Fat Girl Goes Fit: Cave of Natural Bridges Trailhead

I've come to learn that California has a lot to offer. No, I don't mean bomb af tacos and other culinary delights. California has many parks, reserves, etc for people to explore. You just have to find them.

My mother is retired now and it has become a new mother-daughter-bonding-thing to go venture places in California we have never seen before. This happens to work well with my goal of walking more, so yay! While I admit I am not an experienced hiker (and too broke to afford true hiking gear), I managed to join a California hiking group on Facebook. You got to love how social media can bring people together, even during times like this pandemic.

After joining this Facebook group, I came across a post featuring a cave with water cascading down from the rocks. I looked into it more and was able to discover Natural Bridges Trailhead in Vallecito, CA. Lots of reviewers online recommended the place for a nice hike and dip in the water. I'll get to my own recommendations in a minute, but I'll say first and foremost that (depending on the route you take) it's a very nice drive up the mountains to get to the trail's parking area. Yes, there is decent amount of parking PLUS a bathroom (SCORE!)

After you park your car, the trail will be closer to where you entered. There are quite a few signs warning you of the rocky terrain, poison oak, etc but I shrugged it off and applied common sense. I drove over 3 hours, I wasn't going to be scared off from venturing this trail. Going down was beautiful and not as scary as the signs suggested. The trail is a mix of rocky terrain, wooden stairs, and dirt. I had a couple minor slips on the ground, but that could be due to the fact that I wore running shoes for this adventure. The hike down is absolutely beautiful though. Lots of blooming flowers, green mountains, and the echoes from the falls and creek below.

When you reach the main destination at the bottom (the creek and cave), there will be a good number of people there. Because I happen to be here during pandemic times, everyone was pretty respectful about keeping a good 6 feet of distance away from each other. Keep a mask handy, bring a backpack full of light snacks and water, and you'll really enjoy a nice lunch in this spot. This place was definitely quite gorgeous and relaxing to sit and listen to the water. (TIP: If you plan to take a dip in the water, be sure to wear water shoes. The rocks can hurt A LOT when stepping on them.)

After exploring the entrance of the cave and exploring around the creek, there is the dreaded hike back up to where everyone is parked. This task is definitely where you get your workout in! Be sure you have plenty of time because going back up will take maybe twice as long as however long it took for you to get down. The incline isn't too bad, but combining the elevation with the rocks and weaving trail is certainly where things feel like a true hiking experience. It doesn't feel impossible though, as opposed to some other hiking adventures I've faced that lead me to scream the words, "I HATE THIS MOUNTAIN! I WANT TO CUT OFF MY FEET AND LEGS!" You'll definitely feel a bit winded, even for those people who are in great shape. This "fun-sized" chick was getting her sweat on! All-in-all, be sure to pace yourself and be careful of the rocks and you should be A-Okay.

Location rating: 7/10

Hiking difficulty: 6/10

Beauty: 8.5/10

Tips: Bring water shoes. Try to come early (it can get packed).

If you're ever in the area or about an hour drive away, it is definitely worth a see. Until my next adventure! Let me know your thoughts or your experience.