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 »
The “Bridge To Nowhere” in the San Gabriel Mountains is a very popular 9 mile roundtrip hike. The trail follows the gold rich banks of the East Fork of San Gabriel River, with steep canyon walls lined with chaparral and yucca. The Bridge To Nowhere is a unique landmark in the Sheep Mountain Wilderness, and
Icehouse Canyon, nestled among cedar and pine, is a popular spot for casual hikers to enjoy alpine scenery and a year round stream. It is better served to more experienced hikers as a gateway to Cucamonga Wilderness: Bighorn Peak, Cucamonga Peak, Ontario Peak, and the Three Tee’s Trail (Timber, Telegraph, and Thunder Mtns). I made
Mt. San Antonio, or Mt. Baldy (depending on what map you’re reading), is the highest peak in Los Angeles County. The area is immensely beautiful, and a place where hikers come to challenge the altitude and train for higher elevations. It’s not Mt. Whitney, but the danger here can be crippling during the winter or
Posted in *Southern California, Trails Tags: Baldy Bowl, Baldy Notch, hike, Mt. Baldy, Mt. San Antonio, San Antonio Mount 1 Comment »
The beauty of Eaton Canyon is its close proximity to the vast sprawl of the Inland Empire. In no time at all, you can be at the foot of Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel range, merely minutes away from neighboring Pasadena. On a hot day, the cool, shady canyon is a welcome relief,
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