Get Outside and Explore
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.
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
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.
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
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.
Serafina Hikes 