Month: February 2025

California Desert Cave Homes? Yes, they exist.

@serafinahikes

I was somewhat skeptical when hearing about the caves of Dublin Gulch. I had passed by this way once before, on the way back from Death Valley. I had no idea what type of irishmen had inhabited these parts of the desert near Shoshone Junction. They had to be risk takers. To live and mine in a desert, you would have to be someone who goes from broke. It was either going to be an interesting desert hike, or it would be a bust. I love old ruins, and architecture, so for me this seemed like a must see.

Volcanic Rocks and a Lava Dome in the Eastern Sierra

@serafinahikes

Fossil Falls is an interesting geologic formation, located off Hwy-395 on the way to Lone Pine. The black basalt rock formation was formed by an actual waterfall, from erosion fire and water of ancient lava flows, through erosion. 

I stopped in a Ghost Town along Hwy-395

@serafinahikes

I stopped in a ghost town as I ventured north along Hwy-395. It is February 2025 and I decided to set out on a roadtrip along Hwy-395 which runs alongside the eastern Sierra. A swath of towering high peaks and wild untamed wilderness await along this scenic highway. It is unlike any other place on the planet or California, which is one of the most beautiful states in the lower 48. The goal of my trip was to stay in a snow covered cabin in Mammoth, to explore around the Owen's Valley, and beyond.

Beeks Place via Skyline Drive

@serafinahikes

I hiked 12.5 miles up Skyline Drive to Beek's Place, from Corona, CA for the first time. It's an iconic homestead, centrally located amidst the Saddleback Mountains. It was the home of Joe Beek, a member of the California Senate. His homestead and property are several hundred acres. The remains of the homestead was recently renovated, and the property sold, with the name changed to Beacon's Pines.