Tag: california

Backpacking PCT Section A – Day 1

@serafinahikes

I have thought and wondered about hiking the PCT a lot of the years. Living in Southern California, not far from the trail, I had hiked on short sections of it, out and back. I had not yet backpacked or thru hiked an entire section before. Section A starts in Campo, CA and is 107.1 miles long, ending in Warner Springs, CA. The prospect of hiking 100 miles was exciting to me. I knew the time to do it was in spring, after the nights warmed above freezing, and preferably after the winter time rains ended.

Los Pinos Peak

@serafinahikes

It was a beautiful day for a 6 mile hike to Los Pinos Peak. I decided to head off into the Santa Ana Mountains. Heading north on Main Divide Road from Ortega Highway, there were two water crossings we had to make, which was not expected.

Sendero Loop

@serafinahikes

The Shasta Sendero Loop trail was steep, overgrown, and a bit muddy. I continued climbing uphill for about 500 more feet, amongst the wildflowers. The hills were golden, blooming with wild mustard, and dozens of other flowers. It is mid-March, and we have had a ton of rain. The mountains are full of snow, and we are having a superbloom. 

The Boo Hoff Trail

@serafinahikes

I decided to hike the Boo Hoff Trail in La Quinta, CA in late February. The trail begins at The Cove trailhead, which is the jumping off point for a network of several other trails, such as the Cove to Lake Trail, and the Bear Creek Oasis, along with some unmarked ones. There is a free parking lot, restrooms, and a shade structure there. 

The San Clemente Ridgeline

@serafinahikes

There is a four mile long paved trail along the ridge in San Clemente. There are several other unpaved, un-named trails that branch off from the main paved one. It is possible to hike up to 7 miles, all the way to "The Nob." I went on a 6 mile trail run at sunset, and… Continue reading The San Clemente Ridgeline