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 …
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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: …
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Santa Rosa Plateau: Grand Loop
The Santa Rosa Plateau stands above the city of Murrieta in the southern foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. This gently rolling landscape features the last great Engelmann oak woodland, endless fields of green, trickling streams, and California history. With seemingly endless trail options, Santa Rosa presents something for everybody, from lazy strolls to all …
Los Pinos and Trabuco Peaks
Looking northLooking southLos Pinos and Trabuco Peaks are two moderate peaks accessible from Main Divide Road in the Santa Ana Mountains. Both peaks sit around 4,500', and, taken together, they present a borderline-strenuous walkabout that throws in a large stretch of Main Divide, which runs along the north-south crest of the Santa Anas.Distance: 13.5Elevation Gained: …
Boden Canyon, Revisited
East of Escondido, the San Diego countryside transforms from densely packed suburbs to rolling, arid canyons and hills. At the bottom of these canyons lie stream beds, over which water will flow during particularly wet times. Boden Canyon is one of these canyons, and the old streambed rolling through the canyon supports a lush oak …
Cypress Gardens
Cypress Gardens is a small nature preserve/plantation/heritage center/swamparium/etc., etc. located about a half hour from Charleston. The small network of trails allows the wanderer to explore a lovely patch of swamp, as well as some dense forest, plantation sites, butterfly exhibit, swamparium, and numerous buildings and exhibits nearby.Distance: 2.2Elevation Gained: 0Difficulty: EasyTime: 1:45Critters: Great Blue …
Old Wide Awake Park
Old Wide Awake is an old plantation site and adjacent park about 30 minutes outside of Charleston. The plantation house is a popular venue for wedding receptions, and the park, with its moss-draped live oaks, is a popular setting for the ceremonies. In addition, there is a tiny network of trails that allows for an …
San Onofre State Beach
The name "San Onofre" is usually synonymous with a pair of suggestively-shaped nuclear reactors. However, this area also features miles of pristine coastline that, due to Camp Pendleton and the reactors, has been left undeveloped. This beach represents one of the last undeveloped stretches of coastline in the Los Angeles/Orange/San Diego County region.Distance: 6.1 MilesElevation Gained: …
scott turner hikes 