ahwahnee hills regional park

Ahwahnee Hills Regional Park just opened it's gates to the public this year. Located in grassy foothills near Yosemite National Park, this woodland park is nestled beneath oaks. The park offers several miles of easy hiking and equestrian trails. You will find plenty of picnic areas, benches for resting, restrooms. The views are pleasant, birds are plentiful. A pond and sometime creek offers variety to the pleasant landscape. Old barns and new bridges provide interesting subjects to photographers. Best times to visit this little gem of a park are early to mid spring, mid to late fall, and possibly winter. Avoid summer. Temps over 90 degrees can be unpleasant even under shady oaks. During recent visits friends and I hiked the park's loop trail, about 2 miles. This time of year the oaks look very fresh and green, the grass was still green, and there were wildflowers blooming. Photos to follow. We decided to return sometime during the winter, and perhaps see some water in the creek. Maybe the pond will be larger, too. Unfortunately this year is a severe drought year in California. Still, this was a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon. There is plenty of good dining in nearby Oakhurst or Mariposa.