Tag: women’s outdoors

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. 

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.