A 14 mile in-and-out that hits two of the tallest, most prominent peaks in the Angeles National Forest. Beginning with the historic, alpine brook that runs through Icehouse Canyon, this trail climbs through picturesque pine and cedar to Icehouse Saddle before visiting the site of an old trail resort and ascending a long ridge between the two peaks. A truly magnificent and rewarding hike, with great views of the Baldy Bowl for almost the entire route. Highly, highly recommended.
Archive for the 'The Great Outdoors' Category
Backpacker caught the story of what may be the most rugged political event of history:
Utah Washington County Commissioner hopeful Lin Alder will be hiking and biking along the route to a proposed 170-mile water pipeline from perpetually-shrinking Lake Powell. He’s running against the pipeline and the increased development and costs to the state, and will hold information-gathering sessions and lectures. The trip will end in a sure-to-be-dramatic debate with his opponent atop the Hurricane Cliffs, just outside Zion National Park.
Wow.
That’s one way to get people excited about politics.
So, after Backpacker chronicled three separate incidents involving personal locator beacons (2 of which were successful), I finally decided to drop the cash to buy a Spot Satellite Messenger
I will say, the setup was very intuitive and painless, and the test messages to cell phones and emails worked out perfectly.
Hopefully, that is all I will ever have to use it for.
I’ll probably test out the GPS data and online interface for sending the “OK” signal on my next trip, though.
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.
Continue reading ‘Hiking Mount Wilson - Devore Trail Camp Loop’
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.
Now I wonder if they were anyone I know …
Over the next few weeks, SoCal outdoor outfitters Adventure 16 will host Allan Riedel — author of the guidebook 100 Classic Hikes in Southern California
- Tarzana Store: Thurs., Sept. 4, 7 p.m.
- West Los Angeles Store: Thurs., Sept. 11, 7 p.m.
- Torrance Store: Thurs., Sept. 18, 7 p.m.
- Costa Mesa Store: Thurs., Sept. 25, 7 p.m.
- Oceanside Store: Thurs., Oct. 2, 7 p.m.
- Solana Beach Store: Thurs., Oct. 9, 7 p.m.
- San Diego Store: Thurs., Oct. 16, 7 p.m.
No word on whether or not punch and pie will be served, but we can assume CLIF bars and iced tea are likely.
… 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 …
image by Jeff Werner.
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).
Continue reading ‘Hiking the East Fork of San Gabriel River to the Bridge to Nowhere’
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.
Learn the lessons here.
You know, aside from the fact that anything you hit off of a summit has a chance of killing someone below you …
Mountain Top Golfing Backfires - Watch more free videos
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