Tag: travel

Red Tahquitz Peak

@serafinahikes

Here I was, back in Idyllwild again, years later. I picked up my permit at the ranger station kiosk which is open 24 hours. The permits can be limited to places such as Tahquitz Peak during peak times of the year. So you must always pick one up, before you head out. I then drove toward Humber Park, and reached the parking area around 7:45 am.  Once I arrived at the parking area, right away I spotted beautiful Lily Rock towering up above. Today I was hiking with a friend, who had yet to hike to Red Tahquitz Peak, so this would be a first for both of us. The area of Tahquitz Peak and Lily Rock is a popular rock climbing area as well, and I noticed several climbers heading out from the trailhead as well.

Making it to Mount Baldy: Summit #4

@serafinahikes

It was early June 2025. I was glad to be back here again at the trail to Mount Baldy, after what had been at least a year. My last summit was May 2024, on Mother's Day weekend. There was still snow covering much of the mountain then. But now, Baldy was in the clear, and snow-free. Today would be a solo summit of Mount Baldy heading up the Ski Hut Trail and down the Devil's Backbone Trail. The hike would be 12 miles with 3400 feet of gain.

Hiking Icehouse Canyon to Bighorn Peak

@serafinahikes

I started my hike up to Bighorn Peak a lot later in the day than I was hoping to. It was around 11:30 am when I arrived at the parking area, to find it completely full on a Saturday morning. I drove downhill, parking along the road. By the time I had gotten ready to head out and reached the trailhead, it was now about 12 noon. My goal today was to head to a peak, and there were several choices. I could hike to Timber Mountain, which was the last peak I hiked to here. I could go on to Cucamonga again, a peak I have been wanting to re-visit for years. It’s 4000 feet of gain, making me re-consider if I am ready today, with this late start. Then there is Etiwanda, beyond Cucamonga, which was also on the list.

Pacifico Mountain via the PCT

@serafinahikes

Today I would be hiking another short section of the PCT, bound for Pacifico Mountain, elevation 7104 ft. It was my first time hiking from the trailhead at Mill Creek Summit, to the peak. I knew there were several other peaks, a short distance from Pacifico, such as Granite Mountain, and Roundtop. Hiking to Pacifico Mountain is no easy feat, since it has over 2300 feet of gain. There is a PCT hiker friendly campground right at the peak.

Exploring Sturtevant Falls and Spruce Grove

@serafinahikes

The hike began downhill from the newly opened Chantry Flats parking area. It has been closed since last year, when the devastating fires wiped out the area. The parking area sits around 2150 feet, and the falls sit around 1700 feet in elevation so I would be hiking deep into a canyon along a sun exposed path. There are a series of flood control dams and spillways throughout Big Santa Anita Canyon, along this hike. A man named Wilbur Sturtevant established a trail camp here in 1893. The cabins such as Robert’s Camp and Hogees Camp were built in the early 1900’s here.