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 …
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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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 …
Agua Dulce Loop – Laguna Mountains
The Agua Dulce Loop is a 6+ mile loop taking in some of the finest forest in the Laguna Mountains, as well as the southern end of Laguna Meadow. This particular loop takes you along Agua Dulce Creek, which provides enough moisture to support a thriving mixed-conifer and oak forest, while providing countless places to …
Mission Trails Regional Park: South Fortuna, Oak Canyon, Junipero Serra
Mission Trails Regional Park is a 5,800 acre natural preserve situated entirely within the city limits of San Diego. A municipal park this size is so rare that Mission Trails ranks as the sixth largest municipally-park in the country, as well as the largest in Southern California. It features numerous rocky peaks with great views …
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La Jolla Valley
La Jolla Valley lies tucked into the westernmost end of the Santa Monica Mountains in Point Mugu State Park. This rare valley features wide open grasslands that somehow escaped development and now remain protected. The La Jolla Valley Loop Trail also features great ocean views, as well as views of Boney Mountain.Distance: 7 MilesElevation Gained: …
Joshua Tree, Day 2: Ryan Mountain
Distance: 2.9 MilesElevation Gained: 1,070'Difficulty: ModerateCritters: NoneGet here like this.Details:While I was sitting atop Ryan Mountain and enjoying a panoramic view of two deserts, a man came huffing and puffing up to the summit. He looked left. He looked right. He then stood there for a couple of minutes, turned around, and left.I struggled to …
Montana, Day 2: Porcupine Creek
Distance: 3.9 Miles (Porcupine Creek), 2.6 Miles (Snowmobile Trail)Elevation Gained: 500'; 700'Difficulty: Easy, ModerateTime: 2:02; 0:56Critters: NonePros:- Quality hiking time with Kelly and Dave- Beautiful open sagebrush, pine, and juniper woodland- Views of Lone Mountain and the surrounding mountainsCons:- None, unless wanting more is a conDetails:On our second day in Montana, Kelly, Dave, and I …
Montana, Day 1: Engagement
Distance: 1.9 MilesElevation Gained: 600'Difficulty: ModerateTime: 0:47:00Critters: NonePros:- I'm engaged to be married to Kelly Clifton- Nice hiking right across the streetCons:- Steep!Details:Obviously, very little about this particular blog will have anything to do with hiking. On the first day in Montana, I proposed to Kelly Clifton while we lingered on the deck in the …
Jennie Lakes Wilderness
Distance: 4.6 MilesElevation Gained: 1,400Difficulty: ModerateTime: No idea  : )Critters: butterfliesPros:- More rolling mountainsides, mixed-conifer forest, and views- Easy access from campsite- Good conditioning hikeCons:- None to speak of, unless you're comparing it to more remarkable hikes nearbyDetails:The Jennie Lakes Wilderness sits in a nook between an arm of Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia …
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