american west, Brunch, california, Family, Food, Hiking, Historical sites, outdoors, safety, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Devils Gate Dam

On a sunny Southern California winter's Saturday, we hiked the Flint Canyon Trail, a Los Angeles County-maintained trail, to the famed, possibly haunted Devils Gate Dam. This post contains hiking safety and a nice brunch suggestion in neighboring Montrose.

american west, california, Hiking, Historical sites, history, Opinion, outdoors, safety, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Shoemaker Canyon: Tunnels to Nowhere

We return to Shoemaker Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains to explore the spooky Cold War-era escape tunnels. The project was abandoned, but the tunnels remain a testament to a time gone by marked by fear and hysteria. In this post are trail conditions at time of writing and safety considerations.

american west, Brunch, california, Camping, Hiking, Lunch, outdoors, safety, Travel, Uncategorized

Mt. Pinos

Located in the Los Padres National Forest, Mt. Pinos and the surrounding peaks offer many opportunities for adventure across all seasons- in sunshine and in snow. This posts covers two hiking and camping weekend adventures in September.

american west, california, Camping, dogs, Hiking, national parks, Opinion, outdoors, Style, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Devils Postpile National Monument

Devils Postpile National Monument, located in the Mammoth Lakes, protects the unique columnar basalt formation that is the Devils Postpile. On this adventure, we explore the national monument and earn our junior ranger badges. Highlights of this trip include the hike to Rainbow Falls and viewing the Devils Postpile from the PCT/JMT.

american west, california, Camping, Hiking, national parks, Opinion, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Kelso Dunes

Located in the Mojave National Preserve along I-40 in Southern California, Kelso Dunes offers fun recreational opportunities for camping, hiking, and sliding on the 'singing' sand dunes.