Posts Tagged With: California

Hiking Mammoth’s Crystal Lake

The Crystal Crag trail in Mammoth is one of the best compromises between breathtaking scenery and ease of access that you’ll find in California.

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A Sunset Hike on Mount Williamson

Mount Williamson is a relatively short hike, but if you want easy access to the San Gabriel high country and some amazing views along the way, then you would be hard pressed to find a better trail.

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Climbing Mount Whitney’s Mountaineers Route

The Mount Whitney Mountaineers Route is a steep, straight shot from Whitney Portal to the mountain’s summit. It was pioneered by John Muir who referred to the traditional main trail as for “soft, succulent people.” His comparison is not that far off.  Continue reading

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Burkhart Trail to Will Thrall Peak: Hiking the Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness

The Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness doesn’t seem to get much attention. Despite living nearby, I have been ignoring it for years as well. Callie and I hit the trail to rectify that mistake and got in a great training hike in the process. Continue reading

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Mojave National Preserve: Peace and Beauty near Las Vegas

Tucked away in the empty stretch of desert between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, the Mojave National Preserve is the perfect escape for people looking to take a break from civilization. Continue reading

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Hiking the Baldy Ski Hut trail after a snowstorm

The Mount Baldy Ski Hut trail is one of the most scenic trails in the San Gabriel Mountains. After a snowstorm, it gets even better and provides a great opportunity for hikers to experience winter in Southern California.

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Fall at Finger Lake: Backpacking the Big Pine South Fork Trail

Epic mountain views? Check. A pristine emerald lake? Check. The biggest glaciers in the Sierra? Check. All of the crowds that you think would accompany such a magical spot? Not so much. Finger Lake is the type of hidden gem that showcases the breadth of amazing locations that California has to offer for those willing to explore off the beaten path. 

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Hiking the Baboon Lakes in Lake Sabrina Basin

A little off-trail can go a long way, and the Baboon Lakes are a perfect example of that. Only a few hours drive from LA, this area remains an oasis for people looking to escape the beaten path while keeping their day job.

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Hiking Crystal Lake to Mount Hawkins and South Mount Hawkins

A day of solitude surrounded by miles of untouched wilderness and snow capped peaks, all contained in a Sunday hike in LA’s backyard. Even I didn’t think that was possible.

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Horseshoe Meadows to Shepherd Pass: Circling the Western Side of Mount Whitney

Hiking on the west side of Mount Whitney gives an entirely different perspective on a popular region dominated by the lower 48’s highest mountain. Jagged 14,000 foot peaks, crystal clear lakes, sprawling alpine meadows, and beautiful mountain basins dot a vast landscape that is seldom visited by hikers outside of the narrow confines of the JMT.

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