Distance: 17.2 Miles (over two days)Elevation Gained: 5,500'Difficulty: StrenuousTime: 13:00 (Estimated since this was a backpacking trip)Critters: Larcenous chipmunksPros:- Highest peak in Southern California- Beautiful high country topography and flora- Incredible views- Sense of accomplishmentCons:- Rampant air pollution in the low-lying basinsDetails:This way, pleaseMt. San Gorgonio is a Southern California superlative. At 11,503', it is …
Alta Peak – Sequoia National Park
Distance: 17 MilesElevation Gained: 4,500'Difficulty: StrenuousTime: 7:15Critters: Marmots, DeerPros:- Easily accessible peak and high country on the west side of the Sierras- Incredible views of the High Sierras and Great Western DivideCons:- Getting lost and not making it through Giant Forest sucked quite a bit- Finishing the hike lost and having to walk a mile …
Crescent Meadow – Sequoia National Park
Distance: 1 MileElevation Gained: NegligibleDifficulty: EasyTime: Wasn't keeping track, to be honestCritters: NonePros:- Probably the most beautiful place in the Sierra Nevadas, which makes it one of the most beautiful places anywhere.- Some of the most incredible light I've ever seen. Cons:- No such thing when it comes to Crescent MeadowDetails: Crescent Meadow is the …
Tokopah Falls – Sequoia National Park
Distance: 3.4 MilesElevation Gained: 400'Difficulty: EasyTime: 2 hours?Critters: Deer, marmot, rumors of a bearPros:- Easy hike through a beautiful glacial valley- Enormous cascading waterfall- Towering rock cragsCons:- Close to Lodgepole Campground, which is a noisy madhouse Details:Tokopah Falls is one of the landmark trails in Sequoia National Park. The trailhead is located within Lodgepole Campground …
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 …
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Redwood Canyon – Kings Canyon National Park
Distance: 7.1 MilesElevation Gained: 1,200'Difficulty: ModerateTime: 2:50Critters: An armada of butterflies, two deer, one bearPros:- Sequoia Trees- Less traveled than Giant Forest- Flowers and butterflies- Cold, clear creeks- Mountain viewsCons:- We can pretty much leave out cons when we're talking about the Sierra Nevadas, okay?Details:Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are two of my favorite …
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Santa Margarita River + Los Jilgueros and Hellers Bend
Distance: 6.8, 1.1, 1.2 (Santa Margarita, Los Jilgueros, and Hellers Bend, respectively)Elevation Gained: 320', 0', 300'Difficulty: Easy + easy + easy = moderateTime: 2:38, :23, :27Critters: Dog of the Day with the cone of shame, a fleet of rabbits and squirrels, coots, bullfrogsPros:- Lovely, easy hiking along the Santa Margarita River- Easily accessed beauty spots …
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Point Loma and Padres Game
Distance: 1.1 Miles (Sunset Cliffs), 2.2 Miles (Cabrillo National Monument)Elevation Gained: 0, 320Difficulty: Easy, easyTime: 0:47:00, 0:48:00Critters: Dog of the day: Zooms!Pros:- Sweet ocean breezes- Great views of San DiegoCons:- Crowded- Not enough trailsNote: Cabrillo National Monument requires a $5 fee.Details:As part of what is now becoming our weekly Saturday off - yes, I know …
Daley Ranch – Engelmann Oak Loop
Distance: 5.1 MilesElevation Gained: 800'Difficulty: ModerateTime: 2:05Critters: Hip-hop hares!!!Pros:- All the fun of Daley Ranch's Engelmann Oak Loop- Plus beautiful golden hour lighting- My baby joined me!Cons:- NoneDetails:Cougar Pass Road - Engelmann Oak Loop - Bobcat TrailKelly and I somehow both miraculously had Memorial Day off. In the past, the chances of this happening were …
Mt. San Antonio (Baldy)
Distance: 11.2 MilesElevation Gain: 3,900'Difficulty: StrenuousTime: 7:30Critters: chipmunks, squirrelsPros:- incredible mountain topography, including precarious drops, stellar views, mixed-conifer forest, alpine forest, waterfalls.- Highest peak in L.A. County- Flat-out awesome.- Wind!Cons:- WIND!!!- A lot of smog in the L.A. Basin Details:Mt. Baldy Fire Road - Devil's Backbone Trail - Baldy Bowl Trail Wow.Just wow. This phenomenal …
scott turner hikes 