Airport Loop Trail (Catalina Island)

Posted on May 26, 2012 by dlockeretz

This post is made possible with support from the Catalina Island Conservancy.

View from the Airport Loop Trail on Catalina Island

Soapstone quarry on the Airport Loop Trail

Airport Loop Trail

Location: Airport in the Sky, Santa Catalina Island. Catalina Express operates boats to Avalon from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. Catalina Flyer operates boats from Newport Beach to Avalon and Two Harbors. Once in Avalon, walk to the Conservancy office at 125 Claressa Ave for your free hiking permit. Then, walk to the nearby Island Plaza to pick up the bus. The schedule is always subject to change, and while reservations are not required, it is recommended that you call them at least an hour in advance, at 310-510-0143, to confirm that you will have a ride.
Agency: Catalina Island Conservancy
Distance: 2.3 miles
Elevation gain: 250 feet
Difficulty Rating: G
Suggested time: 1 hour, plus travel time from Avalon or Two Harbors to the airport.
Best season: Year-round (hot during the summer)
USGS topo map: “Santa Catalina”
Recommended gear: Sunblock; Sun Hat; Dramamine (boat ride)
More information: Airport area trail map here; bus schedule here (call 310-510-0143 for up-to-date fare and schedule information); Airport in the Sky info here
Rating: 7

Ten road miles from Avalon, Catalina Island’s Airport in the Sky offers great views of the island’s interior, a chance to get up close to some small planes, a nature center, and a short hiking trail. If you’re making a trip to Catalina Island, the airport and the loop trail make a nice excursion. The route is easy for inexperienced hikers–but veterans will enjoy it too, undoubtedly finding it to be different from most mainland trails.

From the drop-off area, head back out toward the road, past the vintage hangar. At the junction with Rancho Escondido Road, look for a trail heading downhill. You’ll meet up with the Airport Loop trail (which, at this point, is also the Trans Catalina Trail.) The hike is described here going clockwise (although you can do it either way).

Head right, enjoying nice views of Blackjack and Orizaba Mountains, the two highest points on the island, across deep Cottonwood Canyon. After crossing the road again, you climb a ridge and can see the western end of the island. You descend briefly and pass by Buffalo Springs Reservoir.

Just under a mile into the hike, you’ll arrive at a T-junction where the Trans Catalina Trail branches off to the left and heads downhill toward Little Harbor and Two Harbors. Turn right, and follow the trail as it parallels the dirt road. (You can also walk on the road if you prefer). For the next half mile, you get great views of the island’s eastern shoreline. There are a few spots where the trail is a little tough to follow; just keep in mind that it closely parallels the road.

You’ll cross the paved road again, and continue toward a junction where you rejoin the Trans Catalina Trail. Turn right and head uphill, passing a soapstone quarry where interpretive plaques describe how the natives used this resource. A few switchbacks bring you back up to the airport.

Text and photography copyright 2012 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Mt. Jurupa

Posted on May 25, 2012 by dlockeretz

View from near Mt. Jurupa’s summit

Watch out for snakes!

Mt. Jurupa

Location: 11660 Sierra Avenue, Fontana. From I-10, take the Sierra Avenue exit and go south for 1.7 miles. The park is on the right (just past Jurupa Avenue.) From the 60 freeway, take the Valley Way exit and head north for a total of 0.9 miles. (Valley Way becomes Armstrong.) Bear left on to Sierra Avenue, pass by the golf course, and go 1.7 miles to the park entrance, on the left.
Agency: Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park/City of Fontana
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Steepness, elevation gain, terrain)
Suggested time: 2 hours
Best season: October – June
USGS topo map: Fontana
Recommended gear: Sun Hat; Hiking Poles
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 4

It’s very steep, completely exposed and covered in graffiti, and if you scramble to the top of Mt. Jurupa, you’re likely to be rewarded with a view that’s sadly choked in by smog. But this climb is a great workout, and it’s very conveniently located to both San Bernardino and Riverside. For residents of Fontana, it’s almost literally in their backyard. It’s short enough that it can be done in the summer, if temperatures aren’t too hot. Locals appreciate Mt. Jurupa, such as this meet-up group who held an event to help clean up the park last year.

Mt. Jurupa is not tall (2,217 feet), but it has a prominence of 1,167 feet, meaning if that the ocean level were to rise so it was an island, the highest point on the island would be 1,167 feet above sea level. It’s the tallest point in the Jurupa Hills, which straddle the boundary of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

The hike begins at Martin Tudor Jurupa Hills Regional Park (not to be confused with Rancho Jurupa Park in Riverside.) From the north end of the parking lot, follow a paved bike path to an intersection with a fire road. Turn left, climb past a cell phone tower, and you’ll come to a four-way intersection. This is where the work begins. Head uphill on a slope that climbs and doesn’t stop. At least you get nice views of the area as you work your way uphill. The trail splits but rejoins quickly (the route to the left is a little easier to navigate).

The grade lessens somewhat as you continue to make your way uphill. A few false trails branch off, but the main route is usually pretty clear. In addition to the graffiti, there are some more elaborate drawings. The Summitpost link refers to a “Jurupa Art Walk”, which begs the question of if these paintings – which include cartoon characters, a mermaid and even Angry Birds – are officially sanctioned.

You reach a false summit, and then a relatively flat stretch along a ridge brings you to the actual peak. Jurupa’s summit is wide and mesa-like. If the air is clear, the view includes the San Gabriels, the Santa Ana Mountains and more. Even if there is smog, you still get a nice bird’s eye view of the greater Fontana/Jurupa Valley area.

Despite the likelihood of smog, and the certainty of graffiti, this hike is a nice destination in an area not known for having much nature. Whether as a quick workout or a training hike for a bigger peak, Mt. Jurupa is well worth a visit.

Grand Avenue Park to Sunset Park (Chino Hills)

Posted on May 24, 2012 by dlockeretz

View from the Sunset Trail

On the Grand Avenue Trail

Grand Avenue Park to Sunset Park (Chino Hills)

Location: Grand Avenue Park, Chino Hills. From the 57/60 Freeways, take the Grand Avenue exit and head southeast for 3.3 miles to the park. Turn right and park in the lot. From the Riverside area, take the 71 Freeway to the Edison Avenue/Grand Avenue exit. Turn left on Grand Avenue and head 3.4 miles to the park. Turn left and park in the lot. Parking is free and there are restrooms at the trail head.
Agency: City of Chino Hills
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation gain: 600 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
Best season: October – June
USGS topo map: Ontario
Recommended gear: Hiking Poles; Sun Hat
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 4

Like the nearby La Sierra Loop, which is visible from this trail, the trip from Grand Avenue Park to Sunset Park is a good workout that couldn’t be more conveniently located for residents of Chino Hills, Diamond Bar and the surrounding communities. The recreational trails, such as this one, that are operated by the city, are open seven days a week and are dog friendly, unlike the more famous Chino Hills State Park. This trip has a lot of ups and downs–figuratively and literally. Several sharp ascents and descents in both directions make it a good workout. The highlights include (on a clear day) great views of Mt. Baldy and the San Gabriels, and perhaps San Jacinto and San Gorgonio. The drawbacks are that there is virtually no shade on the trip, and that a substantial portion of the hike runs alongside a barbed-wire fence. (The trail is wide enough so that the fence doesn’t present a safety hazard; it just costs aesthetic points.)

From the lot, look for the Grand Avenue bridle trail on the east (left as you’re coming in) end of the park. Follow it and take the second left turn, which is signed for Sunset Park and immediately heads up a steep hill. Cross carefully over a drainage ditch, pass through a fence and continue your climb. You reach the top of a knoll where you get a nice view of the area. Then there’s a steep descent (250 feet in less than a quarter mile). As you can probably guess, making the ascent on the return trip is a thankless task. At the bottom of the hill, head right on the Sunset Trail.

In a way, the rest of the hike is a little anti-climatic, but since you’ve come this far, you might as well finish it. The trail leads into a shallow canyon. You come up alongside the fence, and continue to follow the trail before beginning the next major ascent (1.1 miles from the start). This brings you to a junction, where you head left and then climb a staircase on the right, arriving at Sunset Park. Here, you can sit at a picnic table and enjoy the view before heading back.

Blackjack Mountain (Catalina Island)

Posted on May 23, 2012 by dlockeretz

This post is made possible with support from the Catalina Island Conservancy.

Looking northwest from the summit of Blackjack Mountain, Santa Catalina Island

Oaks on the Trans Catalina Trail

Blackjack Mountain

Location: Airport in the Sky, Santa Catalina Island. Catalina Express operates boats to Avalon from Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. Catalina Flyer operates boats from Newport Beach to Avalon and Two Harbors. Once in Avalon, walk to the Conservancy office at 125 Claressa Ave for your free hiking permit. Then, walk to the nearby Island Plaza to pick up the bus. The schedule is always subject to change, and while reservations are not required, it is recommended that you call them at least an hour in advance, at 310-510-0143, to confirm that you will have a ride.
Agency: Catalina Island Conservancy
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,300 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Steepness, terrain, elevation gain)
Suggested time: 3 hours, plus travel time from Avalon or Two Harbors to the airport.
Best season: October – June
USGS topo map: “Santa Catalina East”
Recommended gear: Sun Hat; Sunblock; Dramamine (boat ride)
More information: Airport area trail map here; bus schedule here (call 310-510-0143 for up-to-date fare and schedule information); Airport in the Sky info here
Rating: 8

If you’ve made the effort to get to Catalina Island, consider going the extra step of taking a bus ride from either Avalon or Two Harbors to the Airport in the Sky, a hub for several trails that explore the island’s rugged interior.

Blackjack Mountain is the second highest point on the island, at 2,010 feet. However, nearby Mt. Orizaba’s 2,103 foot summit is inaccessible to the public, so effectively, this hike takes you to the island’s highest reachable point. A fenced-off communications tower prevents hikers from reaching the true summit,but from just below the top, one can enjoy a 180 degree-plus view.

The first 1.7 miles are on the Trans Catalina Trail. After the bus drops you off, head south on the Airport Road to a junction. Look for a trail heading downhill, signed for the Soapstone Quarry. Soon, you reach the Trans Catalina Trail (which is also called the Airport Loop Trail at this point.) Head left, enjoying great views of Blackjack Mountain and Cottonwood Canyon. You’ll pass the small soapstone quarry, with interpretive plaques describing how the island natives used it to build wares.

A quarter of a mile below the airport, the loop trail branches off to the left, while you stay straight on the Trans Catalina Trail. You make a pleasant descent into Cottonwood Canyon, through rolling hills that are similar to those of the western Santa Monica Mountains. Live oaks dot the landscape, providing occasional shade (although there’s not much on the whole route). There are also bunches of prickly pear, including some very small ones growing on the canyon walls. If you decide to take a break on the trail, watch where you sit – a lesson the author almost learned the hard way.

A steep descent brings you to the bottom of Cottonwood Canyon, where you begin an even steeper ascent. The trail joins a dirt road and then quickly branches off to the right, climbing up the hillside. During the rugged climb, you are rewarded with your efforts with nice views down into the canyon, toward the island’s western shore.

The grade moderates a little bit, and soon (1.5 miles) you come to a junction where the Cottonwood Canyon Trail (unsigned) heads downhill. Bear left and begin another steep climb, soon arriving at Blackjack Road. Here, you leave the Trans-Catalina Trail, which heads right toward the Blackjack Campground and head left. You can take a break at a shade structure, “Worth’s Wine Stop”, where you get nice views of Blackjack Mountain and Cape Canyon.

Continuing on, you’ll head downhill briefly and then you’ll take a right on a paved service road, beginning a moderate ascent to the summit. On the way, you get nice views of the eastern end of the island. A gate near the summit prevents you from reaching the very top, but you can sit on a rock and get a great view of the western end of the island.

On the return trip, consider making a detour of 0.3 miles each way to the Blackjack Campground. With picnic tables and shade from both structures and pines, it’s a nice place to take a break before heading back. You can also make the hike into a loop by continuing east on Blackjack Road, which intersects with Airport Road about a mile from the spur to the summit. From there, head left and follow Airport Road for two miles back to your starting point.

At the airport, if you have time, you can enjoy a stroll through the small nature center, where displays include a whale vertebra and rib. You can also see the small planes up-close on the runway, look at the airport’s vintage hangar, and grab a bite at the DC-3 cafe, which features a nice view of the island’s interior (and buffalo burgers–a fitting reward for the effort spent on the hike.)

Musch Meadows Loop (Topanga State Park)

Posted on May 2, 2012 by dlockeretz

On the Musch Meadows Trail

Purple Sage on the Musch Meadows Trail

Musch Meadows Loop

Location: Topanga, on the corner of Hillside Drive and Rosario Drive. From Pacific Coast Highway, head north on Topanga Canyon Blvd. for 5.8 miles, and take a right on Hillside (its’s a small street and easy to miss, so keep an eye out. The turn is just before the fish market). Almost immediately, take a sharp right to stay on Hillside. Go 0.2 miles and park in the small dirt lot on the corner of Hillside and Rosario, by the gated fire road. If there is no parking available there, you can park farther up on Hillside Drive. From the Valley, take Highway 101 to Topanga Canyon Blvd. and head south for 6.8 miles to Hillside Drive. Turn left and follow the directions above. (Note: if you are coming from the Valley, don’t take the street on the right called Hillside, which comes up right before the Hillside on the left that you’re looking for, right past the fish market.)
Agency: Topanga State Park
Distance: 2.7 miles
Elevation gain: 600 feet
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty Rating: PG
Best season: Year round
USGS topo map: “Topanga”
More information: Trail maps here, here
Rating: 6

This short but scenic (and surprisingly challenging) loop visits Topanga State Park’s lightly traveled western corner. The trails here connect with others in the park, making it easy to extend the hike.

From the parking area, follow Hillside south for half a mile, passing by a few homes, enjoying nice views of Topanga Canyon on the right. You enter the park and make a short climb to a T-junction, where you’ll head left on the Musch Trail. You are now on a segment shared with the popular Eagle Rock loop. The trail winds pleasantly along the side of the hill, providing good views of the canyon.

After a mile, you’ll pass a turnoff for Prier Road, which leads back down to Hillside. Stay right, cross a service road and pass by a campground. Shortly after the campground, you’ll enter a meadow. Turn left on an obscure, unsigned trail that heads through the meadow, descends through some oaks and reaches another junction. This is the Musch Meadows Trail. You can cut your trip short by turning left, but for a nice, scenic extension, head right.

The trail enters a canyon (be careful of poison oak here), comes out and follows a rambling course over the next half mile, in and out of another canyon, up and around some hillsides. It’s overgrown in some places, and gets right up to the edge of the ridge, so be careful.

In half a mile (1.8 from the start), the trail reaches a junction on a ridge, where you get nice views of Topanga Canyon and the Saddle Peak ridge to the west. The trails leading straight and to the right go to private property; the trail to the left follows the ridge for a little while. This is a good place to turn around.

Retrace your steps, continuing past the junction (stay right). The trail continues for a short distance, making a hairpin turn to the left and climbing to meet up with the paved service road. Turn right and head steeply downhill for a quarter mile back to Hillside Drive.

Tijeras Creek Trail

Posted on May 1, 2012 by dlockeretz

Tijeras Creek

Spring flowers on the Tijeras Creek Trail

Tijeras Creek Trail

Location: Rancho Santa Margarita, on the corner of Plano Trabuco and Dove Canyon. From I-5, take Alicia Parkway northeast for 5.3 miles to its end at Santa Margarita Parkway. Turn right and go 2.7 miles to Plano Trabuco and turn right. Park at the end of Plano Trabuco by the entrance to Coto de Caza. Note that parking can be somewhat limited; also be aware of the posted restrictions.
Agency: Orange County Parks & Recreation; O’Neill Regional Park
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation gain: 650 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG
Suggested time: 2 hours
Best season: October – May
USGS topo maps: “Santiago Peak”
Recommended gear: sun hat; sunblock
More information: Trail map here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 4

Tucked in between the entrance to the gated community of Coto de Caza and Santa Margarita Catholic High School, the Tijeras Creek trail head is easy to miss. However, if you’re looking for a good training hike in the area, it’s worth making the effort to find. The four mile route here visits Tijeras Creek, a small stream that lends its name to the trail and a nearby golf course.

Follow the signed trail as it winds around the back of the high school and the housing development. The early stages of the trail might not seem promising, but after you cross Coto de Caza Drive, at just under a mile, it starts to feel a little more like wilderness. A short but steep climb brings you to a junction, where the West Ridge Trail heads left (south), an option if you want to extend the trip.

For this route, head downhill (right) and steeply descend to an intersection. Here, head left, and soon you’ll arrive at the creek, which may or may not have water. After crossing, the trail climbs briefly and again descends to the water. Even if the water level is low, this makes a nice place to sit and relax–almost completely free of any signs or sights of civilization–before turning around.

Backbone Trail: Piuma Road to California Wildlife Center

Posted on March 26, 2012 by dlockeretz

View of Malibu Creek State Park from the Backbone Trail

Shade on the Backbone Trail

Backbone Trail: Piuma Road to California Wildlife Center

Location: Piuma Road, near Malibu Creek State Park. From Pacific Coast Highway, take Malibu Canyon Road north for 4.6 miles. Turn right on Piuma. In 1.2 miles, at a hairpin turn in the road, look for a small dirt turnout on the left (next to a driveway at the address 25575 Piuma Road.) Park here to access the Backbone Trail. From Highway 101, drive south on Las Virgenes for five miles and turn left on Piuma.
Agency: National Park Service
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation gain: 650 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG-13
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
Best season: Year-round (hot during the summer)
USGS topo maps: Malibu Beach
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 6

This enjoyable segment of the Backbone Trail is one of the more enjoyable short hikes in the Malibu Creek area of the Santa Monica Mountains. In addition to offering panoramic views of Malibu Creek and the geological formations of Saddle Peak, there are some pleasant, shaded woodlands that make for nice rest spots. The only drag about this hike is that it never really escapes the noise of traffic on the roads nearby, but for the most part, civilization is out of sight.

From the parking area on Piuma Road, carefully cross the street (note the mirror mounted on a post to help you see oncoming traffic) and begin hiking on the Backbone Trail, where a sign informs you that it’s 2.1 miles to Tapia Park. The trail climbs moderately, providing nice views of the whole area, especially the Goat Buttes of Malibu Creek State Park.

After half a mile and 250 feet of elevation gain, the trail levels out and then begins a descent, going through a forest of chaparral, oaks and laurels. The trail descends about 400 feet in the next mile, making a few switchbacks, before finally arriving at the California Wildlife Center. This hospital for animals found in the wild makes a good turnaround point, although the trail continues downhill, meeting up with Piuma Road again in 0.2 miles. From there, you can continue to Tapia Park, a section of Malibu Creek State Park.

If you decide to make the wildlife center your turnaround point, you can peer over the fence and see some hawks and other birds in cages. The center is open only for staff and volunteers (no public parking). For more information about the California Wildlife Center, click here.

Rivas Canyon Trail

Posted on March 19, 2012 by dlockeretz

Greenery in Rivas Canyon

Late afternoon on the Rivas Canyon Trail

Rivas Canyon Trail

Location: Temescal Gateway Park. From the Pacific Coast Highway, take Temescal Canyon Road for a mile to its end at Sunset Blvd. and drive into the park. Park by the camp store. The fee is $7 per day. (Sometimes, free parking can be available on Sunset Blvd.)
Agency: Topanga State Park/Will Rogers State Historic Park/Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy
Distance: 4.6 miles
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet
Suggested time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty Rating: PG (Steepness, elevation gain)
Best season: October – June
USGS topo map: “Topanga”
Recommended gear: hiking poles
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 7

The Rivas Canyon trail links two of the most popular destinations in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains: Temescal Gateway Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park. As a self-contained hike, it’s both challenging and scenic, but it has the added benefit of providing access to additional trails, should you want to make a longer trip.

From the parking lot at Temescal Gateway Park, walk past the restrooms and the information center. Instead of heading left, as you would to to visit Skull Rock and the waterfall, head right at the split in the service road, and continue up to the signed Rivas Canyon Trail, indicating Will Rogers S.H.P. in 2.1 miles. The Rivas Trail wastes no time in ascending. As you climb, you get nice views of the hills above Temescal Canyon, and of the ocean. There are a few spots where false trails branch off but the main one should be pretty obvious; the signage here is good. After half a mile of steady ascent, the trail levels out somewhat and follows a course on the side of the ridge, taking in great views. Then it begins its descent into Rivas Canyon.

You switchback down the side of the ridge into a pleasantly quiet wooded ravine. At the bottom of the hill (1.5 miles from the start), head right at a split, on a trail signed for Will Rogers. You walk through a pleasant grove of sycamore trees, but as enjoyable as the scenery down here is, keep an eye out for poison oak. At two miles, after passing the back sides of some houses, you reach the end of Rivas Canyon Road, a private street.

This can be a good turnaround point, but if you want to continue into Will Rogers State Historic Park, pick up the trail across the way. You begin another climb, curving back toward the canyon and then finally making it into the state park’s boundaries. A wide, green field makes a nice place to stop for a snack before either turning around or continuing to explore the park.

Considering how close the Rivas Canyon trail is to Santa Monica and Los Angeles, and the popularity of the two parks it connects, it’s surprisingly lightly visited. On my weekday afternoon visit, the two parks had a lot of hikers, but on the Rivas trail itself, I only saw one jogger and two hikers, one of whom said as I approached, “Look…another human!”

Robinson Ranch/Bell View Trail Loop

Posted on March 8, 2012 by dlockeretz

Santiago Peak and the pond from the Bell View Trail

On the Bell View Trail

Robinson Ranch/Bell View Trail Loop

Location: Robinson Ranch, Orange County, in the foothills of the Santa Mountains. From I-5 in south Orange County, take the Alicia Parkway exit and go northeast (left if you’re coming from the north, right if from the south) for 5.3 miles to the road’s end at Rancho Santa Margarita Parkway. Turn right and go 2.7 miles to Plano Trabuco. Turn left and go 0.3 miles to Robinson Ranch Road. Turn right and go 0.5 miles to Heritage Drive. Turn right, and park in the lot signed for the Bell Canyon Trail.
Agency: Orange County Parks & Recreation; Caspers Wilderness Park
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation gain: 700 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG
Suggested time: 2 hours
Best season: October – May
USGS topo maps: “Santiago Peak”
Recommended gear: hiking poles; sun hat; sunblock
More information: Trail map here
Rating: 7

If you think you’ve seen it all when it comes to hiking in Orange County’s foothills, you might want to give this loop a visit. Although it never gets too far away from the housing tracts of Robinson Ranch, it has a wide variety of scenery, including ocean views (on clear days), canyons and even two small seasonal ponds.

From the parking area for the Bell View Trail, head left on Heritage and walk back to Robinson Ranch Road. Turn right on Robinson Ranch and walk uphill for 0.7 miles (you might as well get the pavement out of the way).

Shortly past Headland Drive, look for the Bell View Trail on the left side of the road. Cross the grass and begin hiking on the Bell View Trail (for this route, head right; you can also take a sharp left on the trail and walk a mile to an overlook). You cross a small footbridge and begin walking steeply uphill. After a brief descent, the trail intersects with paved service road and then continues its climb. From the top of the hill (the highest point on the route at 1,700 feet above sea level), you get a nice view of almost all of Orange County before beginning a steep descent.

The trail drops sharply into a canyon behind the last row of houses. Hiking poles will come in handy during this stretch, which loses about 400 feet in less than half a mile. At 1.8 miles from the start, you come to a small pond. Although the pond may be dry by the summer, depending on how much rain there has been recently, this is still a nice place to stop; it’s approximately half way through the loop. You can rest at a picnic table under a big oak tree before continuing.

The trail switchbacks up the side of the canyon, crosses another fire road, and then begins descending the other side of the ridge. You enter a pleasant, shaded part of the canyon, where a seasonal stream trickles through. At 2.7 miles, you’ll come to another paved service road. Turn left and continue following the Bell View Trail on the other side of the road.

Soon, you arrive at another small pond, and four-way intersection. Turn right (both of the other roads lead to private property) and follow the trail as it goes over a causeway that separates the pond from another body of water below. There are a few breaks in the vegetation where you can get a closer view of the pond, with Santiago Peak rising imposingly in the background.

At the next split, the Bell View Trail continues straight, heading past Coto de Caza, eventually reaching Caspers Wilderness Park. To complete this loop, however, turn right and make a short but steep climb. The trail levels out, passing by some interesting geological palisades, before finally arriving back at the parking lot.

Angel Vista via Rosewood Trail (Thousand Oaks)

Posted on March 5, 2012 by dlockeretz

Switchbacks on the Rosewood Trail

Angel Vista via Rosewood Trail (Thousand Oaks)

Location: Thousand Oaks. From Highway 101, take the Ventu Park exit and drive south for half a mile. Turn right on Lynn Road, go 0.3 miles and turn left on to Regal Oak Court. Drive to the end of Regal Oak and park on the street.
Agency: Conejo Open Space Foundation
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation gain: 800 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG
Suggested time: 2 hours
Best season: October – June
USGS topo map: Thousand Oaks
Recommended gear: sun hat; sunblock
More information: COSF home page here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 6

The very scenic Angel Vista can be reached with a 7-mile hike from the Los Robles Trail, but for hikers who don’t have time for such a long trip, the Rosewood Trail gets to the same spot in less than half the distance – providing a vigorous cardio workout in the bargain.

From Regal Oak, step over the fence and turn right on the Rosewood Trail. You pass by an information board, and the trail begins its ascent, steadily rising for the next mile and a half. As you climb, you get nice views of the Conejo Valley. If the weather is clear, you may get a glimpse of the distant San Gabriel Mountains.

As you near the top, you get a view of the Los Robles trail, coming in from the east. At a mile and a half, you’ll reach a junction with that trail. Head right (following the signs to Angel Vista) and in a few minutes, you arrive at the scenic spot. A large picnic table makes a nice place to sit and rest. The view includes Anacapa and Santa Cruz Islands; the Boney Mountain complex; Thousand Oaks and more.

Crystal Lake Loop

Posted on March 1, 2012 by dlockeretz

View of Highway 39 from the Pinyon Trail

On the Pinyon Ridge Trail

Crystal Lake Loop (including Pinyon Ridge, Soldier Creek, Cedar Canyon and Half Knob Trails)

Location: Crystal Lake Recreation Area, in the Angeles National Forest. From I-210 in Azusa, take the Highway 39 (Azusa Ave.) exit. Go north on Highway 39, which becomes San Gabriel Canyon Road, for a total of 24 miles. Turn right on Crystal Lake Road and drive two miles to the visitor center. Turn right and park in the day use parking lot, just past the parking lot for the cafe, by the restrooms. A National Forest Service adventure pass ($5 per day or $30 for the year) is required for parking. Click here to purchase.
Agency: Angeles National Forest/San Gabriel River Ranger District
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation gain: 650 feet
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty rating: PG
Best season: Year-round (Check on conditions; snow can be a hazard during the winter)
USGS topo map: Crystal Lake
More information: here
Rating: 7

The popular Crystal Lake Recreation Area in the Angeles National Forest has recently re-opened, following years of closure due to the damage from the 2002 Curve Fire. Hikers know it best as the starting point for ambitious trips to Mt. Islip and Mt. Hawkins, but there are several short nature trails around the campground that can be pieced together for a very scenic hike. The route described here uses four, plus a little bit of the paved service road, to create an enjoyable trip. The campground is open only for day use during the winter, and you’re likely to have more solitude in these months. Snow can present a little bit of an obstacle, so extra care should be taken, but it’s unlikely to be too big a problem.

From the day use lot near the store, continue on the paved road toward the Yerba Santa ampitheater. Follow the signs for the Pinyon Ridge and Soldier Creek trails (to the left of the restrooms.) The Pinyon Ridge trail branches off, crosses a bridge, and comes to a split. You can hike the mile-long loop in either direction. Scenic highlights include dramatic views both above to Mt. Hawkins and below into the canyon, where you can get a nice view of Highway 39 from a bench perched on the side of the hill. Besides the pinyon pines that give the trail its name, there are some nice stands of oaks in this area.

After returning to the Soldier Creek trail, you begin a descent through the forest before coming out into the open. Shortly before the trail reaches Soldier Creek, the Cedar Canyon trail branches off to the right. Before making that ascent, you can continue a short distance to Soldier Creek and listen to its pleasant trickle.

The Cedar Creek trail climbs steeply (and remember, you’re over a mile above sea level, so those sensitive to altitude will be huffing and puffing). It gains about 400 feet in half a mile before arriving at the service road. Head right and begin completing the loop. You have an option of extending your hike on the Lake Trail, which goes to Crystal Lake itself. Crystal Lake, the only naturally occurring lake in the San Gabriel Mountains, can be a little disappointing if water levels are low, but the stroll to it (not included in the distance, time and elevation gain figures listed for this route) is pleasant enough.

Another nice addition is the Half Knob trail. It’s easy to miss (the sign is just a handwritten note on a stick, just before you reach a yellow pedestrian crossing sign). It climbs through a grove of oaks and pines, rejoining the road in half a mile. Follow the road back to the trading post and the parking area.

Big Dalton Canyon Trail

Posted on February 27, 2012 by dlockeretz

Crossing the creek in Big Dalton Canyon

Ascending the trail in Big Dalton Canyon

Big Dalton Canyon Trail

Location: Big Dalton Canyon park in Glendora. From L.A. and Pasadena, take I-210 to the Grand Ave. north exit. Head north on Grand Ave. for 1.9 miles to Sierra Madre. Take a right on Sierra Madre and go 2 miles to Glendora Mountain Road. Take a left and go 0.6 miles to Big Dalton Canyon Road. Turn right, go 0.5 miles and park in the dirt turnout on the right side of the road (by the Wren Meacham trailhead). From the Inland Empire and points east, take the Lone Hill exit from I-210 and head north for one mile. Turn left on Foothill, go 0.5 miles and take a right on Valley Center. Go 0.8 miles and make a left on Sierra Madre, and immediately make a right on Glendora Mountain Road. Take Glendora Mountain 0.6 miles and turn right on Big Dalton Canyon.
Agency: City of Glendora
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation gain: 350 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
Best season: Year-round
USGS topo map: Glendora
More information: Park map here; Every Trail report here
Rating: 6

If the steep trails that run up the side of Big Dalton Canyon, such as the Upper Mystic and Wren Meacham trails, sound like they’re not for you, consider taking this pleasant stroll along the creek. The Big Dalton Trail runs along the bottom of the canyon, paralleling the road that runs through the park. However, it’s just far enough away that the sights and sounds of traffic are blocked out.

From the parking lot, cross the road and pick up the Big Dalton Trail. Head northeast into the canyon, passing by the campground and a couple of bridges that connect with the paved road. The scenery on the way up includes a pleasantly trickling (for most of the year) creek, tall oaks, and occasional views higher into the canyon, where the walls ascend steeply on both sides.

Following the second bridge, the terrain becomes a little trickier (although never too difficult). The trail is not always obvious, but just keep in mind that it never strays too far from either the road or the stream (which it crosses a couple of times.)

At 1.1 miles from the start, the trail ends at the paved service road. This concludes the most scenic part of the trip, but those who want to can continue another quarter mile up the road, before a large metal gate unceremoniously stops further progress. On the return trip, you can either retrace your steps on the trail or follow the paved road back to the campground. You can also easily extend your hike by visiting some of the other trails in the park, such as the Coulter Pine Loop or the Wren Meacham Trail.

Mastodon Peak (Joshua Tree National Park)

Posted on February 20, 2012 by dlockeretz

Looking north from Mastodon Peak

Mastodon Mine (don't go inside!)

Mastodon Peak (Joshua Tree National Park)

Location: Joshua Tree National Park. From I-10 about 30 miles east of Indio, take the Cottonwood Springs exit. Head north for 7.2 miles to the visitor center (the road becomes Pinto Basin on the way). Pay the $15 admission fee at the ranger station and head right (east) and drive 1.1 miles to the trailhead. The America the Beautiful pass ($80 per year) is honored at Joshua Tree. To purchase one, click here.
Agency: Joshua Tree National Park
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation gain: 400 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
Best season: October – March
USGS topo maps: “Cottonwood Spring”
Recommended gear: sun hat; sunblock
Recommended guidebook: Afoot & Afield Inland Empire
More information: here
Rating: 8

The short trip to Mastodon Peak is one of the more popular hikes in Joshua Tree National Park. Although it’s not necessarily the best place to see the trees themselves, there’s a nice variety of scenery on the trail, including ocotillo cacti, cottonwood trees, creosote and more.

From the parking area, follow the trail down toward Cottonwood Springs, a desert oasis. You follow the trail through a canyon lined on both sides with walls of the red rocks typical of the region. A few false trails branch off, but the main route is pretty clear.

In 0.7 miles, you’ll arrive at a junction. Hikers who want a long trip can continue straight ahead to Lost Palms Oasis, three miles away, but Mastodon Peak is to the left. The trail climbs steeply, occasionally taking advantage of natural “steps” in the rocks, and about a mile from the trailhead, you reach the short spur to Mastodon Peak. Follow the trail to a ridgeline, where you will turn left and scramble up some rocks to the summit. The climb isn’t difficult, but some hikers who aren’t used to this kind of terrain may find it a little intimidating (take extra care if you’re hiking with young kids.)

Soon, you arrive at the rocky summit, where you get a nice panoramic view of the park to the north, and the Salton Sea, El Toro Peak and San Jacinto Peak to the south. After enjoying the view, head back down the spur to the trail. You can retrace your steps back to the parking lot, but a more interesting option is to continue along the loop trail. You’ll soon pass the abandoned Mastodon Mine, and then descend into a canyon. The trail heads northwest, climbs up a small ridge and descends into another wash.

Here, you come to a split: the trail in front of you heads up to the campground, while your route goes left. Follow the trail back to the road (there are a few interpretive plaques here to see along the way) and soon you arrive back at the parking lot.

In case you were wondering, the peak was named by prospectors, who thought from certain angles, it resembled a mastodon. The Mastodon Mine, passed on the loop trail, operated from 1934 to 1971.

La Sierra Loop (Chino Hills)

Posted on February 13, 2012 by dlockeretz

Mt. Baldy from the La Sierra Loop Trail

Hills on the La Sierra Loop Trail

La Sierra Loop (Chino Hills)

Location: Chino Hills, on the corner of La Sierra and Monteverde. From the 60 Freeway, take the Philips Ranch/Chino Hills Parkway exit. Head south (right if you’re coming from L.A. and Orange County; left if from the Inland Empire) and go 0.6 miles to Chino Avenue. Turn left and go 0.9 miles to La Sierra. Turn right and go 0.3 miles and park on the corner of La Sierra and Monteverde. From the 71 Expressway, take the Chino Ave. exit. Head west for 1.5 miles and turn left on La Sierra.
Agency: City of Chino Hills
Distance: 2.1 miles
Elevation gain: 450 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG
Suggested time: 1 hour
Best season: October – June
USGS topo map: Ontario
Recommended gear: hiking poles; sun hat
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 5

Inland Empire hikers who are bummed about the recent cuts in the hours of Chino Hills State Park will be happy to know about the La Sierra Loop, one of several recreational trails operated by the city. (Note too that unlike Chino Hills State Park, dogs are allowed here). For a short hike, this trail provides a pretty good cardio workout, with a lot of ups and downs. Scenic highlights include views of the San Gabriels, San Jacintos and Santa Anas. The trail is very conveniently located to residents of Chino Hills and the surrounding communities. The loop also provides access to other trails in the Chino Hills system, for those who want a longer hike.

From the corner of La Sierra and Monteverde, follow a short spur to the La Sierra Loop Trail. The loop can be hiked in either direction, but when you do it clockwise, as described here, you get to warm up your legs a little before making the big climb; also you save the best views on the route for the end.

Head left on the fire road (Redbird Road on some maps), and walk parallel to the edge of the housing development. Turn right at the first junction and head downhill. Although the sights and sounds of civilization aren’t far away, the walk becomes pleasantly quiet as you descend into a shallow canyon.

Just under a mile in, you arrive at another split, where you’ll head right (the left fork heads up to nearby Chino Hills Parkway). Soon you begin a short but steep ascent – about 400 feet in just over half a mile. If you have to stop and catch your breath, you can turn around and see great views of the Santa Ana Mountains to the southeast.

At the top, make a sharp right (1.5 miles from the start) and begin your descent. Here, you’ll be rewarded with your efforts with great views of Mt. Baldy and neighboring Ontario and Cucamonga Peaks, and you’ll get a panoramic view of the San Gabriel Valley and western end of the Inland Empire. Stay right one more time, and at two miles, you return to the spur. Head left and back to the car.

If you enjoyed the La Sierra Loop, check out the other trails operated by the City of Chino Hills. They’re good to keep in mind if you want to hike with your dog on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.

Mt. Lee via Cahuenga and Burbank Peaks

Posted on February 6, 2012 by dlockeretz

The "Lone Pine" on Burbank Peak

The steep approach to Burbank Peak

Mt. Lee via Cahuenga and Burbank Peaks

Location: Wonder View Drive and Lake Hollywood Drive in Hollywood. From downtown, take Highway 101 to the Barham Blvd. exit. Turn right on Barham, go 0.3 miles and turn right on Lake Hollywood Drive. Go 0.5 miles and park on the corner of Lake Hollywood Drive and Wonder View Drive. From the 134 Freeway, take Forest Lawn exit. Go 2.3 miles on Forest Lawn and turn left on Barham. Go 0.8 miles and turn left on Lake Hollywood Drive and go 0.5 miles to Wonder View Drive.
Agency: Griffith Park
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation gain: 1,300 feet
Suggested time: 2 hours
Difficulty rating: PG-13 (Steepness, terrain, elevation gain)
Best season: October – May
USGS topo map: Burbank
Recommended gear: hiking poles; sun hat
More information: detailed trip report here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 7

Great scenery and interesting history make this one of the most enjoyable hikes in the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park. This hike travels through the western end of Griffith Park, land once owned by Howard Hughes. Although short, the steep ascent to the ridge and the rugged terrain between Cahuenga Peak and Mt. Lee make this a challenging hike.

This route visits three summits in the Hollywood Hills, each with their own character. Burbank Peak (1,690 feet) is the westernmost of the three, known for the single pine found on its flat summit. Cahuenga Peak (1,820) is the highest point in the Hollywood Hills. Mt. Lee (1,680) apparently has some sort of sign on it that people seem to like seeing.

The route begins with a quarter mile walk up private Wonder View Drive. Though paved, the street is nice and quiet and provides views that make the reason for its name obvious. On the way up, you’ll see downtown L.A., the Hollywood Reservoir and more.

When Wonder View Drive ends, look for a single-track trail bearing right, heading steeply up the slope of the hill. Despite the intimidating grade (it climbs about 500 feet in half a mile) and occasionally rocky terrain, this part of the trail provides some very enjoyable views to the south. After making a switchback, the trail reaches the ridgeline between Burbank and Cahuenga Peaks. Here, you get great views to the north, including the San Gabriel, Verdugo and Santa Susana ranges.

To get to Burbank Peak, head left and make a gradual climb. You can sit beneath the shade of the lone pine, also known as the Tree of Knowledge. This is the westernmost peak of the Hollywood Hills and arguably has the best views of the three summits on this route.

From Burbank Peak, head back east and follow the ridge to the summit of Cahuenga. (The trail splits a couple of times on the way, but the two forks merge quickly, so it doesn’t matter which route you take). Though taller, Cahuenga’s summit isn’t as scenic as Burbank Peak’s, and there isn’t really any place to sit and enjoy the view. It is a good spot to catch your breath, however, before continuing on to Mt. Lee.

From Cahuenga’s east slope, the trail continues steeply downhill. Although the terrain is a little rough, the trail is easy to follow. There is one short drop that will probably require hands as well as feet, but other than that, there’s nothing that a couple of hiking poles can’t solve. After dropping steeply, the trail climbs a knoll, drops again and then approaches Mt. Lee. Just before reaching the service road, take a left and head briefly downhill. (It may appear as if you should go right and uphill; the author did this, almost knee-capping himself on a jagged rock, only to find that the route was a dead end.) You join the service road, head right and follow it past the sign to Mt. Lee’s summit. Here, you can look at the Hollywood Sign from above, and take in the rest of the view before heading back.

Canyon Acres Trail (Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park)

Posted on January 30, 2012 by dlockeretz

Sunset over Catalina Island from the Canyon Acres Trail

Full moon and sandstone geology, Canyon Acres Trail

Canyon Acres Trail (Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park)

Location: Hills north of Laguna Beach in south Orange County. From I-405, take the highway 133 exit south for 8.5 miles. Turn left on Forest, which becomes 3rd St, and after 0.3 miles total take a left onto Park Ave. Go 1.8 miles on Park to its terminus in Alta Laguna Drive, and head left, and park at the end of the street.
Agency: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
Distance: 2.6 miles
Elevation gain: 850 feet
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: PG
Best season: All year (Hot during the summer)
USGS topo map: “San Juan Capistrano”
Recommended gear: sun hat; hiking poles
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 6

This short but steep “reverse” hike explores the southwestern corner of Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. There’s a nice variety of scenery, including great ocean views, aerial vistas of Laguna Canyon and the characteristic sandstone geology of the area. You can also see Old Saddleback, and on clear days, the San Gabriels. This trail is a great place to watch the sunset, and it is short enough that it can be done easily as an after-work excursion, as well as on the weekends.

From the end of Alta Laguna, follow the Park Avenue Nature Trail past the billboard and downhill. Where the nature trail heads off to the left, take a right to access the Canyon Acres trail, a fire road. The trail bends to the left and starts heading downhill, providing nice views of Laguna Canyon far below. Several false trails branch off, although the main route is pretty obvious.

After a steep descent, the trail levels out for a little while and begins another descent. Look for some sandstone caves on the right (and possibly some people climbing inside them). At 0.8 miles, the trail splits again. Head right, around a horseshoe-shaped curve that takes in some great ocean views. As you round the side of a knoll and head back into the canyon, you get a nice look at some more geology, including an outcrop that may remind some of Griffith Park’s famous Bee Rock.

The lower end of the trail is pleasantly quiet, protected from the nearby street noise. At 1.3 miles, you reach a bridge that connects the trail to the end of Canyon Acres Drive. There’s a nice wooded area where you can sit for a little bit and catch your breath before making the steep climb back to Alta Laguna. The silver lining is that whenever you have to stop and catch your breath, you’ll have some great views to enjoy. If you really want to burn a few extra calories, try returning via the Park Avenue Nature Trail.

Text and photography copyright 2011 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from hiking on this trail. Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Spring Canyon and Oak Creek Canyon Trails

Posted on January 26, 2012 by dlockeretz

Dusk on the Spring Canyon Trail

Oaks on the Spring Canyon Trail

Spring Canyon and Oak Creek Canyon Trails

Location: Thousand Oaks, on the corner of Heavenly Valley and Hemlock Lane. From Highway 101, take the Lynn Road exit. Head south for a mile and turn left on Heavenly Valley Road. It may appear to be a private alley way, but public access is allowed. Drive 0.3 miles to the top of the hill and park on the corner of Heavenly Valley and Hemlock. From the west, take highway 101 to Ventu Park Road. Turn right and drive south for 0.5 miles. Turn left on Lynn Road, drive 0.4 miles and turn right onto Heavenly Valley.
Agency: Conejo Open Space Foundation
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation gain: 400 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG
Suggested time: 3 hours
Best season: Year round
USGS topo map: Newbury Park
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 4

This enjoyable suburban hike takes in a nice variety of scenery. On clear days, you may get a glimpse of the ocean between the hills; you’ll also see the Santa Susana Mountains, the Santa Monicas and a nice panorama of Thousand Oaks. The Spring Canyon Trail also provides access to the longer Los Robles Trail if you want to extend the trip.

From the end of Hemlock Lane, follow a dirt trail uphill into a grove of oaks. This is the Spring Canyon Trail, which runs parallel to the backs of some houses before bending southeast at half a mile. You head downhill, leaving behind the noise of suburbia, and into the canyon. After 0.9 miles, stay straight as the Los Robles Trail branches off to the right (eventually heading up toward Angel Vista, also described on this site.) Shortly afterward, look for the Oak Creek Trail on the left.

This short loop is popular with mountain bikers, so be careful as you make your way through it. You can hike it in either direction. Assuming you head right, you’ll go down into a shady canyon and soon come out at Greenmeadow St. Turn left and walk 0.1 miles to a parking area where the second half of the loop trail starts. (This stretch of road has no sidewalk, and it can be hard to see the cars coming and going, so although traffic is usually light, be cautious.)

At the parking area, where there are picnic tables and restrooms, you begin walking on the second half of the Oak Creek Loop Trail, which is designed to be accessible for wheelchair riders and for the blind, with several Braille plaques describing some of the scenery. After 0.4 miles, you complete the loop. Head right and turn right again when you get back to the Los Robles Trail, and retrace your steps.

Although it doesn’t offer scenery as dramatic as other trials in the area such as Los Robles or those at Lang Ranch, this short trip is well worth a visit if you’re in the area; it makes a nice before or after work trip, and

Piedra Blanca

Posted on December 27, 2011 by dlockeretz

The sandstone formations of Piedra Blanca

Crossing Sespe Creek in the Los Padres National Forest

Piedra Blanca

Location: Los Padres National Forest north of Ojai. From the town of Ojai, drive 15 miles north on highway 33 (a total of 28 miles from Highway 101.) Turn right on Rose Valley Road and drive 6.5 miles to the Piedra Blanca trailhead. Park at the campground and pick up the Sespe Creeek trail at the end of the lot. A National Forest Service Adventure Pass ($5 per day or $30 for the year) is required for parking here. Click here to purchase.
Agency: Los Padres National Forest/Ojai Ranger District
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation gain: 500 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
Best season: October – June
USGS topo map: Lion Canyon
Recommended gear: hiking poles (for stream crossings)
More information: here
Rating: 8

If one were to mix the unusual geology of Vasquez Rocks with the wide desert and mountain views of the Desert Divide south of the San Jacintos, the result might be something like this hike in the Los Padres National Forest. While Piedra Blanca may be something of a drive for most L.A. area hikers, it’s worth a visit, especially if you have enough time to combine it with other hikes in the area.

From the end of the Lion Campground, pick up the Sespe Creek trail, which starts by the information board and the restrooms. Even from here, you can see your destination: the huge sandstone outcrops that stick out from the desert floor, a mile away as the crow flies. The trail crosses the creek three times, which can be a little tricky if the water level is high (rocks and logs are usually put together to form makeshift bridges, and hiking poles will help too.)

Shortly after the third crossing, you’ll come to a split. Head left and begin climbing, taking in nice aerial views of the creek as you ascend. Head right at the next intersection, and soon you’ll find yourself with great up-close views of the sandstone slabs.

At 1.4 miles from the campground, the trail dips downward. It continues another mile toward Piedra Blanca Camp, and then deeper into the Sespe Wilderness, options if you want to extend the trip. However, for this route, the saddle here marks the turnaround point. With care, you can scramble up one of the formations and take in nice views of the Sespe Creek area to the south and the wilderness to the north before heading back.

Whitewater Canyon Preserve: Canyon Ridge Loop

Posted on December 26, 2011 by dlockeretz

Crossing the Whitewater River (note trail on the other side)

Geology in Whitewater Canyon

Whitewater Canyon Preserve: Canyon Ridge Loop

Location: East of Banning and Cabazon; northwest of Palm Springs. From I-10, take the Whitewater Canyon Road exit. Turn left on Tipton, cross the freeway and turn right on Whitewater Canyon Road. Almost immediately, make a left to stay on Whitewater Canyon Road and drive 4.5 miles to the end. From Palm Springs, take the Whitewater Canyon Exit, turn right on Tipton and right on Whitewater Canyon Road.
Agency: Wildlands Conservancy
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation gain: 600 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
Best season: October – April (8am – 5pm)
USGS topo map: Whitewater, Morongo Valley, Catclaw Flats
Recommended gear: hiking poles
Recommended guidebook: Afoot & Afield Inland Empire
More information: here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 7

Snowmelt from the east side of San Gorgonio and some of So-Cal’s other highest peaks has carved a wide canyon in the desert, with dramatic results. Hikers who visit the Whitewater Canyon Preserve may be at points reminded of the Alaskan glaciers and of the Grand Canyon–all a two hour drive from Los Angeles, and less than an hour from Riverside, San Bernardino and Palm Springs.

From the information board, follow the signed trail north, into the canyon. A sign on a rock informs you that Mexico is 219 miles away and Canada is 2,446 miles away.

The trail, easy to follow because it is bordered with rocks on both sides, heads up along the Whitewater Canyon wash. Soon, the service road continues ahead while the trail branches off to the left. You get to your first creek crossing (see photo) where you will turn right and briefly follow the banks of the water before picking up the trail on the other side. Unless the water level is unusually high, this should not be a problem.

After reaching the other side of the wash, you arrive at a junction where the Pacific Crest Trail continues northward. To continue on the loop, take a hairpin turn to the left and head south. The P.C.T. now climbs steeply, but as it does, you’re rewarded for your efforts with great aerial views of the Whitewater River.

In 0.7 miles, you reach the top of the ridge and arrive at another fork. The P.C.T. continues south; our route, the Canyon Ridge Loop, heads to the left. For a while, the trail follows the top of the ridge. You get a 270-degree view here, which includes San Jacinto Peak and the Santa Rosa Mountains to the south, and the canyon to the east. A spur on the left leads to a scenic overlook which makes a nice rest spot.

Soon, the trail begins its descent, switchbacking down the ridge and meeting up with the road, half a mile south of the reserve. You can complete the loop on the road, or if you prefer, after the road crosses the bridge, you can take a signed single-track trail that leads to the picnic area and then back to the ranger station.

If you want a more ambitious hike, you can head north on the P.C.T. and make the 8-mile trip to the nearby Mission Creek Preserve. If that’s not enough of a challenge, there’s always Mexico and Canada.

West Shadow Hills Loop

Posted on December 23, 2011 by dlockeretz

Looking north from the Shadow Hills

Mt. Lukens and the San Gabriels from the Shadow Hills

West Shadow Hills Loop

Location: North of Burbank, between La Tuna Canyon Road and Sunland Blvd. From I-5, take the Sunland Blvd. exit. Head north for 0.8 miles and turn right on La Tuna Canyon. Go 0.6 miles and turn left on Ledge Ave. Park on the corner of Ledge and Horse Haven. From I-210, take the La Tuna Canyon exit and head west for 4 miles. Turn right on Ledge Ave.
Agency: County of Los Angeles
Distance: 4.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,100 feet
Difficulty Rating: PG-13 (Steepness, elevation gain)
Suggested time: 2.5 hours
Best season: November- April
USGS topo map: Burbank
Recommended gear: hiking poles; sun hat
More information: Shadow Hills Wikipedia page here; Everytrail report here
Rating: 6

Poking up between the Verudgo Mountains and the Angeles National Forest, the Shadow Hills aren’t exactly a household name for L.A. hikers, but they do sport a nice variety of trails and are well worth a visit if you’re in the area, especially if the air is clear. On ideal days, you can see the Santa Monica Mountains, the Verugos, the Santa Susana and the Hollywood Hills. The area also has some of the best up-close views of the San Gabriels in all of L.A., especially of Mount Lukens.

Although there does not seem to be any formal system of trails here, navigation is pretty easy, and there a variety of routes that hikers can take. The figure-8 loop described here is a good workout with nice views. Some hikers may be turned off by the fact that there is over a mile of walking on streets, but this route doesn’t have to be followed exactly.

From the corner of Horse Haven and Ledge, look for a bridle trail heading steeply uphill. You climb almost 500 feet in half a mile before the trail levels out somewhat. Stay straight as two other trails branch off (you will use both of these paths later) and follow the ridge, passing the north side of two knolls. Here, you get great views of the north San Fernando Valley.

A mile and a half from the start, you come to an attractive meadow. Look for an obscure trail making a hairpin turn to the left, and take it. (You can continue on the ridge route if you want to extend the hike.) Now, you head downhill, with some great views of the western end of the San Gabriels, and 1.9 miles from the start, you reach Shadow Way, a residential street and alternative trailhead. Follow Shadow Way downhill to Shadow Island. Take a left and continue your descent to Sunland Blvd. Here, you have to cross the street (there’s a stoplight) and head left on a bridle path.

After half a mile on Sunland (2.8 miles from the start), you reach Rotto Avenue. There is no stoplight here, but traffic is usually pretty light (you can continue 0.4 miles down Sunland to cross at the light at Wheatland, if you prefer.) On the south side of Sunland, Rotto wastes no time ascending, soon terminating at a fire road. The climb continues, providing nice views of the eastern end of the San Fernando Valley. The trail rejoins your previous route, 3.7 miles from the start. Head left and almost immediately take a right on one of the other trails you saw earlier. (You can continue straight and retrace your steps to Ledge Avenue if you prefer). You descend through a canyon, with nice views of Mt. Lukens on the left. The trail splits (both routes end up at Horse Haven, but the right one is shorter). At Horse Haven, follow the bridle path on the north side of the street 0.3 miles back to your car.

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