Manzanita Flat

About half-way up the east flank of Mt. San Bernadino lies a flat stretch of terrain coated in manzanita, dotted with Jeffrey pines, and, on this day at least, frosted with 6 inches of snow. The flat itself is a good stop and rest point for a longer trek up to San Bernadino Peak, or, …

Mt. San Gorgonio

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 …

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 …

Cucamonga Peak

Distance: 13.8 MilesElevation gained: 4,400'Difficulty: StrenuousTime: 6:45Critters: Manic chipmunksPros:- Beautiful mountain riparian environment at Icehouse Canyon- Unique views of the San Gabriels- Views of the Inland Empire (sort of)- Challenging and rewarding hikeCons:- Air pollution spoils the view of the Inland Empire and neighboring mountain ranges- Chapman Trail could have been left out- Having to …

Mt. San Jacinto

Marion Mountain Trail - Pacific Crest Trail - Summit Trail - Fuller Ridge TrailDistance: 13.3 MilesElevation Gained: 4,800'Difficulty: StrenuousTime: 8:55Critters: Deer, squirrels, chipmunks, an owlPros:- Epic mountain scenery- Epic views- Epic, epic, epicCons:- Trails were frequently lost due to heavy snowDetails:I've never climbed a mountain before. Sure, I've climbed peaks. I've chugged up huge slopes. …

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