Category: Historical Sites

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.

Mount Islip Elevation 8250

@serafinahikes

I drove up to Crystal Lake Recreation Area from Hwy-39, parking at the Islip Ridge trailhead. After climbing up to four peaks a year ago, to “The Four Hawkins,” I was back again in a beautiful alpine wilderness, standing deep within a giant granite bowl. But there was one more adjoining peak I had not climbed, Mount Islip, which is included in the Sierra Club’s Hundred Peaks section.

Day 1: A 30 Mile Backpacking Trip from Glacier Point

@serafinahikes

I would be backpacking 30 miles in the Sierra in Yosemite National Park. If you're wanting to backpack in the Sierra, depending on the trailhead you wish to depart from, there can be restrictions. National Parks like Yosemite don't make it that easy to obtain permits. You must reserve them online and pick them up in person. The lines to enter the park can be very long, and it's not as straightforward as one would think. I will explain how I obtained my permit, and some tricks for getting a permit for Half Dome when you're planning on backpacking in Yosemite.

Etiwanda Falls and Preserve

@serafinahikes

It'a mid February and I am driving north from Orange County toward the LA mountains to hike to Etiwanda Falls. There has been an abundance of snow covering  the high peaks of the Angeles Forest, a mere hour drive from my home.  How it Got its Name In 1882 early settlers of the area named… Continue reading Etiwanda Falls and Preserve

Hiking Black Mountain in San Diego

@serafinahikes

I recently visited the 2,352 acre Black Mountain Open Space Preserve, one of the gems of San Diego County. I decided I would hike the Black Mountain via Miner’s Ridge trail. It earned its name, since the mountain has a history as an old mining area. I could not help but feel somewhat nostalgic, walking… Continue reading Hiking Black Mountain in San Diego