Get Outside and Explore
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.
It's one of the most popular hiking trails in Orange County, and it is popular with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. With distant mountain views, just about anyone looking to get fit outdoors will find a reason to like the trails of Peter's Canyon. Multiple hills, wide accessible trails, and numerous route options draw a crowd. The reservoir and neighboring marsh create a habitat for migrating birds, making it a birding destination as well.
Wood Canyon and Wood Creek Loop: I love this canyon, and its woodsy vibe. I wound my way along Wood Creek Trail and onto Coyote Run. Along the way I had a run in with a large Southern Pacific Rattlesnake, which coiled as I passed it, causing me to jump out of the way. It was maybe 4 feet from the trail, under a tree branch. It had a humongous girth, for a juvenile, evidenced by the rattles in their tails.
It was a short hike in comparison to my past hikes, but my longest one all summer, and had me feeling optimistic about the road ahead. I arrived in Caspars off Ortega Highway in the late morning around 10:45 am. It was not a particularly hot day in late August, so I would end up being fine with the late start. The temps would climb to the upper 70’s though.
At this time I was feeling pretty good, and looking forward to enjoying my summer, looking forward to several more backpacking trips, in August in the Sierra once more and in September, exploring the Desolation Wilderness. It was July 6th and I ventured out on another hike on one of my favorite local trails, just… Continue reading It’s Mid July in Socal
Serafina Hikes 