Hiking to Muir Peak and Inspiration Point from the Cobb Estate in Altadena is challenging. The 11 mile trail climbs over 2800 feet, gives you a taste of LA history and some really great views. Even with a coastal haze, we spied Catalina Island poking up in the distance. I hiked this with the Sierra […]
Thru-Hiking the JMT: Over Forester Pass to Wright Creek
Day 20 on the John Muir Trail… At 13,200 feet above sea level, Forester Pass may not be the highest point on the John Muir Trail (that would be Mt. Whitney) but it is the high point of the Pacific Crest Trail. As we’ve hiked further and further south on the JMT, our average altitude has […]
Thru-Hiking the JMT: Thousand Island Lake to Reds Meadow
Day 6 on the John Muir Trail… I woke up before sunrise to take  photos. Thousand Island Lake was still, reflecting Banner Peak like a mirror. The sun cast a brilliant yellow glow as it struck the mountains, and we welcomed the warm rays. At 9,850 feet, Thousand Island Lake is just below the tree […]
Beek’s Place via Black Star Canyon
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 […]
In Ice Axe We Trust: Mt. Whitney
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 […]
San Gabriel Peak, Mt Disappointment, Mt Deception, Mt Markham and Mt Lowe
A little over two years ago, Derek (@100Peaks), Peter (@ADKinLA)Â 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 […]
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 […]
Chiquito Falls Trail
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 1,409′ of vertical elevation gain. And […]
