2014 was an epic year for hiking in a lot of ways. While I will detail those ways in a separate post, this post reviews the ten hikes out of the 200 total times I hiked that I enjoyed the most. As with any list like this, there was a lot left out, including the …
Moraine Lake The High Sierra Trail runs between Crescent Meadow in Giant Forest and the summit of Mt. Whitney. This trail traverses the high country of the Southern Sierra protected by Sequoia National Park. Highlights include Giant Forest, Bearpaw Meadow and the High Sierra Camp, Hamilton Lake, Kaweah Gap and the Great Western Divide, Big …
Middle Fork Canyon from Eagle View The High Sierra Trail runs between Crescent Meadow in Giant Forest and the summit of Mt. Whitney. This trail traverses the high country of the Southern Sierra protected by Sequoia National Park. Highlights include Giant Forest, Bearpaw Meadow and the High Sierra Camp, Hamilton Lake, Kaweah Gap and the …
Continue reading "The High Sierra Trail, Day 1: Hamilton Lake"
The Carbon River and Ranger Falls occupy a canyon on the northwest corner of Mt. Rainier National Park. This area supports a rare inland temperate rain forest featuring towering trees, ferns, and moss for days. Distance: 8.5 Elevation Gained: 1,000 Difficulty: Moderate Time: 3:30 Critters: None Get there like this. Note: There is a $15 …
Continue reading "Mt. Rainier National Park – Ranger Falls/Carbon River"
Santa Anita Canyon is a deep gorge carved into the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains just east of Mt. Wilson. An ever-popular hiking destination, the canyon and surrounding areas feature a number of well-established trail camps. Distance: 17 Miles (over two days) Elevation Gained: 4,400 (approx over two days) Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous Time: …
Clevenger Canyon is a steep, twisting canyon carved out by Santa Ysabel Creek just east of San Pasqual Valley and the Wild Animal Park. Trails climbing up to the rim of the canyon are easily accessible from the north and south side of Highway 78. The trail offers a steady workout, ocean views, and …
San Mateo Canyon Wilderness is a substantial federally protected region of cool, shady canyons and sun-blasted hills that look as if they are coated with green velvet - at least from afar. The region offers some remote backcountry camping, in addition to more accessible day hikes. Distance: 23.2 Miles (over two days) Elevation: 4,750 (total) …
Nate Harrison Grade is a windy fireroad that connects Palomar Mountain State Park to Highway 76. It passes through orange groves, open grassland, and burned forest before entering the park just below Boucher Hill. Palomar State Park is, of course, Palomar State Park, and it's also my favorite place in San Diego County. Distance: 6 …
Continue reading "Nate Harrison Grade and Palomar Mountain State Park"
Granite Springs Backcountry Camp is a backpacker's campground accessible via East Mesa in Cuyamaca State Park. This park is one of two dedicated to backpacker campgrounds - the other being Arroyo Seco. It features a water pump (needs filtering), dedicated campsites, and vault toilets. Distance: 8.8 Elevation Gained: 1200' Difficulty: Moderate Time: Overnight Critters: Hawks, …
The view from Soapstone Grade Green Valley This long, elliptical loop travels through some of the less-traveled portions of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The first half, Soapstone Grade, grants wide-open views of meadows and far-off mountains, while the second half, Green Valley, travels along the headwaters (dry) of the Sweetwater River through gradually-recovering riparian …
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