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 […]
Mt. Hollywood in Griffith Park
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 […]
Urban Hiking: It’s Time for the Big Parade
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 […]
Whale Peak in Anza Borrego
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 […]
Book Review: I Hike – Mostly True Stories from 10,000 Miles of Hiking
“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 […]
Small Peak in Robinson Ranch
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 […]
Exploring South Carlsbad State Beach
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 […]
Crystal Cove Blue Route
Crystal Cove State Park is nestled in the coastal hills between Newport and Laguna Beach. The Blue Route 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 […]