The Hiking Guide for Southern California
San Gorgonio Mountain. Old Greyback. At 11,503 feet it’s the highest mountain in Southern California. Getting to the top is no easy feat. It’s a strenuous hike, and you’ll work hard no matter which route you choose. It’s a popular destination as part of a training regimen for Mt. Whitney or the John Muir Trail. [...]
Whiting Ranch is a popular Orange County wilderness park located in Lake Forest between Foothill Ranch and Santiago Canyon. Although it’s surrounded on two sides by subdivisions, once you hike into the park, you’re transported to another time and place. There are oak-linked valleys, red rock canyons, lung-busting climbs and vistas across Orange County. This [...]
Mysterious ruins in a canyon that used to be home to grizzly bears? In Orange County? Yes, and getting there is a heckuva hike. This strenuous, 15 mile out-and-back trail up Black Star Canyon has several highlights, including a great views, a beautiful waterfall (in season), and the remains of Beek’s Place — a weekend [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Last week I shared Part 1 of my Sonoma Valley trip, with our hike up Bald Mountain in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park. In Part 2, I share a family-friendly stroll with historical significance. Jack London was a journalist, author, adventurer, and a farmer. He loved the Sonoma Valley, and had planned to build a sustainable [...]
A little over two years ago, Derek (@100Peaks), Peter (@ADKinLA) and I journeyed out into the Anza Borrego desert and hiked up Whale Peak. Thus was born the first Hiking Blogger Summit. Last year we had an expanded gathering with a hike in the local Schabarum Regional Park. And this weekend, Derek, Peter and I were [...]
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. This 3.4 mile loop trail is mostly [...]
There are hikes, and then there are adventures. This hike up Whale Peak in the Anza Borrego State Park was a bit of both. This trail guide is one part throw-back (the hike was over two years ago), and one part a cautionary tale of what happens when three experienced hikers venture out into the Anza [...]
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 [...]
Yosemite is one of my favorite places on earth. I've backpacked and hiked … more
A little over two years ago, Derek (@100Peaks), Peter (@ADKinLA) and I … more
San Gorgonio is the tallest mountain in Southern California, and a right of … more
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