Hiking Vasquez Rocks – From Hideout To Hollywood

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Hiking Vasquez Rocks

Did you know that there is an area not too far from Los Angeles with some very peculiar looking rocks that was the filming location for an episode of Star Trek? It’s true! I had heard the tale but had never seen it for myself. Being the curious person that I am, I decided it was time to seek this place out and view its interesting rock formations. My goal was to explore Vasquez Rocks and in the process I would learn the incredible tale of the very successful Mexican bandit for whom the place was named after. Continue Reading →

Mystery Abounds In Arizona’s Superstition Mountains

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Superstition Mountains

As I drove east of Phoenix and away from its bustling metropolis I became intrigued by the legends surrounding the mysterious Superstition Mountains. The jagged mountain peaks of this vast desert landscape lingered just ahead of me. Soon I’d be hiking on a trail in the heart of the area where legends and tales of a lost gold mine have existed for over one hundred years. Was it still out there? Would others be searching for it? I’d soon find out.

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Views Of Spring Along The Satwiwa Loop Trail

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Driving to the Satwiwa Loop Trail

Do you know what’s the greatest thing about the rainy season? When it ends! I’m only partially kidding. I know we need the rain but for hikers like me it’s a bummer when your forced indoors because of bad weather. Like most people I can’t wait to get back outside to hit the trails again. I look forward to those early spring months when landscapes become carpeted with young new grass and hills boast brilliant wildflower blooms. Spring marks one of the best times of the year to go hiking in Southern California. It’s no wonder I was excited by the visual beauty of the rolling hills as we drove in to the parking lot for the Satwiwa Loop Trail. In the near distance mysterious mountains beckoned for us to explore them. Continue Reading →

How To Survive A Solo Camping Trip

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Is Solo Camping Safe?

Almost everyone I know loves a good camping trip. Time spent in the great outdoors among friends is something you just can’t beat as an adventurer. But what if you were forced to camp alone? Could you still enjoy yourself? How safe would you feel and why would you do it anyway? These are some of the questions I had to ask myself before I set out on my first solo camping trip. If your thinking of going camping alone you definitely want to read this. I’ll show you how I survived camping in the great outdoors on my own. I’ll also share a few horror stories about solo campers that will spook you into being more aware of your surroundings!

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Getting Lost Hiking The Bridge To Nowhere

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Bridge To Nowhere

So you’re telling me there is a bridge that we will be hiking to it but it goes nowhere? Let me think…ok sure. Looks like I just got talked into hiking “The Bridge To Nowhere”. There’s just one thing. If it goes nowhere, why even bother hiking to it? A friend of mine was really excited about this adventure. A coworker had done it the previous week and was sharing great stories of how much fun the hike was. I consider myself an adventurous person so I took the bait, called a few friends and asked them to join me Saturday for a nice hike through the San Gabriel Mountains. It was quite and adventure to say the least and we saw more than we bargained for.

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Hiking Indian Canyons in Palm Springs

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Hiking Through Indian Canyon

If your in Palm Springs and your looking for a place to go hiking, look no further than Indian Canyons. Within it you can visit the canyons of Palm, Murray, Andreas, Tahquitz and Chino. Whichever one you choose will offer plenty of trails for hiking and interesting terrain to explore. From the large California Fan Palms to the rustling peaceful streams your going to find that a wonderful desert adventure awaits you! Continue Reading →

Hiking The Treasure Lakes Trail In The Eastern Sierras

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Bishop Pass Trailhead

Are you familiar with the Sierra Nevada mountain range? If you’ve visited Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon, or Sequoia National Park in California, then you should be. Those giant granite mountains you hiked through are a part of the sierras which extend north-to-south about 400 miles and about 70 miles east-to-west. Pretty big, huh? Most people don’t realize they’re in the western part of the sierras when they visit the national parks I just mentioned. Did you know that the eastern sierras may be lesser known but are equally as beautiful as the west? I had no idea either until I was invited to backpack through the eastern sierras via the Treasure Lakes Trail. What resulted was an incredible trip through pristine lakes and beautiful mountain scenery that looked like photos from an outdoors nature calendar.

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Hiking The Bright Angel Trail In Grand Canyon

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Plateau Point in Grand Canyon

Hiking in the Grand Canyon is not easy, but if you’re dead set on checking this off your bucket list, you might want to start by hiking the Bright Angel Trail. After all, it is considered one of the safest and best trails in all of Grand Canyon National Park! My plan was exactly that…to hike from the South Rim down to Indian Gardens and back. However, in this land of extremes I would wind up getting more than I bargained for. Here is my experience and some important tips on how you too can successfully complete this trail and make it back alive!

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Backpacking In Channel Islands National Park

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Backpacking on Santa Cruz Island

The Channel Islands have always been a bit of a mystery to me. I’m aware it’s a popular destination for kayakers going on sea cave adventures, but that’s really all I knew about this remote National Park. When I had been invited by a coworker to go on an overnight backpacking trip to Santa Cruz Island, I jumped at the chance. Not only would I be able to practice backpacking, something I haven’t done nearly enough of, but I would finally get to explore the islands off the coast of California that have for so long filled me with curiosity and wonder.

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Exploring The Dunes And Canyons Of Death Valley

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Sand Dunes of Death Valley

Welcome to part two of our two-day visit in Death Valley, CA. There was so much for us to do and we only had one full day left so we set out early to try to squeeze in as many activities as possible before the sun retreated. We began by visiting a slot canyon a few hours north of Furnace Creek. While driving by, we saw vast yellow sand dunes and decided to explore those next. Finally we planned on driving south on Badwater Road to attempt a 2.5 mile roundtrip hike through ridiculously colored badlands. We packed our backpacks, grabbed as much water as we could carry and headed out.

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