Joshua Tree: Keys View, Hemingway, Cholla Garden, Hidden Valley Campground

Before I post the next write-up on the Ryan Mountain hike, I want to briefly discuss four places where I spent a bit of time screwing around in Joshua Tree. None of these places really counted as hikes. If I were to write them up, the posts would be pretty short. However, since I thoroughly …

Buena Vista Peak – Kings Canyon National Park

Distance: 2 MilesElevation Gained: 400'Difficulty: EasyTime: 1:00 (?)Critters: NonePros:- Easy hike to a great view of Redwood Canyon- Great granite rock formations- Evening bird community is amazing to hear Cons:- The trail to the top is confusing, especially where the trail switches back to the peak Details:After the Redwood Canyon hike, I waited for Sean …

Torrey Pines Beach and Preserve

Torrey Pines Beach - Beach Trail - Parry Grove Trail - Guy Fleming TrailDistance: 8 MilesElevation Gained: 300Difficulty: ModerateTime: 2:38Critters: Roadrunners, gulls, hawks, godwits, and a naked man doing jumping jacks Torrey Pines beach and reservehttp://www.everytrail.com/swf/widget.swfEveryTrail - Find the best Hiking near Del Mar, Californiahttp://www.everytrail.com/trip/widgetimpression?trip_id=1531373Pros:- Miles of undisturbed coastline and cliffs- Rare Torrey pinesCons:- Very …

Berry Creek Falls Loop and Pine Mountain

Campground Connector Trail - Redwood Trail - Sunset Trail - Berry Creek Falls Trail - Skyline to the Sea Trail - Bubbs Creek Trail - Pine Mountain Trail.Distance: Berry Creek Falls Loop - 12 Miles               Pine Mountain - 5.2 MilesElevation Gained: 700', 1,200' Difficulty: Strenuous, ModerateTime: 6:15 (Berry Creek), 3:12 (Pine Mountain)Critters: NonePros: - Great trees, …

Backpacking on the Skyline to the Sea Trail

Skyline to the Sea Trail - Redwood Loop - Campground Connector TrailDistance: 13.8 Miles (Day 1)                13 Miles (Day 3)Elevation Gained: 1,300' (Day 1)                               300 (Day 3)Difficulty: StrenuousTime: 6:57 (Day 1)          6:17 (Day 2)Critters: 28 Newts, Banana SlugsPros: - Stunning scenery from the beach, the transition from beach to redwood forest, and a deep, old-growth …

Backpacking in Santa Anita Canyon

First Water Trail - Gabrielino Trail - Rim Trail - Sturtevant Trail - Lower Winter Creek TrailDistance: Day 1 - 5.2 Miles               Day 2 - 13.5 MilesElevation Gain: 4,100' totalDifficulty: StrenuousCritters: A thriving grey squirrel populationPros: - Easily accessible from Los Angeles- Beautiful forest set along a stream- A sense of being a world apart …

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