The trail to Franklin Lakes wanders through meadows and over streams, up the slopes of impressive peaks and into an alpine bowl. It is easily achieved in a day and most travel beyond Franklin Pass as a portal, but the lake itself makes a nice place to camp. Basic Info: 10.8 miles roundtrip to Lower
Sanctuary to sequoia and redwood groves, Mountain Home State Forest is an often overlooked tour of the lower lying Sierra’s. The trout are abundant in North Fork Middle Fork Tule River and in surrounding creeks. This area was favored by natives during the summer to escape the heat of the San Joaquin Valley. Crossing into
Escape the crowds in Yosemite Valley by reaching North Dome, with spectacular 360 views of Half Dome, Illilouette Falls, the Merced River, and distant peaks. An easy day hike or overnight, this trip is a nice escape from tour buses and throngs of people. This trail leads to an amazing vantage over most of the
Posted in Sierra Nevada, Trails 
Tags: CA-120, Half Dome, North Dome, Porcupine Creek, Yosemite hikes, Yosemite National Park 
No Comments »
Just minutes from the San Fernando Valley on Little Tujunga Canyon Road, past horse ranches and mountain pinnacles, is the top of Dillon Divide and Pacoima Canyon. A tunnel that used to divert water from a placer gold prospect sits at the bottom along the river. The tunnel is open and still has a stream
Posted in *Southern California, Trails Tags: 4N35, Dillon Divide, Dutch Louie, Little Tujunga Canyon, Pacoima Canyon 13 Comments »
The Sespe Wilderness, just north of Ojai along the scenic route 33, is a unique sanctuary for a massive and diverse landscape. Part of Los Padres National Forest, it borders the Sespe Condor Sanctuary, and stands as a fertile refuge for endangered life. Traveling to Willett Hot Springs is 20 miles roundtrip and yields dramatic
North of Castaic Lake, in a valley hidden by a beautiful but unforgiving landscape, is the Redrock Canyon mine. Forgotten for years and rediscovered throughout history, our visit was the third recorded since 1932. It’s a leg-burning 15 miles roundtrip, including 34 river crossings, which swell in the spring. UPDATED 8/6/12 See Mark Mendenhall’s comment
Escondido Canyon Park is nestled in the hills of Malibu, overlooking the Pacific and Catalina Island. It’s a quick hike to a picturesque overlook that winds up several levels of waterfalls on a lightly wooded path. It may take some creativity to find solitude here, but it’s a perfect little jaunt for a late afternoon.
Posted in *Southern California, Trails Tags: Escondido Canyon Park, Escondido Falls, hike, Malibu, waterfalls No Comments »
Sandstone Peak, the highest peak in the Santa Monica Mountains at 3,111 feet, is a popular quest for hikers of all conditions. A roundtrip of the Backbone Trail is easily achieved, but yields impressive views of the coast, and on clear days of Angeles National Forest and Los Padres National Forest. The Mishe Mokwa trail
Darwin Falls is an oasis of life at the edge of Death Valley National Park. The cool river water flowing through Darwin Canyon irrigates a trench of green amid sharply carved plutonic rock. The Upper and Lower Falls are the tallest in Death Valley and draw many visitors, but further climbing continues up the wash
Posted in *Southern California, Trails Tags: Darwin Falls, Darwin Wash, Death Valley National Park, Old Toll Road No Comments »
Sawtooth Peak (12,343 ft) in Mineral King is a difficult hike. Climbing to the top of Sawtooth Pass reveals views of alpine glacial gems like Columbine Lake, Monarch Lakes, and Mineral King Valley. Overnight backpacking or camping is a must when visiting Mineral King. Wildlife is abundant and the landscape is massive. A vast range
A hiking, backpacking, camping, and everything outdoors resource. Detailed trip reports, photos, videos, and topo maps describe rich trail experiences. Learn how to get there, what to see, where to eat, what to bring, FREE!
K9 Friendly Alpine Hiking 
Franklin Lakes – Mineral King Valley, Sequoia NP 
Poison Ivy and Poison Oak Rash Prevention and Treatment 
Cold Springs Campground and Atwell Mill – Mineral King, Sequoia NP 
Beginners Guide To Gold Panning and Prospecting 
RSS Feed
Twitter