The Hiking Guide for Southern California
In Ice Axe We Trust is a bi-monthly podcast hosted by Chris (@last_adventurer) and Matt (@thepeakseeker). I was honored to be a guest on their show, sharing my experience hiking the John Muir Trail and western approach to Mt. Whitney from Crabtree Meadow — something I’ve done twice (so far). Matt and Chris have a [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
When you think of hiking in Orange County, you don’t usually envision dramatic waterfalls. But during the spring, there are a number of wonderful seasonal waterfalls that are just a hike away. One of my personal favorites is Chiquito Falls. This hike is a 9 mile out-and-back route with nearly 3,000′ of vertical elevation gain. [...]
At 5,689 feet, Santiago Peak — often referred to locally as Saddleback Mountain — is the tallest peak in Orange County. And one of the best routes up to the summit is the Holy Jim Trail. This strenuous, 15 mile out-and-back hike climbs over 4,000 feet through beautiful mountain terrain not usually associated with Orange [...]
Crystal Cove State Park is nestled in the coastal hills between Newport and Laguna Beach. The “Blue Loop” is a hiking trail that traces the boundaries of the inland section of the park, climbing up and down ridge and valley through coastal scrub. I love this park, not only because it’s so well located for [...]
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 an easy drive from most of LA and Orange counties. There are several trails leading up to [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Done at a brisk pace (3.5 miles per hour) hiking the Las Ramblas trail … more
There are hikes, and then there are adventures. This hike up Whale Peak in … more
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