the most concise and reliable content.

Who Is Trailspotting?


The site is written, designed and photographed by hiking hobbyist Stuart Zero. Originally hailing from the UK he crossed the pond around a decade ago and has been enjoying the natural wonders of Northern California since 2004. More from Stuart at stuartzero.com.

Ably assisting with research, photography and an occasional article, Jenna is the other half of Trailspotting and also Stuart's better half. She's picks out all the best trails and she a great pacesetter both on the trail and on the slopes. Jenna loves Northern California, but still pines for the fall colors of her native New Hampshire from time to time.

How can I support Trailspotting?
Getting out into the wilderness is plenty reward aready, but support of our readership certainly encourages us to develop the site further. If you'd like to support our site then please
- Tell your friends
- Link to us on your websites
- Subscribe by RSS or email
- Peruse our gallery
- Buy something from the Trailspotting Store.

Since kicking off the site in November 2007 we've been focusing hard on hitting the trails and providing you with the best possible content, so between that and our day jobs we haven't spent much time developing our business plans. If you have any thoughts about such things, then please don't be shy we'd love to hear from you. Our email address is in the sidebar.

What are folk saying about Trailspotting?
Best Hike says: "This is elegant simplicity ... Exactly the way the internet should work.",
"Clean. Succinct. But dense with the information you most need.",
"The best trip reports are on Trailspotting.",
"The hiking blog I most admire in terms of it’s layout and special features."
Two Heel Drive says: "Trailspotting continues to impress me, with nifty implementation of GPS and Google maps."
Modern Hiker says: "Clean design, an excellent organization make this a highly-recommended site."
Trailspotting says: "The checks are in the mail, guys!"


Please stay safe!
Trailspotting works hard to ensure the accuracy of this website and the information contained within, but can't be responsible for any errors or omissions. Always take necessary and reasonable precautions to make sure you get back home in one piece. Hiking in safety is pretty easy so long as you hike responsibly. You know the drill - stick to trails, observe posted regulations, carry essential supplies, clothing, maps and equipment. And always let someone know where you're going.

There's more about hiking safety at wikihow. Tom Mangan also has some very valuable thoughts on this subject on his Two Heel Drive blog.