american west, california, Camping, Hiking, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Pacific Crest Trails: Cooper Canyon Falls

Cooper Canyon Falls, nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains near the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, is a 25-foot waterfall formed from the perennially flowing stream within Cooper Canyon. On a sunny Saturday in late March, we trekked along the Burkhart Trail to Cooper Canyon Falls.

american west, california, Food, Hiking, Lunch, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Hiking the Angeles: Mt. Baldy

The first peak in our 2021 summer hiking season was Mt. San Antonio, affectionately known as Mt. Baldy. This strenuous hike took us to the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains and rewarded us with sweeping views of the valley below.

american west, california, Camping, dogs, Hiking, outdoors, Travel

Chasing Waterfall Hikes

There are many lovely waterfall hikes in the Angeles National Forest. This post features hikes from Chantry Flat in Big Santa Anita Canyon, Millard Falls, and Switzer Falls, as well as the popular Eaton Canyon waterfall.

american west, california, Camping, Hiking, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized

Hiking the Angeles: Mt. Islip

In the Angeles National Forest, we took the beautiful hike up to Mt. Islip and Windy Gap starting from Crystal Lake.

american west, california, Camping, Hiking, national parks, outdoors, Travel, writing

Backpacking the Angeles: Hoegees Camp and Spruce Grove

The Angeles National Forest has a number of trails and camps that can make for a fun backpacking adventure. The Gabrielino Trail and other trails in Big Santa Anita Canyon made for a fun introductory backpacking weekend close to Los Angeles.