During the month of September, I hiked 75.4 miles and gained 14,350’ of elevation. I hiked 15 times this month, spending approximately 39 hours on the trails. My average hike was 5 miles with 957 feet of elevation gain. Some of the highlights of the month included some great hikes in Maui and Kauai. Some …
Ladyface Mountain
Ladyface Mountain is a prominent peak that looms over my hometown of Agoura Hills. It's massive presence becomes part of the fabric of life in Agoura, but, much to my shock, this was the first time I've tried to climb it in spite of 20 years of living there.Distance: 2Elevation Gained: 1,150Difficulty: StrenuousTime: 2:00Critters: NoneGet …
Calabasas Peak
Calabasas Peak is a notable peak in the Santa Monica Mountains. It towers over the city of Calabasas and is a part of the Saddle Peak formation. The trail to the peak also connects to Red Rock Canyon, which I will certainly hike sometime.Distance: 3.6Elevation Gained: 1,000'Difficulty: ModerateTime: 1:45Critters: NoneGet there like this.Details:Part two of …
Paramount Ranch
Paramount Ranch is most famous for being the site of numerous film productions from the 30's up until recent years. Located within this modest protected habitat is an old "western town" set, most recently used for Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Beyond the buildings, the ranch features acres of rolling hills, towering valley oaks, and wide-open …
Reyes Peak
The forested heights of Reyes Peak and its accompanying ridge stand high above the rugged terrain of Los Padres National Forest. About 45 minutes north of Ojai, this peak features views encompassing nearly all of Ventura County. Forested slopes, panoramic views on both sides of the ridge, and a memorable summit experience make this hike …
Double Peak
Double Peak is a fairly prominent high point of San Marcos in north county San Diego. It is easily accessible via car or wide fire trail, although there are more rugged and challenging ways to access the summit. The views from the top are pretty good, and they include most of the topography of San …
Rancho La Costa Habitat Conservation Area
This small network of trails with a cumbersome name includes Carlsbad's high point and allows for some pretty nice views of North County, as well as a decent, easily accessible workout.Distance: 4.4Elevation Gained: 600'Difficulty: EasyTime: 1:30Critters: NoneGet there like this. Details:As I increasingly turn to newer experiences, I've started exploring some of the community trails and …
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Tahquitz Peak
Tahquitz Peak, also known simply as Tahquitz, is the high point of a granite outcropping in the San Jacinto Mountains that forms the south side of the bowl within which sits the town of Idyllwild. This 8,832' peak holds a 75 year-old fire lookout tower and features panoramic views from Palm Springs to Anza Borrego …
Guajome County Park
Guajome County Park features a lake, a large pond, a campground, and several miles of hiking trails all within minutes of downtown Oceanside. In relatively nature-starved North County, Guajome stands out as an accessible and serene option for a quick and easy nature fix.Distance: 3.3 MilesElevation Gained: 250'Difficulty: EasyTime:1:30Critters: Egrets, ducks, geeseGuajome County Parkhttp://www.everytrail.com/swf/widget.swfEveryTrail - …
The Pihea Trail and Alaka’i Swamp
Kalalau Valley from the Pihea TrailAlaka'i SwampKilohana Lookout toward HanaleiThe Pihea Trail crosses along the rim of Kalalau Valley, which is also the termination spot for the Kalalau Trail 4,000' below. This trail passes through rain forest to reach Alaka'i Swamp, which is billed as the highest swamp in the world. After crossing the swamp …