Turtlehead Peak is a great way to get that big picture view of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Though technically outside the park boundary, this five mile out-and-back hike begins and ends in the scenic canyon near the Sandstone Quarry trailhead. This trail can be difficult to follow, with some light scrambling and navigation skills required. The payoff? Breathtaking views of the canyon and even the city of Las Vegas. .

Trail Details

Summit Elevation: 6,323′
Distance: 5.24 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 2,015 ft
Dogs: Yes, on leash
When to go: Avoid high temperatures and rain

Getting to the Trailhead

The entrance to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located at 1000 Scenic Loop Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89161.

Entrance to the park is $15 per vehicle. If you have an America the Beautiful National Parks pass, that will get you in for free. Note that timed reservations are required for vehicle entry to the Scenic Loop (which this trailhead is on) from 8am to 5pm, October 1st through May 31st. The gate to the park opens at 6:00 AM, and it’s advisable to get there when it opens to avoid the heat of the day. 

Follow the Scenic Loop Drive for three miles to the Sandstone Quarry Trailhead parking area. There are toilets available. The trail begins at the north end of the parking area and is signed. 

Hiking up Turtlehead Peak

At the north end of the parking lot you’ll see a large sign with a map of the the trail to Turtlehead Peak (that’s Turtlehead in the background). Review the sign for safety precautions and follow them.

The trail starts out fairly gentle, but pay attention to the trail markers. There are several trails criss-crossing the area as well as desert washes that make it easy to miss a junction if you’re not careful.

After a gentle half mile, the grade gets steeper and the trail climbs parallel to a wash. At 1.5 miles, the trail splits in to several trails. The easier ones are marked with green or white dots painted on the rocks.

We started early, so we had shade most of the first two miles, at which point you reach a ridge line. The trail follows the ridge and then around the back (northeast) side of Turtlehead Peak. Once again there are several use trails that will let you pick your way up to the summit.

Once you reach the top, you can explore different viewpoints with tremendous views of Red Rock Canyon.  It’s really satisfying to rest at the top, knowing that the rest of the hike is downhill.

Head back down the way you came. As you descend, be careful not to overshoot the trail back to the ridge line (it’s easy to do). You might want to use your GPS app to do a periodic map check.

The descent goes pretty smoothly. With our early start (we entered the park right when the gates opened at 6:00 AM), we had shade most of the way up, but on our way down, the sun had already risen above the ridge and we started to feel the full intensity of that flaming orb.

Our total time was 3 hours, 12 minutes, with 2.5 hours of actual moving time. Made it back into town in time for a late breakfast (and before the worst heat of the day).

Turtlehead Peak Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Turtlehead Peak Tips & Resources

• Turtlehead Peak – Red Rock Canyon Las Vegas website
• Get reservations for timed entry (October 1st through May 31st; 8am – 5pm)
• Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area – Official BLM website
• Use sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
• Do not attempt in rain or wet conditions
• Do not attempt in high temperatures
• Carry two liters of water. Aim to finish the first one by the time you reach the summit.

The Las Vegas Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

Turtlehead Peak is part of the Las Vegas Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, a self-paced hiking challenge that takes you up six iconic mountains, each a bit higher and harder. It’s a challenge in itself, or a great way to train for bigger adventures. And your registration help support some great outdoor-related non-profits.

Learn more and sign-up here.

Originally hiked on June 8, 2022 with Ethan and Lucie.

A popular hike in north-inland San Diego County, Monserate Mountain provides a good workout with spectacular views from its summit. This moderate trail climbs 1,160 feet in 1.6 miles and is a memorial to honor all the fallen first responders who lost their lives on 9/11. The trail markers A1-A11 represent every 10th floor of the former twin towers.

Trail Details

Summit Elevation: 1,553 feet
Distance: 3.1 miles (out and back), 4.4 miles (loop)
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,170 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round

Getting to the Trailhead

The trailhead is just to the east of the I-15, just past the junction with Hwy. 76. Exit on Pala/Oceanside/Bonsall/Palomar Mtn. (Exit 46). Head east to Horse Ranch Creek Road, then turn left. Continue north for about 1.7 miles. You will find parking along the side of the road. The trailhead will be on the east side of the road. Get turn-by-turn directions via Google Maps.

Hiking Monserate Mountain

The hike begins under new trailhead signage, so make sure to stop and grab your photo with it. Shortly after that, you will pass through the actual gate into the preserve. The wide dirt trail will quickly rise up before you. It is a popular hike, so you should see fellow hikers and runners working their way up and down the trail.

This trail is also a memorial to honor all the fallen first responders who lost their lives on 9/11. You will see markers, denoted A1-A11, representing every 10th floor of the World Trade Center.

The trail is wide but can be a bit rocky and have some rain ruts to be mindful of as you continue your climb. After about 3/4th mile, you will reach a junction just after the A5 marker. Turn left if you want to take the direct route to the summit. If you want to do this hike as a loop, this is the junction where the loop will return to. The noise from the freeway should have faded away by now. 

As the trail turns north, you will pass junctions with two marked side trails. Stay to the right past Red Diamond Trail and Canonita Trail at 1.05 miles and 1.35 miles from the start, respectively. Just past the junction with Canonita Trail, the trail will make a sharp turn to the east. 

At about 1.5 miles into the hike, the trail will plateau just below the summit. You will reach another junction here as well. If you take the left fork, this will take you onto the summit proper. The right fork will be the one to use for the full loop. 

From that junction, you will have just 1/8th mile to go to reach the 1,567-foot summit of Monserate Mountain. Now enjoy the rewards of your efforts with some nice views of northern San Diego county. Off to the northwest, you will be able to see Red Mountain, with the Santa Anas beyond that. To the east are the Agua Tibia Mountains, which rise to 5,077 feet at Eagle Crag.

Once you are done, return back down the spur trail to the junction.

If you are doing the hike as an out-and-back, stay to the right and just retrace your route up. If you are doing the full loop, stay left and follow the ridge trail southward. This will take you toward the water tank, as well as offer up some nice views along the way.

The trail will descend down a flight of wooden stairs toward the water tank. After passing through a gate at the end of the Ridge Trail, you will find yourself on the paved service road for the water tank. Continue heading south until you come to another junction. When you reach the road, Pala Mesa Mountain Drive, head to the right and pass through a white gate marked with a Monserate Mountain Preserve sign. You will now work your way back to that first junction you encountered when you began your hike. Just beware, that this loop adds another 225 feet of elevation gain, as well as sometimes hiking on the pavement.

Once back at that first junction, you have a mere 3/4th mile to go to reach the trailhead. This is a popular trail, so expect to see fellow hikers and runners sharing the trail.

Montserate Mountain Trail Map & Elevation Profile

As of December 2021, you will not be able to do this hike as a loop as some construction work has closed it temporarily. Check with Fallbrook Land Conservancy for updates as to its reopening (currently planned for December 2022). In the interim, you can still hike Montserate Mountain as an out-and-back.

Montserate Mountain Resources

• Fallbrook Land Conservancy’s Montserate Mountain Preserve
• Fallbrook weather forecast

Beautiful Chush Falls on Whychus Creek is a local favorite in Central Oregon.

Trail Details

Distance: 5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 500 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: June-October

Getting to the Trailhead

From Highway 242, in downtown Sisters, turn south on Forest Service Road 16, signed for Three Creek Lake (do not follow FR 15, signed for Squaw Creek, west of town). After 7 miles, turn right onto FR 1514, and proceed just under 5 miles to FR 1514-600. Immediately before crossing Whychus Creek on a large concrete bridge, and turn left. You’ve got five miles of gravel Forest Service road to reach the trailhead, but it’s well worth the car wash you’ll need later.

I was able to use Apple Maps and it got me there without issue.

Hiking the Chush Falls Trail

We reached the trailhead at 8:45am (a late start for us) and were just the third vehicle at the trailhead parking. The trailhead is clearly marked, and the sign suggests the distance to the overlook (end of trail) is two miles, though we clocked a bit more recording on GaiaGPS.

The initial trail is fairly flat, taking you the burned remains of a past forest fire, through manzanita and blossoming snowbrush. It may be bittersweet to see the charred trunks standing as a reminder of the wildfire, but it also opens up views of South Sister and Broken Top — both of which feed the Whychus Creek, making Chush Falls so spectacular.

Dogs are allowed, on leash.

Wildflowers were blooming in late June. We saw lupine, skyrocket and wild roses. What we didn’t see were crowds. On our way to the falls, we saw one other person and her dog on their way back to the trailhead. Other than that, we had the trail to ourselves.

There were a lot of downed trees across the trail (we counted about 27), but the dogs made a game out of finding the best way to pass them. Bounding over most and ducking under some, they made it look easy and fun. After a little more than two miles, we could hear the roar of the falls. The end of the trail came into view.

To the left of the sign is an overlook where you can see the falls through the trees, but you really need to do a little extra scramble to the base of the falls to get the best views.

Look for a social trail to the right of the TRAIL ENDS HERE sign. It descends fairly steeply through the tree-lined canyon. Taking our time, we were able to pick our route downhill using the trees as handholds at times. No butt-scooting required.

There’s not a lot of room at the base for many people, so were were grateful to be the only ones there. The dogs were more curious about the snacks they smelled in our backpack than the spectacular roaring falls.

When you’ve had a chance to take your photos and enjoy a moment of zen, it’s a scramble back to the top, then an easy hike back the way you came to the trailhead.

If you’re looking to extend the adventure, there is an upper cascade accessible via a social trail another half mile upstream.

On our return to the trailhead, we encountered numerous of groups making their way toward the falls. If you prefer solitude in the morning, start before 9am.

Chush Falls Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Chush Falls Tips & Resources

• A free wilderness permit is required, available for self-issue at the trailhead
• A valid recreation pass is required for parking.
• Official Deschutes National Forest overview of the Chush Falls Trail
• No water or toilets available at the trailhead.
• Get driving directions to the trailhead via Google Maps.
• Remember to follow the seven Leave No Trace principles.
• Dogs are allowed on leash.
• We had no cell service on this trail. I had downloaded the maps for the area into GaiaGPS for offline use, although the trail itself is easy to follow.
• After the hike, check out Three Creeks Brewing in Sisters. The back patio is dog-friendly.

Originally hiked on June 27, 2019 with Joan and our two labradoodles, Lucy and Farley.

The Volcan Mountains are a relatively small range about 13 miles long and 7.5 miles wide. Located east of San Diego, near the town of Julian, this hike up Volcan Mountain gives you a perfect excuse for a weekend trip rewarded with a slice of Julian apple pie. The out-and-back double-track trail has and entrance designed by a renown sculptor, several marked view points, interesting historical sites, and views that on a clear day stretch from Catalina Island to the Salton Sea.

Trail Details

Summit: 5,353′
Distance: 5.1 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,170 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round

Getting to Volcan Mountain

The entrance to the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve is located at 1209 Farmer Road at Wynola Road, Julian, CA 92036 about 40 miles east of Escondido. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, though the preserve closes when there is 1/2 inch of rain or snow until the trails dry out, mainly to avoid ruts being created on a muddy trail. The preserve allows dogs on leash, bikes and equestrians on the main double-track trail, while the optional Five Oaks single track trail is for hikers only. Entrance is free, and parking is also free along the shoulder of Farmer Road.

Hiking Volcan Mountain

From Farmers Road, follow the entrance signs to Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve up a short gravel road. Note the hours and any travel restrictions or other rules before you head out on the trail. A short distance up the driveway you’ll come to the gateway designed by world-renown artist and Julian local James Hubbell and built by volunteers. Before proceeding through the gateway, note that there are a couple of port-a-potties off to the right; the only restrooms on this trail.

In front of the gateway, if you look down you may notice a plaque commemorating a time capsule placed there on the winter solstice of 2000, and to be opened on the winter solstice of 2100.

The main double-track trail can be used by hikers, bicyclists and equestrians, though we saw no tracks or signs of bikes or horses. Roughly 1/2 mile in you reach a junction with the Five Oaks Trail. This optional single-track route adds about 0.4 miles to the hike, and is a nice option. You can take it up, down or both ways; it eventually reconnects with the main trail so you’ll end up getting to the summit either way.

The trail is lined with manzanita, oak trees, and conifers, give you some relief from the brilliant sun. Most of this trail is exposed to the sun, so sun protection is essential.

The trail climbs to the rounded ridge of the Volcan Mountain Range, then heads south.

Along the way, take time to check out the remains of the Volcan Mountain Observatory Outpost.

This site was considered as a potential location for the Hale Telescope that was eventually located at the Palomar Observatory on Palomar Mountain. Astronomers used this an other outposts at potential sites between 1928-1932 to evaluate night sky conditions. The chimney and remnants of the foundation are all that remain of this structure today.

As you climb along the ridge, you’ll pass two viewpoints with information signs that help you identify the mountains you see. Looking to the west, you can see downtown San Diego, the Pacific Ocean, and even as far as Catalina Island.

To the east you can see Whale Peak, Mount San Jacinto and the Salton Sea.

Near the top of Volcan Peak, the trail forks. You can take either direction; they loop around the summit and meet.

Near the high point, you’ll see the Volcan Mountain Airway Beacon Light Tower. It was built in the 1920s by the Post Office Department as part of a nationwide navigation system used by Air Mail pilots. These beacons were placed 15-25 miles apart, and there were more than 2,000 of them in operation by 1946, helping pilots navigate across the country in darkness (and before modern electronic technology).

The true high point is obscured by a cluster of bushy oaks, but you’re essentially there. There is a survey benchmark on the far side of the loop, embedded in an elevated concrete pipe-like column.

On your way down, consider taking the optional Five Oaks Trail for a change of scenery, otherwise, head back down to the gateway to complete your hike.

Volcan Mountain Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Volcan Mountain Tips & Resources

• Get turn-by-turn driving directions to the trailhead via Google Maps
• Volcan Mountain Foundation – official website
• 1/2 inch of rain or snow will close the preserve until the trails dry out
• There is no water available at the preserve, so bring plenty. We carried a liter each, plus an extra for our dog. In warmer temperatures, carry more.
• After the hike? Head to Julian for a slice of their famous apple pie.

Volcan Mountain is part of the annual San Diego Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. For more information, visit sixpackofpeaks.com.

Julian Weather Forecast

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Originally hiked on February 15, 2020 with Joan and Lucy. 

Take a hike up Mount Elden and perch yourself atop Flagstaff. This route starts out on the Fatman’s Loop, then splits off to climb all the way to Elden Lookout standing at over 9,000 ft. From the top you are rewarded with sweeping views of O’Leary and the San Francisco Peaks.

Trail Details

Summit Elev.: 9,299′
Distance: 5.3 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 2,398′
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Spring, Summer, Fall

Getting to the Mount Elden Trailhead

From downtown Flagstaff, head east on Route 66. About 4 miles from the center of town, continue straight onto US 89. Go just another mile and make a left into the parking lot for the Fatman’s Loop and Mt. Elden Lookout Trail. There’s no sign for the turn, but it’s your first left turn after the McDonalds and Safeway.

The trailhead has a good size parking lot, but it can get crowded. There is no running water or toilet at the trailhead, so plan accordingly.

Hiking Mount Elden with Fatman’s Loop

The trailhead is at the northwest corner of the parking lot. There is an information kiosk with a map of all the trails, some interesting history on the area, and a hiking register where it’s a good idea to sign in. The trail starts with an easy uphill grade, and after just a quarter mile you will get to your first intersection. Stay left, following the arrow for Elden Lookout. This gets you going clockwise on the Fatman’s Loop.

In another quarter mile you reach your second intersection, this time with the Pipeline Trail. Go straight through this three-way intersection, continuing to follow the arrow for Elden Lookout.

This stretch of trail is where you’re reminded you aren’t quite out of the desert. There are yucca and prickly pear mixed in with the typical pine trees of Flagstaff. The path becomes a little steeper around the 0.5 mile mark, and at the 0.8 mile mark you come to your next intersection. This is the turnoff from the Fatman’s Loop onto the trail that takes you up to the top. Turn left here, and prepare for the real climbing to begin!

The next half mile or so of trail makes six relatively long switchbacks, tightens up for a quicker back and forth, then stops messing about altogether and goes straight up the ridge. Fortunately this is also where the views begin to open up, so any huff-puff breaks are made exponentially more pleasant.

As you continue to climb the tighter switchbacks return, and around the 1.5 mile mark you encounter the steepest stretch of trail. After a quarter mile or so, the incline eases off a bit and the path traverses right until you gain a ridge around the 2 mile mark and at 8,700’ elevation. Just 600’ more to climb!

Continue following the trail as it switchbacks across the ridge, then traverses left to reach the saddle around the 2.3 mile mark. Here is where the trail intersects with the Sunset Trail, and climbs the final ridge to the peak.

Turn left at the intersection and continue following the trail up the ridge to the Elden Lookout. Through here you can really appreciate how devastating the 1977 Radio Fire was to the area. But between all the old tree carcasses, the beautiful aspens are taking over.

There is quite a bit of antenna and tower action going on at the summit, but the views are still amazing! You have Flagstaff below you to the southwest, O’Leary Peak to the northeast, and the impressive San Francisco Peaks to the north!

Once you’ve collected your spectacular photos in every direction, return down to the Fatman’s Loop intersection. Here you must decide if you’ve had enough for the day, or if you think you can handle a bonus half mile and some fresh scenery. To cut it slightly shorter, go right and follow the path you took up from the parking lot.

To make the hike a little longer, go left and continue following signs for the Fatman’s Loop until you return to where you joined the loop on your way up. Just after the trail for the KOA, you will turn left to get back to the parking lot.

Mount Elden Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Mount Elden Resources

• Forest Service page for the Elden Lookout Trail #4
• Forest Service page for Fatman’s Loop Trail #25

Arizona Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge – Summer Edition

This hike is part of the Arizona Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge – Summer Edition. This self-paced hiking challenge includes six hikes all easily reached from the Flagstaff/Sedona area. They are a great way to explore the area, train for bigger adventures, and you’ll be doing good, with a portion of the net proceeds going to support Big City Mountaineers.

Registration for the summer challenge runs between April 1 and September 15.  Be sure to check out the winter challenge, too!

A hike up Bear Mountain is full of rewarding views not just at the top, but all along the climb. You get quintessential panoramas looking across Sedona, up close and personal encounters with red cliff faces, and the most incredible perspectives peering down into Fay Canyon. With this hike, it’s about the journey and the destination.

Trail Details

Summit Elev.: 6,476′
Distance: 4.6 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous
Elevation gain: 2,109′
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Spring, Summer, Fall

Getting to the Trailhead

From Sedona, head south on 89A. Turn Right onto Dry Creek Road, at the sign for Sedona Public Library. After 4.5 miles you’ll reach a stop sign. Go Left at the stop, following the sign for Enchantment Resort. Continue 1.2 miles and you’ll see the parking area on the left, and trailhead on the right side of the road. A Red Rock Pass is required for parking and can be purchased for $5 with credit/debit card from a vending machine in the parking lot. There are bathrooms at the trailhead, but no running water.

Hiking Bear Mountain

The trailhead is not on the same side of the road as the parking area, so be sure to cross over before you start hiking.

The trail begins by passing through a fence on the northwest side of the road, then undulates for a bit before the first steep section. It’s easy to get off course in a few spots, but navigating the red rock is made easier by white painted blazes along the route.

About a half mile up there’s a steep scramble to reach the first vista with beautiful views.

The next half mile is a better defined trail, wrapping around the left side of the rock wall you’ve been approaching.

Near the one mile mark, there is another steep ascent to get onto the plateau. The climb lasts about a quarter mile, and once at the top you get your first view of the peak and better views of the surrounding area.

Once on the plateau, the trail continues uphill through short brush, dipping down three times before reaching the final upward push around mile 2. All the while your perspective gets better and better. There are a few great spots to see the south face of Bear Mountain, but even more impressive is the view down into Fay Canyon. As the ridge your following narrows, the trail skirts just left of the end of the red rock gorge.

The last quarter mile of the hike takes you away from the precipice, up to the southwest section of the Bear Mountain summit. The end of the trail is marked by a sign which reads “END OF TRAIL”, in case the overwhelming feeling of joy isn’t enough indication.

To get back to the trailhead, return down the way you came.

Bear Mountain Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Bear Mountain Resources

• A Red Rock Pass for parking is required and can be purchased at the trailhead vending
  machine – $5 for the day or $15 for the week – More info on Red Rock Pass
• Forest Service’s web page with trail info

Sedona Weather Forecast

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Arizona Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge – Summer Edition

This hike is part of the Arizona Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge – Summer Edition. This self-paced hiking challenge includes six hikes all easily reached from the great Phoenix metropolitan area. They are a great way to explore the area, train for bigger adventures, and you’ll be doing good, with a portion of the net proceeds going to support Big City Mountaineers.

Registration for the summer challenge opens April 1st! Be sure to check out the winter challenge, too!

This loop hike begins and ends at Paradise, on the side of iconic Mount Rainier. The 14,410′ peak is the tallest in the Cascade Range and the highest in the state of Washington. It is an active volcano. It is the most glaciated peak in the continental United States. Five major rivers get their start on this mountain. Climbing Mt Rainier is a multi-day trip requiring specialized mountaineering skills and equipment. Only about 50% of those who attempt to reach the summit are successful. But you can get a taste of this magnificent mountain with this moderate, 4.6 mile loop hike on the Skyline and Golden Gate trails that reaches the lower section of the Muir Snowfield – the route used by a vast majority of climbers attempting to summit Rainier.

Trail Details

Distance: 4.6 miles
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,570 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Mid-July to early October

Getting to the Skyline Trailhead

The Skyline Trail begins outside the Henry M Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise, within Mount Rainier National Park. Entrance to the park requires either an entry fee or an annual pass. Paradise itself has a lodge that is open during the summer months, and the road to Paradise may be closed in the winter due to snow. For all practical purposes, this guide assumes you are hiking during the summer months. Get turn-by-turn driving directions from Google Maps here.

Hiking the Skyline Trail

The area around Paradise gets plenty of visitors, so the trails closest to the lodge are paved. Signs will remind you to “stay on the trails” to protect the fragile environment. Most impressive are the first few steps, hewn in granite and engraved with the words of John Muir as he described Mount Rainier, writing “…the most luxuriant and the most extravagantly beautiful of all the alpine gardens I ever behold in all my mountain-top wanderings.”

From those first few steps, follow the paved path straight up, watching for signs to keep you on the Skyline Trail.

As you climb, you follow a rounded ridge with stunning views of the surrounding area.

As you leave the trees (and the paved trail) behind, the route becomes rocky, but well-built and easy to follow. Even here, the rangers have erected cables to keep hikers off the fragile alpine terrain.

On this particular day, clouds were swirling around us, sometimes giving us a glimpse of Rainier or a flash of blue.

The climb was cold and windy, a common experience on Rainier.

At 2 miles, you reach Panorama Point, renown for its panoramic views. On this day, the views were of the clouds that enveloped us, thick and heavy with moisture that made us grateful for our waterproof shells. There is actually a stone restroom available near Panorama Point, the only one on this trail outside of Paradise.

From Panorama Point, the Skyline Trail continues climbing another 300 vertical feet before heading east and eventually beginning a downhill trajectory.

At about 3.75 miles, you reach a junction with the Golden Gate Trail. Most people were continuing on the Skyline Trail. We opted for the less-busy route down Golden Gate, and were not disappointed. We counted at least half a dozen marmots on our way down. These marmots were larger with bushier fur coats than those I have seen in the Sierra Nevada.

As you descend the broad, rounded valley you soon see signs that you are nearing the Paradise Lodge again, as you run into families with young children not quite ready to wander far from the parking lot. Here, the beauty of the cascades and waterfalls are accessible to all.

When you reach the paved trails again, follow them back to the lodge and visitor center to close your loop.

Skyline to Golden Gate Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Skyline to Golden Gate Tips and Resources

• Plan Your Visit – Official Mount Rainier NPS website
• View the webcam to check conditions at the visitor center
• The road from Longmire to Paradise closes at night during the winter months, reopening each morning after snow plows clear the road (as weather permits). Paradise is the primary area in the park for winter snow activities, including snowshoeing, tubing and winter camping. That will be another post.

Mount Rainier National Park Weather Forecast

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Originally hiked on September 10, 2018 with Joan. 

The Superstition Mountains are a beautiful sight, looking in from any of the surrounding areas. But if you want to see what beauty lies within, you need to take a trip up one of its many  canyons.

Peralta Canyon gives access to one of the most breathtaking views in Arizona. At Fremont Saddle, you’ll have a spectacular vantage point of a massive and surprising monolith. Often playing a role in stories of the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine, Weavers Needle is a 1,000 foot column of rock that protrudes impressively from the surrounding desert landscape.

Getting to the Trailhead

Trail Details

Max. Elevation: 3,766′
Distance: 4.8 miles
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,496 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Fall, Winter, Spring

The parking lot fits fifty to sixty cars, but does fill up at times. There’s more parking about 0.2 mile back down the road if the closer lot is full. The trailhead has a pit toilet bathroom, but no running water.

Hiking Fremont Saddle via Peralta Canyon

From the parking lot, head North on the Peralta Canyon Trail #102. Be sure to stay left at the very start – another trail splits off to the right direction from the same trailhead.

Around the quarter mile in the trail crosses right over the center wash of the canyon. This is probably the most confusing point along the entire hike. It’s not very obvious where the trail goes – just continue across and up the uneven rock.

The trail is quite obvious from here. It crosses back to the left side of the wash again around the 1.3 mile mark, and then again back to the right side around the 1.8 mile mark. The trail then switchbacks a handful of times before turning West for the final quarter mile to the saddle. You’ll know you’re there when you see Weaver’s Needle standing tall about a mile away.

When you’ve finished taking it all in, return the way you came.

Fremont Saddle Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Fremont Saddle Resources

• Tonto National Forest, official Superstition Wilderness website
• Group size limited to 15 people
• Get turn-by-turn directions to the Peralta Trailhead on Google Maps

Weather Forecast

[forecast width=”100%” location=”85118″]

Arizona Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge – Winter Edition

This hike is part of the Arizona Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge – Winter Edition. This self-paced hiking challenge includes six hikes all easily reached from the great Phoenix metropolitan area. They are a great way to explore the area, train for bigger adventures, and you’ll be doing good, with a portion of the net proceeds going to support Big City Mountaineers.

Looking for a short, after-work hike in Griffith Park with fewer crowds and great city views? This 3.8 mile loop hike with a stop at the easternmost peak in the Santa Monica Mountains might be exactly what you’re looking for. The trail follows broad double-track dirt trails that are perfect for trail running, dog walking and social hikes. The short loop can be hiked in about an hour and a half from either direction. We’ll take you “clockwise” in our guide.

Trail Details

Summit: 1,001′
Distance: 3.8 miles
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 590 ft
Dogs: Yes, on leash
When to go: Year-round

Getting to the Trailhead

Park at Merry Go Round Lot One. The Lower Beacon Trail begins just beyond and the the left of the gate you pass on the way into the parking lot. Get turn-by-turn directions here on Google Maps. Griffith Park is open from 5am to 10:30pm, and there is no cost for entry or parking.

Hiking the Beacon Hill Loop Trail

Start the clockwise loop on the Lower Beacon Trail. But don’t look for a trail sign; Griffith Park trails are notoriously poorly marked. Bring GaiaGPS and a copy of the Griffith Park Map (PDF) for reference.

The Lower Beacon Trail will climb and drop a few times as it skirts the eastern boundary of Griffith Park near Interstate 5. Soon, downtown Los Angeles comes into view in the distance.

At 1.25 miles, you reach a fork with a trail that heads downhill. Bear to the right, skirting the fence for the nearby driving range.

A short distance further, you reach a three-way junction as the Lower Beacon, Cadman and Coolidge Trails meet. Bear right once more, taking the Coolidge Trail. From here, the trail begins to climb more steeply, eventually reaching the junction known as 5-Points. Turn right once again to head up the short spur trail to the summit of Beacon Hill.

The top of the hill was flattened for the long-gone beacon, but you can linger here and watch the city lights begin to twinkle before heading back to the 5-Points junction. The Verdugo Mountains, Burbank, Glendale, and Downtown Los Angeles are all part of this panoramic vista.

At 5-Points, once again, take the first trail to the right. This is the Fern Canyon Trail, and will take you back to the parking area, closing your loop.

Beacon Hill Loop Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Beacon Hill Tips & Resources

• There is no water available on this route. Bring your own.
• Download the official Griffith Park Trail Map (PDF)
• Book: Afoot and Afield: Los Angeles County
• Book: Day Hiking Los Angeles

Griffith Park Weather Forecast

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Originally hiked on July 15, 2015. 

The Dipsea-Steep Ravine Loop is a moderately easy 4.6-mile hike that makes a perfect introduction to Mount Tamalpais State Park, especially when water is flowing in Webb Creek. It offers shady forest, historical points of interest, an actual water fountain on the trail, fern-lined trails through towering redwoods, playful cascades and pools in a cool, deep canyon, and panoramic coastal views. I had hiked up the Steep Ravine Trail when I tackled Mount Tamalpais from Stinson Beach, and I’d been down the Dipsea Trail from Bayview in Mill Valley, but combining the two in this loop makes it a perfect intro to the area for someone who doesn’t have the time or energy for those longer hikes.

Trail Details

Distance: 4.6 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,093 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Year-round

Getting to the Trailhead

The Pantoll Campground parking area is at 3801 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 94941 in Mt Tamalpais State Park. The parking area is shared by campers, day hikers, and folks overnighting at the West Point Inn, and there are numerous trails emanating from this central location. There is an $8 per car day use fee, payable through self-registration envelopes at the Pantoll visitor center.

There are restrooms and water available. The trailhead begins and ends at the south end of the parking area.

Being a loop trail, you could hike this in either direction, but I recommend the clockwise direction described below.

Hiking the Dipsea–Steep Ravine Loop

From the south end of the Pantoll parking lot, head down the Deer Park Fire Road for a short 100 feet, then turn right onto the Old Mine Trail.

The Old Mine Trail winds around the hillside under a shady canopy of trees. Along the way, the trail passes a marker for the namesake mine. The Denos Claim never delivered riches, and was sealed years ago. It’s an interesting bit of history though.

As you break through the trees, you rejoin the fire road. Just off the trail to your right is Veteran’s Bench. You haven’t hiked far enough yet to warrant a rest, but take a few moments to stop here anyway and soak in the views.

Continue down the fire road to the junction with the Dipsea Trail at the top of Cardiac Hill. There is a working water fountain here, mainly for hikers on the Dipsea Trail who have hiked (or run) up from the bottom of Muir Woods. Take the junction with the Dipsea Trail to the right where it cuts down across the hillside beneath the Veteran’s Bench, heading towards the Lone Tree Spring.

The Lone Tree Spring is just off the main trail. As you near the bend around the hill, watch for a series of stone steps on your right heading into the woods. This short detour takes you about 10 yards off the main trail, but you will discover the Lone Tree Spring, erected in 1917, and across from it, the (no longer) Lone Tree–a towering redwood that once stood alone on this hill.

The spring is still running, with a stone trough collecting the water. It looked a little murky, so I wouldn’t drink it without treating the water first, but it’s pretty need to see something that’s been there serving hikers like you for over a century.

Take a moment to reflect on the many people who have visited this place and hiked this beautiful trail over the past 100 years or more. The clothing, shoes and gear has changed, but the sense of awe remains. Step back out to the main trail and continue heading down toward Steep Ravine.

You soon enter a grove of young redwoods towering towards the sky like columns in an old cathedral. The trail quietly switchbacks down into the canyon.

As you get closer to Webb Creek, the foliage grows thick and lush. You encounter rough hewn steps and the occasional stray rebar sticking out of the trail where a wooden step has weathered away.

Finally you can hear the water from Webb Creek splashing down Steep Ravine and catch a glimpse of the bridge at the bottom of the canyon. The other side of the bridge marks the junction of the Dipsea Trail (which continues on to Stinson Beach) and the Steep Ravine Trail (the uphill portion of our loop).

Whenever I’m hiking with a group, we may spread out as we find our own pace, but we always make a point to regroup at junctions, and this bridge is the perfect spot.

From there, head upstream on the Steep Ravine Trail along seasonal Webb Creek. This section of the trail is especially beautiful when the water is flowing as it was when we hiked up. The trail crosses the creek several times on sturdy wooden bridges, and winds between redwoods and up the canyon on steep stone or wood steps.

After hiking 0.8 miles up the canyon from the junction, the trail climbs a ladder over large boulders before continuing on toward Pantoll. Just another of the ways this trail delights.

Finally, the trail leaves Webb Creek and heads up the side of the ravine following a series of shade-covered switchbacks. It’s the last push back to Pantoll Camp and the end of the loop.

Old Mine > Dipsea > Steep Ravine Loop Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Dipsea-Steep Ravine Loop Tips & Resources

After hiking, head down to Stinson Beach for lunch. We hit the Siren Canteen. It’s right on the beach and has great Mexican food, wine and beer. The view’s not bad, either.

Stinson Beach Weather Forecast

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Originally hiked on May 11, 2018 with Joan. 

Paulina Peak is the highest point on Newberry Crater, one of the largest shield volcanos in North America. The 7,985 feet tall summit sits on the edge of a 21 mile-long crater rim. The geology of the area is fascinating. Well east of the Cascades, Paulina Peak offers views that extend from Mount Shasta to Mount Adams. You’ll see not one but two “crater lakes”, an obsidian lava flow and the steep, craggy crater walls. If you’re so inclined, you can soak in a natural hot spring or visit an 80-foot waterfall afterwards.

Trail Details

Summit: 7,985′
Distance: 4.3 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,393 ft
Dogs: Yes, on leash
When to go: Mid-June to early October
Download GPX

Getting to the Trailhead

The Paulina Peak Trailhead is 23 miles south of Bend, Oregon on Highway 97, then 13 miles east on Paulina Lake Road. Turn south (right) on Forest Road 2100 500 and you’ll find the trailhead parking about 3/4 mile on the right. A $5 Northwest Forest Pass is required for entry to Newberry National Volcanic Monument, though they also take the National Park annual pass.

You can get driving directions to the Paulina Peak Trailhead via Google Maps here.

Hiking to the Summit of Paulina Peak

The trail is well-engineered, beginning with a gentle, persistent climb through shady forest. The trail to Paulina Peak is part of the longer Crater Rim Trail that’s popular with mountain bikers, though this segment is off-limits to bikes.

The trail actually follows the crater rim pretty closely as you’ll see on the topo map below, but the first half mile looks much like a typical forest trail, with a few glimpses of the lake.

At about 1.1 miles in, the view opens up and you see Paulina Peak towering above as well as the steep-sloped caldera of the Newberry Crater.

Here the forest becomes more sparse, dotted with old snags of Whitebark Pine that are over 500 years old. The trail returns to the rim of the crater briefly.

At about the two mile mark, watch closely for the true trail, which veers away from the rim. There is a false trail that hugs a steep section along the rim that should be avoided to prevent erosion. A fall here could be fatal.

At the summit, you are rewarded with tremendous view over the crater, the Cascades to the west and a good portion of Central Oregon. You can even catch a good view of the Big Obsidian Flow.

There’s also a parking lot and a restroom. Oh well.

When you’ve finished soaking in the views, return to the trailhead via the same trail you ascended.

Paulina Peak Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Paulina Peak Tips & Resources

• At the time of writing, no permits were required. A $5 Northwest Forest Pass or National Parks annual pass is required for entrance to the park.
• Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and the other ten essentials.

Newberry National Volcanic Monument Weather Forecast

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The Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

Paulina Peak is part of the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, a self-paced hiking challenge that takes you up six, iconic peaks–each one a bit higher and tougher.

It’s a challenge in itself, or great training for still bigger adventures. Learn more and sign-up here.

Originally hiked with Joan on July 14, 2017.

Tumalo Mountain is a shield volcano that lies just northeast of Mount Bachelor.  This trail begins at the Dutchman Flat Sno-Park, and climbs steadily up the west flank of the cinder cone. Tumalo gives you great views of not only Mount Bachelor, but also Broken Top and South Sister.

Trail Details

Summit: 7,779′
Distance: 4.2 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,312 ft
Dogs: Yes, on leash
When to go: Mid-July to mid-October
Download GPX

Getting to the Trailhead

This part is easy; head to the Dutchman Flat Sno-Park lot. If you’re heading west on Cascade Lakes Highway (trust me, you are), it will be on your right about 1/4 mile past the Mount Bachelor Sunrise Lodge entrance. You can get complete turn-by-turn driving directions to the Dutchman Sno-Park via Google Maps here.

Hiking to the Summit of Tumalo Mountain

The trail begins at the north end of the parking lot near the restroom. It immediately crosses a mountain bike trail and proceeds to wind up and around Tumalo Mountain.

Initially the trail views are obscured by the forest, but turn around once in a while to capture a glimpse of Mount Bachelor to the west.

As you climb, the forest thins and wildflowers like lupine abound.

The dirt trail winds among the gnarled ghosts of whitebark pines, giving way to reddish cinder.

The “summit” is relatively flat, sloping upward to the highpoint on the far north end. Follow the rock-lined path that loops around the top of Tumalo Mountain and avoid trampling the fragile crust and the ecosystem it supports.

From the top of Tumalo Mountain, you have a great view of Mount Bachelor to the west.

To the north, South Sister, Middle Sister and Broken Top give you plenty to soak in.

You will also find a large cairn near the high-point.

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Tumalo Mountain Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Tumalo Mountain Tips & Resources

• At the time of writing, no permits were required.
• Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and the other ten essentials.
• Tumalo Mountain is also a popular destination for snow-shoeing in the winter.
• Check out William Sullivan’s 100 Hikes / Travel Guide Central Oregon Cascades (affiliate link) for more on the geology and flora of Tumalo Mountain.

Bend Weather Forecast

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The Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

Tumalo Mountain is part of the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, a self-paced hiking challenge that takes you up six, iconic peaks–each one a bit higher and tougher.

It’s a challenge in itself, or great training for still bigger adventures. Learn more and sign-up here.

Originally hiked with Joan on July 21, 2017.

Black Butte is an extinct stratovolcano that sits east of the Cascades, rising 3,076′ above the surrounding plain.  This symmetrical cone-shaped butte is home to an active fire lookout tower, as well as a historic cupola that you can easily imagine must have been the coolest summer digs ever, with spectacular views of Mt Washington, The Sisters and beyond.

Trail Details

Summit: 6,436′
Distance: 4.4 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,443 ft
Dogs: Yes, on leash
When to go: Mid-June to early October
Download GPX

Getting to the Trailhead

There are two options for hiking Black Butte. The Upper Trailhead starts roughly half-way up the butte. It requires several miles of driving on a bumpy gravel road that narrows to one lane in sections, and results in the shorter hike described here. The road does not require high clearance or 4WD in dry conditions. The trailhead has plenty of parking and pit toilets. There is no water available. The Lower Trailhead begins just off Highway 20, and doubles the length and vertical gain. The route you choose is up to you.

You can get driving directions to the Upper Black Butte Trailhead via Google Maps here.

Hiking to the Summit of Black Butte

The trail is well-engineered, beginning with a gentle, persistent climb through shady forest.

Many of the trees are covered in moss, giving the forest a moody feeling that’s a perfect start for our morning hike.

About a mile up the trail, the forest clears and the wildflowers abound. This area on the south side of the butte is shady if you hit it early enough, but fully exposed as the sun rises higher in the sky.

At the 2 mile mark, the trail wraps around the east end of the butte, traveling through the remnants of a wildfire as you make the final ascent to the summit.

The top of Black Butte is broad, with an active fire lookout tower on the east end, and a historic cupola on the west end. There used to be a cabin just west and directly below the cupola, but it was removed. You can still see the foundation.

On a clear day, you can see up and down the Cascade Range, and east over much of Central Oregon.

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Retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.

Black Butte Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Black Butte Tips & Resources

• At the top, please stay on the marked trails to avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem.
• At the time of writing, no permits were required, but a Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead May 1 to September 30. You can purchase a pass at the trailhead with $5 cash. If you have a hang tag with an annual National Parks pass, that will also work.
• Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and the other ten essentials.
• Check out William Sullivan’s 100 Hikes / Travel Guide Central Oregon Cascades (affiliate link) for more on the history and flora on Black Butte.
• Want more of a challenge? Start at Camp Sherman for double the mileage and the vertical climb!

Sisters Weather Forecast

[forecast width=”100%” location=”97730″]

The Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

Black Butte is part of the Central Oregon Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge, a self-paced hiking challenge that takes you up six, iconic peaks–each one a bit higher and tougher.

It’s a challenge in itself, or great training for still bigger adventures. Learn more and sign-up here.

Originally hiked with Joan and Dan on July 14, 2017.  

The hike to Avalanche Lake might be the best “first hike” in Glacier National Park. In June, I flew in to Kalispell, Montana – the airport gateway to Glacier National Park – to run in the inaugural Glacier Half Marathon with my friend Jason. We planned a few days before and after to see as much of the park as we could. Our first stop? Heading into the west entrance of the park and getting a quick hike in.

One of the first stops was Lake McDonald, with epic views of the distant crags beckoning you to explore further.

Lake McDonald is like a portal into Glacier National Park, with the distant view of jagged peaks beckoning you to go deeper.

Getting There

Trail Details

Distance: 6.2 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 676 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Summer

Hiking to Avalanche Lake

The trailhead begins on the south side of Going to the Sun Road at Avalanche Creek. Some sections begin as a boardwalk, but it quickly becomes a well-travelled dirt path.

Avalanche Creek is a beautiful cascade lined by tall pines and lush greenery. Many people hike only as far as the cascades, but the full hike to the lake is well worth your time.

The trail is rich with wildlife, including not-so-shy deer and bears. This very trail was closed for two days prior to the day we hiked it due to bear activity along the trail.

Once you reach the lake, find your way to the beach near the west side of the outlet. Chance are good that you’ll see many people also ogling this beautiful, glacier-carved cirque. Take some time to soak it in, but be sure to follow the trail to the far end of the lake where you’ll find fewer people and a fresh perspective.

When you’ve had your fill of this beautiful lake, retrace your steps around the lake and follow the trail back down along Avalanche Creek to the trailhead.

Avalanche Lake Trail Map

Avalanche Lake Tips

• Be bear aware and safe. Carry bear spray and do not approach bears on the trail.
• Always follow the seven core Leave No Trace principles.
• Sturdy hiking shoes with good tread are recommended. This trail is often slick with moisture.
• Check the official Glacier National Park website for latest bulletins and conditions.
• GPS user? Download our GPX file for this hike.

Glacier National Park Weather Forecast

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Originally hiked on June 22, 2017. Thanks to Jason Fitzpatrick for hiking with me and introducing me to Glacier National Park. 

Smith Rock State Park in Central Oregon is a rock climber’s playground. The Crooked River carved through layers of hardened volcanic ash to create a landscape that reminded me of Utah. Hiking here is a treat, and the Misery Ridge Loop is the perfect way to tour Smith Rock. It takes you across the river and up to the panoramic views on Misery Ridge. You will get a front-seat view of the popular climbing areas like the Red Wall, Monkey Face, Morning Glory Wall, and the Phoenix Buttress. And you might even spy otters frolicking in the river.

Getting to Smith Rock State Park

Trail Details

Distance: 5.0 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 850 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Spring-Fall

You enter the park at the top of the southeast bluff. There are restrooms, picnic tables and a climbing area for youngsters. And lots and lots of people, especially on the weekends.

Hiking the Misery Ridge Loop

After picking up a free map at the Welcome Center and hanging our pass on the rear view mirror of our rental car,  we followed the Rim Rock Trail north to the Canyon Trail. There are some great views of Smith Rock, so take your time and soak it in.

The Canyon Trail begins as a broad paved trail that allows stroller-pushing parents to access the bottom of the canyon, but we cut off at The Chute — a steeper, shorter section that heads pretty much straight down toward the Crooked River and the bridge crossing. Look across the river and you’ll see the switchbacks of the Misery Ridge Trail.

At the bottom of the canyon there is a information kiosk with a map of the area — which you don’t really need because you brought your free map from the Welcome Center, right? It also has all the typical warnings about carrying plenty of water, watching for rattlesnakes in hot weather, staying on the trail and leave no trace.

This is also a good place to ponder the phrase “misery loves company” because when you cross that bridge over the river, you’re going to soon find out.

Immediately across the bridge you’ll see the initial steps of the Misery Ridge Trail climbing in front of you. Take a deep breath and head up. Take a breather below the Red Wall, one of several popular climbing locations you will hike past on this loop, and watch the climbers defying gravity. In case you catch the climbing bug, Smith Rock is also a great place to learn climbing, with a number of schools leading courses here.

The Misery Ridge Trail climbs pretty relentlessly, but is well engineered with steps to help prevent erosion. Remember to stay on the established trails, and be sure to stop every so often and soak in the ever-changing views. Soon, you’ll well above the bluff you began on.

Looking back down on the trail you’ve climbed you get a sense of how steep it is, and why they call it Misery Ridge. The geology of the park is on full display, with multi-colored layers of compressed volcanic ash.

The top of the ridge makes a great place for a break. You’ve hiked about 2-1/2 miles and reached the high-point of this loop. And the views are pretty nice, too.

Looking west, you can see the snow-capped Cascade Mountains.

Follow the signs for the Misery Ridge Trail to the west. At about the 3.0 mile mark, you’ll see use trails that lead to an overlook of the icon Monkey Face column. Bear right at that junction to stay on the loop and begin the descent via a dozen steep switchbacks.

If you have trekking poles, this is a good time to use them. The loose gravel and sand can make this steep trail slippery.

When you reach the bottom of the canyon, bear left to follow the River Trail back to the bridge. It’s normally an easy, rolling trail, but with higher-than-usual water levels, parts of it were submerged. We had one section that involved a light scramble to follow the detour. It was fine for us, but could be tricky with young children or dogs.

As you get closer to the bridge, you’ll pass by several other popular climbing area and see more and more people on the trail. The River Trail is the only trail in the park where mountain bikes are also allowed, so be alert for bikers.

Take time to enjoy the river and watch for wildlife. Otters, geese and deer all call this area home.

Misery Ridge Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Smith Rock State Park Tips

• The best time for taking photos at this beautiful park will be early morning and the golden hour before sundown. Note that the park closes as sundown, so be respectful.
• Even though this is a popular park, I recommend bringing the 10 essentials. Weather conditions are unpredictable, and it’s better to be prepared.
• Please stay on all marked trails. This will help minimize erosion.
• A day use pass is $5, but if you think you might come back here, one-year and two-year passes are also available.

More Smith Rock State Park Resources

• There is no backpacking at Smith Rock State Park, but there is a walk-in tent camping area near the entrance
• Official Smith Rock State Park website
• Get directions via Google Maps

Smith Rock State Park Weather Forecast

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Photo credit: Jeff Hester. Originally hiked on March 26, 2017.

Marin County is truly unique. Nestled on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay, these hills gave birth to mountain biking and were home to George Lucas’ magic-makers – all just a short drive from San Francisco over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Muir Woods and Mt Tamalpais get much of the spotlight, but there is a remarkable network of trails throughout this range, including this local favorite – the Coyote Ridge Loop in Tennessee Valley.

Trail Details

Distance: 5.2 miles
Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 911 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Year-round

Getting to the Trailhead

You can take the Golden Gate transit bus from San Francisco to Tennessee Valley Road, but you’ll have to walk 1.7 miles down the road to get to the trailhead.

If you’re driving from San Francisco, you’ll cross the Golden Gate Bridge on Highway 101, exiting to Highway 1 at the Mill Valley/Stinson Beach exit. Turn left onto Tennessee Valley Road and follow it to the end. Get detailed directions on Google Maps.

At the trailhead there is a decent amount of parking and two pit toilets. At the time of writing, the parking area had several sections with large potholes, so drive with caution.

Hiking the Coyote Ridge Loop

This route begins at the northeast end of the trailhead parking.

The careful observer will note that the sign indicates that bikes, horses and dogs on leash are allowed on this trail. Unfortunately for dog hikers, the second half of the loop does not allow dogs. As an option, you could hike the first half as an out-and-back.

The trail quickly climbs up the ridge. You’ll gain over 500 feet in the first mile, after which you get a short breather before resuming a more gradual incline. Take a moment to soak in the views and you’ll see the San Francisco Bay begin to emerge to the east.

There are trail junctions around the 1.0 mile mark; all well-signed. Follow the signs for the Coyote Ridge Trail.

Just past the 2 mile mark you’ll see a short (10m) spur trail leading to the obvious high point on the loop: Coyote Ridge Overlook. There are a couple of benchmarks and wonderful 360-degree views.

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Coyote Ridge Loop Trail Map & Elevation Profile

Back on the main trail, head south down Coyote Ridge. At 2.8 miles you reach a junction with a choice: take the shorter trail to the east and head straight back to Tennessee Valley or bear right and continue south to get even better ocean views. That’s right — go for the view.

When you reach the trail at the valley floor, you have the option of extending the hike with a 1.2 mile out-and-back (0.6 miles each way) to the beach. Throw a rock in the Pacific, then follow the valley trail back to the trailhead parking.

An interesting historical note: The valley is named for a steamer named the SS Tennessee which wrecked just off the coast in 1853. You can still see rusted parts of the steamer in the sand at the beach.

Tennessee Valley Hiking Tips

• Bring plenty of water and a map for navigation. The trails are well-signed, but with many junctions in can help to know where you are. I also tracked our progress using GaiaGPS.
• Cell coverage is spotty and/or non-existent in the valley and canyons.
• Watch for wildlife, particularly along the Tennessee Valley Trail to the beach. Deer, coyotes, bobcats and rabbits all call this place home.

More Tennessee Valley Resources

• Official Tennessee Valley NPS page
• Lunch afterwards? We headed to Joe’s Taco Lounge in Mill Valley.

Marin Headlands Weather Forecast

[forecast width=”100%” location=”94941″]

Hiked on March 7, 2017. All photos from that date. Thanks to OutdoorsyMama for suggestion the trail!

La Tuna Canyon Trail is a little gem on the northwest side of the Verdugo Mountains. The trailhead is officially in Sunland, and easy to reach from both the 210 and 5 freeways on – what else – La Tuna Canyon Road.

Trail Details

Distance: 4 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,126 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round

There are no permit or parking fees. Just find a place to pull up and park. The trail begins on the south side of La Tuna Canyon Road, 1.2 miles west of the 210 freeway. Look for the big, brown Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy sign marking the start of the trail.

The trail meanders back and forth, zig-zagging through several canyons as it slowly and steadily climbs. This side of the Verdugo Mountains faces north, so it gets much more shade than the Vital Link Trail. On a January morning, it was cool and the hills were turning green from the winter rains.

After a mile and a half of meandering and gentle gains, the trail climbs out of the shade, into the sun, and the vertical gains come more steadily.

The last mile to the top the trail climbs 600 feet. Once you reach the “top” of this this trail, you’re granted a restful lounge chair with the name “Chuck” carved into the back. You get a great view of the 210 snaking it’s way through the mountains and the taller San Gabriel range just beyond.

Here the trail hooks up with the Verdugo Motorway – a fire road the weaves closely along the crest of the Verdugo Mountains, ultimately connecting with both the Vital Link Trail and the Beaudry Motorway Loop. If you’re looking to extend your hike, you can follow this road in either direction, but be sure to save energy and water for the return trip.

After a rest break at “Chuck,” we headed back down the La Tuna Canyon Trail, but on our return we followed the steep single-track down the ridge. It begins innocently enough.

The last section of this “short-cut” adds an element of adventure, requiring hand-over-foot scrambling. Trekking poles, hiking shoes with good grip and a willingness to get a little dirty come in handy on the steep, rutted descent. We shaved about half a mile returning this route, but had to take it slowly.

La Tuna Canyon Trail Map & Elevation Profile

La Tuna Canyon Trail Tips and Resources

• Get driving directions to the trailhead via Google Maps
• The trails in the Verdugo Mountains are also popular with mountain bikers. Be alert!
• There are no facilities or water on this trail.
• Download our GPX track

La Tuna Canyon Weather Forecast

[forecast width=”100%” location=”91352″]

Originally hiked on January 16, 2016.

Walking among the ancient, towering trees in Redwood Canyon, I’m reconnected to the natural world and to history itself. Most of the old growth redwoods here are between 600-800 years old, and the oldest is about 1200 years old — still young by redwood standards. As I hiked among these giants, it was easy to imagine the view being much the same as when John Muir visited this grove.

Trail Details

Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: 60-80 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 842 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Year-round

Muir Woods National Monument: When to Go and How to Get There

Muir Woods National Monument is famously crowded. There is limited parking, and on the weekends, visitors are highly encouraged to take the shuttle bus. The first step to beating the crowds is to go when it’s less crowded. It seems like common sense, but for whatever reason, most people don’t do it. Be smarter than the average visitor. Go on a weekday, and go early. Muir Woods opens at 8:00 AM, and if you get there by then, you have a good chance of getting a space in the small, second lot (the first lot is mainly for shuttles and handicapped parking). Click here for the location on Google Maps.

Getting to Muir Woods early gives you the best chance of snagging a coveted parking spot, beating the crowds, and seeing wildlife. And as an added bonus, you might even get in for free. Normally entry is $10 for anyone over 16 years, but if you get there before the visitor center opens (as we did when we went) they have a “free admittance” sign posted.

Hiking the Canopy View Loop

The second best advice for avoiding the crowds at Muir Woods? Take the road less traveled — the Canopy View Trail.

Most visitors are content to wander up the boardwalks along Redwood Creek, craning their necks upwards and bumping into each other as they make their way up the canyon. Instead, take the Canopy View Trail and leave the crowds behind.

As you enter Muir Woods, follow the boardwalk — the Main Trail — into the redwoods. You’ll pass by the gift shop and cafe (which open a bit later) and catch glimpses of the first giant trees.

At the first junction, take the Canopy View Trail to the right. Some maps refer to it as the Ocean View Trail, but when you see the steps climbing up the east side of the canyon, you’ll know you’re on the right path.

The trail climbs up the canyon wall through thick sections of tall, straight, young redwoods.

It is a dirt single track trail with sections that are covered in roots, but the trail is in great condition overall. Trekking poles and boots are optional on this trail; my Solomon trail runners were a perfect match.

This is not a trail to race through (although the oldest trail race — the Dipsea Race — passes nearby). This loop trail is meant to be hiked slowly. Pause and reflect. Breathe deeply. Think about the history that these ancient trees have lived through.

At about 1.5 miles, you’ll reach the junction with the Lost Trail and the high point of this loop. There’s a rustic log bench for resting. When you’ve caught your breath, continue down the Lost Trail.

The Lost Trail descends pretty steeply, but the trail has steps built to reduce erosion and impact to the fragile environment. Take your time and watch for wildlife. We saw one other couple hiking behind us, and passed one couple headed in the opposite direction — so the “crowds” were non-existent up here. We did however see a young three-point buck just above the trail.

This is described on maps as the Fern Creek Trail (not Fern Canyon).

The Lost Trail actually leaves Muir Woods National Monument and enters Mt Tamalpais State Park, eventually connecting with the Fern Creek Trail and cuts back to the south. True to its namesake, the hills were lined with lush, green ferns.

At the bottom of Fern Canyon, you’ll reach Redwood Creek. There’s an interesting bridge built atop a fallen log that leads further up Redwood Canyon, but you’ll turn left and follow the Redwood Creek Trail downstream.

This junction is quiet, but it used to be seriously bustling with the arrival of tourists taking the Muir Woods Railway from Mt Tamalpais. There were cabins and the Muir Inn where you could spend the night in the woods. The inn burned down in 1913, and the railway ceased operation in 1929, but you can visit Mt Tam where they have a gravity car on display at the “other” end of the railway. It’s a worthwhile side-trip after your hike.

The Redwood Creek Trail (aka the Main Trail) is where you re-enter the crowded section of Muir Woods. The crowds grow as you get closer to the visitors center, but you’ll want to take your time anyway. Follow the trail back toward the visitor center and the end of the loop.

Canopy View Trail Map

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Variations

Muir Woods is criss-crossed by trails, many which connect to other trail networks in Mt Tamalpais State Park. You can easily modify this to suit your time and inclination. Pickup the overall map at the visitor center and go explore!

Muir Woods National Monument Tips

• Bring a liter of water. Even if it’s foggy or overcast, you’ll need hydration on the climb.
• Be prepared for slick trails. Hey, this is Marin County we’re talking about. It’s often damp and foggy and dripping with moisture. Don’t expect to have the nice dry trails I saw.
• Be sure to Leave No Trace. In fact, go a step further and bring a bag to pickup any trash you see.
• There is no cell phone coverage in Muir Woods. I used GaiaGPS to track my route, but downloaded the maps before going so I’d have them even without cell coverage.
• One minor peeve: The signage in the park and the maps available use conflicting trail names. The Fern Canyon Trail is sometimes referred to as the Fern Creek Trail. The Main Trail is also referred to as the Redwood Creek Trail. Numerous inconsistencies in naming can be confusing and frustrating, but if you can read a map and follow the signs, you’ll be okay.
• There are two official maps available from the park, the Muir Woods National Monument Map and the Historic Walking Tour Map. They are $1 each, and I highly recommend picking up both for the wealth of information they provide. They can be found at the visitor center, or in self-service dispensers on the Main Trail (with an honor-system donation box).

More Muir Woods National Monument Resources

• GPS user? Download the GPX track.
• Check the official Muir Woods National Monument website for the latest information on hours of operation and events at Muir Woods.
• Get an high-level overview of the trails in the area in this Muir Woods Trail Map (PDF).

Muir Woods National Monument Weather Forecast

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Special thanks to Joan, Kaete and Christopher for joining me on this hike.

Hiking the Limekiln Falls Trail is like a walk through another world. It is dark — even on a cloudless day — and verdant green. The trail dives deep into the steepest coastal canyon in California, reaching an impressive 100 foot split waterfall. This is an easy hike, and worth a stop to stretch your legs and marvel at the towering redwoods as you make your way up the Big Sur coast.

Trail Details

Distance: 1.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 400 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Year-round

From the parking lot, we followed the path past the campsites and alongside Limekiln Creek.

You are immediately struck by how dark the trail seems, even on a bright and sunny day. The steep canyon walls are lined with towering redwoods that soar impossibly high.

Just beyond the campsites, the trail crosses Hare Creek on a wooden bridge, the cuts north to follow Limekiln Creek.

At about 0.25 miles in you reach a junction with the Kiln Trail. Bear right to the Falls Trail.

You’ll criss-cross the creek several times on small wooden bridges until you finally hear the falls.

The trail turns around at this point — so take some time to enjoy the falls.

The Limekiln Falls Trail is short but very photogenic. It’s a great place for kids to enjoy while you stretch your legs and relax.

Limekiln Falls Trail Map

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Limekiln Falls Tips

• Take your time. This hike really is a “walk in the woods.” Enjoy the sounds, the sights and the scents.
• Take photos. Limekiln Falls and the creeks are extremely photogenic.
• Take your kids (or just remember what it was like to be one). Creek crossings, waterfalls, and giant trees? Yes please!

More Big Sur Resources

• Book campsites at Limekiln State Park
• Hiking and Backpacking Big Sur – Wilderness Press

Limekiln Falls State Park Weather Forecast

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Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park has everything that Big Sur is known for — dramatic old growth coastal redwoods that tower above you; streams dancing through steep gorges lined with colorful wildflowers; stunning views of the rugged coastline; and photogenic waterfalls.

Trail Details

Distance: 5.9 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,430 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Year-round

Getting to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is located 37 miles south of Carmel and 11 miles south of Big Sur State Park on Highway 1. The Ewoldsen Trail begins at the far end of the upper parking lot. There is a sign clearly marking the Ewoldsen Trail.

Hiking the Ewoldsen Trail

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a popular stop in Big Sur, but mainly for the iconic McWay Falls. The parking lot gets busy, as do the picnic areas, but the crowds quickly dissipate as you hike up the mountain.

The trailhead begins with a clearly marked sign on the north side of McWay Creek, and you immediately head into the cool shade of the forest.

McWay Creek babbles and dances as you pass through the lush canyon — lined with giant redwoods. You soon cross to the south side of the creek and climb a bit higher. Listen carefully for Canyon Falls — a 30 foot cascade lined in moss.

Photo credit: Wayne Hsieh

At  reach the bridge crossing the creek and begin climbing up the side of the canyon. The trail bears northwest, rounding a ridge at about 1.3 miles and continuing down to rejoin McWay Creek. Here you’ll reach the bottom of the Ewoldsen loop.

We chose to hike the loop in a counter-clockwise direction, when meant continuing up along the creek for another mile before climbing once again. As you crest the ridge, the views open up.

The trail follows the countour of the mountain down to another valley, then up the other side. At 4.0 miles, you catch glimpses over the ocean down to McWay Rocks off the coast. You may see evidence from the landslide here that closed down PCH — a solemn reminder of the instability of this ever-changing coastline.

From here, the trail is mainly downhill back to close the loop at the creek, and follow the trail back to the trailhead.

Along the way, be watchful for butterflies, birds, and the beautiful iris blooming along the trail.

If  you’re visiting Big Sur, or event recommend including this loop. It’s not too long, and includes some great cascades, towering redwood trees, lush canyons and sweeping coastal views.

Afterwards, be sure to take stroll over to the overlook above McWay Falls.

Ewoldsen Trail Map

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Ewoldsen Trail Tips

• The eastern side of the Ewoldsen Loop is current closed for maintenance (as of 8/30/15). See the state park website for latest updates.
• The weather in Big Sur can be unpredictable. Bring layers and be prepared for damp or wet weather.

More Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Resources

• Official Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Brochure (PDF)
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park (official website)
• Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is open 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset

Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Weather Forecast

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Crystal Crag looms above beautiful Crystal Lake, surrounded by steep granite peaks and dotted with pines. And this short hike to Crystal Lake in the town of Mammoth Lakes gives you a taste of the Sierra Mountains without the long miles or an overnight backpack, making this a perfect morning day hike. 

Trail Details

Distance: 3.2 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 685 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: June-October

Getting to the Trailhead

The Crystal Crag trailhead begins near Lake George directly off of Lake George Road (directions via Google Maps), about five miles from the town center. Free street parking is available along Lake George Road — but make sure your car is entirely off the pavement to avoid being ticketed.

Better yet, you can take the free Mammoth Lakes Tram which runs approximately every 30 minutes.

We arrived fairly late by our normal standards, getting there around 9:30am, but when we got back from our hike, parking was much worse with cars parked even further down the hill. As always, my recommendation is to start earlier to beat the crowds. Morning is a perfect time to explore this trail.

Hiking to Crystal Lake

The Crystal Crag trailhead is well signed, and the trail very easy to follow. You’ll steadily climb a series of well-engineered switchbacks that make the grade fairly easy by Sierra standards. The trail is mostly shaded, giving you some relief from the brilliant mountain sun.

As you climb, pause to look back over Lake George, Lake Mary and even glimpses of Lake Mamie through the pines.

This is a popular trail, and you’re likely to see trail runners, people hiking with dogs and entire families with kids in tow.

At about 1.3 miles, you’ll reach the only junction on the trail. Bear left (straight) to continue towards Crystal Lake. The other route continues up to Mammoth Crest.

At this point, you are nearly at the high point of the trail. Once you reach the crest (about 9,730′) you descend 120′ to the outlet of Crystal Lake.

From the outlet, you have some choices. There some use trails that travel part way back the steep-sloped western shore with access to the lake and boulders to stretch out on. But most people will travel around the east side of the lake, where the slope is gentler, offering more options to spread out for a picnic or even take a plunge in the icy cold water.

We found a boulder to sit on and soak in the views of the crag, the lake and the surrounding peaks. It was an idyllic spot for a snack break, but more than that, it replenished our souls.

Fully recharged, we headed back down the trail, retracing our steps to the trailhead.

Crystal Lake Trail Map

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Crystal Lake Tips

• No permits are required for this hike
• Start early. This is a popular trail that can get crowded.
• Consider take the free tram from town

More Crystal Lake Resources

• You can also climb Crystal Crag via several routes, including a Class 3 route that doesn’t require any equipment. Get details on the routes from SummitPost.
• Download the GPX file

Mammoth Lakes Weather Forecast

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I’ve been to the unique geologic formation known as Devils Postpile several times, including on my thru-hikes of the John Muir Trail. Last time, we didn’t take the trip up to the top, nor did we visit the impressive Rainbow Falls, so when we were up in Mammoth Lakes, both were on our to-hike list.

Trail Details

Distance: 4.5 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 690 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: June-October

Getting to Devils Postpile National Monument

During the summer months, you can’t drive down to Devils Postpile National Monument. Instead, park near the Mammoth Adventure Center, when you’ll buy tickets for the shuttle down to the valley. The shuttle runs pretty frequently, and while you’re down in the valley, you can hop-on and off as often as you like.

There are a number of stops in the valley, so ask the driver to tell you which stop to get off for the Devils Postpile. This will get you started right in front of the Devils Postpile ranger station, where you can also pickup a free trail map and information about the area.

Hiking to Devils Postpile

There are a myriad of trails criss-crossing this area, but it’s well-signed. Follow the signs leading to the Devil’s Postpile.

As you near the Postpile, you’ll see a signed junction to the Upper Postpile Loop. Make a mental note of that trail, because you’ll come back to it after seeing the Postpile from below. Another 20 yards takes you to the perfect viewing area.

The “posts” are a fascinating, naturally occurring geologic formation. From the bottom of the pile you can see huge chunks that have broken off over time, as well as a great angle on the columns themselves. It’s tough to soak it all in, and the panorama mode on my iPhone came in handy here.

Backtrack to the junction we passed earlier and take the loop trail to the top of the Postpile. It’s a fairly short climb, and at the top you will see how the columns fit together. I think they look a bit like giant, hexagonal bathroom tiles.

Continue on the loop trail back down the other end of the Postpile and you’re rewarded with yet another interesting view of the columns.

Back at the bottom, you rejoin the trail toward Rainbow Falls. At 1.4 miles you’ll cross Red’s Creek. The water level was pretty low, but there are a couple heavy timbers you can walk over to avoid stepping in the creek.

At 1.7 miles, the trail crosses the John Muir Trail. Take a short detour to the right and you’ll enjoy great views up and down the San Joaquin River from a sturdy wood-and-steel bridge.

Return to the Rainbow Falls trail and continue south. Here you enter an area with open skies, burn-scarred trunks standing like skeletons over brush and new growth. This area was burned in the 1992 Rainbow Fire, and is still decades away from recovering.

At ~3.4 miles you get your first glimpse of Rainbow Falls from above the bluff. Be sure to stop at both of the overlooks; each view is unique.

Finally, descend the steep steps to the base of the falls. This is where the scope and magnitude of Rainbow Falls really hits home.

Soak in the sounds and the energy of the falls. Take a break. This is a place that’s worth spending some time in. When you’ve topped off the tank, climb back up the steps and begin retracing your steps. This time, however, you’re going to watch for the fork to Reds Meadows Resort.

Reds Meadows Resort is primarily a pack station, a cafe and a general store. There are a few cabins that are available for rent, but that’s not why you’re here. You want a well-earned lunch and a milkshake from the Mulehouse Cafe. This place was here when I first thru-hiked the John Muir Trail back in 1980. It was still here when I thru-hiked the JMT 30 years later in 2010. It’s still here now, and it will probably be here for years to come. It’s a fixture for thru-hikers on the JMT and PCT, in part because Reds Meadow is one of the common resupply points. But it’s also one of the few places where you come so close to civilization.

On any given afternoon you’re just as likely to dine with tourists visiting Mammoth from Europe as you are dirty, smelly, sweaty thru-hikers stopping in for a cheeseburger and fries. It’s a great experience.

One word of advice — the degree of deliciousness is directly proportional to the number of miles you’ve hiked.

From Reds Meadow, you simply wait for the shuttle to reappear and whisk you back to the Mammoth Adventure Center.

This is a great little hike with two exceptional destinations. I will always hike here whenever I’m in Mammoth Lakes.

Devils Postpile to Rainbow Falls Trail Map

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Devils Postpile Tips

• Bring a liter of water per person. Even though it’s an easy hike, it can be hot in the sun.
• Bring a hat and sunscreen. Most of this hike is shaded, but the sections that are not demand sun protection.
• Bring mosquito repellant. Especially in August.
• After your hike, stop for lunch at the Mulehouse Cafe and order a milkshake.
• Take at least a few steps on the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail.
  Congratulations. You are now a section hiker.

More Devils Postpile Resources

• During the summer, cars are not allowed to drive into Devils Postpile. Instead, you must take the shuttle from the Mammoth Adventure Center. At the time of writing, tickets were $7 per adult.
• Dogs on leash are allowed, and you can take a dog on the shuttle but they must wear a muzzle. The Adventure Center will sell you a muzzle if you need it.
• Reds Meadow website
• Download the GPX file for use with your GPS device or app

Devils Postpile Weather Forecast

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A collective of artists serruptitiously erect a teahouse on the side of an obscure peak in Griffith Park, and you get the zen moment.

The Griffith Park Teahouse was assembled on the side of Taco Peak at the end of June. The teahouse was constructed from redwood scavenged from the 2007 Griffith Park fire, thoughtfully designed and fabricated atop an existing concrete pad. It’s a wonderful little reminder of what makes LA special, and you should hike to it while you can.

The future of this fun little teahouse with the big views is still up in the air as park officials decide what to do with it, so go now.

UPDATE: The teahouse was moved from this location on July 28th. Not sure where it’s going to be moved to, but it wasn’t demolished. You can still hike to the site of the teahouse, enjoy the views, and imagine what was.

Thank you, LA. We’ll see you again. (Photo by Jeff Adam Ingalls.) pic.twitter.com/YkE1HbMGWv

— GriffithParkTeahouse (@GParkTeahouse) July 28, 2015

Trail Details

Distance: 2.4 miles
Time: 60-80 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 505 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round

Start at the Griffith Observatory parking lot, heading into the trees at the end of the parking lot directly across from the famous observatory. You will pass through the Berlin Forest — named in honor of LA’s sister city in Germany — and continue across the tunnel “bridge.”

Here’s where your grippy shoes come in handy. 

The main fire road veers left, but a steeper, shorter route peels up the slope. This trail is for the sure-footed. Follow it up to the next fire road, then turn right.

You’ll continue past Dante’s View and follow the main fire road as it curves left around Mt Hollywood. At the junction, continue straight across the ridge-line toward Taco Peak. When you see the trail with a big pipe in it (it almost doesn’t look like a trail)–take it. It continues for about 50 yards to a level clearing with a cluster of trees and…the Griffith Park Teahouse.

Breathe in deeply. Write your wish for LA on a shingle and hang in on the pegs inside, or read the wishes others have made. Then ring the bell, sip some tea, and enjoy your moment of zen.

The shingles are each stamped with one of several patterns, and visitors are encourage to write their wish down on and hang it on one of the pegs lining the inside of the tea house.

When you’re done soaking in the views and the positive vibes, retrace your steps to the trailhead.

Griffith Park Tea House Trail Map

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Griffith Park Tea House Tips

• The Griffith Observatory is closed on Mondays, but the parking lot still fills up with people who come just for the views. Well worth stopping to enjoy.
• There is a bathroom at the Griffith Observatory parking lot, and a cafe at the observatory.
• Early morning and late afternoon are my favorite times to hike here. Avoids the worst heat of the day, and makes for more colorful skies.
• Follow @GParkTeahouse on Twitter and Instagram
• Tag your photos with #gparkteahouse

More Griffith Park Tea House Resources

• Directions to the trailhead via Google Maps
• Download the GPX file
• A longer loop route via Modern Hiker
• Sign the petition to keep the Griffith Park Teahouse standing
• LA Times article on the opening of the teahouse

Griffith Park Weather Forecast

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The Temescal Loop trail is one of my favorite hikes on days when the sun dips low. This variation includes a side trip further up the ridge to Skull Rock. And yes, it really does look like a skull (with a little imagination).

Trail Details

Distance: 5.1 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,103 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Year-round

Getting There

This hiking trail begins and ends in Temescal Gateway Park, located at 15601 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades (at the intersection of Temescal Canyon Road and Sunset Boulevard). You can either find free parking on Temescal Canyon Road or pay for parking in the park (at the time of writing, $7 which you put in an envelope and slip in a locked box). As you head into the canyon, you’ll reach a series of buildings that are part of a conference center. There are restrooms here with actual plumbing, as well as an information kisok with details on the history of the canyon and a map.

NOTE: The maps on the kiosk show only the trails in the Temescal Gateway Park, and not the adjacent Topanga State Park. The route described here is not fully shown on the kiosk maps, as this loop enters Topanga State Park.

The Trail

Being a loop hike, you can hike this in either direction. I hiked counter-clockwise, heading up the canyon first, then to Skull Rock, and finally down the ridge trail. This gives you more shade on the uphill section and would be my recommendation. If you insist on going clockwise, I’ve got you covered.

Starting in the back of Temescal Gateway Park, continue back up the canyon on the Temescal Canyon Trail, passing the rustic buildings that are still used for conferences, meetings and presentations. As you wind further back up the shady canyon, the trail becomes more quiet as you leave the “picnic crowd” behind.

The canyon trail is mostly shady and snakes along the typically dry Temescal Creek. You’ll pass a number of building for the conference center — but just keep heading back into the canyon and pretty soon the trail becomes very clear and easy to follow.

At about the 1.2 mile mark (starting at Sunset Blvd.) the trail starts to climb more seriously. It maintains a steady climb all the way to Skull Rock, but first you’ll see the (mythical?) waterfall.

You’ll know you have reached the waterfall when you get to the bridge. If you didn’t know there was a waterfall here, you might walk right by it, because every time I’ve hiked here, even the day after rain, it’s been nothing more than a trickle.

They mythical quality of this waterfall?  Explained by this photo from the information kiosk.

The next half mile the trail climbs out of the canyon to the ridgeline. Much of this portion of the trail is shaded, making it a good choice for staying cool(er) on the climb. When you see a break in the brush, stop and soak in the view back down the canyon.

When you reach the junction with the ridgeline trail, you have a choice. Turn left and return to the trailhead via the ridgeline trail, or turn right to continue up hill to Skull Rock. This out-and-back spur adds one mile to the hike, but is worth a visit.

The trail runs near Skull Rock, but continues up the ridge deep into Topanga State Park. To reach Skull Rock, look for one of several use trails on the left leading to the rock outcrop.

From atop the rock, it doesn’t really look like much of a skull, but the view is pretty awesome. Looking south the sweeping arc of the coastline stretches out before you, reaching to distinctive Palos Verdes. On a clear day, you can see Catalina Island.

In the photo below you can see the Temescal Ridge Trail that you’ll take to return to the trailhead.

You’ve climbed uphill to this point. The remainder of this hike will be downhill.

Scramble back to the trail, then retrace your steps to the junction with the canyon trail. This time, you’ll head straight ahead and take the Temescal Ridge Trail back down to the trailhead.

Note that as you descend you will pass two junctions that lead down to residential communities nowhere near your car. Stay on the ridge trail and follow it down. Eventually you’ll reach a series of switchbacks that descend the canyon and return you to your starting point.

Skull Rock and Temescal Loop Trail Map

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Skull Rock Tips

• The best time to hike this is late in the day as the sun dips low in the sky.
• Watch out for the stop light cameras in Temescal Canyon!
• You can pay for parking in the park, or park on the street for free (pay heed to the signs).

More Temescal Canyon Resources

• Top Trails: Los Angeles by Jerry Schad
• Temescal Gateway Park – official website
• Temescal Canyon Trail Map – printable PDF
• Only like hiking loops in a clockwise direction? No problem.

Temescal Canyon Weather Forecast

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The Rancho Palos Verdes peninsula is a prominent feature in Southern California geography. It protrudes into the Pacific Ocean as if it could almost touch Catalina Island. The hills of Palos Verdes really stand out against the flat terrain surrounding it, making it instantly recognizable from a hike on nearly any hill or mountain in SoCal.

Trail Details

Distance: 3.1 miles

Time: 60-90 min.
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 855 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round
Download the GPX

Getting There

The trail begins at the top of the park. Yep, it’s one of those inverted hikes where you hike downhill in the beginning and uphill at the end. Don’t let that dissuade you from checking it out. There is free street parking along Crenshaw Boulevard near Burrell Lane (heed the street signs).  You can calculate turn-by-turn directions here on Google Maps.

The Trail

Once you’ve parked, you’ll walk to the end of Crenshaw where you’ll see a gate that marks the entrance to the park. Beyond, the road becomes a dirt double-track trail called the Burma Road Trail. This is one of many mixed-used trails in the park, shared by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers and horses.

At 0.5 miles, bear right on the single track trail marked as Peacock Flats Trail. You may see evidence of restoration still underway from a wildfire in the park in 2009. The trail reconnects with the Burma Road Trail, where you’ll bear right and follow the broad trail as it curves south.

At 1.7 miles, we reached the junction with the Rim Trail. This trail is steep and can be slippery, but gives you an up-close view at Ailor’s Cliff — one of the most interesting geological features in the park.

At the top of Ailor’s Cliff — and right at the 2.0 mile mark — you’ll reach a junction with the Paintbrush Trail. Turn around, soak in the views and catch your breath. Then bear left on the Paintbrush Trail. The rest of the uphill will be much more gradual.

Another 0.3 miles down the trail you’ll reach the Ishibashi Trail. Follow this uphill back to the Burma Road Trail. You’ll find a pit toilet near this junction — the only break you’ll find before you reach your car.

This was a great park, and if you live in the area, it’s definitely worth checking out. It was cool to see how close Catalina Island seemed. It almost looked like you could swim there.

This trail would be an easy trail. I’ve labeled it moderate only for the steep, sketchy Rim Trail. As you can see from the map, there are lots of options in the park, so you can remix this hike to make it easier, longer or whatever you’d like.

Portuguese Bend Trail Map

More Portuguese Bend Resources

• Portuguese Bend Reserve – official website
• Portuguese Bend to Sacred Cove – A longer hike that goes all the way down to the tide pools of Sacred Cove.

Portuguese Bend Weather Forecast

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We ascended Walter’s Wiggles, the 21-switchbacks carefully engineered and reinforced with sandstone blocks and were standing atop Scout Lookout, with awe-inspiring views down into Zion Canyon and over the Virgin River. Looming before us was a slender finger of red sandstone leading to Angels Landing. I have been up Half Dome several times. I’ve sat atop Banner Peak and dangled my feet over Thousand Island Lake. And I’ve climbed to the top of Mt Whitney in the darkness of night. But looking at the “trail” before us I got butterflies. At first glance, the trail up to Angels Landing looks impossibly steep and treacherous.

Angels Landing in Zion National Park is one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes in the park. The slender spine of red sandstone juts into the canyon like a spine, and provides epic views in all directions. Getting to the top requires you to check your acrophobia at the trailhead, and the final push from Scout Landing has sheer drops with little room for errors.

Trail Details

Distance: 5 miles
Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 1,500 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Year-round

We arrived at Zion National Park early in the morning, and got parking at the visitor center parking lot near the entrance. During the summer months, Zion does not allow cars in the canyon. Instead, you park at the visitor center or in neighboring Springdale and take a shuttle into the valley.

Angels Landing Trail Description

We took the shuttle to the Grotto Trailhead — the sixth stop in Zion’s main canyon. There are restrooms and picnic tables near the shuttle stop. We checked our water and headed over the bridge across the Virgin River and up the West Rim Trail.

The trail is actually paved as it slogs uphill winding close to the canyon wall.

At 1.5 miles you reach beautiful Refrigerator Canyon.

This deep, narrow side canyon is shady and stays cool even in the summer. This section climbs more gently, giving you a bit of a breather until you reach Walter’s Wiggles.

These 21 switchbacks are steep and short, and an amazing bit of 1930’s trail engineering. Our legs felt good, but the climb really gets your heart pumping.

At the top of the wiggles we reached Scout Landing. Many people reach this point and go no further, intimidated by the path ahead that seems more like a trial than a trail. This is a good spot to take a break, eat a snack, drink some water and consider… are your papers in order?

The sign to Angels Landing declares ominously: “Since 2004, six people have died falling from the cliffs on this route. The 1.1 mile round-trip from Scout Landing to Angels Landing is a strenuous climb on a narrow ridge over 1,400 feet above the canyon floor. This route is not recommended during high winds, storms or if snow or ice is present.” 

Warning

People have fallen to their death on this trail. It is exposed and can be brutally hot in the summer, or icy and slippery in the winter. Do not attempt if raining, snowing or freezing, as this amplifies the dangers. As the signs at the trailhead warn, “your safety is your responsibility.” 

I was determined to go to the top. Many people do every day. I wasn’t sure if Joan would be as enthusiastic. But when I saw the narrow spine that we would be climbing to reach Angels Landing, I felt my pulse quicken. A little voice in my head said “Really? No way!”

We caught our breath and decided to give it a go. 

The Angels Landing trail traverses solid sandstone with sheer drops of hundreds of feet possible. People have died on this trail, as the signs warn. In most places, the trail involves following a well-worn route over the steep sandstone while holding a chain on one side. And it’s not that bad. With proper shoes, a decent sense of balance and a rational fear of death (keeping you from behaving foolishly), you can hike this trail. You will gain another 500 vertical feet in a very short distance, but take your time. Breathe.

Reaching the top is exhilarating, and the views are magnificent.

Angels Landing plenty of area to spread out and enjoy the views. We took time to soak it all in and recorded a short time-lapse video of the view down the canyon.

Heading down was complicated. When we got to Angels Landing, it was early enough in the morning that not many people were coming down yet. As we descended, there was a steady stream of hikers making their way up the narrow spine. With only one chain, passing is best done with extreme caution.

Once we were back at Scout Landing, the rest of the hike down was easy.

Angels Landing Trail Map

Angels Landing Photo Gallery

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Angels Landing Tips

• Start early. Not only will you find fewer people, you’ll also have cooler temperatures — and important consideration in the summer.
• Take plenty of water. This is not a trail where you want to skimp on water. Bring 1-2 liters and stay hydrated.
• This trail has a lot of sun exposure. Use sun protection and a hat.
• Don’t take unnecessary risks. Be aware of the people around you. One accidental bump could be tragic.

More Zion National Park Resources

• Zion National Park website
• Lunch at the Lodge — but upstairs (on the patio if the weather permits). It is quieter and much more relaxed.

Zion National Park Weather Forecast

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Cooper Canyon Falls is a beautiful waterfall that flows almost year round, but roars in April-May as the spring snow melts. The falls can be spectacular when you time your hike right, and I’m surprise more people don’t talk about this trail.

This hike includes a side trip to Cooper Canyon Campground — a wilderness campsite right on the Pacific Crest Trail — making this an easy hike to modify for an overnight backpacking trip. It’s not long, but it it has some great features and makes a great shake-down trip for testing your gear and getting comfortable with your pack weight before a longer trip.

Trail Details

Distance: 6 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 907 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Spring to Fall

Getting to the Trailhead

The trailhead is found at the very back of the Buckhorn Campground, about 33 miles back from La Cañada-Flintridge off Highway 2 in the Angeles National Forest (Google map).

Trail Description

Start at the Burkhart Trail and head down. Yes, this is one of those trails where the elevation gain is all on the way out. Some people prefer to get the vertical out of the way first, but that’s not really an option for this trip. But it’s worth it. 

The trail descends down a mostly shady canyon with a babbling creek at the bottom. The Buckhorn Campground provides car camping, and a lot of people were exploring and playing in the creek not far from the trailhead. We soon left them behind as we traveled further down.

I was surprised to see a number of redwood trees — an unusual site in southern California.

At the 1.2 mile mark, the trail reaches a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. The falls are to the right only  a few hundred yards down the trail. You’ll have to scramble down the embankment to reach them, and there was a handy rope to make getting down (and back up) a bit easier.

Look for the steep scramble down to the base of the falls.

I was surprised to see fairly decent-sized fish swimming in the pool below the falls! The waterfall and creek were beautiful in spite of the drought. In wetter years as the snow melts, Cooper Canyon Falls are spectacular.

Here’s a shot from Kolby “The Hike Guy” Kirk taken during his 2011 hike on the PCT:

Doubling back to the junction, we took the PCT toward the Cooper Canyon Campground. This was about 1.5 miles up another canyon, and we ran into a group of PCT thru-hikers headed the same way. The campground itself feels quite developed, even though you have to hike back there. There are two pit toilets, picnic tables and plenty of area for tents — making it suitable for groups. And the creek runs just behind the camp area, providing a water source.

Personally I wouldn’t choose this camp for a quiet getaway, but for a group looking for an easy way to test the waters and give backpacking a try, this could be ideal. And it gives you a chance to actually backpack a section of the epic Pacific Crest Trail.

Cooper Canyon Falls Trail Map

Cooper Canyon Photo Gallery

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Cooper Canyon Tips

• No permits are required for the Cooper Canyon Camp. There are six, first-come, first-serve hike-in sites.
• Water is typically available from the stream at Cooper Canyon Camp, but should be treated. Flow may be low or non-existent in dry years during the height of summer.
• An Adventure Pass is required to park at the Burkhart Trailhead.
• After the hike, grab a burger and a beer at a favorite biker destination — Newcomb’s Ranch on your way back.

Cooper Canyon Weather Forecast

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Trail Details

Distance: 5.4 miles
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 50 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round

We made it to the Mattole Trailhead by 5:30pm. The shuttle service provided us with a great King Range map and a tide chart that I actually preferred to my own (we were prepared, of course). We filled out and filed our permit at the self-service station and decided that we’d start hiking tonight and leave the car campers behind.

The Lost Coast Trail starts out in the soft, dry sand dotted with ice plant. Hiking in soft sand is an interesting experience. You have to shorten your stride and slow your pace. The best advice I heard was to try not to use your toes. I’m not sure why, but it seemed to help as we plodded along. The views were beautiful. The beach strewn with driftwood, seaweed and all sorts of interesting shells and artifacts.

Soon sand gave way to wave-smoothed pebbles and rocks that crunched under our boots. Hiking the Lost Coast Trail is an art. Most of the time there isn’t an established path — except on the flats — and along the beach your challenge is to find the most efficient surface for hiking. Sometimes that’s the freshly wet set near the surf. Other times its nearest the bluffs where the dirt, stone and sand provide some semblance of stability. Overlaid on a map, our GPS tracks might make us look like drunken sailors, but there was a method to our madness.

When you’re lucky there are bits of real trail on solid ground. Take them. They may not last, as the coastline and the bluffs are constantly in flux, but enjoy them when you can. Every time we made the transition from sand to solid ground, it felt like we turned the turbochargers on.

Our first obstacle was the point up ahead, right at the 2.5 mile mark. We knew had to make it around that point before high tide, when it becomes impassable. No problem. We had our tide charts, had planned ahead and knew we could walk right around it.

As we neared the mouth of Four Mile Creek, we spied our first of several private cabins on the Lost Coast. It’s surprising to see a cabin out here where there are no roads, no power lines or utilities.  They private cabins are all rustic and weathered, and most are no longer habitable — long overtaken by the combination of neglect and the harsh wind, rain and weather of the Lost Coast. Not surprising when you consider that this area often receives over 100 inches of rain per year. 

This particular cabin looked to be in pretty good shape, with an outhouse that had a half door, so you could enjoy the view from your throne. This is as close as we got. These cabins are all private and as curious as we were, we didn’t want to trespass or infringe on their privacy.

We continued on, and soon spied the famous Punta Gorda lighthouse. This historic light house was built in 1910 after a number of fatal shipwrecks on the rocks off the coast. It’s unique in that it’s on the mainland, and it’s short, squat lighthouse. It remained in operation until 1961, when new technology replaced the need for the lighthouse.

We were able to explore the lighthouse and climb up the rusty iron spiral staircase to the top. It’s in remarkably good condition even  a century later.

The Punta Gorda Lighthouse is 3.75 miles from the Mattole trailhead, making it a great day hike destination for campers. Starting late in the day as we had, we say one other couple who were returning from the lighthouse. These would be the only two people we saw on the trail today.

The sun was dipping lower, and we were aiming to reach Sea Lion Gulch for our first night’s camp, about 1.25 miles further down the coast.

We found a campsite on the bluff overlooking the gulch.

Sea Lion Gulch is so-named because sea lions and seals frequent the rocks just off the coast. Indeed, there was a cranky old sea lion with is deep wails and the barks of the seals to confirm that we had arrived.

Our campsite gave us a great view down the coast. The next four miles of the trail were impassable at high tide, so by starting here, we could time our entry as the tide was receding and make sure we didn’t get caught by the incoming tide.

Lost Coast Trail: Day One Map

Day One of the Lost Coast: Photo Gallery

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Lost Coast Trail Tips

• You can camp anywhere on the Lost Coast, but use previously established campsites whenever possible, to minimize impact on the environment.
• Carry a tide chart and know where the impassable sections are! While in those sections, keep an eye on the ocean. A rogue wave can sneak up at any time, and unsuspecting hikers have been swept out to sea.
• There is zero cell phone reception on the Lost Coast Trail. You’ll have to use backcountry smarts to handle any emergency that arises. Of course, you’re carrying the Ten Essentials, right?
• Be sure to start at the beginning, with our Overview of the Lost Coast Trail.
• We didn’t have any rain on our trip (July is historic a low-rainfall on this otherwise very wet trail). Even so, we had to use our rain fly every night. Anything that wasn’t covered got soaked with condensation from the fog. So cover up!

Our first day on the Lost Coast was memorable. We felt the solitude of the trail, and the beauty and history of this rugged coastline. We drifted to sleep serenaded by the waves crashing on the rocks below.

Next, read Day 2 on the Lost Coast Trail: Sea Lion Gulch to Spanish Flat.

Shelter Cove Weather Forecast

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The Lost Coast Trail

Overview of the Lost Coast Trail

• Day 1: Mattole Beach to Sea Lion Gulch You are here!
• Day 2: Sea Lion Gulch to Spanish Flat
• Day 3: Spanish Flat to Miller Flat
• Day 4: Miller Flat to Shelter Cove

 The magical, mystical Metolius River is one of the many reasons we loved visiting Central Oregon during our spring break road trip. This short river springs from the side of a mountain, has lush forested banks and surreal blue water. Our friend Kolby (aka The Hike Guy) had recommended this trail over dinner in Bend the night before. It was even better than we imagined.

Trail Details

Distance: 4.6 miles
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 250 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Spring-Fall

The fish hatchery is working to restore the natural balance, and is itself an interesting destination. Parking is free, and you can wander around the hatchery to see how they transfer fish from tank to tank. Don’t miss the “escapee” pond, where some unusually large fish are enjoying their retirement. The spot is also a favorite hangout for the fish-loving local bald eagles, often seen flying nearby.

From the parking lot at Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery, face south and you’ll see the trailhead for the Metolius River Trail. This trail winds along the western bank of the Metolius, sometimes climbing  the hills where the incline is too steep; other times running right next the river’s edge.

One of the first and most striking features of the Metolius River is the brilliant blue water. It’s crystal clear with an iridescence that is captivating.

We hiked along the trail, sometimes tracking further inland and higher up the hills. The river is flanked by towering pine trees, and lush micro-landscapes along the way.

The real surprise of this out-and-back trail were the falls. These were our destination, and are astounding. Across the fast-moving Metolius springs a waterfall right out of the side of the mountain. There is no stream feeding it — it just appears and cascades into the the river.

Geologists used to believe this water came from an underground spring at nearby Black Butte, but current thinking is that it actually follows underground lava tubes from miles away. Either way, it is remarkable to see a waterfall streaming from the side of a mountain.

Metolius River Trail Map

Photo Gallery

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Metolius River Trail Tips

• Spend some time exploring the fish hatchery. It’s pretty interesting in itself. Don’t miss the “escapee pond.”
• Layer for unexpected changes in weather, and bring the ten essentials.

More Metolius River Resources

• Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery – official website
• GPS user? Download the GPX file (right-click and save as)

Book Recommendation

One of the hiking books that I really liked for the Bend area is Bend, Overall by Scott Cook. This book is written in a fun, casual style but has a lot of trails with some great details.

Highly recommended.

Metolius River Weather Forecast

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The Deschutes River Trail is a wonderful river-front loop that starts at the edge of the Old Mill district in Bend, and magically transforms into a remarkable wilderness trail before you know it. This is an out-of-bounds trail — meaning that it’s not in Southern California. In fact, it’s in Bend, Oregon — our third destination from our spring break road trip.

Trail Details

Distance: 3.7 miles
Time: 60-80 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 50 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round

We had parked near the Deschutes River at the public park and were kind of turned off initially. It started out as a paved path with a lot of moms and strollers. Now I’ve got nothing against moms or strollers, but that wasn’t my idea of a hiking trail. We stuck with it for a little further, and as we passed under the bridge, the pavement ended and the dirt began.

The trail meanders along the pine-forested shore of the Deschutes River, traveling upstream on land that the city was able to negotiate easements for. And while nearby condos peak through the trees on the hills above the river, it really does feel more “wild” than “city.”

The river runs through steep-walled canyon. It was warm enough to get by with just a fleece, but there were still a few patches of snow.

At 0.6 miles we passed under the Reed Market Road bridge, and the trail becomes much more natural.

It’s not uncommon to see geese, ducks and other birds feeding along the banks of the Deschutes River.

Just before the 2 mile mark, you reach a pedestrian bridge that crosses the river. This is the turnaround point; the trail does not continue further upstream.

While the turnaround point might sound almost like an out-and-back route in concept, in reality, it feels more like a loop. The scenery and views are entirely different returning along the opposite bank of the Deschutes. This is also where we encountered the biggest climb on an otherwise gentle, almost flat trail.

At the 2.5 mile mark, the trail follows a short boardwalk around a underground hydroelectric power plant. You’ll see the signs to “stay on the trail” and it’s obvious where the water from the plant rejoins the Deschutes. What’s remarkable is how they were able to build this in such an unobtrusive manner. If I didn’t know there was a hydroelectric power plant there, I might not have even noticed. It blends right in with the natural setting of the river.

At 3.0 miles, the trail becomes a paved path, once again passing under the Reed Market Road bridge and heading through Farewell Bend Park. There are restrooms here, and a rock-climbing playground for children. They start young in Bend.

The Deschutes River Trail was an easy, scenic hike. It’s right in town, so you’ll see locals hitting the trail for a lunch-time trail run. It’s close enough to the Old Mill shopping district that some might opt to hike while others go shopping. And there are several great breweries in the area to whet your whistle afterwards.

Deschutes River Trail Map

Photo Gallery

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Bend Resources

• Bend Parks & Recreation Trail List
• Old Mill District – They’ve got a great REI!
• Read more about our trip to Bend, Oregon

Book Recommendation

One of the hiking books that I really liked for the Bend area is Bend, Overall by Scott Cook. This book is written in a fun, casual style but has a lot of trails with some great details. Highly recommended.

Bend Weather Forecast

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The Trail Canyon Trail isn’t a product of the Office of Redundancy Department (or the Ministry of Silly Walks, for that matter). Trail Canyon refers to the trail of gold flakes seen swirling down the creek at the bottom of the canyon. At the turn of the 20th century, miners worked the creek, but the trail didn’t lead to any riches.

The real gold of Trail Canyon is the scenery: rugged and steep canyon walls containing a babbling creek and a beautiful waterfall.

Trail Details

Distance: 5.5 miles
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1260 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Spring

We hiked to Lazy Lucas Camp — a single campsite named for Tom Lucas, a grizzly bear hunter and one of the first forest rangers in the San Gabriel Timberland Reserve — now known as the Angeles National Forest.

Getting to the Trailhead

The turnoff to Trail Canyon Road

There is a parking area about 0.4 miles off Big Tujunga Canyon Road at 19607 N. Trail Canyon Road. Click the pin on this map to calculate driving directions.

A couple notes about this dirt road. There is a gate that is sometimes closed. It only adds 0.4 miles each way (0.8 total) to hike in, so you can park and hike in if the gate is closed. Do not block the gate, as there are residents in the canyon who need to get in and out.

Also, the road narrows to one lane in a couple of sections. Proceed with caution. Finally, you’ll see a fork in the road at the crest of the first hill. Stay to the right to reach our trailhead.

There are conflicting reports about whether you need to display an Adventure Pass to park at this trailhead. I have an annual pass (highly recommended) and didn’t have to take any chances.

Hiking the Trail Canyon Trail

We parked amid a cluster of cabins dating back to the 1920’s. There is some shade here, and a marker pointing the direction toward the trailhead. There’s an information sign as well as a trail register.

Just beyond the sign, you’ll see a gated dirt road that heads up the canyon. You immediately cross the creek — the first of 24 creek crossings  — and follow the dirt road as it clings to the canyon wall.

Soon you pass the last standing cabin, and the trail continues on a now abandoned jeep trail. You’ll pass a sign with an ominous warning: “TRAIL NOT MAINTAINED — HAZARDS MAY EXIST.” You’re on the right path.

0.8 Miles – The trail winds around a ridge and down toward the creek again. Reaching a hairpin turn, the old jeep trail beds downstream toward the ruins of an old cabin. You may see the rusty remains of it’s contents piled for pickup, like some sort of rusty yard sale. But here’s where the trail gets better. Bear right and head down towards the creek.

For the next 1/2 mile, you follow the creek, criss-crossing the water several times, climbing over and ducking under fallen tree trunks. It wasn’t especially difficult, but it was fun. You may have to pause a few times to find your way, but it was one of our favorite sections of the trail.

At 1.2 miles, the trail begins climbing up the west side of the canyon.

This section of the trail is exposed, but soon we were rewarded with sweeping views back down the canyon.

At 1.8 miles, we caught our first glimpse of Trail Canyon Falls below.

At about 2 miles, there is an unofficial spur trail that descends steeply with several treacherous spots. For many people, this is as far as they go. We opted to continue to Lazy Lucas Camp, and would visit the base of the falls on our way back.

The trail again criss-crosses the creek several times above the falls. We followed the trail up the canyon and at the 2.8 mile mark, we reached Lazy Lucas Camp. This is a single campsite with an iron fire ring. Note that the sign at the trailhead warned that this area was open for day use only and no campfires — so while backpacking to this spot may once again be an option in the future, it’s limited to a comfortable place to take a snack break for now.

We rested and munched on trail snacks — then started backtracking down the canyon. At the 4 mile mark, we again reached the spur that leads to the base of the falls. This “trail” requires some scrambling confidence to tackle, but yields a close-up view of a pretty spectacular waterfall.

We followed the trail back to the trailhead, counting the creek crossings on our return. In total there were 24 creek crossings — 12 each way. Take care to look for the pink ribbons tied to tree branches to help you find the trail, and the occasional stone cairn.

I did a short exploratory hike to some of the ruins of the cabins that no longer stood. It’s amazing to think how these were built, and what this canyon must’ve looked like before the fire.

When we got back to our car, there were about ten other cars now parked in the lot. While the trail wasn’t crowded by any means, we did encounter several other groups of hikers. In contrast to the over-crowded Eaton Canyon Falls, this was a welcome change.

The Trail Canyon Falls hike was one of Joan’s favorites. It combines a lot of great features — interesting terrain, a cool creek and beautiful waterfall. This is a trail I’ll happily hike again.

Trail Canyon Trail Map

Trail Canyon Photo Gallery

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Trail Canyon Tips

• This trail is unmaintained. There is poison oak and some of the dreaded Poodle Dog Bush, so long pants and long sleeves are highly recommended. Several of the hikers in our group hiked beyond to the remains of Big Cienega Camp, but reported that the trail was very difficult to locate and required a great deal of bushwhacking.
• The many creek crossing require you pay close attention for trail markers to stay on the trail. Look for cairns (stacks of stones) or the occasional pink ribbon tied to branches to mark the trail.
• The spur trail down to the base of the falls is treacherous and requires scrambling.
• Joan and I agreed that we were glad we brought our trekking poles on this hike.

More Trail Canyon Resources

• Looking for a challenge? You can extend this hike up to Condor Peak and you’ll log 16 miles and 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Casey over at Modern Hiker has a great write-up, as well as pre-Station Fire photos.
• Dan Simpson shares his perspective on the trail from his June 2012 hike.
• Love waterfalls? Check out these hikes.

Trail Canyon Weather Forecast

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Eaton Canyon Falls are often flowing in the spring, especially after Los Angeles has had a few good rainstorms. This hike takes you to a genuine waterfall right in Los Angeles and one of the easier ones to get to — which is both good and bad. I’ll get to that later.

Trail Details

Distance: 4.0 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 476 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round

The original nature center was destroyed in a wildfire in 1993, then rebuilt and reopened in 1998. In the center you’ll find a small gift shop, maps, information and full restrooms. From the center, head north toward the mountain.

The first 1.4 miles is an easy, wide trail that follows the Eaton Canyon wash. On weekends there are runners, dog-walkers and families with strollers. It feels more like a pleasant suburban stroll than a hike.

At 1.4 miles you’ll pass under a bridge for the Mt. Wilson Toll Road. This road isn’t normally open to public traffic, but hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers frequently take the route to the higher points in the range.

Here the scenery takes a turn for the better. The canyon narrows, and you hear the sound of the babbling creek spilling over rocks. The trail crosses the creek many times, with fairly easy rock-hopping. As you progress deeper into the canyon, you can see the remains of an old flood control system and enjoy the cool shade of the alder trees.

After about 0.5 miles, you’ll hear the sound of the falls. And (unless you’re lucky) you’ll see people. Lots and lots of people.

It’s a beautiful canyon with great waterfall that’s easy to get to. Waterfall = wilderness tourist magnet. 

Most of the people I saw at the falls were not hikers. They were tourists curious about a “wilderness experience” right in Los Angeles. And so Eaton Canyon Falls gets really busy. Along with the crowds come other problems, like trail erosion, trash, occasional graffiti and even stupidity.

Every year, people who don’t really know what they are doing are tempted to try and reach the upper falls, resulting in several deaths every year and numerous rescues. In 2012 alone there were 92 rescues — 30 by aircraft — and four fatalities.

So even though you may have the skills to safely ascend the treacherous, unmaintained trail to the upper falls, consider the example you set for the inexperienced young people who will follow your footsteps — and don’t do it. There are other places where you can push limits and take risks, but this shouldn’t be one of them.

Parting Shot

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how much is a video worth? You’ve read what I say about the crowds. This super-short video drives it home

Eaton Canyon Waterfall Trail Map

Photo Gallery

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Eaton Canyon Tips

• Beat the crowds by going on a weekday or getting their early. This place turns into a zoo on the weekends.
• Consider other visiting a different waterfall. Eaton Canyon Falls are beautiful, but there are other waterfalls that aren’t quite as crowded. Generally speaking, the harder is it to get to, the less crowded it will be.

More Eaton Canyon Resources

• Eaton Canyon Nature Center

Eaton Canyon Weather Forecast

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Los Piños Peak sits at 4,455 feet above sea level in the Cleveland National Forest, just west of the Main Divide between Orange and Riverside Counties. There are other more strenuous routes to this summit, but this route is made easier because you start at over 3,000 feet. Instead of approaching from Orange County, you reach this trail from Ortega Highway. 

Trail Details

Distance: 5.3 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1350 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round

Getting to the Trailhead

We parked at the junction of the Main Divide Truck Trail and Long Canyon Road — very near the Blue Jay and Falcon campgrounds. There is a gate here that is sometimes locked. It was open this weekend, but the road to the Los Pinos Trail requires a high-clearance vehicle and preferably four-wheel drive. We opted to hike this section, but you could drive this with the proper vehicle. We put our Adventure Pass on display, parked and headed up the Main Divide.

The first 1.7 miles is a gravel road aptly described as a truck trail — it’s very bumpy and when the gates are open, you will likely be passed by the occasional Jeep, dirt bike or mountain biker. But there are some great views to the east, including Lake Elsinore in the valley below.

At the 1.7 mile mark, you’ll reach a small gravel parking area and a sturdy metal rail. This marks the trailhead of the Los Piños Trail.

Don’t think you have to head straight up this steep, gravelly incline (though many do). Cross the rail and bear to the right and you’ll find the official trailhead, which takes a gentler but slightly longer route up. Both routes converge near the shoulder of the first hill, so feel free to take your pick.

The trail follows the ridgeline closely, in a roller coaster style to the summit. The north side of the ridge is covered in the namesake pine or “piños” trees.

While the trail fairly well maintained, it is gravelly in spots. I recommend boots or trail shoes with good traction. Trekking poles would be a nice to have in some sections.

The Summit of Los Piños

The views from the summit were beautiful. There is a summit register to sign, and our trail mascot Yoda got to meet the #SexyBikiniPanda. He wasn’t overly impressed. soak in the views before you retrace your steps to the car.

Bluejay to Los Piños Summit Trail Map

Los Piños Photo Gallery

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Special Thanks

I hiked this with a group of other outdoor bloggers from around Southern California — as part of a Tweetup. Thanks to my lovely wife Joan of theSCvibe.com; Campfire Kam and Alex; Josh of CaliforniaThroughMyLens; ringleader Pete of East-West Hike; Alyx at Shoestring Adventures; Eileen from Rockgrrl.com and Zac from OPAdventures for taking part in this weekend tweetup.

Los Piños Tips

• There can be snow up here. If the snow levels drop below 4,000 feet, be prepared.
• There is no water and very little shade along the trail. Bring two liters and wear a hat and sun protection.
• A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for parking at the trailhead.

More Los Piños Resources

• Nearby camping is available at the Blue Jay and Falcon campgrounds. Reservations required.
• Los Pinos Peak via the Main Divide Road – Brian and Ashley’s Hiking Blog

Los Piños Weather Forecast

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Temescal Canyon in the Pacific Palisades provides a beautiful setting for a short hike. Wooded canyon? Check. Great exercise with a challenging climb? Check. Beautiful panoramic views of the Pacific coastline? This hike has all of the above. We checked this trail out late on a Saturday afternoon and were able to enjoy the sunset from Temescal Ridge.

Trail Details

Distance: 3.1 miles
Time: 60-80 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 545 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Year-round

Getting to the Trailhead

This hiking trail begins and ends in Temescal Gateway Park, located at 15601 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades (at the intersection of Temescal Canyon Road and Sunset Boulevard). You can either find free parking on Temescal Canyon Road or pay for parking in the park. When we visited, parking fee was $7 for the day. As you head into the canyon, you’ll reach a series of buildings that are part of a conference center. There are restrooms here, as well as an information kisok with details on the history of the canyon and a map. Note that the maps show only the trails in the Temescal Gateway Park, and not the adjacent Topanga State Park (which this trail travels through).

Trail Description

We headed  into the Temescal Canyon, watching for the signs to the trailhead. Although you could hike this in either direction, we wanted to take the Temescal Ridge Trail up to catch the sun before it set. We knew it would be getting dark on our way back, so we brought along our headlamps.

The trail was easy to locate, and begins immediately climbing steeply up the side of the canyon.

As you enter Topanga State Park, you’re reminded that dogs are not allowed on the trail. The trails twists and turns to climb quickly out of the canyon, then settles to a more gradual incline when you reach the ridge. There are several places along the way with great views of the coastline, so take time to stop and enjoy them.

The mid-point of the loop is almost exactly at the 1.5 mile mark. We reached the junction with the Temescal Canyon Trail. We departed from the ridge and began our descent into the canyon.

The Temescal Canyon Trail is much more shaded, with trees and brush often creating a tunnel of foliage to hike through.

At 1.9 miles, we reached the bridge overlooking what at times is probably an wonderful waterfall. Sadly, we haven’t had any measurable rain in a long while, so the best it could muster was a trickle. We will definitely return in the spring after we’ve had some good rain.

The last mile gently slopes down the bottom of the tree-lined Temescal Canyon. At this point, it was dark enough that we needed to flip on our headlamps. The crowds that swarmed the park earlier had disappeared and we had the trail to ourselves.

Finally we reached the conference center, passing a series of buildings and making our way back to the parking lot.

This was a little hike, and I can see why it’s popular with local trail runners. I’ll be back again to visit the waterfall and creek after we’ve had some rain.

Temescal Canyon Trail Map

Photo Gallery

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Temescal Canyon Tips

• Pay for parking in Temescal Gateway Park, or find free parking outside of the park

More Temescal Canyon Resources

• Top Trails: Los Angeles by Jerry Schad
• Temescal Gateway Park – official website
• Temescal Canyon Trail Map – printable PDF

Temescal Canyon Weather Forecast

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Few people know that Orange County is actually home to several natural lakes. Most “lakes” are actually man-made reservoirs, but the Laguna Lakes in Laguna Canyon are the real deal, and Barbara’s Lake is the largest in the chain.

This moderate hike in Laguna Canyon’s James Dilley Preserve gives you a glimpse into a rare wilderness island in a sea of suburbia. In the canyon, you step back in time where the hills, lakes and landscape hasn’t changed much over the years.

Trail Details

Distance: 3.12 miles
Time: ~90 min.
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 679 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Year-round

Getting to the James Dilley Preserve

The James Dilley Preserve is a part of the Laguna Canyon Wilderness, and is located off of Laguna Canyon Road just north of Highway 73. There is a small gravel parking lot with a $3 parking fee. You can lookup turn-by-turn directions here on Google Maps.

The Trail

There are a number of trails that criss-cross the preserve. We wanted a decent climb with some views. That meant only one thing. Heading up the steep Blackjack Trail to the ridge line.

We started out on the gentle Canyon Trail. This follows the bottom of the canyon all the way to the end, but we would not be taking that route for long. About 0.25 miles in we reached the Blackjack Trail heading nearly straight up the hill to our right. That was our route.

The Blackjack Trail is steep, but not long. Once you reach the top, you’ve already covered most of the elevation gain for this loop.

Looking back down the Blackjack Trail, the views of Laguna Canyon begin to open up.

The next mile you follow the ridge line toward the north. You are traveling along the eastern border of the preserve. To your left is Laguna Canyon. To your right, you have the suburban sprawl known as Aliso Viejo.

At the 0.92 mile mark, you reach a junction with the Woods End Trail. This climbs up the hill from El Toro Road, and is another entrance point to the park. It’s steep, but convenient for folks living in the area.

At 1.34 miles, the trail splits in two. To the left is the Gravel Trail, which heads directly down to the canyon. Stick to the right, on the Edison Trail — apparently so-named because of the power lines looming above. The Edison Trail also descends into the valley, but takes you right past the largest natural lake in Orange County – Barbara’s Lake.

The trail continues along the east side of Barbara’s Lake, then connects with the Gravel Trail. Turn left here, then an immediate right at the Lake Trail. This trail follows Laguna Canyon for the last mile back to your starting point.

The parking area is open daily from 8am to 5pm.

Ridgeline Loop Trail Map in James Dilley Preserve

Photo Gallery

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James Dilley Preserve Resources

• Barbara’s Lake Hike – WalkSimply
• Laguna Coast Wilderness Park – official website

Laguna Canyon Weather Forecast

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Pinnacles National Park is a gem hidden in plain sight. It’s one of the youngest National Parks in the system–having been promoted to NP status in 2013–yet many of the trails date back over a hundred years. Back then Schuyler Hain — the “Father of Pinnacles” led tours up Bear Valley to the caves. He spoke out in support of preserving Pinnacles, and in 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt established Pinnacles as a National Monument.

Trail Details

Distance: 4.63 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1588 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Year-round
Download the GPX

We began our out-and-back hike at the Peaks View trailhead, hiking a short distance on the Bench Trail before heading up the woodsy Bear Gulch Trail and eventually ascending to the Condor Gulch Overlook.

Getting to Pinnacles National Park

To say that Pinnacles National Park is off the beaten path would be an understatement. It over an hour away from any major freeway, and I was happy that it’s not surrounded by development (yet). Heading from San Francisco it’s a pleasant drive down Highway 101, then south on Highway 25. We stopped to pickup some lunch in Hollister, and made our way to the park.

Getting to Pinnacles from Los Angeles is another matter. It’s about 80 miles to Interstate 5 with very little civilization inbetween, so be sure you’ve fueled up before heading to the park. Driving home to LA was about  260 miles and  4-1/2 hours driving time. The Road Less Traveled? We found it. Beautiful back roads that most folks never see as they speed up the Central Valley.

Note that there is a eastern entrance and a western entrance to Pinnacles NP — and never the twain shall meet. For this hike, you should enter the park from the east. 

Look up turn-by-turn driving directions to the eastern entrance here on Google Maps.

Did You Know?

Rhyolitic breccia is the rock that the High Peaks and other rock formations at Pinnacles are made of. Rhyolite breccia is composed of lava sand, ash, and angular chunks of rock that were explosively ejected from the Pinnacles Volcano.

Hiking to the Condor Gulch Overlook

Many people drive back to Bear Gulch where there is a seasonal visitor center and some trailhead parking. On the day after Thanksgiving, the lot was full, and we had to park closer to the entrance. My initial disappointment at having to adjust our plan quickly turned into delight. The relatively level Bench Trail provides stunning views of the peaks as in wanders beside the dry (in November) Chalone Creek.

We followed this to the first of many bridges we would cross as we wound our way up the Bear Gulch Trail.

Bear Gulch was incredibly scenic. A narrow canyon with steep walls and a small creek, it felt very much like fall with crunchy leaves and cool air. There were a few small waterfalls in late November, but other sections of the creek had dried up completely. In springtime it would be amazing.

At 1.4 miles we reached the the parking area at Bear Gulch, where you’ll find a number of park buildings including a seasonal visitor center and a parking lot. There are restroom facilities immediately across from the parking, and the Condor Gulch Trail begins just north of there. Follow the signs up… up… and up. You’ll be climbing steadily from here to the overlook, gaining about 760 feet in just under a mile.

At the 2.7 mile mark (or about 1 mile from the Bear Gulch parking area), we reached the Condor Gulch Overlook. The overlook provides a great view back down through Condor Gulch. You can see where the water has carved out depressions in the volcanic rock, and after a storm this would be alive with waterfalls.

The Overlook would be our turnaround point for this short out-and-back hike. We soaked in the views and appreciated the fact that our mostly uphill climb was going to be an easy downhill jaunt back to the trailhead.

I took a few moments to capture some macros of the lichen with my iPhone and my Olloclip.

Final Thoughts

Joan and I loved Pinnacles National Park, and next time will camp here so we have more time to hike and explore. We will return to hike the High Peaks Trail, and visit the caves (not always open due to the mating season for the bats).

Pinnacles NP is fairly small compared to the “big” National Parks and even though it was busy on the holiday weekend, it didn’t feel crowded. It’s off the beaten path, and that no doubt contributes to the smaller “feel” of the park. I liked that.

Condor Gulch Overlook Trail Map

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Pinnacles National Park Tips

• Get there before 10am on busy days (any holiday weekend). This is a no-brainer at most National Parks, but I had never been to Pinnacles before and wasn’t sure what to expect. As it turns out, the parking nearest the caves in Bear Gulch is pretty limited and fills up quickly.
• This place gets hot and dry in the summer. Bring more water than you think you’ll need.
• Pinnacles is an outstanding deal as far as National Parks go. It’s only $5 to get in, and the pass is good for seven days.

Pinnacles National Park Resources

• Pinnacles National Park – official website
• Campsite Reservations – managed via Recreation.gov

Pinnacles National Park Weather Forecast

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The Verdugo Mountains sit between the San Gabriel Mountains and the Santa Monica Mountains, towering like an island above Glendale and Burbank. Our first foray into these mountains was on the nearby Beaudry Motorway Loop which begins in Glendale. This time, we took in a different side of the mountain, starting in Burbank, and bagged the tallest peak in the range — Verdugo Peak.

Trail Details

Distance: 5.65 miles
Time: 60-80 min.
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 2195 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round

Getting to the Trailhead

We began in Wildwood Canyon Park (get directions via Google Maps). Maintained by the City of Burbank, Wildwood Canyon has free entrance and free parking, and is open from sunrise to sundown. We were pleasantly surprised to see deer as we drove into the park.

Inside the park, there are three main trailheads. We chose the second one. We had no trouble finding parking on a Saturday morning, and there is a restroom at the trailhead.

The Trail

The trailhead is easy to spot — just look for this stone arbor with the steps leading uphill. The trail twists and climbs rapidly, and there are a number of connecting trails. When in doubt, head uphill. But watch your head!

The weather began fairly cool in the shady, tree-lined canyon, but soon we were above the trees, climbing rapidly and shedding layers as we warmed up. Very quickly you are rewarded with views of Burbank below.

At 0.3 miles, we had a short breather as the trail mostly leveled out for a bit. At 0.5 miles, we reached the sign for the Vital Link Trail, and begain climbing nearly straight up the ridgeline.

The Vital Link Trail traces the ridgeline all the way to the Verdugo Motorway trail — which in turn traverses the backbone of the Verdugo Mountains. Vital Link is built with a series of short-but-steep switchbacks, shored to prevent erosion with barriers to discourage short-cutting the trail.

As we climbed, we stopped to catch our breath and enjoy the views, which soon grew to include Downtown Los Angeles, Palos Verdes and in the distance, Catalina Island.

At 1.5 miles, we reached the top of the Vital Link Trail. This is a good place to regroup before continuing. There is even a chair where you can rest.

There are plenty of hikers and trail runners who use the Vital Link Trail as their own outdoor workout. But we wanted to bag the tallest summit in the Verdugos — Verdugo Peak.

From the Vital Link Trail, you can choose to turn left or right on the fire road. We started out to the right, but this leads to a dead end with a cluster of communication equipment. We retraced our steps and continued for a short downhill stretch to connect with the Verdugo Motorway, then turned right, heading east toward the summit.

You will notice a number of pine trees and a mix of fairly new growth trees. This is the Warden’s Garden — part of an experimental forest planted decades ago. Most of it burned in a wildfire, but some new growth has sprung back in it’s place.

The. Best. Trail. Sign. Ever.

At 2.18 miles, we ran across proof that rangers have a wicked sense of humor.

We continued east on the Verdugo Motorway. At 2.77 miles, a spur road heads to the right up to a small communications building surrounded by five tall wood poles. This, sadly, is the summit of Verdugo Peak. We didn’t find a benchmark but it’s documented as 3,126 feet above sea level. And while the building on the summit takes away from the summit experience, it doesn’t take away from the views.

And looking towards the San Gabriel Mountains…

This is your turnaround point on the trail. We headed back along the Verdugo Motorway for about 1.25 miles, then back down the Vital Link Trail to our car.

This trail provided a great workout, and excellent views of LA and the San Gabriel Mountains. I look forward to hiking this again when the local mountains are blanketed in snow. It’s a great vantage point for taking photos of the San Gabriels.

Overview Video of the Vital Link Trail and Verdugo Peak

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Vital Link to Verdugo Peak Trail Map

Photo Gallery

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Vital Link Trail Tips

• Bring sun protection, plenty of water (I recommend 2 liters) and the 10 essentials
• Avoid hiking this trail in extreme heat
• We used trekking poles, and were glad to have them along

More Vital Link Trail Resources

• The address for Wildwood Canyon Park is 1701 Wildwood Canyon Rd, Burbank, CA 91501
• Verdugo Peak Hike – Dan’s Hiking Blog

Burbank Weather Forecast

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Trail Details

Distance: 5.9 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1800 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round
Download GPX

The weather was forecast to reach the 80s, so we wanted to hit the trail while the temperature was cooler — an important consideration on these trails as shade is scarce. The skies were clear with just a touch of morning haze hanging over LA. A perfect Verdugo morning. 

Getting to the Trailhead

There is no parking lot for the Beaudry Motorway Trailhead, but there is free street parking in this hillside residential neighborhood. You will likely see other hikers and mountain bikers. The trailhead begins at the intersection of Beaudry Blvd. and Beaudry Terrace in Glendale (Google Map). You’ll see a paved pathway heading uphill beside a fenced in spillway. This is the Beaudry Motorway Trail.

Hiking the Beaudry Motorway Loop Trail

We followed the trail up the short paved segment, passsing around this gate, reminding us of the fire danger, and headed up the canyon.

As we hiked, we spied these steps ascending to a home that no longer exists.

We continued up the trail as it wound around and began to climb up the hillside. At the 0.4 mile mark, we reached the proverbial fork in the road. It was decision time. Do we head to the right up Beaudry North? Or take the Beaudry South trail to the left?

Either route will work, as this is a loop, but we opted to head left. We had an early start, and although we would have plenty of sun exposure we were ascending in the cooler morning weather. We’d enjoy a spot of shade on the way down.

This trail climbs gradually but persistently for nearly the entire three miles up. The trail is wide and well maintained, as it’s also used for utility vehicles that need access to the equipment on the summit. We saw a number of hikers, some with dogs (they must be on leash); and a number of mountain bikers.

As we climbed, we were rewarded with 360-degree views that included La Crescenta, Glendale, the San Gabriel Mountains, Griffith Park, downtown Los Angeles, the Palos Verdes peninsula, Santiago Peak in Orange County, and even Catalina Island!

Further on, we saw some artifacts that I’d love to know more about, including these lamp posts. There were several along the ridgeline such as this one, which appears to be pointing the way to downtown LA.

Next, we came across a large, short concrete box. According to another hiking on the trail, there are several of these in the Verdugos, and they are old reservoirs no longer used.

And there were the views.

They are spectacular. Just past the first antennae we reached a junction with the Las Flores Motorway (mile 2.4), which climbs from south end of the range. We continued straight on the ridge line along what is now signed as Verdugo Motorway. Turning around to look to the south, this was our view.

The ridge line trail gently rolls along until you reach the final climb up to a cluster of radio towers on Tongva Peak used by local alt-rock station KROQ FM. Oddly, the sign on the fence insists that the street address is 1250 Beaudry Boulevard, but don’t try to find it on Google Maps (it shows up about a mile further away).

We soaked in the views and we began the descent. At 3.3 miles we reached another junction. This time, we took a hairpin right turn to head down Beaudry North Motorway. This is the final leg of our loop. As they say, it’s all downhill from here.

We had some nice shade on parts of this trail, including some pine trees from a test forest planted years ago. Most of the forest burned in a wildfire, but the trees were originally planted to test their hardiness in the climate — something the tall pines that remain stand as testament to.

The last 2.6 miles stretch was easy downhill hiking. At the final junction with Beaudry Motorway South, keep to the left unless you want to hike another lap. This takes you the final stretch back to the trailhead.

We both agreed that this trail was a winner. The views are fantastic, especially on a clear day. We look forward to hiking here when the San Gabriels are blanketed in snow this winter. And it was a great workout.

Verdugo Mountains Beaudry Motorway Loop Trail Map

Beaudry Motorway Loop Video Overview

This was a first attempt at creating a video overview of the trail. I welcome your feedback.

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Verdugo Mountains Photo Gallery

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Beaudry Motorway Loop Tips

• Take plenty of water to stay hydrated, and the 10 essentials.
• Obey the signs, particularly about no smoking (this risk of wildfires here is high)
• There is a lot of sun exposure. On hot days, I recommend hiking early or late to avoide the worst heat of the day
• The broad trail makes this hike a good candidate for evening hikes with headlamps or flashlights. The sunsets and the city light views would be fantastic.
• Aprés-hike libations? I recommend Golden Road Brewing near the 5 Freeway on the western edge of Glendale in Atwater Village. They have great food, too!

More Verdugo Mountain Resources

• Beaudry Motorway Loop to Tongva Peak – Hikespeak
• Hiking Verdugo Mountains – Modern Hiker

Verdugo Mountains Weather Forecast

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Spectacular fall color in Southern California? It exists! Just a short distance from Big Bear we found the southernmost aspen grove in California. The quaking aspen (populus tremoloids) are readily identified by the disc-like leaves about the size of a silver dollar. The slightest breeze sets these leaves in motion, leading to that “quaking” effect. It’s beautiful to see and a delight to the ears.

Trail Details

Distance: 3 miles
Time: 60-90 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 518 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round

I had heard of this Southern California grove when I was planning my Fish Creek hike on San Gorgonio, but didn’t have time to check it out. Being the first weekend of October, we thought it would be a perfect time to check it out.

Getting There

Getting to the trailhead is an adventure in itself. You take Highway 38 from Redlands up the mountains — about 30 miles to Forest Route IN02 (the sign points to the Heart Bar Equestrian Campground). This Forest Service road is gated and usually closed winters through about May. It begins as a paved road, but quickly turns to a washboard gravel road that made me thankful I was driving my Xterra.

After a few easy miles, we headed right at the fork toward Fish Creek. Here the road narrows to a single lane, and gets very rocky and rutted. You won’t need four-wheel drive, but I’d recommend an SUV or truck. We saw a couple of sedans at the trailhead, but I’d advise against that. The trailhead itself is easy to spot, with a big sign and information about the area. Parking is free and an Adventure Pass is no longer required, but you will need a free permit, which you can pickup at the Mill Creek Ranger Station on Highway 38 at Bryant.

Hiking to the Aspen Grove

The trail begins with an easy downhill jaunt to Fish Creek. As we headed down the trail, we caught glimpses of the aspen trees turning brilliant gold.

At the 0.3 mile mark, we reached Fish Creek. In spite of it being early October with very little precipitation this summer, there was still water flowing.

After crossing the creek, you’ll see a sign marking the entrance to the San Gorgonio Wilderness and noting that wilderness permits are required. Just beyond this sign, the first grove of aspen trees begins.

When you cross the creek, you reach a junction with the Fish Creek trail. To your left, the trail heads uphill toward the Fish Creek Trailhead. We headed to the right, following Fish Creek downhill to the second and larger aspen grove.

One of the unique characteristics of aspen is that unlike most trees, a grove is actually a single organism with a shared root system. So the leaves of a “grove” will turn colors at the same time, and generally the same colors. In areas where multiple groves co-mingle, this manifests itself in variations of colors.

We took our sweet time picking our way down the trail, stopping frequently to take photos or simply enjoy the beautiful colors and sounds of the aspen. There are several crossings as you head down the trail, but all easily manageable.

At the 1.4 mile mark, it looked like we had seen all of the aspen groves, and turned around. Backtrack up the same trail. We attempted to find an easily navigable route into the larger grove (seen in the featured photo at the top of this post), but the growth along the creek was pretty heavy. Instead, we enjoyed the view from across the creek.

We headed back up toward the trailhead. But before we left, we setup the hammock in the first aspen grove. We laid back and enjoyed the view.

Aspen Grove Trail Map

Photo Gallery

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Aspen Grove Tips

• Getting to the trailhead takes you up a very bumpy dirt road. I’d recommend a high-clearance vehicle.
• Adventure Pass required for trailhead parking
• Wilderness Permit required for entry into the San Gorgonio Wilderness
• Be prepared for cold weather. You’re in the mountains.
• Aprés-hike libations? Check out Hangar 24 Brewery in Redlands, right off Highway 38

Looking for more fall color in California? My friend Josh has created a list of the Best Places for Fall Color in California.

Angeles Oaks Weather Forecast

Angeles Oaks is the nearest weather station I could find. Note that the temperatures are likely to be much cooler, since you’ll be more than 8,000 feet above sea level.

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When the heat is on, the coast beckons. This easy, family-friendly hiking trail begins at the historic Pacific Palisades home of Will Rogers and loops up to Inspiration Point. The Inspiration Loop Trail is not challenging. It’s not long. But with balmy breezes, great views, and a dose of history, Inspiration Loop makes a fun outing.

Trail Details

Distance: 2.6 miles
Time: 60-80 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 662 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round
Download GPX

Will Rogers was a cowboy, a vaudeville performer, humorist, social commentator and actor. He bought the land back in the 1920s, and built a home, polo field, stable and hiking trails. When Will’s widow died, the land was given to the State of California on the condition that polo be played there every year.  Today, you can still see polo matches and take horse riding lessons.

If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.” – Will Rogers

The house and grounds are being restored to the original state. There are docent led tours of the house, and a visitors center with exhibits on the history of Will Rogers’ life and career.

We walked along the veranda of the house, then followed the path along a stone wall to the trailhead.

You might notice that the grassy area outside the house has what looks like sand traps — which in fact, they are. Will Rogers built a two-hole golf course for a friend of his who would visit. At the end of the grass area, the sign directs you to the beginning of the Inspiration Loop Trail.

We headed up the broad dirt trail in the shade of eucalyptus and oak trees.

At 0.83 miles, we reached this junction. Here we had the  choice of continuing along the fire road for .2 miles to Inspiration Point, or taking the single track trail to the right and a .4 mile scenic route. Both end up at Inspiration Point. We opted for the longer, more scenic route.

This trail at times pass under a canopy of scrub and vines. It was all dry and brown in the summer, but would  be lush and green in the springtime.

The single track trail finally emerges at the back of the the park, and the eastern boundary of Topanga State Park. There is an information board with a map of the area, and the Backbone Trail continues up this ridge.

We followed the signs directing us up the spur to Inspiration Point. The views of the area were beautiful.

From the top, we headed back down the spur to the Inspiration Loop Trail, this time heading east on the fire road. This trail soon turns south and downward along the ridge, meeting back up at the “golf course.”

Inspiration Loop Trail Map

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Will Rogers State Historic Park Tips

• Parking is $12. If that seems steep, just remember that you’re supporting the State Park system.
• Check the Will Rogers Polo Club schedule. They play regularly at the field near the parking lot. If you haven’t seen a polo match, it’s entertaining.
• Allow time to stop in the visitor center. It’s worth checking out, and you’ll learn a lot about Will Rogers.

More Will Rogers State Historic Park Resources

• Driving Directions
• Will Rogers State Historic Park – Official web site
• Will Rogers State Historic Park Brochure (PDF)
• The Backbone Trail

Will Rogers State Historic Park Weather Forecast

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Hiking Echo Mountain via the Sam Merrill Trail is a rewarding experience, rich with history. First, Echo Mountain itself is the site of the ruins of the Echo Mountain House — a hotel built in the late 1800’s by Thaddeus Lowe. There were no roads to this hotel — you reached it by an incline railway that climbed over 1,000 feet. The hotel burned to the ground in a fire, but there are remnants of the grandeur that once shone brightly atop Echo Mountain.

In the 1940s, Sam Merrill felt it was important to maintain a hiking trail to the ruins, and worked tirelessly to clear a path. As a young man, Merrill had spent time with John Muir — and the experience had a profound impact on him. And so the trail bears his name.

Sunset Magazine declares the Sam Merrill Trail one of the “Top 45 Hikes in the West,” and USA Today include the Sam Merrill trail in a list of “Ten Great North American Hikes.” Whether it lives up to these claims is for you to decide, but it is a great hike, with a climb that will give your legs a workout, and reward you with expansive views over Los Angeles.

Trail Details

Distance: 5.8 miles
Time: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1503 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round

Getting to the Trailhead

The trailhead begins at the intersection of East Loma Alta Drive and Lake Avenue in Altadena, at the entrance to the Cobb Estate. You can park on the street, but read the signs carefully. When I went, I found the best parking on East Loma Alta, but there is no parking after 10pm. Consider yourself warned.

The Trail

Pass through the gates to the Cobb Estate and follow the decrepit driveway to the first bend. You’ll see a sign taking you off the driveway to the right, and towards a ravine.

Walk all the way up to the ravine, then turn left, heading toward the mountain.

You’ll cross the ravine along a spillway, and the trail quickly begins it’s ascent, climbing for another of switchbacks with few opportunities for shade. As you climb, you’ll pass a series of power line towers that roughly mark the half-way point to the summit. It’s a good time to stop for a drink of water and to catch your breath.

Soon, you’re looking down on Altadena, Pasadena and Los Angeles proper beyond. It’s surprising how quickly you climb, and how much the view expands!

The trail is well-engineered and well maintained. There are a few points where the trail has been shored up with boards, creating a steep drop if you were to step off the trail. Keep your eyes on the trail and you’ll be fine. If you want to soak in the views, stop first, then look around.

As you reach the top, you’ll find several other trail junctions. These lead further up the mountain to Inspiration Point, Mt. Lowe and beyond to Mt. Markham and San Gabriel. Bear to the right, as the trail levels out and heads southeast. You’re now walking on what used to be the bed of the Mt. Lowe Railway.

You’re almost to the summit. As you get closer, you’ll run across reminders of the once-great mountain railway, including a section of rail and parts of an old engine. It’s hard to imagine, but over a hundred years ago, the wealthy Angelinos would ride up to these mountains, where they could bowl, or play tennis, or raise a pint at the pub. Now we earn that frothy beverage with sweat and many steps.

The trail ends at the ruins of the Echo Mountain House. There are steps leading up to the foundation of the long-gone hotel, and a number of interesting historical markers that tell the story of Thaddeus Lowe’s ill-fated venture.

The gears from the incline rail are massive.

As you explore the ruins of the Echo Mountain House, you’ll see the “Echo Phone” pointed over Rubio Canyon. Don’t be shy… shout into it, and discover why this is known as Echo Mountain.

From the top of the steps, we shared a potluck with cheese, crackers, chips and dips. We watched the sunset, and the lights of the City of Angels rise. The air cooled, but not uncomfortably so in the summer.

We hiked down in groups of 3 or 4, using our headlamps to illuminate the path. The trip down goes much faster, though we had to exercise extra caution in the darkness. Did the hike live up to the hype? I wouldn’t put it at the top ten in North America, but it’s a wonderful hike that is worth tackling. And doing it in the evening to catch the sunset? Breathtaking.

History of Echo Mountain and the Mt. Lowe Railway

Here’s a great video that shows what it was like riding the funicular up the 1300′ climb to the Echo Mountain House. A lot easier than hiking it, but not nearly as rewarding.

This video details the history of the ill-fated Mt. Lowe Railway and the other sites Thaddeus Lowe had built on the mountain.

Echo Mountain via Sam Merrill Trail Map

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Tips for Hiking Echo Mountain

• This trail has a lot of exposure. If it’s a warm day, it will be a hot trail. Plan accordingly.
• There is no water available. Bring more than you think you’ll need.
• Plan time to check out the remains of the historic Echo Mountain House.

More Echo Mountain Resources

• Thanks to the great folks from SoCal Happy Hour Backpacking Meetup for letting me join them on the trail. They have been hiking this trail (almost) every Wednesday night for over five years. And special thanks to my son Dan for joining me on the trail during his visit from Florida.
• For a longer hike and a different perspective, read about Modern Hiker’s Echo Mountain plus Inspiration Point hike.
• Apres-hike libations? Check out the Altadena Ale House.

Echo Mountain Weather Forecast

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Malibu Creek State Park was one of the first areas I hiked when I moved to Southern California. This easy out-and-back trail travels alongside Malibu Creek through some great terrain and old growth oak trees, with a special bonus — a visit to the site of the Robert Altman’s 1970 movie hit M*A*S*H, as well as the subsequent television series and many other films.

Trail Details

Distance: 4.85 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 652 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Year-round

There are two parking lots. Go as far back as you can to the second lot and you’ll be closest to the trailhead. There is a restroom facility and vending machine at the lot, and the trailhead begins nearby.

Almost immediately, you’ll cross a bridge over Malibu Creek. On warm days, it is common to see people taking a dip in the water.

I chose to take the High Road trail, which stays on the north side of the creek and has long sections lined with old growth oak trees.

There are numerous alternate trails in the park, but the High Road is one of the most popular and well trafficked, and easy to follow. Watch the signs for the M*A*S*H site.

The High Road and Crags Road trails converge and climb over your only real hill on this route. You’ll get some great views of the Goat Buttes.

At 1.7 miles you reach a second bridge over the inlet to the narrow Century Lake.

The lake is fairly overgrown at this end.

From here the Crags Road trail becomes a narrow single track, at times quite rocky. You definitely need to keep your eyes on the trail. Follow this for another 0.7 miles and you will reach the site where M*A*S*H was filmed.

Your first sign of the site is a military ambulance that is in better condition, followed a bit further by a couple of well-rusted vehicles. There are picnic tables with camouflage netting for shade, and a number of information signs with scenes from the filming of M*A*S*H. They also had the tent layout staked out so you could see exactly where the hospital, Colonel Potter’s quarters and other sites were located.

You can see the distinctive peak today, as well as stakes outlining the hospital tent.

And while the original sign has long since faded away, there is a recreation of the milage sign from the show.

Take time to explore the area. This is the turn around point for the hike. When you’re ready to return, you can retrace your steps to the trailhead.

M*A*S*H Trail Map

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[adsanity id=”8253″ align=”alignright”]After our hike, we drove down to Malibu and ate lunch at another favorite: Coogies Beach Cafe.

Malibu Creek State Park Tips

• There are signs warning of ticks in the brush. Most of the trails are double-track fire roads, so we didn’t have any problems, but be aware that they are out there.
• If the $12 entrance fee keeps you from visiting, you can park for free on the side of Mulholland Highway, about 1/2 mile away.
• There is shade on parts, but sun protection is recommended. Bring plenty of water for the hike. It can get quite warm, especially in the summer.

More Malibu Creek State Park Resources

• Malibu Creek State Park – official website
• Hiking Malibu Creek – ModernHiker

Malibu Creek State Park Weather Forecast

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Are you a peak bagger? I have a hiking friend who loves to bag peaks — or for the uninitiated, hike to the summit. His goal is to reach the summit of as many of the high and prominent peaks as he can.  He would love this trail, which takes you up three peaks in a short-but-steep 3.25 miles: Burbank Peak, Cahuenga Peak and Mount Lee (home to the world famous Hollywood Sign).

Trail Details

Distance: 3.25 miles
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,691 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round

Are you just looking for the shortest route to the Hollywood Sign? Well, that would also be this trail. While not for beginners, it is the shortest, quickest way to reach the famous Hollywood Sign.

Getting to the Trailhead

The trailhead begins at the end of Wonder View Drive in Hollywood, but you will have to park on Lake Hollywood Drive. There’s plenty of free parking along the street — which is also where you would park for the Hollywood Reservoir Loop. Here’s the trailhead map — click the pin for driving directions.

Trail Description

From the corner of Wonder View Drive and Lake Hollywood Drive, hike up Wonder View to the end of the street. Beyond the gate, the road becomes a gravel fire road, and shortly thereafter you’ll see the single track trail leading up stair steps cut into the slope.

The soil is loose, dry and dusty. Trail shoes are recommended. You’ll climb 600 feet in that first mile, gaining some great views of the Hollywood Reservoir and LA proper along the way.

When you reach the ridge, turn left and head to the lone pine tree on the summit of 1690′ high Burbank Peak. The tree is known as the Wisdom Tree, and is the only tree to survive of a devastating wild fire here in in 2009. The Wisdom Tree on Burbank Peak is a popular spot for geocaching, and there have at times been a summit register. It’s also one of the only spots on this trail where you have shade, so you’d be wise to pause here and enjoy it — the remainder of the trail is fully exposed.

Cahuenga Peak bench mark

With most of the elevation gain already behind you, backtrack on the  trail, passing the junction the Wonder View Trail. Continue along the ridge line toward 1820 foot high Cahuenga Peak — the 12th highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains. As you thread your way along the ridge line, you will look down over Burbank and the Valley to your left, and Hollywood and Los Angeles to your right. When you reach the peak, soak in the views. On a clear day you’ll take in the mighty San Gabriel Mountains to the east, and the serene Pacific Ocean to the south —  reminding you why Southern California is such a great place to live.

The trail continues along the ridge, reaching a small clearing before connecting with the paved road for the last few yards to Mt. Lee and the Hollywood Sign. In the clearing are two plaques recognizing major contributors who made this trail and its inclusion in Griffith Park possible — Aileen Getty and Hugh Hefner. Yes, this is possibly the only hiking trail anywhere in the world that honors a Playboy.

You’ll follow the trail down to the paved road where you’ll join the throngs making their pilgrimage to the Hollywood Sign. Brush off their “where did you come from” looks and follow the road as it curves up behind the sign. For the best views of the sign and the city, keep going until you reach the top of 1690 foot Mount Lee.

When you’re ready to head back, you’ll retrace your steps to the junction with the Wonder View trail, and back down to the trailhead. All told, this trail can be easily hiked in about three hours.

If you want to extend the hike, you can add the 3.4 mile Hollywood Reservoir Loop trail. It’s mostly flat and has quite a bit of shade, depending on the time of day, and it begins at the bottom of the hill where you parked your car, making it a perfect option if you want to keep hiking.

Special thanks to Casey at Modern Hiker for introducing me to this awesome trail.

Cahuenga Peak Trail Map

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Cahuenga Peak Hiking Tips

• Take plenty of water. And then take more. This trail is hot and dry, and you’ll need more than you think.
• While you can hike this year round, keep in mind that it gets hot and has full exposure. I recommend hiking in the cooler morning hours.
• There is wildlife. Be alert. There are rattlesnakes, deer and other animals in this area.
• Leave no trace. Take only photos, leave only footprints.

More Cahuenga Peak Resources

• GPS user? Download the GPX file[urldisplaymode=nomap].
• View the trail in Google Earth[urldisplaymode=nomap]
• Get a second opinion… Hiking to the Wisdom Tree and Cahuenga Peak – Modern Hiker
• Optional Hollywood Reservoir Loop hike
• An alternate hike to the Hollywood Sign, with a stop at the Bronson Cave
• History of Cahuenga Peak – Wikipedia

Cahuenga Peak Weather Forecast

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Runyon Canyon Park gets a bad rap. The park lies just beyond Hollywood Boulevard, and attracts a steady stream of dog walkers, hikers and trail runners. It’s not unusual to overhear a conversation about script development or a new pilot. It’s not a wilderness trail. You won’t find solitude here. But if you live in the area, Runyon Canyon is a great place for a mid-week hike, with a lung-busting climb, good views over LA and convenience. There are several trails through Runyon Canyon, but this moderately challenging 3.2 mile loop will appeal most to hikers.

Trail Details

Distance: 3.2 miles
Time: 90 min.
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,030 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round

Getting to Runyon Canyon

Without mincing words, parking in LA is a bitch, and this is no exception. There is no public parking lot for Runyon Canyon Park, and the street parking is limited. Read the signs carefully. As of the time of writing, you can park for two hours during weekdays until 7pm, and then it’s permit parking only evenings and weekends. Factor in a short street walk just to get to the park. We lucked out and found a curbside spot on Vista, near the intersection with Franklin.

Walk uphill on Vista Street, following the street as it bends to the right and through the gate at the entrance to Runyon Canyon. From here, you might be tempted to follow the paved road right up the canyon. Don’t do it. Instead, look for the dirt trail that splits to the left and sharply uphill. This is the strenuous Hero Trail — much more fun, and you’ll lose a lot of the riff-raff in the process.

The trail uphill is quite steep in sections — almost to the point where your hands become helpful. But you’re rewarded with lighter crowds, a great workout, and an awesome view over the rest of the park. At the summit, you’ll find the Prayer Box.

Look around and you’ll also find the USGS benchmark.

Follow the trail around the mansions near the top of the hills until you reach the paved Runyon Canyon Road. Turn right and head downhill. At about the 1.5 mile mark, you’ll see a broad dirt trail bearing left and splitting away from the paved road. Take it. This is the Star Trail, and leads down the eastern ridge above Runyon Canyon.

There are several vistas with a benches where you can soak in the view. Some of the steeper sections of the trail have been improved with steps to make the going easier.

At the 2.25 mile point, take a sharp right and follow the paved road back into the canyon. You’ll pass the tennis courts, eventually reaching a bend as the road turns to head back down the canyon toward the trailhead, but don’t go there just yet. Pick your way through a little-travelled single track trail back up the canyon. About 300 yards back — hidden from view — is the Peace Spiral.

From here, turn around and follow the trail back to the paved road, and then down the canyon toward the Fuller Avenue entrance. You’ll see a trail to your right that climbs up and over a short hill and back to the Vista Street entrance.

Runyon Canyon Trail Map

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Runyon Canyon Tips

• Runyon Canyon Park is maintained as an urban wilderness. There are lots of people, but also snakes, coyotes and deer.
• Dogs are allowed off-leash in much of this park. Read the signs for details.
• Best time to go is week nights, Monday through Thursday. Even so, don’t expect solitude.

Runyon Canyon Weather Forecast

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Griffith Observatory

Mt. Hollywood at 1,625 ft is the second tallest peak in Griffith Park, with amazing views of the Griffith Observatory, downtown LA, the Hollywood Sign and much more. There are many trails that lead to Mt. Hollywood, but my favorite trail begins near the Ferndell Nature Area. This trailhead has plenty of parking, and some shade, particularly in the morning. As you climb, you have options to visit the Berlin Forest and Dante’s View en route to the summit.

Trail Details

Distance: 4.2 miles
Time: 90 min.
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,185 ft
Dogs: Yes
When to go: Year-round

The West Trail is a broad fire road that climbs up the canyon.

At 0.8 miles, you’ll cross Observatory Avenue — a public road used by cars and bicycles to reach the Griffith Observatory. Cross directly over the street to pick up the trail again.

When you reach the ridgeline, take a short detour to the right to visit the shady Berlin Forest. This is a great spot to catch your breath and enjoy the views, and there are restrooms nearby at the Observatory parking area.

Head back to the ridge and over the Canyon Road tunnel, towards the highest nearby point.

The trail to the left gives you two options. For this hike, take the single track spur that heads up hill.

At about 1.15 miles turn left and head north. At 1.25 miles, you’ll reach a major junction where five trails converge. Take the second trail on your right (more or less straight). This is a fairly level fire road that leads past Dante’s View.

Dante’s View  is a shady garden started in 1964 as a volunteer labor of love by Dante Orgolini. The garden is still a small oasis worthy of a detour.

Back on the fire road, bear left at the junction with the East Ridge Trail, and left again in a dozen yards as you head to the summit of Mt. Hollywood.

The summit is not so much a peak, as a rounded shoulder. There are picnic tables and a fence along the steeper slope overlooking the city. This is a popular destination for it’s views, and a great spot at sunset… as the city of LA begins to light up for the night.

On the day that I took this photo, the Space Shuttle Endeavor was making it’s final flight to Los Angeles. The crowds lined the trails to catch a glimpse of the history fly-by.

On the route down, stay to your left for views of the Hollywood Sign. You’ll eventually meet back at that five-trail junction, where you’ll take your first right — the Charlie Turner Trail. This is named after a retiree who volunteered many hours maintaining trails and also the gardens at Dante’s View. This fire road leads back to the tunnel overpass, and you retrace your path back to the trailhead.

Mt. Hollywood Trail Map

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Mt. Hollywood Hiking Tips

• Bicycles are only allowed on paved roads in Griffith Park
• Dogs are allowed on leash
• There is no smoking allowed anywhere within Griffith Park
• This hike has lots of exposure. Wear sun protection, and bring plenty of water.
• Hiking trails in Griffith Park officially close at sunset, but there are lots of folks who stay up on Mt. Hollywood until then. Just be sure you know your way back, and bring a headlamp or flashlight.

Mt. Hollywood Resources

• GPS user? Download the GPX file[urldisplaymode=nomap]
• View this trail in Google Earth[urldisplaymode=nomap]

Griffith Park Weather Forecast

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A walk along a serene lake, surrounded by pine trees and hills is probably not what springs to mind when you think of a “hike” in Hollywood. Surprise! The Lake Hollywood Reservoir trail is exactly that. Quiet. Serene. And a world apart from the scene on Hollywood Boulevard.

Trail Details

Distance: 3.4 miles
Time: 60-80 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 50 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Year-round

I like to walk in the evenings, and I’ve logged many miles in my neighborhood. But since this trail was just recently reopened, and it’s only six miles away, Joan and I decided to check it out. We weren’t disappointed.

Parking in LA is quite often an ordeal, usually involving daredevil maneuvering and some sort of payment–valet, meter or attendant. Often the neighborhood streets require permits to park, or are really crowded, especially around trailheads. Refreshingly, that was not the case here. There is ample, free street parking outside Gate 2.

The trail itself is really a paved path that winds around the reservoir. The lake itself is used as a water supply for the city of Los Angeles, and so no swimming or fishing is allowed. In fact, a tall fence surrounds the entire lake. But it didn’t really spoil the views, as you can see. You’ll get spectacular, rare views of the Hollywood Sign with the lake in the foreground.

What you notice first is that it’s really quiet. When you look at a map, you’ll see that the lake is pretty close to the 101 freeway. But it’s located in a valley, and the hills that separate it from the rest of the area provide a great sound barrier. It felt worlds away from what we drove through to get here.

You will have company. This trail is popular with walkers, hikers, joggers and bicyclists. It wasn’t so busy that it felt crowded, and everyone was friendly.

The next surprise was the wild life. We saw a baby rattlesnake on the trail (watch your step) and three deer grazing on the hill. They didn’t seem to mind sharing the peaceful scenery with us at all.

The Mulholland Dam is an elegant structure that was built in 1924. Named after William Mulholland, the engineer responsible for design and construction of the California Aquaduct to Los Angeles. You walk directly across the top of the dam, then follow the paved road around the lake.

The east side of the Hollywood Reservoir is partially a closed road, but then joins up with a public street. The final half mile you hike on a dirt trail adjacent to a public street with light residential traffic. This winds around the lake, following the contours until you return to the trailhead.

Lake Hollywood Loop Trail Map

Note that the elevation profile indicates lots of hills. This is incorrect. This trail is mostly flat, with negligible elevation gain or loss.

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Hollywood Reservoir Loop Tips

• Dogs are not allowed, even on leash
• Watch for rattlesnakes, especially in warmer weather
• Pay attention to the closing hours. They vary by month, so make sure you allow enough time to get out before they lock the gates.
• Hike, walk, jog, run or bike. Rinse and repeat.

More Lake Hollywood Trail Resources

• Trailhead parking and driving directions via Google Maps
• Hiking the Hollywood Reservoir – ModernHiker

Hollywood Weather Forecast

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Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park is a rare area with beautiful geography and unspoiled trails. One of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, Limestone Canyon is best known for it’s iconic geographic feature “The Sinks” which have often been called the “Mini Grand Canyon” of Orange County. The area is normally closed to hikers, except for specific days each month. These open access days give you a chance to step back in time and see what Orange County looked like before it was overtaken by amusement parks and suburbia. 

Trail Details

Distance: 4.5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,029 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Open access days

This 4.5 mile loop takes you down one of the newest trails, parallel to Santiago Canyon Road, then making a long climb up the Shoestring Trail to Loma Ridge. Here you’ll get panoramic 360-degree views to the Pacific Ocean and (on a clear day) Catalina Island. It’s a great trail that doesn’t get as crowded as some of the more popular routes in Limestone Canyon Wilderness.

I had a chance to hike this loop on the opening day of the new trail segment running parallel with Santiago Canyon Road. This single-track trail makes this loop possible.

Here’s the rub. Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park is usually open only for docent-led events. You have to check the event calendar on their web site and watch carefully for the rare open-access days, when you can go on self-guided hikes through the park.  It’s worth the effort.

When you’ve found an open access day, you must register at the staging area. For this hike, that was the Augustine Staging Area [urldisplaymode=nomap] at Hick’s Haul Road and Santiago Canyon Road. There was plenty of parking in a gravel lot, and there is shade and toilets available, but bring your own water.

Each hiker must sign in, although as of this writing, you won’t need to pre-register for the open access days. Note: other docent-led events listed on their web site require pre-registration and fill up quickly.

The trail heads north-west, running along the hillside parallel to Santiago Canyon Road. This single-track trail is shared with mountain bikers, so share the trail.

Soon, you part ways with the canyon, and head left up the long slow climb on the Shoestring trail. This dirt fire road is well maintained. It’s a long, steady climb up to the ridge, but well worth it. Pause along the way to look back down the hill and soak in the views.

When you reach the ridge line, you’ll turn left, heading south-east on the Loma Ridge trail. This winds up and down with roller coaster hills, but you’re rewarded with tremendous views across Orange County.

Watch for rattle snakes! When it’s warm, they like to sun themselves on the trail. They won’t generally bother you if you give them wide berth, but remember that they can strike at a distance equal to their length.

The next junction you reach will be with the Hick’s Haul trail. Turn left, heading north-east and back to the trailhead. You wind down the canyon through ancient oak trees and might even see artifacts from the days when this area was part of a working ranch.

The Shoestring-Hick’s Haul loop hike is a great workout, with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain. It’s easy to follow, and offers beautiful views of a rarely seen corner of Orange County. You can also combine this loop with other trails in the park for a longer trek. Be aware, this trail has very little shade. Wear sun protection, and bring plenty of water.

Santiago Canyon – Shoestring – Loma Ridge – Hick’s Haul Loop Trail Map

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More Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park Resources

• Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks – Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park (official site) and Event Calendar
• Trailhead directions[urldisplaymode=nomap] via Google Maps
• Want more? Add mileage with a side-trip to The Sinks.

Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park Weather Forecast

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Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a located in the heart of Sonoma County wine country. Last month, we hit the road to Northern California, spending a few days enjoying Sonoma — my first time visiting. There are many wonderful wineries and restaurants in the area, and of course, one of the wonderful benefits of hiking, is the guilt-free meals that follow. What better way to whet our appetites than a hike up Bald Mountain. Note that this hike is not in Southern California, but within a one day drive.

Trail Details

Distance: 6 miles
Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,540 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Year-round

We started off by reviewing the map, and decided to weigh our options when we came to the first junction. The trail system at Sugarloaf Ridge offers a number of options, including a great loop with markers that give you some insight into the distance between planets in our solar system (no joke!). As we reached the junction with the Vista Trail, we decided to continue onward and upward to bag the summit of Bald Mountain.

The trail itself winds through beautiful and varied woodland, meadows and chaparral. Some of the trails are single track, and other times, paved or gravel fire roads. But what really stood out was the sheer volume of moss! Nearly every tree was covered with moss, and the moisture hung thick in the air.

The trails are well marked, with vertical posts at each junction and the names and direction of each trail. We continued uphill, pressing on through a brief hailstorm, followed by a brief downpour a little later. Fortunately the trails never got muddy, and eventually the rain broke. The clouds with patches of blue sky peeking through provided a dramatic backdrop for the views.

As you reach the ridge, the trail to Bald Mountain climbs to your right (the south), winding up and around the crown to the summit. The views from the top are amazing, with Calistoga, Sonoma County, and the Sierras. Even the Bay Bridge and the towers of the Golden Gate bridge are visible — as long as it’s clear out. We could just make out the Bay Bridge, but the Golden Gate towers were shrouded in fog.

And the view in the other direction:

The hike back to the trailhead went quickly, as it was almost entirely downhill. We modified the out-and-back route slightly, taking the main Bald Mountain trail back towards the park entrance (about 100 yards north of the parking lot).

Bonus Hike to Sonoma Creek Falls

Although it’s not on the trail map shown below, the Sonoma Creek runs through here not far from the park entrance. If you ask at the visitor center, they’ll tell you how to get to the trail to the falls — roughly a one mile round trip (in addition to the 6 mile round-trip to Bald Mountain). To get to the falls you’ll hike down, down, and down along the creek. Which means getting back to the trailhead will be up, up and up. ‘Nuff said.

The Sonoma Creek Falls are beautiful, but check to see if they are running first. They are seasonal, and will slow to a trickle in the summer. They were flowing well when we hiked this in late March, and the hike through the woods was remarkable. The woods are covered in a thick, green moss that made it seem almost otherworldly.

Bald Mountain Trail Map

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More Sugarloaf Ridge Trail Resources

• Trailhead parking and driving directions via Google Maps
• Official Sugarloaf Ridge State Park website
• We stayed in Kenwood at an amazing cottage booked through AirBnB. The hosts were gracious, and the place itself was fantastic. If you are looking for a place to stay in the Sonoma area, I highly recommend the Happy Hound Cottage.
• More hikes in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park on EveryTrail
• The Bay Area Ridge Trail – I noticed that portions of the Bald Mountain Trail included markers for something called the Bay Area Ridge Trail. This is a planned 550 mile loop trail that encircles the entire San Francisco Bay. Over 300 miles of the trail are already open, but the loop hasn’t been completed (yet). This will be a fantastic long trail hike that’s easily accessible to everyone in the bay region.

Sugarloaf Ridge State Park Weather Forecast

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Postscript

Where did we go for aprés-hike refreshments? To the Russian River Brewing Company in Santa Rosa, where they have Pliny the Elder on tap, and some pretty awesome pub food to go with it. Highly recommended.

Trail Closure

This trail is currently closed indefinitely. For updates, see the Angeles National Forest website.

Trail Details

Distance: 3.5 miles
Time: ~2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 400 ft
Dogs: Yes, on leash
When to go: Nov-May
GPX File

The Fish Canyon Falls are beautiful, and the hike is family- and dog-friendly.

Getting There

The trail begins in Duarte a the end of Fish Canyon Road.

The Fish Canyon Trail

This out-and-back trail begins at a bridge crossing the creek. Follow the trail along the tree-lined canyon as it winds it’s way along the creek.

In the early 1900s, Fish Canyon was popular for weekend cabins, and there were at one time as many as 100 cabins lining the steep canyon. Sadly, fires and floods took their toll on most of them, and today there are only remnants of those rustic weekend getaways.

The trail is generally easy, although there are a few sections where it’s quite steep and you’ll want to pay attention to where you step. There is one creek crossing, but unless there have been heavy rains, it’s an easy boulder hop across.

The trail ends at the base of the Fish Canyon Falls. This three-tier waterfall drops 80 feet into a beautiful pool. We spied newts in the water, numerous wildflowers along the way, and… poison oak. I recommend long hiking pants. The trail is narrow at many points and brushing against the poison oak almost a certainty.

There is a downside to having such a beautiful waterfall, so easily accessible to most of Southern California: it’s very popular. Get there early to beat the crowds, and even then, don’t expect solitude.

“Hidden” Darling Donna Falls

On the way back, about 50 yards past the creek crossing you’ll notice a small tributary on your right. Follow this off-trail for about 10-15 yards to the little-known “Darling Donna” Falls. There used to be a sign for this, but it disappeared long ago.

Are There Fish in Fish Canyon?

I was wondering this myself. I haven’t seen any fish, but I did see two fly fisherman trying their luck.

Summary

Yes, Fish Canyon Falls are popular and busy, but definitely worth visiting. Go prepared for the crowd, and enjoy the social, almost festival-like atmosphere. You’ll appreciate those lesser-walked trails even more!

Fish Canyon Falls Trail Map

Photo Gallery

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More Fish Canyon Falls Trail Resources

• Fish Canyon Falls GPX
• Fish Canyon Falls – Dan’s Hiking Pages
• The Very Popular and Rarely Visited Fish Canyon Falls – Greene Adventures
• Fish Canyon Falls – OP Adventure Team
• Fish Canyon Falls – California Through My Lens

Last year during the holidays, Joan and I visited my mom and her husband in San Francisco. While the city of San Francisco is great for walking, I was surprised how easy it is to find a wilderness experience nearby. I have not hiked much in the Bay Area, so I put out a call to Twitter for suggestions, and got a great suggestion: Hike Angel Island.

Trail Details

Distance: 5.9 miles
Time: ~3 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 1427 ft
Dogs: Not allowed
When to go: Year-round

This loop uses two trails — the North Ridge and the Sunset trails — and is truly the road less traveled — at least of the options available on Angel Island. Once you disembark from the ferry, bear to the left and look for the sign marking the North Ridge Trail.

You will initially climb a set of stairs set into the hillside by the Conservation Corp decades ago, shaded by towering pine and oak trees.

When you reach the perimeter, the trail continues across the road after a short jog to the right. Most people who visit Angel Island take the wide and mostly level perimeter road, shared by hikers, runners and bikers. In contrast, the North Ridge Trail offers quiet solitude and mostly single track — no bikes allowed.

At last you begin to leave the crowds behind and see a part of the island that few visit. The North Ridge Trail is windy; slowly but steadily climbing in altitude as you near the summit of Mt. Livermore. You’ll notice different climate zones as you traverse the island–the cool shade of the oak trees; the sunny exposure amidst red manzanita; aging pines towering over saplings; and the drier, sunnier south side of the island.

As you near the summit, watch for a spur to the right that leads to Mount Livermore. This final section is not long, and the summit has several picnic tables that make it a perfect place to stop for lunch.

Mount Livermore

On a clear day, you’d see Alcatraz, the San Francisco skyline, the Bay and Golden Gate Bridges from here.

After your break, retrace your steps to the Sunset Trail to your right, following it all the way back to the docks at Ayala Cove. Note that you will cross two roads; don’t follow them, just look for where the trail picks up after a short jog.

When you get back to Ayala Cove, you can stop in the Visitor Center for more information on the history of the island.

Trail Map and Elevation Profile

Photo Gallery

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Additional Resources

• Bay Area Hiker Trail Guide
• Getting to Angel Island

Trail Details

Distance: 3 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 1,142 ft
When to go: Year round

One of my hiking friends introduced me to this trail on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and I figure I burned off at least part of the feast I ate the day before.

The start of this trail is non-obvious. We parked on a bend in a residential neighborhood then hoofed it up a concrete culvert. Not an auspicious beginning to the hike, but my friend John assured us this was the best way.

The trail meanders through a valley, then quickly winds up and around the hill to reach the ridge-line.

At this point, most of the trail is double-track and well defined. But watch closely for a narrower trail leading off along the ridge to the right. That’s our trail.

The trail gets steep at times, and the gravel can make your footing treacherous. Trekking poles are highly recommended!

Looking back down the narrow ridge-line trail, you are rewarded with amazing views across much of south Orange County. On this clear day, we even saw the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island on the horizon!

As you can see from this panorama, it doesn’t take long for you to feel miles away, even in Orange County. Whether you use this trail as a great, quick, fresh-air cardio workout or simply an opportunity to reset your clock, Small Peak beckons.

Small Peak Trail Map and Elevation Profile

Photo Gallery

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Essential Small Peak Resources

• Download GPX file for your GPS[urldisplaymode=nomap]
• View trail in Google Earth[urldisplaymode=nomap]

Batiquitos Lagoon in north San Diego County is one of the few remaining tidal wetlands on the southern coast of the United States. Located between Carlsbad and Encinitas, the lagoon is managed as a wildlife preserve by the California Department of Fish and Game. This lagoon is home to several protected nesting areas and water sports (even kayaking) are not allowed, keeping the waterway exceptionally natural.

Trail Details

Distance: 3.25 miles
Time: ~1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 250 ft
Dogs: OK
When to go: Year-round

Joan and I stopped by here last Saturday. She was feeling a cold coming on, and so we were looking for an easy hike. The Batiquitos Lagoon trail fit the bill perfectly. As an out-and-back hike, you can tailor the distance to suit your time and energy. We hiked the entire length and back — a modest 3.25 miles with only one gentle hill along the way.

There are several access points to the Batiquitos Lagoon trail, but I recommend starting at the beginning. Drive to the end of Gabbiano Lane in Carlsbad, and you’ll see a sign marking the start of the trail.

About 30 yards down the trail is the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Nature Center, with information on guided walks, special events and a free trail map and nature guide.

This wide, gentle trail meanders along the north side of the lagoon. There are a few stands of eucalyptus and palm trees along the way.

In spite of being so close to well-developed Carlsbad, the trail along the lagoon has retained much of it’s natural beauty.

If you follow the trail to the end, you’ll see a gravel road on a berm with a locked gate to a protected bird nesting area, including the Least Tern. If you are watchful, you may see them from May to August when they migrate here to nest.

Take a moment to take in the views of the lagoon. It’s not hard to imagine what this area looked a hundred years ago — at least, until you turn around toward the hills developed with homes.

This is the turnaround point. Retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Trail Map and Elevation Profile

Photo Gallery

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This loop is one of my favorite hiking trails in Crystal Cove State Park. At 5.5 miles and over 800′ of net vertical gain, this hike makes for a great workout. The length is about right to make it worth the trip, but won’t take all day. And the scenery is fantastic. The hike down Moro Ridge gives you some of the best coastal views in the park.

Trail Details

Distance: 5.5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 820 ft
When to go: Year round

The trail begins at the bottom of the parking lot. Take a left and follow the dirt trail that parallels the fence-line.

As the dusty trail winds down to the bottom of the hill, and you’ll turn left and cross the bridge. This is the El Moro Canyon trail.

At this point you have to chose which way to hike the loop. You can take the first right and hike up the trail known affectionately as “BFI“. Polite hikers will insist that this stands for Big “Fat” Incline, although I’ve heard more colorful options, and tend to agree with the latter.

I prefer to take this loop clockwise, continuing up El Moro Canyon and “I Think I Can“, then descending via El Moro Ridge and BFI. The choice is yours.

Continue up El Morro Canyon until you reach the second trail to the right. This is called East Cutoff Trail, or “I Think I Can.” It’s a long, uphill slog. Don’t be surprised if you encounter a few mountain bikers climbing slow-and-steady up this hill.

When you reach the top of the hill, bear right to head down El Moro Ridge back towards the coastline. During the spring, the hills are dotted with wildflowers. In the summer, keep your eyes peeled for rattlesnakes! I’ve also seen rabbits and deer (yes, there are deer back here!).

El Moro Ridge meanders toward the coast, eventually descending back down. You’ll get great views up and down the coastline from Laguna Beach to Newport Coast. As you see Pacific Coast Highway, watch for the trail marker on your right. This trail becomes BFI and leads you back down to El Moro Canyon just east of the bridge you crossed earlier.

From here, retrace your steps back to the visitor center.

Trail Map and Elevation Profile

Photo Gallery

Essential Crystal Cove State Park Resources

• 3D view of route in Google Earth
• GPS user? Download the GPX file
• Crystal Cove Interpretive Association
• I’ve seen rabbits, rattlesnakes and deer here. There are supposedly coyotes and bobcats, but I haven’t seen them. If you’re interested in learning more about the wildlife at Crystal Cove, stop by the visitor center. They have some great displays and free brochures to the plants, birds and wildlife of the park.
• You can pay your Crystal Cove day-use fees using the Passport Parking app after you safely park your vehicle. Complementary ParksWiFi is available to assist with processing your payment.
• SoCalHiker’s Inside Crystal Cove State Park

Trestles Beach is world-famous for great surfing, with a series of surf spots. Running from north to south are Cottons, Uppers, Middles, Lowers and Church. These beaches are extremely popular with surfers, and this section of coastline is one of the most unspoiled coastal areas in southern California.

Trail Details

Distance: 3.7 miles
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 171 ft
Dogs: No
Parking: $15

Trestles is named for the railroad trestles that cross the San Mateo Creek. The area before the outlet are protected wetlands, and the “creek” usually only flows to the ocean in the winter season when it’s been raining. The sediment from the creek has helped create the unique conditions that make Trestles such a popular surf spot.

Begin at the intersection of Cristianitos and El Camino Real at the south end of San Clemente. There is a day use parking lot for the State Beach (currently $15) or if you get lucky, you can find an open spot on the street. Because this is where nearly all the surfers park, it usually fills up early.

You can follow the crowds along the paved path south of Cristianitos. The wide paved path is filled with bikes, people walking with surfboards and skaters on the weekend. But when the crowds die down, nature is never far away. Bobcats and deer can sometimes be spotted through the brush.

We headed down the path and after about a mile, we saw the famous train trestles that give the beach it’s name.

Cross the train tracks with caution. These railroad tracks have frequent traffic.

Across the tracks is the beach, and immediately before you is Upper Trestles or simply “Uppers.” From here, amble along the beach to the south, soaking in the sunshine, the surf and the coastline. It’s a zen-like experience that’s meant to be savored, not rushed. Stop and let your senses take everything in.

At about 2.25 miles you’ll see another seasonal creek that ends at a marshy wetland. Cross the train tracks and follow the paved road up the bluff. From the top of the bluff you’ll have a great view over all of the coastline. Eventually this road winds back to the paved trail you walked in on. Follow this to the right and back to the parking lot.

Trail Map for the “Tour de Trestles” Hike

Essential San Onofre State Beach Resources

• Official San Onofre State Beach website
• SoCal Hiker’s Guide to San Onofre State Beach

The Cristianitos Fault is a major earthquake fault line located less than one mile from the San Onofre nuclear power plant. This hike takes you on a 3.8 mile loop through San Onofre State Beach to the site of the fault line. Along the way, you’ll see the Monterey Formation, which holds most of the oil and gas deposits known in the LA basin and off the coast, as well as the abrupt end of the San Mateo formation at the fault line. It’s a hike and a geology lesson rolled into one!

Trail Details

Distance: 3.8 miles
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: ~300′
Dogs: No
Parking: $15

The bluffs along San Onofre State Beach are marked by six trails that lead from the parking areas down to the beach. Each trails is numbered 1-6 from north to south. Trail 6 is the last trailhead to the beach, and the area is famous for nude sunbathing. Despite signs warning that this is not permitted, it still goes on today.

For this trip, I took Trail 3 down to the beach, then worked my way north towards the Cristianitos fault. The composition of the beach changes over time. Sometimes it may be sand; other times covered in well-worn stones. This particular trip most of the beach was covered in stones, making walking more difficult.

Heading north along the beach was a slog through the large, loose stones. I almost wished I wore boots. As you can see in the next photo, the bluffs are constantly changing due to erosion, so stick to the marked trails where possible and be prepared for the unexpected… like this drop at the bottom of Trail 2:

As you continue north, keep your eyes open for the distinctive striated shale of the Monterey Formation.

At about the two mile mark, you reach a gap in the bluff that marks the Cristianitos Fault.

There is no signage, but you’ll see that the bluff to the north has a distinctive sand-colored band known as the San Mateo Formation. This band abruptly ends at the gap — marking the location of the Cristianitos Fault.

This light-colored band in this photo is that San Mateo Formation.

At north end of this band is a gap; this is the Cristianitos fault.

You can scramble up the hill (with caution) and actually touch the strike plate of the fault.

Geologists have determined the last activity of the fault by the layer of rubble immediately above the San Mateo formation, which has remained relatively undisturbed for about 120 thousand years. By definition, an “inactive” fault has had no major activity for 100 thousand years, so the Cristianitos fault clearly falls into the inactive category.

After visiting the fault, we retraced our steps south, taking Trail 1 up the bluff and following the bluff back to our car.

The Geology of the Cristianitos Fault Explained in Video

My friend John is a geologist by education, and graciously shared some insights into the Cristianitos fault in these videos.

Trail Map and Elevation Profile

You can lengthen or shorten this loop by starting at a different trail. Trail 1 is the closest to the fault; Trail 6 is the furthest. The map below shows our route, which began at Trail 3.

Photo Gallery

Essential San Onofre State Beach Resources

• Official San Onofre State Beach website
• SoCal Hiker’s Inside San Onofre State Beach

Doheny State Beach is a perfect place for a beach walk. There are towering palms, sailboats from nearby Dana Point Harbor, surfers, a wide assortment of birds, and beautiful coastal views. This is a great place to watch the sunset and unwind. This isn’t a “hike” per se, but a really great walk. It’s virtually level, but you can make it more challenging by walking in the sand, or extend the walk down Capo Beach or even San Clemente.

Trail Details

Distance: 3 miles
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: Flat
Dogs: No
Parking: $15

I began this walk at the north end of the beach, nearest to the Dana Point Marina. This area has expansive grass areas for picnicking with lots of shade, concessions, picnic tables and grills. The beach at this end is broad, and has a number of volleyball courts.

Kick off your shoes and head down to the edge of the beach, following it southward. This area is a popular spot for beginning surfers.

You’ll soon reach a rock breakwater at the outlet of the San Juan Creek. You might be tempted to wade across, but I would advise against this. The water can be running swiftly, and as it contains runoff from streets around south Orange County, it can contain contaminants that you probably would rather avoid.

Instead, turn left and follow the paved path just behind the lifeguard headquarters. Note that there are two paths: the one on the right is the San Juan Creek trail. This is a bike trail that follows the San Juan Creek and leaves the park after a few hundred yards. Bear to the left of this on a parallel path toward the Coast Highway. At Coast Highway, turn right and take the sidewalk across the bridge, then bear right into the Doheny campground area.

Head straight through the campground toward the beach, then continue your walk south on the sand.

One thing you might notice is the large number of birds of all kinds. Seagulls, terns, pelicans, ducks and others can be found around the outlet of the San Juan Creek and the surround beach.

Once you head past the campground, you’ll be walking parallel with the southern day use parking area. This area is popular for families and groups because you can park right next to the beach and each spot has a picnic table and fire ring. This is also the best spot to watch the sunset in Doheny.

Once you reach the southern boundary, you’ll see signs marking the entrance to Capo Beach. You can turn around here and either retrace your steps along the beach or the paved road.

Parking at Doheny State Beach

There are two areas for day-use parking. The north lot is closer to grassy picnic areas and the Dana Point Marina. It’s also where most of the surfers go. The south lot is narrow, with direct access to the beach, lots of fire rings and picnic tables. You’ll get the best view of the sunset here.

Day use parking at Doheny State Beach costs $15, but you might be able to find free parking on the Coast Highway along the south end of the park, then take the pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks to the beach.

Good to Know

• Dogs are permitted at Doheny, but they must be on leash at all times, and they are not allowed on the beach. If camping, dogs must be kept inside an RV or tent during the night.
• This is also a great place to bike ride or roller blade, and you will see lots of people doing this. You can continue on southward through Capo Beach and even to the San Clemente Beach Trail.
• In 2010, Doheny State Beach was voted Orange County’s “best camping site” for the 17th year in a row.
• Unfortunately, the outlet of the San Juan Creek frequently makes Doheny Beach one of the most polluted beaches in SoCal.

Time-lapse Sunset from Doheny State Beach

I shot the following sunset using my iPhone propped on a picnic table in the south day use area of Doheny.
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Doheny Beach Walk Map

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