Modjeska Peak is the slightly lower sister peak to Santiago Peak, which forms the colloquially known "Saddleback" formation. These two high points of the Santa Ana Mountain Range provide panoramic views at a central location in the Los Angeles basin. Despite the appealing views, reaching Modjeska Peak is not an easy feat, as most paths …
Chiquito Basin is a lovely stretch of meadows and woodlands in the Ortega Corridor of the Santa Ana Mountains. The San Juan Trail is a rugged single-track trail that runs from Blue Jay Campground to Highway 74 just east of Caspers Wilderness Park. The trail is quite popular with mountain bikers, but it can still …
Trabuco Canyon is the major drainage of the Santa Ana Mountains north of Los Pinos Ridge/Highway 74. The canyon and lollypoop loop created by climbing the West Horsethief Trail, merging with Main Divide Road, and coming back down the extension of Trabuco Canyon Trail features some of the best variety on any hike in Southern …
Looking northLooking southLos Pinos and Trabuco Peaks are two moderate peaks accessible from Main Divide Road in the Santa Ana Mountains. Both peaks sit around 4,500', and, taken together, they present a borderline-strenuous walkabout that throws in a large stretch of Main Divide, which runs along the north-south crest of the Santa Anas.Distance: 13.5Elevation Gained: …
This relatively modest peak in the southern end of the Santa Ana Mountains features great views of the ocean, and, when it's clear, the San Bernadino Mountains, Palomar Mountains, Los Angeles and Orange County Basins, and Catalina Island.Distance: 9.5 MilesElevation Gained: 2,150'Difficulty: Moderately StrenuousTime: 3:45Critters: Squirrels, birds, hawksGet there like this. The Santa Ana Mountains are …
Relict, n: a remnant or survivor.Species, n: a distinct sort or kindThe Engelmann Oak (Quercus engelmannii)For my own satisfaction, and hopefully for somebody else out there who likes trees, I'm going to write about some of the remarkable remnant species of trees and plants that I come to know in California. A relic species is that of which only …
Caspers Wilderness Park is an open space preserve near San Juan Capistrano that protects some of San Juan Creek and its tributaries. The park features a variety of ecosystems ranging from open, sunny chaparral covered slopes, park-like oak and sycamore woodland, and arroyo. It also features a few different campsites and day use sections, as …
Continue reading "Caspers Wilderness Park – Bell Canyon Loop"
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