OFFGRID Adventures: Wilderness Escapes Off the Crushed Path

For these looking for one thing past a typical getaway, Offgrid Adventures are handpicked wilderness escapes supply extra than simply scenic views — they problem your grit, take a look at your limits, and immerse you in landscapes the place survival and journey go hand in hand. Prepping for a backcountry trek or just on the lookout for a spot to unplug over the weekend shouldn’t be at all times as simple because it appears. Nevertheless, these locations supply the fitting mix of uncooked magnificence and journey that may have you ever feeling recharged and reconnected with nature.

Offgrid Journey: Mount Umunhum – San Jose, CA

Journey Attraction

The place rugged wilderness meets Chilly Warfare historical past. Climb to one of many highest peaks within the Bay Space, the place the journey is simply as thrilling because the view. Situated within the Sierra Azul Open House Protect, Mount Umunhum — a Native American title that describes the sound a hummingbird makes — affords adventurers a novel mixture of difficult terrain, breathtaking vistas, and interesting Chilly Warfare historical past.

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At 3,486 ft, the summit gives sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the sprawling San Francisco Bay Space. It’s a day hike, however don’t let the proximity to civilization idiot you — this path will take a look at your endurance, climbing 3.7 miles with over 1,100 ft of elevation acquire. Alongside the way in which, you’ll trek by way of dense forests, cross rocky terrain, and be rewarded with a view that feels miles away from the hustle of metropolis life.

This five-story Chilly Warfare relic will be seen from nearly all over the place within the Bay Space, however few individuals make the ascent to stand up near it.

Survival Readiness

Whereas Mount Umunhum is a comparatively accessible day journey, it comes with its personal set of challenges. The steep climb, publicity to the weather (particularly the solar on cloudless days), and the dearth of water sources alongside the path imply hikers want to return ready. Pack loads of water, solar safety, and a map — cell service will be spotty, and a few rocky, slim sections require cautious footing. The isolation, although temporary, affords an opportunity to check your readiness with out straying too removed from security.

A well-established community of trails present an incredible alternative to attach with nature.

Getting There

Mount Umunhum is situated about half-hour south of San Jose, California, making it a super journey for Bay Space residents. Head into the Sierra Azul Open House Protect by way of Hicks Street, the place you’ll discover a parking space with entry to the trailhead. The path is open year-round, nevertheless it’s finest tackled within the early morning or late afternoon to keep away from the noon warmth, particularly in summer time.

Topo map of Mt. Umunhum (Supply: CalTopo)

Native Perks

After your climb, discover the world’s wealthy historical past. Mount Umunhum was as soon as the positioning of a Chilly Warfare radar station, and remnants of that period nonetheless stand on the summit, together with the long-lasting radar tower. For these serious about increasing their journey, close by Almaden Quicksilver County Park affords further mountain climbing alternatives, or head to downtown San Jose for a style of native delicacies and craft breweries.
Mount Umunhum affords a satisfying mixture of isolation and accessibility.

The path is rugged sufficient to really feel adventurous, however with simple street entry, ample parking, and historic plaques alongside the way in which, it doesn’t push the boundaries of true off-grid dwelling. You gained’t discover any providers on the summit itself, however cell reception is first rate, and the path is well-marked. For those who’re on the lookout for a fast escape with out venturing into the unknown, that is the right spot for a moderate-level off-grid expertise.

Offgrid Journey: Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary – Oxford, CT

Journey Attraction

Rockhouse Hill affords a spread of mountain climbing experiences, beginning at a gravel car parking zone with an info kiosk offering maps and particulars concerning the space’s historical past and wildlife. A flat, gravel path leads into the forest, however the terrain rapidly shifts to rocky trails formed by glacial deposits, with loads of ascents and descents that hold issues partaking. For a straightforward stroll, a path to the riverbank winds by way of a pine-needle-covered forest, although the return uphill will be steep.

The paths move a energetic reservoir crammed with frogs and waterfowl and remnants of earlier settlements, like decorative vegetation and invasive wineberry. Additional alongside, the terrain turns into extra rugged, culminating in a cliffside view of the Housatonic River Valley. Hikers can select simpler routes with average climbs and stream crossings or sort out the “On the Rocks” path, a steep, boulder-strewn problem. Glorious path markers and loops make navigation easy, guaranteeing an adventurous and rewarding hike.

Quite a few water sources appeal to all kinds of wildlife to the world.

Survival Readiness

The Sanctuary is a self-guided expertise with no facilities — no restrooms, water stations, or employees — so come ready with water and first help necessities. Whereas it feels distant, the protect is near a fundamental street, with eating places and grocery shops about quarter-hour away, and it typically has good cell service except you enterprise onto connecting trails. Mountain climbing boots or path runners are important for navigating slippery rocks, which keep moist longer underneath the tree cowl, and waterproof footwear may help throughout wet intervals when streams might overflow. Although close to houses and a highschool, emergency response could also be delayed, so plan accordingly. The cliffside space will get full solar and wind, making weather-appropriate clothes a should. Oxford’s wooded setting is house to wildlife, together with black bears, coyotes, rattlesnakes, spiders, and ticks — bear spray, tick repellent, and staying on marked trails are your finest defenses.

Effectively-groomed trails are excellent for bikers, hikers, and cross nation skiers after the snow begins to fly.

Getting There

Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary is a couple of 20-minute drive off Exit 16 on Interstate 64. It’s about 40 minutes north from Danbury and an hour south from Hartford. The parking space of the sanctuary is off Route 188, simply previous the doorway for Oxford Excessive College. The car parking zone has room for about 8 to 10 vehicles and fills up quick on weekends and holidays, however throughout the week it isn’t unusual to be the one particular person in there. Rockhouse Hill is open to the general public all yr lengthy.

Journey and Historical past. Traces of the areas wealthy historical past will be discovered all through Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary.

Native Perks

Mountain climbing alternatives are plentiful within the space with two main forests, three state parks, and several other different preserves within the rapid space. If you’re on the lookout for a chunk to eat after your hike Oxford has a number of eating places on Route 67 together with the historic Oxford Home Tavern, in addition to a number of extra fashionable eateries in Quarry Stroll Middle. Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary is a hidden gem in Western Connecticut’s Naugatuck River Valley, providing a mixture of gravel paths and rocky trails that showcase New England’s rugged appeal.

Maintained by the city of Oxford with assist from the Oxford Excessive College Youth Conservation Corps and native Boy Scouts, the sanctuary options 15 miles of trails with choices for all ability ranges. Shorter, much less difficult trails close to the doorway nonetheless present sufficient hills to get your blood pumping, whereas the deeper trails supply rock scrambles, assorted terrain, and gorgeous views. Formidable hikers can lengthen their journey by connecting to adjoining state forest trails, exploring miles of woodland, rivers, and waterfalls

Topo map of Rockhouse Hill Sanctuary (Supply: CalTopo)

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Written by Offgrid Employees