Last Friday, a late-season storm rolled through San Diego and dumped 1.5" of rain and snow in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park area. I drove out at the tail end of the storm and hiked up the peak, back down, and then through the area just south of the lake. This brief photo essay catalogs …
Sunset from Haleakala Part of hiking for me includes photography, which has always been a minor hobby for me. Throughout the year, I've taken what I think are some decent photographs. This is my opportunity to share those that I felt were the best. New Year's Day sunset over Oceanside Beach Batiquitos Lagoon, January …
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 …
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 …
Standing at 6,512', Cuyamaca Peak is the second tallest peak in San Diego County. It also stands roughly in the geographic center of San Diego County, which means that the views in all directions are inclusive and spectacular. While most of its forest has been destroyed, a large patch close to the summit still persists, …
Lake Cuyamaca is a man-made lake that collects all of the water run-off on the north side of Cuyamaca State Park. This serene, picturesque lake is stocked with trout for the fishermen, boat docks for the recreators, and hiking trails for those who like to amble. Views of the surrounding mountains are abundant, as are …
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 …
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 …
Caspers Wilderness Park contains one of the last wilderness areas in close proximity to sprawling Orange County suburbs. The park reserves two major watercourses - Bell Canyon and San Juan Creek - as well as featuring the usual chaparral-covered hills and mountain vistas. Bell Canyon is a particularly lovely hike dominated by oak and sycamore …
The river trail is a brief loop starting from Bright Angel Campground that incorporates both bridges, as well as a trail segment carved into the cliffs on the south side of the river. This is a great way to cool down after a long trek down from the rim, and it gives you a chance …
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Hiking and photography in the Southwestern U.S.
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