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The Winner of the ‘I Hike’ Book Giveaway is…

May 19, 2013 By Jeff Hester Leave a Comment

Congratulations to Stephanie, who left a comment on SoCal Hiker as well as “liked” the SoCal Hiker Facebook page. Stephanie left a great comment: “This would be an awesome read! If I win this, I’m going to gift it to my boyfriend who has just recently discovered his love for hiking and backpacking.” What an […]

Filed Under: Hiking News Tagged With: Grinter, hike, Hiking And Backpacking, Hiking Books, Lawton, Lawton "disco" Grinter, Winner

Mt. Hollywood in Griffith Park

May 14, 2013 By Jeff Hester 10 Comments

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 […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 3-6 miles, dog-friendly, Griffith Observatory, Griffith Park, hike, Hollywood, Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Trails, LA County, Los Angeles, moderate, peak, vista

Urban Hiking: It’s Time for the Big Parade

May 7, 2013 By Jeff Hester 4 Comments

Usually when people think of hiking, they envision forests, mountains and open space. Hiking in a city? Isn’t that a walk? Maybe. Unless that “walk” entends 35 miles over two days, climbing 101 public stairs, covering four parks, six community gardens, paved and dirt trails passing through a dozen neighborhoods. In other words, a walk like the […]

Filed Under: Hiking News Tagged With: Big Parade, hike, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Walk, urban hike, Urban Hiking

Whale Peak in Anza Borrego

May 2, 2013 By Jeff Hester 9 Comments

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 […]

Filed Under: State Parks, Trail Guides Tagged With: 8-10 miles, Anza Borrego, Anza Borrego Desert, Anza Borrego State Park, Derek, desert, hike, peak, peakbagging, State Park, strenuous, Throwback Thursday, Whale Peak

Book Review: I Hike – Mostly True Stories from 10,000 Miles of Hiking

April 23, 2013 By Jeff Hester 5 Comments

“I never set out to hike 10,000 miles. It just sort of happened over the course of a decade.” In 1980, I spent 25 days on a thru-hike of the 211-mile John Muir Trail. The JMT was my first taste of long-distance hiking. And it is a truly epic hike. But the JMT pales in […]

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Appalachian Trail, Books, Continental Divide Trail, Grinter, hike, hiking, John Muir Trail, Long Distance Hiking, Pacific Crest Trail, Thru-hiking

Small Peak in Robinson Ranch

November 2, 2012 By Jeff Hester 7 Comments

Small Peak is the name my friend John gave this knoll in the foothills of the Cleveland National Forest behind Orange County’s Robinson Ranch. This hike is a 3 mile out-and-back route that climbs up to this little peak, which in spite of its name, has some big views over much of Orange County. At […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 3 Mile, 3-6 miles, hike, hills, moderate, Orange County, peak, Robinson Ranch, vista

Exploring South Carlsbad State Beach

December 19, 2010 By Jeff Hester 5 Comments

I have fond memories walking along the beach in Carlsbad. My grandparents retired to Carlsbad, and I’ve been there first with them, and later with my own kids. South Carlsbad State Beach is a great stretch of bluff-lined beach that makes a beautiful place to amble about, exploring the beach, enjoying the sunshine and the […]

Filed Under: State Parks, Trail Guides Tagged With: 3-6 miles, beach, beachcombing, Carlsbad, Carlsbad State Beach, coastal, family-friendly, flat, guide, hike, San Diego County, scenic, State Park, trail, walk, walking

Hiking the Perimeter of Crystal Cove State Park

December 12, 2010 By Jeff Hester 9 Comments

Crystal Cove Pano East

Crystal Cove State Park is nestled in the coastal hills between Newport and Laguna Beach. This hiking trail 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 Orange County, but because you […]

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 8-10 miles, coastal, Crystal Cove, hike, hiking, loop, Orange County, photography, scenic, strenuous, trail, vista, wilderness

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About Jeff Hester

I created SoCal Hiker while preparing to thru-hike the John Muir Trail. My goal? Create guides for the best hiking trails throughout Southern California--and occasionally beyond. I personally hike each trail to create these guides, sharing practical advice on gear and outdoor skills. Read more...

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