A 10.5 mile loop from the top of Mount Wilson to two trail camps along the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, then back up to the top of the mountain. This trail is entirely along the mountain’s cooler, more forested north face, and the route follows seasonal streams and rivers that can provide nice swimming holes. A few dangerous stretches of track and the down-then-up route make this a strenuous day hike, or a more moderate overnighter.
When I saw the phrase “Connecticut Hikers” on my Hiker Hell feed this morning, I absolutely had to click-through. Even though I’ve been in California for over 5 years, now, I still like to keep tabs on my old Nutmeg State stomping grounds.
When I read that the lost hikers were on Ragged Mountain, I realized this story was not only in my old state, but actually in my hometown! Score one for Berlin, Connecticut — Home of the Yankee Peddler.
Ragged Mountain isn’t big by any standards, but it is a bit isolated from the rest of civilization in the area. It’s no Denali, but I could see how someone might get lost up there if they were unprepared. Thankfully, the two lost hikers were rescued without any problem, and everyone probably learned a valuable lesson.
… and that should get a few more interesting hits from Google.
But it’s true, according to a recent CNN story about “natural highs.” Hiking and mountain climbing rank among such other risky and rewarding activities as going to the gym, public speaking, skydiving and … um … shoe shopping.
If you’re looking for motivation to hit that next peak on your list, listen to Ramani Durvasula, a professor at CSULA, describe her hiking experiences:
When you pull yourself up onto a summit — and climax, so to speak, particularly as a woman — the sheer physicality, beauty and endurance are like no other feeling on earth … My favorite ‘lover’ was Half Dome … I fell to my knees. It was one of the best moments of my life.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to make plans to visit Yosemite.
I wonder what Durvasula would have to say about the rock formations in Cappadodcia …
A 10 mile trek down the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, following the path of an attempted highway. This hike features multiple river crossings, plenty of opportunities to swim, historic sections of visible roads and tunnels, and the Bridge to Nowhere — a 120 foot high concrete bridge in the middle of the canyon. The bridge is an odd and beautiful sight that is unparalleled in the San Gabriels — and it’s also the only place in California were bungee jumping is allowed (on weekends).
B-Real from Hiker Hell wants you to make sure to take time out of your busy Wednesday to remember these things:
1. Mountain lion cubs are cute.
2. Mountain lion cubs are so cute, you may want to stop to pet them.
3. You should not pet mountain lion cubs, because it’s highly likely their parents are nearby.
4. Mountain lions will attack things that look like they’re attacking their cubs, even if they’re cooing and speaking in baby talk about how cute their cubs are.
That whole “recession thing” may be taking a toll on the horrible pastime of ‘glamping‘ — the glamorous resort camping trend that was all the rage last year — but it looks like gadget manufacturers are still hard at work helping our car-camping friends have an easier time when they venture into the Great Outdoors … that’s a few feet off the asphalt of their campground’s parking lot.
The Gear Junkie just wrapped up a two-part round-up on luxury camping equipment. Ten Essentials they ain’t — we’re talking things like a ten-person tent with three electrical outlets and a blender that runs on a 4 cylinder Honda engine.
Check out the write-ups for a list of things you’ll probably never, ever buy. Except maybe that water heater. And maybe the solar charger. And those pink flamingo tent poles …
Over the weekend, I led a small group hike down the East Fork of the San Gabriel River to the Bridge to Nowhere — one of my favorite hikes in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Over the next few days, I’ll be updating my existing post with more detailed information, pictures, and a GPS track. You know, the stuff you’d expect.
But it may be a while, as I’m in the middle of moving the Modern Hiker offices back to the Miracle Mile. While you’re waiting, please enjoy this video of one of the many bungee jumpers we saw on Sunday.
Last week, I came across a post from a local blogger about a place in the Angeles National Forest called “Monkey Canyon.” Not on any maps and unofficially named, the area appears to be a popular swimming hole and rugged hike for those in-the-know. It has rough canyons, big drops, and cold streams.
It looks like it would be a lot of fun to get to — if the area wasn’t nearly covered over in graffiti.
Regardless, this is not a leisurely stroll-in-and-swim hike. This is some serious off-trail scrambling and climbing, wading through waist-deep water in flash flood zones, and maneuvering around steep drop-offs. It is not for anyone who doesn’t know exactly what they’re getting in to — a lesson two men learned today when they were rescued from the canyon and hospitalized.
They’d both fallen off the trail — one 50 feet onto land, the other wedged between boulders in the water.
State & Lake has a post with some great information on Monkey Canyon, including some directions to the ‘trailhead’-ish area and some more warnings. Also, there’s a story about Bigfoot hiding out among the cliff-divers.
Huh. I always figured him for more of a Pacific Northwest boutique-coffee kinda guy.
A 10.5 mile loop from the top of Mount Wilson to two trail camps along the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, then back up to the top of the mountain. This trail is entirely along the mountain’s cooler, more forested north face, and the route follows seasonal streams and rivers that can provide nice swimming holes. A few dangerous stretches of track and the down-then-up route make this a strenuous day hike, or a more moderate overnighter.
When I saw the phrase “Connecticut Hikers” on my 
Over the next few weeks, SoCal outdoor outfitters Adventure 16 will host Allan Riedel — author of the guidebook 
. Riedel will offer tips on his favorite local trails, hidden camping spots, and good family trips at 
A 10 mile trek down the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, following the path of an attempted highway. This hike features multiple river crossings, plenty of opportunities to swim, historic sections of visible roads and tunnels, and the Bridge to Nowhere — a 120 foot high concrete bridge in the middle of the canyon. The bridge is an odd and beautiful sight that is unparalleled in the San Gabriels — and it’s also the only place in California were bungee jumping is allowed (on weekends).
That whole “recession thing” may be taking a toll on the horrible pastime of ‘
Web Hosting by ReadySetConnect
Latest Comments
RSS