Dude! Bro! That rock looks like an eagle! Eagle Rock is a conspicuous granite formation located along the Pacific Crest Trail just south of Warner Springs. This segment of the Pacific Crest Trail travels through cool oak woodlands and a bubbling stream before passing into the realms of Rohan. Distance: 10.2 Elevation Gained: 1,000' Difficulty: …
The recent storms that rolled through left a tremendous amount of precipitation across all of non-desert Southern California. Palomar Mountain, with its advantageous geographic position, received between 6-9" of precipitation, depending on location, which represents between 1/5 and 1/3 of its annual average precipitation. In other words, it poured. Distance: 4.5 Elevation Gained: 350' Difficulty: …
Continue reading "Palomar Mountain State Park: Deluge Edition"
Modjeska Peak is the slightly lower sister peak to Santiago Peak, which forms the colloquially known "Saddleback" formation. These two high points of the Santa Ana Mountain Range provide panoramic views at a central location in the Los Angeles basin. Despite the appealing views, reaching Modjeska Peak is not an easy feat, as most paths …
Mt. San Jacinto, with its accompanying state park and federal wilderness, is one of the best example of montane, mixed-conifer high country south of the Sierra Nevadas. One of the most dramatic geological features in Southern California, the towering peak and its surrounding highlands dominates the Inland Empire, and provides appropriately astounding views. Distance: 11 …
Continue reading "Mt. San Jacinto Traverse: Tram Station to Deer Springs Trailhead"
Murray Canyon is one of a number of spring-fed, oases-filled canyons in the Indian Canyon area south of Palm Springs. This region of shallow, narrow gorges is fed by springs from high up on the Desert Divide, which supports lush, cool micro-ecosystems. Distance: 6 Miles Elevation Gained: 500' Difficulty: Easy Time: 2:15 Critters: Rabbits, lizards …
San Mateo Canyon Wilderness is a substantial federally protected region of cool, shady canyons and sun-blasted hills that look as if they are coated with green velvet - at least from afar. The region offers some remote backcountry camping, in addition to more accessible day hikes. Distance: 23.2 Miles (over two days) Elevation: 4,750 (total) …
Santa Cruz Island is the largest of the eight Channel Islands off of the coast of Southern California. The northern Channel Islands are part of Channel Islands National Park, which protects the unique ecosystems that have evolved parallel to the mainland, lending the islands the nickname "The Galapagos of North America." Distance: 8.5 Elevation Gained: …
Mt. Gower is a prominent peak dominating its eponymous open space preserve. Located about 15 minutes southeast of Ramona, the peak offers granite-clad views over central east county, including El Cajon Mountain, the San Diego River Valley, and the Mt.Woodson/Iron Mountain range. Distance: 8.4 Miles Elevation Gained: 2,600' Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous Time: 4:30 Critters: Hawks …
View from Eagle Crag Cutca Valley Eagle Crag is a promontory with a sheer drop of about 1,000 feet in a lonely, wild corner of the Agua Tibia Wilderness. The Cutca Trail connects the Palomar Crest, on which Eagle Crag perches, to the High Point Truck Trail that runs from Aguanga to High Point …
Nate Harrison Grade is a windy fireroad that connects Palomar Mountain State Park to Highway 76. It passes through orange groves, open grassland, and burned forest before entering the park just below Boucher Hill. Palomar State Park is, of course, Palomar State Park, and it's also my favorite place in San Diego County. Distance: 6 …
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Hiking and photography in the Southwestern U.S.
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