Mt. San Jacinto via Marion Mountain

The stone hut

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 the inland empire, Palm Desert, the [...]

Angelus Oaks to San Bernardino Peak

San Bernardino Panorama

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 4,600 vertical feet. It makes for a very long day [...]

Mt. San Antonio (Baldy) Loop

Mt Harwood from the trail up Baldy

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 into June. The higher altitude [...]

Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon

Remains of a Cabin

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 slope holds snow much later in the season than other peaks. There were [...]

Memorial Weekend in Yosemite

Yosemite Valley from Upper Yosemite Falls trail

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 park on Memorial Day weekend, but [...]