Category: Scrambling

Stonewall Peak and Cuyamaca Rancho in Fall

@serafinahikes

So this would be my second hike in this beautiful historic wilderness park, and former rancho, with habitation dating back over 9,000 years. It was the home of the Kumeyaay tribe, and seven villages were located here. It would be my second time hiking here. I was coming on a busy weekend in fall. I drove up Hwy-79 and parked at Trout Pond trailhead, not noticing any indication of a need to display a parking pass here. There were about 5 cars parked here, and across the road. I exited my car and was just in awe of the fall colors. It had been unknown to me in planning this hike that the fall colors would be at their peak. I began hiking along the Marty Minshall Trail, heading towards the forest, which was glowing in shades of bright yellow.

Villager: An Illusive Desert Peak

@serafinahikes

It reminded me of my hike up Mount Whitney somehow, this toe-crushing, and somewhat soul crushing peak. I had truly met my match with this one. The first thing people mention is that there is no water, the second thing, is about how much water they brought, and the third is about running out of… Continue reading Villager: An Illusive Desert Peak

Feeling Craggy: The Lemon Squeezer

@serafinahikes

I had been to The Gunks as they are referred to before, and my last visit was in the late fall, during the off-season about 20 years ago. I had taken a short hike, checking out the rock climbing area along Undercliff trail, with another climbing enthusiast. Lacking gear and time I sadly did not partake in any of the climbs. I found myself  in the Shawangunks area of New Paltz once again, on a summertime visit to upstate New York. It is August, so the weather is warm and sunny this time of year. I was excited to explore amongst the thousands of acres of woods and trails here. There are a series of famous crags, several mountain lakes, a mountain top tower and a beautiful old lakefront hotel, all within the 7,000 acre Mohonk Nature Preserve. One of the climbs, is through what is referred to as the Lemon Squeezer.