Many components can comprise a great hike: degree of difficulty, sense of accomplishment, scenery, one's companions, and variables such as weather conditions, wildlife, or uniquely memorable incidences, all of which can transform a routine or average hike into something spectacular. Just about every hike contains a degree of any one of these elements, although some hikes will …
Mt. Wilson
Chantry Flats - Gabrieleno Trail - Sturtevant Trail - Sierra Madre Trail - Old Toll Road - Upper Winter Creek TrailDifficulty: StrenuousDistance: 14.6 MilesElevation gain: 4,000 feet.Critters seen: a thriving community of grey squirrelsEven though I've been hiking for years, I still don't really feel like I've been "hiking." Crazy to say since I've been all …
Palomar Mountain State Park
Boucher Hill - Cedar Trail - Doane Pond and Lower Doane Valley - Chimney Flat.Difficulty: EasyDistance: 5 Miles (approximate)Critters Spotted: 15 mule deerTo kick off 2012, Kelly and I headed up to Palomar Mountain State Park for the fledgling tradition of a New Year's Day hike. We arrived at Silvercrest Picnic area around 11:something in …
