Tag: travel

Annie’s Canyon and the San Elijo Lagoon

@serafinahikes

I have known of Annie's Canyon a few years, yet strayed away from visiting it, placing my efforts more on long strenuous climbs, challenging myself. I did not think this would be challenging, and I knew it was a very crowded popular spot, so I kept putting off visiting here. The trail through the San Elijo Ecological Reserve leading toward Annie’s Canyon, has several different options to accessing the canyon. I ended up choosing the trailhead located at the end of North Rios Avenue, also referred to on maps as the Gemma Parks Interpretive Trail. The San Elijo Lagoon is an estuary, surrounded by a series of winding trails throughout the marsh.

Butler Peak Fire Tower

@serafinahikes

Fall is here in California and October is the perfect time to hike near Big Bear Lake. I headed up the wide paved road to the Butler Peak Fire Lookout. The road is also a popular OHV route, and I started to be passed by multiple off-road vehicles. The landscape was dry and parched, characteristic of fall in California, but brightened by the flecks of color, as the leaves changed their shade.

A 19.5 mile hike to Cottonwood Lakes and New Army Pass

@serafinahikes

In 2021 I obtained a permit to hike the JMT starting from Cottonwood Pass, late in the season, during the first week of September. I had been dreaming about hiking this trail for sometime. I knew all about the PCT, Kennedy Meadows, and the idea of entering the Sierra solo felt both scary and like… Continue reading A 19.5 mile hike to Cottonwood Lakes and New Army Pass

Hiking to Lake One, Two and Three in Big Pine Lakes (10 miles)

@serafinahikes

After more climbing I found myself hiking alongside a series of cascading waterfalls once again. The fast flowing water was beautiful, but I knew not to get too close. You would not want to fall in here. I was now standing just above the first of many towering waterfalls along this trail. I was finally entering the John Muir Wilderness once again! The scene kept changing and transforming. I was now surrounded by an enchanted forest. I reached my first milestone of the hike, the Lon Chaney cabin. The scene kept changing from towering forests to mountain vistas of wildflowers and granite.

Mount Baden Powell – Summit #3

@serafinahikes

 This was my third visit to Mount Baden Powell. It is the first high peak I ever climbed. I still remember reaching the top, feeling triumphant, doing something I was not sure I could do, but I put one foot in front of the other, making it there, signifying a change in the trajectory of my life. I could overcome challenges and do things that are not easy, such as climb a mountain, if I put my mind to it.