Category: Peaks

Hiking to Monserate Mountain – Summit #2

@serafinahikes

It was my second time hiking to this peak, in northern San Diego County, just south of Murrieta. Why have I not been here more than once. It is only a 45 minute drive from my house. Enough excuses, and here I was for summit #2! Monserate Mountain loop is a popular and often crowded 4 miler. It is also the site of a 911 monument, which pays homage to those lost in the events of September 11th. Every year hiker's will visit here on that date, to pay their respects to the fallen. It was a gorgeous foggy and cool fall morning in September, similar to the first time I visited here.

Waterman Mountain Loop

@serafinahikes

My goal for today’s hike was to explore the Waterman Mountain loop, that sits within a scenic wilderness area of the San Gabriel Mountains. The trailhead sits along SR-2, the Angeles Crest Highway, and is a bit out of the way. It is well past Chilao Campground, and Mount Williamson, along with most of civilization. The highway had been closed for repairs for sometime, which made visiting here again exciting.

A 19.5 mile hike to Cottonwood Lakes and New Army Pass

@serafinahikes

In 2021 I obtained a permit to hike the JMT starting from Cottonwood Pass, late in the season, during the first week of September. I had been dreaming about hiking this trail for sometime. I knew all about the PCT, Kennedy Meadows, and the idea of entering the Sierra solo felt both scary and like… Continue reading A 19.5 mile hike to Cottonwood Lakes and New Army Pass

Mount Baden Powell – Summit #3

@serafinahikes

 This was my third visit to Mount Baden Powell. It is the first high peak I ever climbed. I still remember reaching the top, feeling triumphant, doing something I was not sure I could do, but I put one foot in front of the other, making it there, signifying a change in the trajectory of my life. I could overcome challenges and do things that are not easy, such as climb a mountain, if I put my mind to it. 

Red Tahquitz Peak

@serafinahikes

Here I was, back in Idyllwild again, years later. I picked up my permit at the ranger station kiosk which is open 24 hours. The permits can be limited to places such as Tahquitz Peak during peak times of the year. So you must always pick one up, before you head out. I then drove toward Humber Park, and reached the parking area around 7:45 am.  Once I arrived at the parking area, right away I spotted beautiful Lily Rock towering up above. Today I was hiking with a friend, who had yet to hike to Red Tahquitz Peak, so this would be a first for both of us. The area of Tahquitz Peak and Lily Rock is a popular rock climbing area as well, and I noticed several climbers heading out from the trailhead as well.