January 1, 2025
Stockton Creek Preserve, Upper Trail, Mariposa County
Total distance walked: 4.11 miles
Happy New Year! Today my sister and I kicked off the year with a refreshing morning walk at Stockton Creek Trail. The air was crisp, and the sun shone brightly.
We navigated the winding dirt path and skillfully side-stepped around muddy puddles left from a recent winter rainstorm.
I felt a sense of happiness being out on the trail hopeful that this would set the tone for a year filled with more outdoor adventures.
Reflecting on my years of blogging—it’s been 13 years now!—I realized just how frequently I’ve ventured down these same paths. In fact, if you check out my newly updated Index of Hikes, you’ll see that I’ve already written about this area five times. What more is there to say? Well, nature is ever changing, and the trail looks different each season making each post unique.
This year I’ll bring different perspectives to the trails I revisit by continuing to capture their essence through photography, history, personal stories and more. Additionally, I will be exploring some new-to-me trails hoping to discover fresh experiences and insights. 2025 should be a great year!
Until next time, happy trails.
Hiking Yosemite and Beyond 
Janet,
Happy New Year! It looks like a beautiful day for a hike to start the new year. I love the barbed wire heart. Seeing the simple and unique things out in nature always bring such joy. I hope your year is filled with lots of hikes, adventures and it brings you joy.
Take Care,
Terri
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Thank you. I hope your New Year is going well and that you’ll have many more books to share with us. The barbed wire was a fun find. I knew it was there and just happened to look up at the right time. It’s easy to pass by.
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I am reliving my Senior Hikers hikes through your postings. Thanks for the memories!
Happy Trails, Janet. Sending hugs… Rae
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Hi Rae! I was thinking about you today, thinking I should look through the book you gave me for some hikes I’ve never done before. Hope you are both doing well. Happy New Year!
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Happy new year Janet. This looks like a wonderful trail. And I take pictures of the same places all year long because we have 4 seasons here too and things are ever changing which I love! Looking forward to hearing about your adventures in the new year.
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Thank you, Sheila. I really hope to get out there more often this year. Fingers crossed. 🙂
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Happy New Year, Janet and happy trails! That’s a great way to start the new year and feel happy, discovering something new on a familiar trail and looking forward to hike new trails and have more adventures. Is it one of your favorite trails? Thank you for sharing your joy and cheer!
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Thanks, Natalia. This trail is close to home and has several options plus lots of elevation changes. It’s not a favorite of mine, but it’s easy to get to.
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What better way to start the year than by going for a hike. It’s amazing how you can repeat the same trail many times and never get bored of it. There’s always something new to see. You’re right, nature is always changing. Wishing you many more hiking adventures in 2025!
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