This Saturday following a volunteer orientation to become a forest fire lookout volunteer, I stopped off at Palomar Mountain State Park and took the following pictures. I will talk more about the fire lookout gig, but for now, here are some more pictures of Palomar being gorgeous.Distance: 5.3 MilesElevation Gained: 800'Difficulty: ModerateTime: 2:05Critters: Chipmunk, wild …
Caspers Wilderness Park: Bell Canyon
Caspers Wilderness Park contains one of the last wilderness areas in close proximity to sprawling Orange County suburbs. The park reserves two major watercourses - Bell Canyon and San Juan Creek - as well as featuring the usual chaparral-covered hills and mountain vistas. Bell Canyon is a particularly lovely hike dominated by oak and sycamore …
Grand Canyon, Day 4: The Bright Angel Trail and The South Rim
The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is both the beginning and the end of this series of Grand Canyon hikes. This hike includes the entirety of the Bright Angel Trail, which descends from the South Rim to the Colorado River, where it joins with the North and South Kaibab Trails. The trail passes through …
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Grand Canyon, Day 3: The North Rim
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon receives more precipitation, fewer visitors, and remains less developed than the more popular South Rim. Relative difficulty of access is the main culprit as the North Rim features marvels that equal, and in some instances exceed, those of the South Rim. Driving there is one thing; the hike …
Grand Canyon, Day 2: Ribbon Falls
Ribbon Falls is a delicate and photogenic waterfall located about a quarter-mile from the North Kaibab Trail. Tucked into a grotto, this tiered waterfall is a great place to relax, contemplate, and meditate upon both the minute subtleties of the canyon.Distance: 3.2Elevation Gained: 360'Difficulty: EasyTime: ??Critters: LizardsOne of the most surprising things about visiting the …
Grand Canyon, Day 2: Bright Angel Canyon
Past Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Canyon first transitions through a narrow, twisted section called "The Box" before opening up into a broad canyon dominated by towering buttes. Ribbon Falls pours delicately into a grotto to the west, while shady Cottonwood Campground - the last developed campground before the North Rim - awaits the weary hiker.Distance: …
Grand Canyon, Day 1: River Trail
The river trail is a brief loop starting from Bright Angel Campground that incorporates both bridges, as well as a trail segment carved into the cliffs on the south side of the river. This is a great way to cool down after a long trek down from the rim, and it gives you a chance …
Grand Canyon, Day 1: South Kaibab Trail
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 …
March Summary
Anza-Borrego Desert from Monument PeakDuring the month of March, I hiked 97.6 miles, gaining approximately 14,975'. I spent a total of 47 hours and 10 minutes on the trails, during which time I burned approximately 15,132 calories. Many of the hikes undertaken this month were done in preparation for hiking the Grand Canyon at the …
Love Valley
Love Valley sits in a tiny recess on the southern flank of Palomar Mountain. Less Palomar-ish and more like some of the broad valley/grasslands you would find at Santa Rosa or Daley Ranch, this tiny open space features three varieties of oak, views of Lake Henshaw, the Volcan Mountains, and Hot Springs Mountains. Oh, and …
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