Love Valley sits in a tiny recess on the southern flank of Palomar Mountain. Less Palomar-ish and more like some of the broad valley/grasslands you would find at Santa Rosa or Daley Ranch, this tiny open space features three varieties of oak, views of Lake Henshaw, the Volcan Mountains, and Hot Springs Mountains. Oh, and …
Observatory Trail, Palomar Mountain
Distance: 4.5 Miles (There-and-Back)Elevation Gained: 750'Difficulty: ModerateCritters: A deer; a flock of quailDirections: Drive to this spotNote: You may need to pay a fee or have an adventure pass to hike here. Furthermore, this campground shuts down in the winter, so you may be forced to start the hike at the Observatory instead of the …
Century Lake, Malibu Creek State Park
Distance: 4.9 MilesElevation Gained: 600'Difficulty: EasyTime: 2:15Critters: A deer and an egretNew Trees: Atlas Cedar, Black WalnutPros:- Leisurely hike to an old favorite- Not too hot for a July afternoonCons:- Forest trail was blocked by a downed treeDetails:I'm up in Agoura visiting my family and some of my friends who still live here. I'm also …
The Best Hikes in San Diego
About one year ago, I posted this blog to showcase what I think are the best hikes in San Diego. Since then, I've experienced more and changed my mind a few times, thus necessitating some updates. This updated version features ten more hikes, ranked in a purely subjective way. You may consider this a resource …
Volcan Mountain
Volcan Mountain Fire Road - Five Oaks TrailDistance: 5.2Elevation Gained: 1,200'Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous Time: 2:00Critters: None to speak of Volcan Mountainhttp://www.everytrail.com/swf/widget.swfEveryTrail - Find the best Hiking near San Diego, Californiahttp://www.everytrail.com/trip/widgetimpression?trip_id=1551716Pros:- Great views of Julian, the desert, and East County- Beautiful oak woodlandsCons:- Jerry Schad did me dirtyDetails:Volcan Mountain is the high point of the mountains …
Caliente Creek and the Agua Caliente Wilderness
Pacific Crest TrailDistance: 19 MilesElevation Gain: 2,100'Difficulty: StrenuousTime: 6:50Critters: Nothing in particularPros:- Beautiful riparian vegetation featuring cottonwoods, Coulter pines, live oaks, and willows- Large patches of carpet wildflowers and great wildflower blooms all around- Great views of the peninsular ranges (Palomar, Santa Anas, Volcans)- Remoteness and isolation give the place a very wild feelingCons:- Long …
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Backpacking in Santa Anita Canyon
First Water Trail - Gabrielino Trail - Rim Trail - Sturtevant Trail - Lower Winter Creek TrailDistance: Day 1 - 5.2 Miles              Day 2 - 13.5 MilesElevation Gain: 4,100' totalDifficulty: StrenuousCritters: A thriving grey squirrel populationPros: - Easily accessible from Los Angeles- Beautiful forest set along a stream- A sense of being a world apart …
Cheeseboro Canyon
Modelo Trail - Palo Comado Connector Trail - Shepherd's Flat Trail - Albertson Fire Road - Cheeseboro Canyon TrailDistance: 13.2 milesElevation Gain: 1200'Difficulty: Moderately StrenuousTime: 4:45Critters: A roadrunner, a crow that hovered over my shoulder, squirrels, rabbits,Pros:- Long stretches of oak woodland- A nice transition from rolling green hills and oak woodland to sun-drenched chaparral …
Point Mugu State Park, Pt. 2 – Old Boney Trail
Satwiwa Loop Trail - Danielson Fire Road - Old Boney Trail - Blue Canyon Trail - Sycamore Canyon Trail - Upper Sycamore Canyon TrailDistance: 11.7 MilesElevation gain: 2,000'Difficulty: Moderately StrenuousTime: 4 hours, 37 minutesCritters: an injured coyote, a healthy coyote, feral parrots, squirrels, rabbits, quailHow to Get There: Take 101 north (or south, depending on …
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Malibu Creek State Park, Part 2
Crags Road - Bulldog Road - Castro Crest MotorwayDistance: 8.3 milesElevation gain: 1,700 feetDifficulty: Moderately strenuousTime: 2:30-3:00Critters: a black lab/German shepherd mix.Thank the universe for hills. They may seem like a pain in the ass when you're climbing them, but they do you the following benefits: one, you get fit; two, you get a good …
scott turner hikes 