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 …
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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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 …
Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi’ai Falls
The Kalalau Trail traverses the famous Napali coast of Kauai. This spectacular coastline first become widely known after being featured in the Jurassic Park movies and has since become one of the hottest attractions in all of Kauai. You can hike it, backpack it, kayak it, ride a boat past it, and ride on a …
Laguna Meadow
Laguna Meadow is one of the natural marvels of San Diego County. This massive, multi-limbed meadow encompasses several square miles of territory in San Diego's Laguna Mountain range, and it offers a multitude of different recreational activities. It's hard to overstate the beauty and uniqueness of this place as nothing in Southern California is quite …
The Lakes Trail
On the second day of the trip, I headed out of the forest and into the upper reaches of the Marble Fork River watershed, where numerous glacial lakes are accessible on a dayhike or on brief backpacking trips. While it takes a bit of time to climb out of the forest, the results are spectacular …
Moro Rock and Sunset Rock Loop
Moro Rock and Kaweah Canyon from Hanging RockMarble Fork Canyon from Sunset RockThis moderate 6.5 loop travels between two outstanding view points in the Giant Forest area, Moro Rock and Sunset Rock, by way of the Moro Rock Trail, the Soldiers Trail, and the Alta Trail. While there are fewer meadows and big trees on …
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