There aren't a ton of hiking trails in the foothills east of Fresno, at least not on public land. Fortunately, the ones we do have are worth revisiting.

When Valley temperatures are pinned in the high 90s, nothing beats a cool plunge in a mountain lake.

Hiking around a true alpine environment usually involves many hours of uphill slogging.

Autumn is the time of year when those of us living on the west side of the Sierra Nevada have every right to be a little envious.

On a map, Mitchell Peak doesn't look all that significant. Just a 10,365-foot tall pile of rocks in the lightly tread Jennie Lakes Wilderness between Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks.

The beauty and geologic marvels of Kings Canyon are best appreciated from a raptor's perspective.

This is the time of year when everyone and their uncle flocks to Yosemite Valley to view waterfalls at their gushing best. But the valley doesn't own a monopoly. There are plenty of waterfalls in other areas of the park that while not as majestic offer the additional enticement of solitude.

Winter can be a challenging time for Fresno-area hikers because all the best Sierra Nevada trails are buried in snow.

Time to add another hike to your "must do" list.

The word alta means "tall" or "high" in Spanish, so it's easy to assume Alta Peak is aptly named. And while Alta Peak is indeed quite tall and high, one glimpse from its 11,204-foot summit proves there are dozens of peaks up and down the Sierra Nevada more alta than Alta.

Picture yourself standing on the shore of a pristine alpine lake. A majestic peak looms above, and you're surrounded by a blue sky, crumbling cliffs and granite slabs with expansive views of the San Joaquin River watershed.

With snow still chest deep in the High Sierra, what's a hiker to do?

Never hike alone. That message has been drilled into my head since I first learned about the buddy system as a lowly Tenderfoot.

Few places on Earth boast such a variety of fantastic hiking trails. Here are some of the best. All distances are round trip.

CAMPING

No matter how many times I visit Tuolumne Meadows, it always feels like the first time.

Difficult to spell but beautiful to track, the Tuolumne River is one of California's treasures.

Summer's here, and the mountains are calling. Problem is, you're not in good enough shape (or have no inclination) to be trudging for 15 miles over terrain that would make a llama whimper.

What to bring on a typical Sierra Nevada day hike:

Hiking the Ladybug Trail, tucked into a remote corner of Sequoia National Park, is a study in contrasts.

No matter how pretty, wildflowers cannot truly be appreciated from the seat of a moving car.

Although they occupy less than 10% of the Sierra Nevada, meadows always leave a large impression.

At first glance, Lemarr Treadwell and Swee-Keng Eng would seem to have little in common.

In a land of 13,000-foot peaks and trees with bases as wide as city streets, the little things are overlooked easily.

Hikers visiting the Cedar Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park are faced with two options:

Seeking a respite from summer's stifling air and scorching temperatures? Fresno Dome may be your sanctuary.

Imagine a place where lake and sky shimmer in breathtaking blue. Where gin-clear streams gently tumble into the greenest of meadows. Contained in a saucer of smooth, white granite.

With waters fed by underground hot springs, Doris Lake is an unexpected haven for swimmers.

Every day, thousands of visitors stand in Yosemite Valley and crane their necks toward Upper Yosemite Fall.

Famous for its 14,000-foot peaks, gargantuan trees and rugged canyons, Sequoia National Park can be a little overwhelming.

The Lakeview Trail, which follows the eastern shore of Eastman Lake and into the Chowchilla River canyon, offers an ideal setting to enjoy the lingering spring.

When most people think of Table Mountain, what comes to mind are crowded parking lots, slot machines and blackjack.

Glistening granite domes. Lush meadows. Crystal blue water.

Sometimes the best hikes aren't really "hikes" at all. More like mellow strolls. No exertion necessary.

While famous (and rightfully so) for its majestic waterfalls, Yosemite Valley doesn't own a monopoly on them.

Redwood forests tingle the senses like nothing else in nature.

Want to get away - without having to get so far away?

No less an authority than John Muir once called Kings Canyon a "fitting rival" to Yosemite. That might help explain the allure of the Mist Falls Trail.

Few natural wonders dazzle the eyes like moving water plunging over a precipice.

What to bring on a typical Sierra Nevada day hike:

Location: Sequoia National Park (25 miles east of Three Rivers on Mineral King Road)

While driving the General's Highway between Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks, Big Baldy is nearly impossible to miss. Just look for the granite dome that sticks out of the heavily forested ridge like a swollen thumb.

Location: Kings Canyon National Park

Sweat, or not to sweat?

Now that spring is finally here, it's time to stretch those legs that have been cooped up all winter long.

Trailhead location: Whitney Portal can be reached by driving 13 miles west of Lone Pine on Whitney Portal Road. The road is usually open from May to early November. In winter, the last six miles are not plowed.

Reaching the summit of Mount Whitney, a lifelong goal for legions of hikers, requires more than determination and healthy lungs.

Of the 18 sub-alpine lakes contained within the Kaiser Wilderness, Nellie Lake is among the prettiest. It's also one of the most accessible thanks to a well-maintained trail that begins from the west end of Huntington Lake.

In 1984, Congress granted federal protection to 30,000 acres of dense forests, mountain meadows, alpine lakes and granite ridges on the west slope of the Sierra Nevada near Shaver Lake.