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
Tag: Hiking
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.
Around Crystal Cove
It was early December, and I met up with a friend to hike one of our favorite local hikes Crystal Cove has so many great trails, and one of my favorite routes is the Red Route. It circles the park, traveling up No Dogs starting at the Ranger Station. One of the drawbacks of a… Continue reading Around Crystal Cove
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
Feeling Craggy: The Lemon Squeezer
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.




