If you understand what it means to "go the extra mile," you can solve the issue of too many people at your favorite places.

Sometimes, like at Sweeney Ridge on the Peninsula, the phrase literally means to go an extra mile. Other times, like on the San Francisco Headlands, it can mean taking an approach you never dreamed of. Most times, it means to look at a familiar place with a new, fresh perspective.

For every place, there is an answer to make it feel like all your own. There is also a way to guarantee the opposite.

If you show up this week to see the elk at the parking lot of Pierce Ranch at Point Reyes National Seashore, take in the view from the Emerald Bay overlook near South Lake Tahoe, or head to Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39 in San Francisco, there can be so many people that just trying to find a parking place might feel like looking for a polar bear in the desert.

So first ask yourself: What sets you free? Hiking, biking, fishing, boating, wildlife watching, travel?

The next question is: What is your range? Those willing to explore a bit can always find a spot where they can feel the power of place.

The Bay Area has roughly 250 parks, preserves, watershed lands and access points to coast, bay, delta and lakes. Across the state, there are 20 million acres of national forest, 400 lakes you can drive to, 175 major streams and rivers. If you fish, for instance, you could go to a different place every weekend for 20 years in California and never fish the same spot twice.

The last question is: "Can you put the two together - what sets you free and where you want to go - to make a place feel all your own?"

That's where a lot of people get stuck. That's where you often need to go the extra mile.

There is always an answer, even on Labor Day Weekend, no matter where you wander. Here are some examples, even at the most popular sites:

Muir Woods, Marin: So many people go to Muir Woods that the main trail is paved. Instead take the cutoff on the right for the Ocean View Trail (even though there is no ocean view) to start a 3.4-mile loop in pristine forest. One turn and you break away from the herd. Muir Woods National Monument, (415) 388-2595; nps.gov/muwo.

Pierce Ranch, Point Reyes: Everybody, and I mean everybody, goes to see the elk, right from the parking lot at Pierce Ranch. Take the Tomales Point Trail, then break off to your right and trace out the game trails that weave along the ridge and into canyons toward Tomales Bay. Fantastic! Point Reyes National Seashore, (415) 464-5100, nps.gov/pore.

S.F. Headlands: This isn't for everybody: From China Beach, rock climb, beach walk and trek on the side of the cliff (safety first, of course) to make your way to Lands End. At some point, stop everything, sit on a rock at mid-cliff, have a snack and take in the amazing sights at the entrance of the bay and Golden Gate. Thousand of people visit the Headlands every week. About nobody does this. Golden Gate National Recreation Area, (415) 561-4700, nps.gov/goga.

Sweeney Ridge: The Bay Discovery Site is one of the best-known landmarks on the Peninsula, and that's as far as most people take it. Instead, go the extra mile, literally, and hike south on the ridge toward the locked gate at the Crystal Springs Watershed. A little-known meadow, ideal for a picnic with a view or wildlife watching, is nestled nearby below the west-facing ridge overlooking Pacifica. Golden Gate National Recreation Area, (415) 561-4700, nps.gov/goga.

Mount Diablo: Everybody drives up to the 3,849-foot Mount Diablo summit, right? Below the summit, 0.7 of a mile from the parking lot, look for the pullout and sign for Devils Elbow Trailhead. Glide down to Prospector's Gap and then make the short, very steep 800-foot climb to 3,557-foot North Peak to claim a perch on a crag all your own; 4-mile round trip. Mount Diablo State Park, (925) 837-2525, parks.ca.gov.

Big Basin Redwoods: The famous redwood park in the Santa Cruz Mountains has a stunning adventure that most overlook. Head east (not west, like everybody else) on the Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail. It traces Opal Creek and then rises up a sub-ridge along this cool knife-edge ridge to the rim of Big Basin, eventually to a sloped sandstone face you can walk on and seemingly defy gravity. Big Basin Redwoods State Park, (831) 338-8860, parks.ca.gov.

Big Sur coast: Bixby Bridge, McWay Falls and a dozen other landmarks attract millions each year. From Rio Road in Carmel, drive south on Highway 1 for 6.7 miles (note it on your odometer) to primitive Garrapata State Park and depart from the hamster procession. Take the 7-mile Soberanes Canyon/Rocky Ridge Loop, a counterclockwise route, and when you descend from 1,977-foot Doud Peak, you will never forget the moment when you take in the expanse of the Pacific Ocean in front of you. Garrapata State Park, (831) 624-4909, parks.ca.gov.

Desolation Wilderness: The 21-picture photo gallery I posted of my trip last week got a lot of action, and many readers e-mailed me about the crowds they have run into in summer. From Echo Lakes, instead of heading to the inevitable Aloha Lake, break off the Pacific Crest Trail to 9,238-foot Ralston Peak; 4.1 miles (with the 2.5-mile boat shuttle at Echo Lake) with a gain of 1,821 feet to the top. The slope plunges below to Echo Lakes, and beyond is a lookout that sweeps across South Lake Tahoe. Eldorado National Forest, (530) 644-2349, fs.usda.gov/eldorado.

Mount Shasta: Bunny Flat, Panther Meadows and the Old Ski Bowl get the Interstate 5 crowd who make the easy trip up the Everitt Memorial Highway. You'll find, however, that remote trailheads on Forest Service roads for Whitney Falls, North Gate, Brewer Creek and Clear Lake provide an instant transport into a world all your own and great day hikes and trekking. Fifth Season Climbing Report and mountain weather forecast, (530) 926-5555.
