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Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands is the largest national park in Utah with diverse geology and interesting features. Points in interest include balanced rocks, deep canyons, needle-like spires, and the famed Mesa Arch.

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West Pinnacles

The Cranky Campers explore the west side of Pinnacles National Park with a spooky hike through Balconies Caves.

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Hiking the Angeles: Inspiring Views at Inspiration Point

For a nice hike that offers up some challenging spots and good elevation gain but is also easily accessible from the Pasadena area, the Inspiration Point Interpretive Site is a great destination. This post routes the trail from Echo Mountain to Inspiration Point via the Castle Canyon Trail.

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Cucamonga Peak via Icehouse Canyon

Located in the San Bernardino National Forest not far from Mt. Baldy is Cucamonga Peak. Sitting at 8859 feet above sea level, with an elevation gain of over 4300 feet from the Icehouse Canyon trailhead, this hike is no joke. But the beauty of Icehouse Canyon and the Cucamonga Wilderness, along with a breathtaking view at the summit made all the hard work, effort, and sore knees totally worth it.

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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.