Anza-Borrego Desert from Monument PeakDuring the month of March, I hiked 97.6 miles, gaining approximately 14,975'. I spent a total of 47 hours and 10 minutes on the trails, during which time I burned approximately 15,132 calories. Many of the hikes undertaken this month were done in preparation for hiking the Grand Canyon at the …
Love Valley
Love Valley sits in a tiny recess on the southern flank of Palomar Mountain. Less Palomar-ish and more like some of the broad valley/grasslands you would find at Santa Rosa or Daley Ranch, this tiny open space features three varieties of oak, views of Lake Henshaw, the Volcan Mountains, and Hot Springs Mountains. Oh, and …
Palomar Mountain, March Edition
Palomar Mountain is, like, cool, and stuff. OMGWTFROFLMAO!Distance: 8.2Elevation Gained: 1,250'Time: 5:00Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (due to carrying a full pack).Get there like this.Note: There is an $8 fee to visit this state park.At this point, I feel like I have written and talked about Palomar Mountain so much that I feel like I am all …
The Superlative Laguna Trail
The Laguna Mountains, with their idyllic meadows, sighing pine forests, ephemeral lakes, and endless views, represent some of the finest hiking in San Diego County, if not the entire southern portion of the state. This popular recreation area offers an abundance of different outdoor experiences, and this hike includes most of them.Distance: 15.1Elevation Gained: 1,750'Difficulty: …
Los Santos/Trans-Preserve Loop
Emerald fields studded by oak trees with small patches of wild flowers springing up in the warm March sunshine. These classic California sites don't last very long, especially following a dryer-than-average winter. However, these things are there for the seeing, and the trails are there for the hiking at Santa Rosa Plateau on this small …
Echo Mountain, Inspiration Point, and Mt. Lowe
The front range of the San Gabriel Mountains has played host to a myriad of colorful characters looking to create recreational opportunities, as well as a little money. The trip through Echo Mountain, Inspiration Point, and up to Mt. Lowe and past Camp Lowe, offer a glimpse into old Los Angeles history, as well as …
Continue reading "Echo Mountain, Inspiration Point, and Mt. Lowe"
Sycamore Canyon
After tumbling through Upper Sycamore Canyon, Sycamore Creek disappears into a broad flood channel that meanders through wide open savannas. This broad canyon features a number of towering sycamores, which give this popular hiking and mountain biking destination its name. Stay on the path long enough, and you will reach the beach at Sycamore Cove.Distance: …
Danielsen Monument and Upper Sycamore Canyon
Danielsen Monument and Upper Sycamore Canyon comprise the northern sections of Point Mugu State Park, as well as a portion of Boney Mountain State Wilderness. The area features the upper reaches of ever-popular Sycamore Canyon, Satwiwa Native American Indian Natural Area hiking trails, a waterfall, access to Boney Mountain, and the Danielsen Monument.Distance: 6.2Elevation Gained: …
Continue reading "Danielsen Monument and Upper Sycamore Canyon"
Relict Species: Bigcone Douglas Fir
Relict, n: a remnant or survivor.Species, n: a distinct sort or kindPseudotsuga macrocarpaThe Bigcone Douglas fir is a smaller relative of the more common Douglas fir, which grows on the Northwest coast of California and in the Sierra Nevadas from Yosemite north. The Bigcone distinguishes itself by being smaller, possessing a much larger cone (hence …
Engelmann Oak Loop, revisited
The Engelmann Oak Loop lies on the northern portion of Daley Ranch in Escondido. The loop travels through numerous stretches of oak woodland comprised of coast live oaks and Engelmann oaks. This serene, peaceful mesa hike offers some of the finest coastal hiking in all of San Diego.Distance: 5.1Elevation Gained: 800'Difficulty: ModerateTime: 2:30Critters: rabbits, hawks, …
scott turner hikes 