Black oak grove on the Mt. San Bernadino Trail The black oak is one of Southern California's most beautiful non-coniferous trees. Getting its name from the dark color of its bark, the black oak is also the most colorful tree in Southern California. They grow old, large, and gnarly, and have a stately presence in …
The Agua Dulce Loop is a 6+ mile loop taking in some of the finest forest in the Laguna Mountains, as well as the southern end of Laguna Meadow. This particular loop takes you along Agua Dulce Creek, which provides enough moisture to support a thriving mixed-conifer and oak forest, while providing countless places to …
Distance: I'm guessing about 7.5-8 MilesElevation gained: I'm guessing 2,200'Difficulty: Moderately strenuousCritters: Grey squirrels galore.Get there like this.Note: You will need an Adventure PassJust as important: You need to get here early on weekends and holidays since this place is insanely popular.Just a few linear miles from the endless urban sprawl of Los Angeles county …
Continue reading "Santa Anita Canyon, Thanksgiving Day Edition"
Distance: 2 + milesElevation Gained: Not MuchDifficulty: Not HardCritters: Not many, aside from a flock of quailGet there like this.Details:All over California you will find remnant populations of trees. These relics are leftover from a cooler, damper time. During that time, various species of trees, such as Torrey Pines, Redwoods, and Giant Sequoias, occupied much …
This is the last blog in the Yosemite series, and will probably be the last hike I do for a couple of weeks. I've got what I believe is plantar fasciitis, and I'm going to take some time off from hiking to see if the rest will do it any good. I also will be …
Distance: 7 MilesElevation Gained: 2,400Difficulty: Moderately StrenuousTime: 3:45Critters: Marmots, chipmunksNew trees: Singleleaf Pinyon Pine, Black Cottonwood, Mountain Alder, Mountain MahoganyPros:- Great warm-up for Whitney- I love the Sierra Nevada MountainsCons:- Forgot the sunscreen- Looming thunderstormsDetails:So, this Whitney thing kind of fell into my lap. I met a guy named Kyle on a hike to Mt. …
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 …
Distance: 8 milesElevation Gained: 2,650’Difficulty: Moderately StrenuousTime: 3:34Critters: NonePros:-          Expansive 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains in the Gallatin/Big Sky Area-          Meadows covered in wildflowers-          Legit mountain climbing with only half the effort!Cons:-          The thunderstorm that rolled in limited my time up topDetails:Cinnamon Mountain lies within Gallatin National Forest and rises above the canyon as a bump that …
 I was thinking of all of the different trees I've seen this year, when the Kids in the Hall Classic, "These Are the Daves I Know" popped into my head. You'll just have to imagine me walking around town, wearing a tucked-in flannel shirt, and talking about the trees I know (and hardly know).  Anyhow, here …
Distance: 1 MileElevation Gained: NegligibleDifficulty: EasyTime: Wasn't keeping track, to be honestCritters: NonePros:- Probably the most beautiful place in the Sierra Nevadas, which makes it one of the most beautiful places anywhere.- Some of the most incredible light I've ever seen. Cons:- No such thing when it comes to Crescent MeadowDetails: Crescent Meadow is the …
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