Skyline Trip Report, March 29 2014
The last couple of trips up Skyline have been about pushing it and completing the hike as quickly as possible. This time around, I wanted confirm the map/landmark info I’ve been collecting for the last 18 months, as well as introduce a few friends to one of my favorite hikes. The Plan We planned to complete the hike at a relaxed … Read More
Blue Mountain Trip Report, March 22 2014
I hiked Blue Mountain hoping that I’d get some nice sunrise photos. Unfortunately, cloud cover was very heavy to the east. I did however get some decent shots of the wildflowers, which was a nice surprise. Geek Stats: Ascent || Distance: 1.2 miles || Duration: 35 mins || Elevation Change: +956 ft Notes: 15% average incline || up shortcut #1 … Read More
Carey’s Castle Trip Report, March 15 2014
For years the exact location of Carey’s Castle was considered a secret and it’s existence was not acknowledged by the National Park Service. Today, anyone with some time on their hands and a computer can find its location. I first learned about Carey’s Castle 18 months ago. Since that time, I have planned and cancelled 4 hikes to it. High winds, … Read More
Manker’s Flat to San Antonio Ski Hut Trip Report, March 1 2014
30°, freezing fog, 20+ mph wind gusts and sideways snow/sleet/graupel… in other words, a perfect day to put some miles on my seldom used snow gear! The Plan I came very close to staying home and not hiking. It had been a rough week at work, I wasn’t sure how Riley(my dog) would deal with the cold and I was … Read More
Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve Trip Report, February 8 2014
“The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is located at the southern end of the Santa Ana Mountains in southwest Riverside County, near the city of Murrieta. The Reserve consists of 9000 acres. The land has been set aside to protect unique ecosystems like Engelmann oak woodlands, riparian wetlands, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, bunchgrass prairie, vernal pools and more than 200 … Read More
2014 Hiking/Training Schedule
Here are my plans for 2014. This list will be updated as plans are solidified. As hikes are completed, they will be moved to the end of the post and trip reports will be added. I would like to do one ‘major’ hike per month and try to fit in some shorter, local hikes when possible. For those going on … Read More
Mt. Whitney Weather Forecasts
In my experience, NOAA has the most accurate forecasts. I’ve listed some other sources below. NOAA Summit (Shown by default below, subtract 5-10° d/t elev) Trail Camp Lone Pine Lake Whitney Portal Lone Pine 395 Travel’s Daily Weather Forecasts Posted Daily on the WhitneyZone Forums: http://www.whitneyzone.com/wz/ubbthreads.php/topics/44730/Current_WEATHER_FORECAST_by_DM#Post44730 Mountain Forecast I’ve found that this websites forecasts tend be extreme, particularly when it comes to … Read More
Cactus to Clouds (C2C)
Disclaimer Several times per year there are rescues on Skyline. Occasionally, people die on the trail. It is not maintained by any state or federal agency and it’s use is discouraged. Do not attempt this hike unless you know that you are capable, have completed the recommended training and can carry the recommended gear. If you are not capable, you … Read More
Skyline Trail
Disclaimer Several times per year there are rescues on Skyline. Occasionally, people die on the trail. It is not maintained by any state or federal agency and using it is often discouraged. Do not attempt this hike unless you know that you are capable, have completed the recommended training and can carry the recommended gear. If you are not capable, … Read More
California Hiking Weather Forecasts
Here are weather forecasts for areas that I frequently check. I usually use weather.gov, but if you know of other reliable sources or would like me to add other areas to this list, please let me know. If you’re looking for smoke information (from wildfires), start here: NASA Satellite Images