The South Kaibab Trail follows a ridgeline from the south rim of the Grand Canyon all the way down to the Colorado River, where it terminates at Bright Angel Campground. Along the way, one can see views that give a sense of the vast space of the canyon, while introducing one to the ever-changing rock …
Echo Mountain, Inspiration Point, and Mt. Lowe
The front range of the San Gabriel Mountains has played host to a myriad of colorful characters looking to create recreational opportunities, as well as a little money. The trip through Echo Mountain, Inspiration Point, and up to Mt. Lowe and past Camp Lowe, offer a glimpse into old Los Angeles history, as well as …
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Los Pinos and Trabuco Peaks
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: …
Spitler and Apache Peaks
Spitler and Apache Peaks are two prominent bumps standing at 7,500' on the Desert Divide, which includes the southern portion of the San Jacinto Mountain range. This portion of the range gets its name from the fact that it separates two distinct desert environments contained in the Coachella Valley and the Anza Valley.Distance: 13.1 milesElevation …
Giant Forest Snowshoeing
Giant Forest is the heart of arguably the best Sequoia grove within what is one of the greatest forests of North America. The mixed-conifer forests in the middle elevations of the Sierras feature some of the largest and most beautiful trees in the country, and this more apparent here than anywhere else. Drop several feet …
Baldy Bowl Snowshoeing
Mt. Baldy dominates the eastern section of the San Gabriel mountains, and it towers over the Los Angeles Basin as a major landmark. With numerous routes to the top, Mt. Baldy is one of the landmark hikes of Los Angeles. While the mountain is a popular destination for summer hikers, properly equipped winter hikers can …
Yosemite, Day 3: Cloud’s Rest
Distance: 14.2Elevation Gained: 2,500Difficulty: StrenuousTime: 6:50Critters: Deer, GrousesNew Trees: Mountain Hemlock, White PineDetails:After months of hiking, planning, charting, and documenting, it all came down to one last hike. I had tried to work everything out so that my last hike in this process would be a memorable one to make a fitting end for what …
Mt. Whitney
Panorama looking south from Whitney summitPanorama looking north from Whitney summitDistance: 15.7 MilesElevation Gained: 3,000'Difficulty: StrenuousTime: 11:00Critters: Marmots, ChipmunksPros:- The most epic mountain views I've ever seen- Night hiking under an impressive canopy of stars- Sunrise at 13,600 feetCons:- Aside from a headache at the top, none- Having to experience the wag bag at an …
Mt. Whitney Trail to Trail Camp and Consultation Lake
Distance: 7.3 MilesElevation Gained: 3,900'Difficulty: StrenuousTime: 6 Hours, approximatelyCritters: Marmots, chipmunksPros:- Some of the most epic scenery ever- Alpine Lakes- Towering granite crags- Adventures at Trail CampCons:- Thunder, lightning, and hail- Wet camping gearDetails:Adventure. Excitement. A hiker craves not these things. Or perhaps he does since, even though events may suck at the time, the …
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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 …
scott turner hikes 