Total Distance Hiked: 1.5 miles

Address:
Google Map

Beware: Snakes

Recommendations: A picnic basket filled with an awesome lunch!

Description:

Hello All,

It’s been a while since we’ve had an update to share with you, as we have been extremely busy with work, Christina’s school, and my new hobby: Astronomy

Here is a short update where we went to the Palos Verdes Peninsula area for a hike. All of the trails mentioned in the subject are very short, and very easy to do with the family. The trails are very well maintained and you can literally hike them all within 2 hours easily. In total, it is about a 1.5 hike with amazing views of the Ocean and rocky cliffs. We saw so many different types of bird life, and there were people out with their telescopes attempting to catch views of dolphins jumping out of water. The Seascape Trail ends toward the historic Vicente Point Lighthouse, which is absolutely beautiful to look at on a sunny day. There are also many tables for picnics, as well as public bathrooms available, which makes this the perfect place to be on a weekend afternoon with the family. A couple we know thought the views were so beautiful that they even got married there!

Overall, this was a great hike and I rate it 4 out of 5 stars for anyone whos looking for an easy afternoon out with some company.

Enjoy!

-James

Total Distance Hiked: 2.7 miles

Address:
Paseo Del Mar & Flat Rock Point
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(310) 378-0383

Google Map

Beware: Snakes

Recommendations: Your best hiking shoes

Description:

This was a short hike due to how busy we were this Labor Day weekend! Anyways, we thought this was going to be a very awesome hike but in the end we were utterly disappointed. You start out at the top of the trail head (There are no markers for the trail head, and the area where the trail is has no signs either ) and walk down to the shoreline. From there we went left and walked along the shore for about a mile and a half.

This beach has fist-sized plus rocks and not much sand, save for a small patch of black sand that was created by the rocks being smashed upon each other day and night with the tide. Because of the rocks you will need to bring your best hiking shoes. While we were walking along the shoreline we saw 2 dead seals (gross!) and dead birds. The place is swarmed with dead seaweed and smells really bad, and is also littered with trash all along the shoreline for at least the mile and a half we walked before we turned back. We never got to see the shipwreck as we ended up running out of time before getting there. Overall, I do not recommend spending your time on this trail due to the trash, the smell, and the dead carcasses that litter the beach. Although there were some nice views, I have to rate our experience a 2 out of 5.

Total Distance Hiked: 3.6 miles

Address:
Crystal Cove State Park
8471 N. Coast Way
Laguna Beach, CA. 92651

Crystal Cove State Park website

Trail map

Google Map

Beware: Red Diamond Rattlesnake, Pacific Rattlesnake, Black-legged tick

Parking fees:

One Day Pass (good anywhere in the park-$15
Annual Pass (Good at most California State Parks) $125
Parking is at Moro Canyon parking lot behind El Morro school with maps available at the ranger station.

Description:

Start at the No Name Ridge trailhead sign. The trailhead is to the left of the water station. The trail is well-maintained and made of dirt and rocks. As you begin this hike a variety of shrubs, cactus, various grasses, and other plants surround the trail. The trail is in the direct sunlight. You will climb steadily uphill. Be sure to stop a moment or two and turn toward the ocean and take some pictures. The view is beautiful. There are trail number markers that outline the entire park. As you go uphill the canyon to your right side shows a variety of other trails. There was a point where we were surrounded by dragonflies. You’ll come to a map sign. Stay on No Name Ridge, past another map sign, uphill.

There are patches of green brush in the middle of dry grasses. At the next map sign we decided to turn to the w. cut trail. You will slowly go downhill. You will come to a point with three different ways to go. At this map sign we decided to continue on the Moro Canyon trail. This trail is about 1mi long. There are some spots along side the trail with very small amounts of water. Once you come to a wooden bridge then that’s the end of Moro Canyon trail. You can stay on the dirt path and walk back to the visitors center or walk along the paved road back up to the campsite area. This place is good for short and long trails. Most of the park is easy to navigate, especially with trail map signs at trail forks. This hike is easy to moderate due to the climbs.

enjoy!

Check out this page from the mountaineers site. The ten essentials were developed by the Mountaineers Club, with origins in the climbing course taught by the Club since the 1930s. They give the classic list of ten essential items and a revised, modern list. I have taken the modern list and have given specific examples of what to bring below:

1. Navigation (map & compass)

I always try to grab the trail map online, or check the park’s website to ensure that they will have a trail map available when I get there. I wear a Timex® Men’s Digital Expedition Compass Watch which functions as both a compass and digital watch. This is a great watch and I absolutely love that the compass is liquid filled and not digital, just in case the battery somehow goes out. To track my hiking progress and act as my go-to digital assistant, I bring along my trusty DeLorme PN-40. DeLorme makes *the best* hiking GPS’s out there in my opinion. I paid about $175 for my PN-40 on eBay and it was slightly used.

2. Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)

All Banana Boat for me. I use the Sport Performance® Sunscreen SPF 100 Lotion for my arms, legs, and neck. and I’ll use the Sport Performance® Sunscreen SPF 50 Stick for my face. Be sure to check this article for a great discussion on what SPF is and how it works.

I use an older pair of Bollé sunglasses ( I think I got them in 2009?) that are polarized. I recommend any polarized pair of sunglasses for hiking because it will remove the glare from things such as pools of water, glass-like rocks, etc.

3. Insulation (extra clothing)

I have an extra hoodie and pair of socks in my backpack.

4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)

I carry a small array of small pocket flash lights, about 3 total, and I also carry this awesome wind up flashlight. The flash light also has a siren and radio for emergency situations. It’s only like $10 and highly recommended.

5. First-aid supplies

The 299-piece First Aid Essentials kit is awesome and super light weight. I’ve also added a Sawyer Extractor: Snake, Bee and Bug Bite First Aid Kit to it as well. Also, don’t forget to bring bring the can of Off.

6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)

I have a set of Coghlans Waterproof Matches along with various lighters, other books of matches, etc. I personally keep about 3 lighters and 3 sets of waterproof matches in my backpack for emergency situations.

7. Repair kit and tools

I keep the classic Camper Red Swiss Army Knife along with the Ridge Runner Camp Tool in my backpack.

8. Nutrition (extra food)

I carry a army MRE in my backpack because its relatively light weight and a full days worth of food.

9. Hydration (extra water)

My backpack itself is a 2011 CamelBak Rim Runner. That gives me 100 oz of water, and then I regular sized bottle of arrowhead inside of my backpack for emergencies.

10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)

For a emergency tent, I carry a Coghlan’s Tube Tent, and the Coghlan’s Emergency Blanket. I also have a couple of plastic shopping bags for trash.

*** Note: I was clearly not paid by any company to link their product on this page. I linked these items because I think they are great products that every smart hiker should use.

Total Distance Hiked: 6 miles

Address:

Devils Postpile National Monument
P.O. Box 3999
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(760) 934-2289

Google Map

Trail Maps

Recommendations: Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen the walk to the Falls is very hot, dry, and exposed.

Beware: Bears, Mountain Lion, Hantavirus/ Rodents, Insects

SHUTTLE BUS FEES AND INFORMATION

The Reds Meadow Shuttle Bus has provided transit service into the Reds Meadow Valley and to the Devils Postpile National Monument for over 30 years. The shuttle will operate until Wednesday, September 7, weather and roadway conditions permitting.

TICKET PRICES

Day pass                     $ 7/adult            $ 4/child 3-15           children under 2 free
3 day pass                   $14/adult             $ 8/child 3-15           children under 2 free
Season pass                $35/adult             $20/child 3-15            children under 2 free

*Note: Well behaved, leashed and muzzled dogs are welcome to ride the shuttle. Muzzles are available for purchase in pet stores in Mammoth Lakes and at the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center where shuttle bus tickets are sold.

PURCHASE TICKETS

In the Village at Mammoth Lakes
The Village Lodge                       24 hours a day
Mountain Center                          8:30am – 6:00pm

At the base of the mountain
Mammoth Mountain Inn                24 hours a day
Adventure Center                         8:00am – 6:00pm

Or from the shuttle driver with exact change. Ticket sales are cash only on the vehicles.

RIDE THE SHUTTLE

From the Village at Mammoth Lakes (All buses except the 7:00 a.m. bus will be the Mountain Bike Park Buses to Main Lodge).

7:00am
8:00am
9:00am
10:00am
11:00am

From the base of the mountain (Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center/Main Lodge Area)

7:15am – 8:15am once an hour
9:00am – 5:00pm every 15 – 20 minutes
5:00pm – 7:00pm every 30 minutes

List of Animals in the park: http://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=380948

Horse information:  http://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/upload/StockUseSmall.pdf

REDS MEADOW/DEVILS POSTPILE ROAD CONDITIONS

The road is one lane with turnouts for the upper 4 miles. Use caution and obey speed limits. The speed limit on the road is 15 mph when it is one lane and 25 mph when it is two lanes. Uphill traffic has the right of way. Please yield to uphill traffic and oversize vehicles including buses.

Description:

Located in the beautiful Eastern Sierras, The monument is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the operating season which is typically mid-June through mid-October. Devils Postpile National Monument is located at 7,560 feet above sea level just west of the Sierra Nevada crest. Pets are allowed in the campground and day use areas as well as on trails but must be on a leash at all times within the Monument.

After you get off the bus, you will come to a trailhead sign directing you toward Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls.  The monument is very popular in the summer months so there are a lot of people on the trails. In a way it feels safe traveling a populated trail in case of an emergency. There are benches on the left side of the trail carved out of tree logs.  The right side of the trail is lined with trees. You will travel along the river for a while. You will come to a fork in the trail.  Take the trail toward Devils Postpile. Next you will walk up some rock and dirt steps. If you go off the trail to the right you can take good pictures of the valley, but do not go far from the trail. The Devils Postpile National Monument is 0.4 mi in. You will be greeted by amazing Basalt formations that were shaped as hexagonal by fire and ice. A hexagon is a shape easily made by nature. To Continue to Rainbow Falls it is 2.1 mi further. You will go up some rock and dirt stairs and follow along the trail. It is very dry and sandy. There are some trees that have fallen over the trail.  You will come to another fork in the trail. Continue toward Rainbow Falls. You will cross small runoff streams on the trail. Some have small wooden bridges over them. There is a bridge that has a wooden sign at the end of it which says, Ansel Adams Wilderness.

You will come to the valley of the Rainbow Fire. This fire started in August of 1992 with a lightning strike. The Rainbow Valley is both beautiful and eerie. The burnt remains of trees cover the valley. In 18 years parts have started to grow back from the fire. In nature it takes about 100 years for nature to regain its full potential. The next trail sign is 0.1 mi from the falls. There are three look out points once you get to Rainbow Falls.  You may even go 0.4mi down some stairs to the base of the falls. The Entire hike is 5.0mi.  This beautiful National Monument has different options for different groups of hikers. I would rate this hike mild to moderate, due to dry and hot conditions. I would rate this hike 4 out of 5 because of the dry heat and variety of beautiful hiking options.

enjoy!

Total Distance Hiked: 2 miles

Beware: Rattlesnakes, High tide pools

Address:

5970 Palos Verdes Drive South
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(310) 377-1222 ‎

Google Map

Trail Map

Features: Trail Maps (ask for it at the booth where you pay for parking), Restrooms, Picnic Areas, $5.00 for parking (For free, legal parking park turn on north Barkentine), beach, tide pools, starfishes, crabs, anemones, periwinkles, barnacles, limpets, sea urchins, and various types of crabs ( Please note that the park contains a State Ecological Preserve and taking of protected animals and marine life is prohibited ).

Recommendations: water shoes if you plan to hike the rocks along the tide pools to check the awesome marine life

Description:

Small update today half because Christina is out of town and half because I had originally thought this place closed at 4PM (I got there at 3PM). Unfortunately I found out after the hike that is not true! While their signs say the park closes at 4, you have until dusk to move your car from the parking lot.

This is actually my second time at Abalone Cove. The first time I went with Christina but we did not carry any tracking gear so we decided not to post it. Abalone Cove is known for it’s tide pools and breath-taking views. The drive over is also just as gorgeous. When you get there, you’ll have to park in a dirt lot, when you get out of the car you are greeted to picnic tables scattered amongst a large field with dead swaying grass. There is a wooden fence along the cliff of the beach and from the field you can see the Catalina’s as well as lots of sailboats, fishing boats, and the like.

I started out at Via de Campo Trail (see the trail map), and took it through the Abalone Cove Trail down towards the rocky beach. Note that the rocky beach is not for weak ankles, and you should take sturdy sneakers with you for that part of the hike. I then took the Sea Dahlia Trail to the Olmstead Trail back up to the Beach School Trail through the Chapel View trail and back to the parking lot. While the GPS and Trail map make it appear to be a long trek, it was actually only 2 miles total and while stopping for pictures and to find the next trail to follow it still only took me about 50 minutes total to complete.

Overall, I rate this hike 4 out of 5 stars for its awesome tide pools and marine life, and how much you get to see in a such a short period of time.

enjoy!

Check out this recent article on trails.com. I used to do this exact same thing before I got my DeLorme PN-40. I started out tracking my hikes using a Garmin Nuvi 205W. You can actually see a picture of our hike using Garmin tracking by visiting our Malibu Creek State Park M*A*S*H post. In the picture I used Garmin’s TOPO US 100k package. The Nuvi’s are great because there is a lot of free topo maps out there that are compatible with the device, which allows them to easily break out of being a driving only GPS. I personally think using a Nuvi is a great way to start out in your own trails because most people already own the device and only need the maps to get started.

Happy Trails!

-James

Total Distance Hiked: 2.6 miles

Beware: Rattlesnakes

Address:

Temescal Canyon Gateway Park
15601 Sunset Blvd.
Pacific Palisades, CA. 90272

Google Map

Features: Restrooms, Picnic Area, Free animal waste bags, $7.00 for parking, but you can easily enough park on the side street and walk over for free! They also have Family Campfire evenings on Thursdays at 7 pm. For more information check out: LA Mountains Facebook Page

Description:

At restrooms take dirt trail to the left. There is a dog clean up box next to a sign. You will come to a fork that goes three ways, take the middle fork. You will cross a small wooden bridge over a small creek. There are a lot of ways to go. We continued straight and crossed another small wooden bridge. Come to the Temescal Canyon Trailhead and the Temescal Ridge Trailhead. We decided to take the Temescal Canyon Trailhead toward the waterfall. The trail is mostly made of dirt, dry leaves and grass. It is well-maintained. There is a retaining wall to your left as you continue onward. There is a lot of overgrowth and trees that cross the trail. This trail is both shaded and in direct sunlight.  You will come to some brick ruins on your left and a small red brick house on your right. Be sure to check out the ruins. There are some interesting mosaic designs by the house. Keep going and you will pass another brick house on your left.  There are small rocks in the trail at this point. The trail narrows and moves uphill. Unfortunately when we got to the waterfall, there were some teenagers there being loud and they even broke a bottle, so we did not want to climb down to the actual waterfall area for pictures. I would definitely recommend a walking stick for this hike. You will eventually come to a big rock in the path. You may climb down to the water at this point and enjoy climbing over rocks. Overall, I would rate this hike 4 out of 5 because it is easy to navigate and has many options.

enjoy!

Total Distance Hiked: 3.1 miles

Beware: Rattlesnakes, Cottontails

Recommendations: sunscreen, walking stick, plenty of water, snake bite kit

Address:

Crest Rd & Highridge Rd.
Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274

Google Map

Description:

Start at the McBride Trail head on the Crest Rd. behind an iron fence with red brick pillars.  It is best to park on Highridge Rd. and walk back up to Crest Rd. The first sign you will come to warns about rattlesnakes. From the rattlesnake sign head right. This part of the path is well maintained and consists mostly of dirt and rocks. From this trail you will have great views of Catalina, Abalone Cove, Portuguese bend, and other parts of the Palos Verdes peninsula. You will walk along rows of homes on your right side for a while. You will pass another entrance to the trail, keep walking straight. There are a variety of cactus, flowers, and plants along the trail.  Once you get to the last house, a tan house with white pillars, turn left and head down to a fork in the trail. Take the fork left, down toward the sea.  If you go the other way you will find another entrance to the trail. Keep heading down to the McCarrell Canyon trail head. Take the trail straight and follow down a long steep hill. Dry brush covers the landscape as well as irrigation pipes and small flags. The landscape is very desert-like in the midst of summer. You will come to the Three Sisters trail head. Turn left and head uphill toward the Barkentine trail head sign. Stay on the Barkentine trail, head left uphill from the sign. This is a strenuous and narrow trail uphill. This trail loop will take you back up to the McCarrell trail head sign. Take a right and head back up to the McBride Trail by the houses to get back to the trail entrance.

enjoy!

Total Distance Hiked: 3.5 miles

Features: hiking, camping, pets allowed, free parking, free trail maps, restrooms

Recommendations: plenty of water, snake bite kit, pocket knife, snack, camera, sunscreen (if going in summer)

Address: 12896 Yerba Buena Rd. Malibu, CA 90265
Google Map

Description:

The beauty of this trail is being surrounded on all sides by the towering peaks of the green mountains, coming across streams that turn into waterfalls, and looking over cliffs to get views of the canyon. We went on the shorter Canyon View Trail instead of the widely popular Grotto Trail. I’d have to say that I was very content with the choice we made. The rock formations are absolutely beautiful. There was fog billowing over the mountains that morning which made the whole atmosphere majestic. I personally rate this hike 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend this to all hikers of all skill levels.

Enjoy!