After a few prior attempts trying to visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park, we finally were able to get past the visitor kiosk to walk among some of the oldest and largest living organisms on the planet. This amazing state park protects the endangered giant sequoia and provides recreation and education to the park's many visitors. There are dark sky programs as well as a fun junior ranger program for ages three and up.
On our first of what will hopefully be many hikes with Benedict Willem Alexander, we headed up to Rosenita Saddle along Angeles Crest and hiked along forest service roads and a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Benny loved a short visit to the creek as well as exercise and free pets from fellow hikers along this quiet portion of the Pleasant View Ridge Wilderness.
The rare, interesting, and smelly Amorphophallus titanum, aka corpse flower, is in bloom at the Huntington Library!
On a mild, early summer day, we explored a section of the Pacific Crest Trail and a new peak. Starting from 6000' Day Use Area along Angeles Crest Highway, we hiked PCT to Cloudburst Summit, then headed up the trail to Winston Peak. At 7502 feet, this peak offers a nice workout hike in pretty pine and cedar forest.
Claremont Hills Wilderness Park has many opportunities for adventure. On a cool Saturday, we headed up to explore a different part of the park: Potato Mountain. Situated at the front of the San Gabriel Mountains, Potato Mountain offers nice views of the Pomona Valley below. Why it's called Potato Mountain is a mystery, but this hike offers up a good workout and a low-key adventure.
The Cranky Camper 