A couple of friends and I hiked the Clevenger Canyon South Trail this morning, which is between Escondido and Ramona just off Highway 78. (A few weeks ago I posted about the Clevenger Canyon North Trail which is slightly farther east from today’s hike.) One of the interesting features of the trail is the two metal chairs that have been cemented to the top of a large boulder, presenting a view westward down San Pasqual Valley.
Links: Clevenger Canyon North trail
This pic shows Highway 78 between Escondido and Ramona, as seen from the Clevenger Canyon North trail. A great hike with plenty of interesting rocks, nice views, and 1400-1600 feet of elevation gain for a good workout.
Links: previous related post
As I write this in early December it’s now “desert season” when the temperatures have fallen to the comfortable range and one can go out and enjoy beautiful terrain like that shown in this pic from Joshua Tree National Park. Go explore!
The Devil’s Slide Trail starts from the parking lot at Humber Park in Idyllwild and rewards you almost immediately with great views. The distance to Saddle Junction (intersection with the Pacific Crest Trail) is 2.5 miles, with an elevation gain of 1,700 ft. From there one can continue on to San Jacinto Peak, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, the Tahquitz Peak Fire Lookout, or return back to the trailhead.
Links: Forest Service
It doesn’t get much better than sitting on a log while viewing Lower Yosemite Falls but it would have been a little chilly and wet on this day!
This pic was taken from Highway 243 heading up the mountain toward Idyllwild, looking back down on the town of Banning with Mt. San Gorgonio in clouds in the background. Mt. San Gorgonio, also known as “Old Greyback”, is the highest mountain in Southern California at 11,502 ft. Banning was named for Phineas Banning, stagecoach line owner and the “Father of the Port of Los Angeles”.
This pic shows the ranger check-in station on Mt. San Jacinto, behind the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway terminal station, where long distance hikers headed to area trails register their trips before embarking. I just stopped by to chat with the ranger on duty, which is always fun and informative.
Links: previous related post previous related post
Last week I posted a pic of the Butler Peak Fire Lookout (see link below). Today I am posting a pic of the awesome view of Big Bear Lake that the Lookout offers. You can see most of the lake including the airport at the far end.
Links: Butler Peak Fire Lookout
Jenks Lake is a beautiful little mountain lake located off Highway 38, twenty eight miles from Big Bear Lake. Sitting at an altitude of 6,800 ft, it offers fishing from a wooden pier or from shore. A hiking trail (with picnic tables and restrooms) runs along the parking lot side of the lake. We want to return and do a little kayaking.
Links: NFS
The road to the Butler Peak Fire Lookout (north of Big Bear Lake) reopened to the public in July 2016 after being closed for 9 years. Sitting at 8,535 feet atop a tangle of rocks, the lookout offers a commanding 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains. Fire Lookout Host volunteers James and Mark gave us a great overview of its history and function. Check with the Big Bear Discovery Center to make sure it’s open before you go.
Links: Fire Lookout Host Program
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