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’
A beautiful hike in the coastal mountains. Phenomenal flower blooms in the spring, strong sun in the summer, and a small spring and waterfall (during wet years), the main attraction are large swaths of native California grassland — some of the last remaining unspoiled areas in the state. A well-traveled area with lots of trail options can make this area and easy couple of hours or a full day excursion.
Continue reading ‘Hiking La Jolla Canyon’
You think I’m exaggerating when I say that people go nuts here when it snows.
Today is the first sunny day we’ve had for almost a week, and before it starts raining / snowing again, Angelenos are proving that yes — Los Angeles DOES have snow and mountains.
A quick search on Flickr has a ton of pictures of our beloved San Gabriels, blanketed in a healthy coat of the white stuff. Here’s hoping for a good snowpack this year … and maybe a reason to finally invest in some snowshoes.
“L.A. or Denver” by Jslander.
“Mountains Outside of Los Angeles” by Tarzana4ever.
From somewhere that looks near Red Box by LAPhoto1.
I remember one of the first (of many) things that freaked me out about L.A. when I first moved here was the post apocalyptic wasteland of oil derricks you see when you’re driving north out of LAX on La Cienega. Coming from New England, I always assumed that sort of thing was reserved for the more rural, wide-open west — not urban, world-class-city Los Angeles.
It was the first of many of my assumptions about L.A. that turned out to be very, very wrong. The city, as it turns out, used to be mostly farmland, orchards, and oil fields — fairly recently in its history, too.
While searching for an unrelated map, fellow map nerd Nikolas Schiller came upon an old map of downtown and West L.A. from 1905, showing the locations of all the oil wells and derricks that used to dot the landscape. He used the map to create a Google Earth Overlay, which is pretty fascinating.
Click through to see if you’re sitting on an old filled-in well. Then worry.
Then be sure to check out the rest of Nikolas’ site. Especially if you like maps, fractals, computer art, and small doses of radical progressive political thought.
Via Curbed L.A.
A short, yet secluded hike to a secluded mountain deep in the western San Gabriels. A trek down a long dirt road gets you to the trailhead, where you’ll walk along unused fire roads and use-trails to the summit of Iron Mountain. While this route to the mountain is relatively short, it’s got a steep incline at the actual summit and a long, drawn out ascent on the return trip to the trailhead.
Continue reading ‘Hiking Iron Mountain (#2)’
A leg-busting ascent to the highest point in Los Angeles County, with a neighboring mountain thrown in for good measure. This is a classic hike through some incredible subalpine scenery, and is a MUST HIKE for anyone who lives in or is visiting Southern California.
Continue reading ‘Hiking Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy) and Mount Harwood’
A great hike in the lower San Gabriels to incredible vistas, forested mountain canyons, and the ruins of a turn-of-the-century mountaintop resort. Bonus enjoyment for history buffs, in the form of plaques and markers placed along the ruins and the route of an old railroad through the mountains.
Continue reading ‘Hiking Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point’
A picturesque, shaded canyon hike. A popular, well-maintained trail with opportunities for less-traveled spurs. Highlights include a small waterfall, the oldest still-standing stone building in Malibu, and the ruins of a burned-down mansion.
Continue reading ‘Hiking Solstice Canyon’
A short, relatively easy trail loop in one of the most accessible areas of Los Angeles’ mountains. Quick access and very dog-friendly, although the crowds may leave you longing for something a bit further in the wilderness.
Continue reading ‘Hiking Runyon Canyon’
A short, meandering trip on the Silver Moccasin Trail into an historic horse-thief hideout. Plenty of incredible boulder formations, pine forests, and nice views of the interior San Gabriels.
Continue reading ‘Hiking Mount Hillyer’
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