While Giant Forest itself is not a particularly large place, the 40 miles of hiking trails available in and around this superlative sequoia grove offer almost infinite hiking experience. The Trail of the Sequoias is one of the many trails that honeycomb Giant Forest, and it travels through some of the less visited portions of …
Misadventures: No camera, the Wills-Rice Loop, and the Mishe Mokwa Trail
Wills-Rice Loop (Ventura River Preserve)Miles: 6.5Elevation Gained: 500'Difficulty: ModerateCritters: NoneMishe Mokwa TrailMiles: 6.4Elevation Gained: 850'Difficulty: ModerateCritters: NoteThis past Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, I went up to Agoura Hills to spend some time with friends and family, in addition to taking a few hikes in the area. However, I forgot to bring my camera, and so …
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Aliso and Wood Canyons
Nestled within the sea of concrete, advertisements, track housing, and traffic snarls that is Orange County lies an oasis of grass, chaparral, and riparian habitat. Aliso and Wood Canyons are the southern most part of a preserved portion of the Laguna Coast, which also features Crystal Cove State Park. While evidence of man is abundant …
The Three T’s Trail
Looking west from Telegraph Peak toward Mt. BaldyLooking east and north toward the high desert and the San Bernadino MountainsThe Three T's Trail is a roller-coaster of pain. From the very start to the very finish, this hike fed me more than I could chew. I'd like to say I breezed through this trail like …
Volcan Mountain
Volcan Mountain is a prominent, rolling, oak-studded peak just north of Julian. Its rolling flanks are covered with wildflowers in spring, and its trees turn gold in the fall. The peak also features a great mixture of views, with Anza-Borrego to the east and the San Diego coastline to the west.Distance: 5.2Elevation Gained: 1,200Difficulty: Moderately …
Stonewall Peak
Stonewall Peak is a prominent bump rising up out of the rolling valleys and meadows of the Cuyamaca Area. This craggy promontory displays attractive granite outcrops, good views, and fine examples of post-Cedar fire recovery along its steep flanks.Distance: 8.7 MilesElevation Gained: 800'Difficulty: Moderately StrenuousTime: 4:00Critters: DeerGet there like this. Note: There is an $8 day fee …
Santa Margarita River
The Santa Margarita River is a rare and relatively undisturbed watercourse that drains the Santa Ana Mountains. Large sections of this river are protected habitats, and it flows roughly the same way that it has for the last few thousands of years before Southern California was developed. It features a rich riparian environment, as well …
Palomar Mountain, April Edition
This Saturday following a volunteer orientation to become a forest fire lookout volunteer, I stopped off at Palomar Mountain State Park and took the following pictures. I will talk more about the fire lookout gig, but for now, here are some more pictures of Palomar being gorgeous.Distance: 5.3 MilesElevation Gained: 800'Difficulty: ModerateTime: 2:05Critters: Chipmunk, wild …
Grand Canyon, Day 4: The Bright Angel Trail and The South Rim
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is both the beginning and the end of this series of Grand Canyon hikes. This hike includes the entirety of the Bright Angel Trail, which descends from the South Rim to the Colorado River, where it joins with the North and South Kaibab Trails. The trail passes through …
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Grand Canyon, Day 2: Bright Angel Canyon
Past Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Canyon first transitions through a narrow, twisted section called "The Box" before opening up into a broad canyon dominated by towering buttes. Ribbon Falls pours delicately into a grotto to the west, while shady Cottonwood Campground - the last developed campground before the North Rim - awaits the weary hiker.Distance: …
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