Exploring “Trails” and Tidepools in Spring

Follow me on my springtime hike through the San Onofre State Beach Bluffs, a place mainly known for its surfing, not hiking. This place is called “Trails,” by surfers, due to a large number of steep trails, leading down to the beach from the parking area. It is rarely crowded here, and a place to feel like you're getting away from it all.

Etiwanda Falls and Preserve

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

Pleasants Peak and Bedford Peak: 17 Miles in the Santa Ana Mountains

I feel the best time to hike to a place like Pleasants Peak (Elevation 4007 ft), or anywhere in these mountains is between late fall, and early spring, which is from Mid November to Early February. As soon as snow begins to dust the peaks of Mount Baldy, anywhere from Late November to December, is my cue to switch to hiking in the foothills. The weather is always milder in the foothills below 5000 feet, versus up at high altitude.

Tahquitz Peak in Snow

It was early December of 2023, and I decided to hike to Tahquitz Peak, within the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Wilderness.  My plan was to hike there before winter set in, but plans got delayed. In my search for backpacking partners to hike the PCT with, I met a woman in a hiking group… Continue reading Tahquitz Peak in Snow

Fairview Park and the Santa Ana River Trail

The Talbert Nature Preserve has over 3 miles of trails, and sits on the outskirts of Costa Mesa, beginning in Fairview Park, and continuing alongside the Santa Ana River Trail. I love open space, and getting outside into nature to quiet places where the birds sing to hike a few miles every day. Sometimes I explore new trails I have never been, such as this one.