Hiking the John Muir Trail in 21 Days
Back in 1980 I hiked the John Muir Trail with a group of four friends from church. I was 18 years old, but our group ranged in age from 13 to 50-ish. Thirty years ago I had just graduated high school, time was not an issue, and we spread the journey over 25 memorable days. I … [Read More...]
Day Four on the John Muir Trail
Just a quick update from the John Muir Trail. We reached our first of four resupply points last night -- Tuolumne Meadows -- giving us a chance to eat burgers and a cold beer. The trip so far has been fantastic, with great weather and a couple amazing side trips up both … [Read More...]
San Gorgonio via Vivian Creek
San Gorgonio is the tallest mountain in Southern California, and a right of passage for serious hikers in the area. At 11,503', "Old Grayback" provides an excellent high altitude training for those preparing to summit Mt. Whitney, and only 90 minutes away from Orange County. There … [Read More...]
Mt. San Jacinto via Marion Mountain
Naturalist John Muir wrote of San Jacinto Peak, "The view from San Jacinto is the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth!" Who am I to argue with Muir? At 10,834' Mt. San Jacinto does indeed reward the determined hiker with wonderful views. You can see … [Read More...]
Angelus Oaks to San Bernardino Peak
One of the best-kept secrets of Southern California is San Bernardino Mountain. Just five miles away from the highest peak in SoCal -- San Gorgonio -- San Bernardino tops out at a respectable 10,649 feet. Hiking from Angelus Oaks, this 16-mile out-and-back trail climbs over … [Read More...]
Mt. San Antonio (Baldy) Loop
Any Southern Californian can point out the white topped Mt. Baldy -- actually it's real name is Mt. San Antonio. Baldy is a SoCal icon that stands out boldly as a snow-covered backdrop for much of the year. At 10,068 feet above sea level, the snow often sticks around well … [Read More...]
Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon
Cucamonga Peak offers amazing views over Southern California's Inland Empire, east toward Apple Valley and beyond. This hike from Icehouse Canyon is a strenuous 11.6 mile out-and-back route with 4,300 feet of vertical gain and a top elevation of 8,859'. The north-facing … [Read More...]
Memorial Weekend in Yosemite
Over the Memorial Day weekend, Joan and I met up some new outdoor friends to go camping and hiking in Yosemite National Park. Jeff A., our third partner in our upcoming John Muir Trail adventure, introduced us to a terrific group. I had never attempted to visit a national … [Read More...]
Hiking Boat Canyon by the Full Moon
If there's a full moon tonight (and there is) it must be time for a Boat Canyon night hike. Boat Canyon is a terrific 8.2 mile hike in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, climbing up above Boat Canyon, dropping down to Laguna Canyon Road and climbing back up again before … [Read More...]
A Six-Pack of Peaks
Last month I outlined my training plan for the John Muir Trail. In a nutshell, it involves several weekday conditioning hikes, longer weekend hikes, weight-bearing hikes and most importantly, hikes at high altitude with substantial elevation gain. As I researched my options, … [Read More...]
Ridgeline Trail
San Clemente's Ridgeline Trail is a great little 4.7 mile out-and-back hike along a ridgeline above the city. The trail is suburban and paved, making it a great choice for rainy weather when you don't want to slog through the mud but you still want to get your heart pumping. … [Read More...]
Mt. Wilson via Chantry Flats
Standing prominently above Pasadena, Mount Wilson is a Southern California landmark. The 5,710 foot summit is home for an observatory responsible for the most detailed photos of Mars as well a vast array of antennae for local LA radio and television stations. While the … [Read More...]
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