On a winter visit to Indio, we explored the East Indio Hills Badlands. The rocky formations were created by millennia of deposition, geologic uplift, and erosion. Today, these formations make for a fun low-key adventure not far from desert resorts. In this post, I share our morning adventure, along with some safety considerations for desert hikes.
After re-opening following the Bridge Fire in 2024, 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, we also cover trail conditions at time of writing along with some safety considerations.
After a rainy couple weeks in November, we enjoyed a half-day adventure hiking and wine tasting in Agua Dulce.
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.
Ih this short post, we visit Cherry Canyon Park, an open space located in La Cañada-Flintridge that has several miles of hiking trails and views of the San Gabriel Mountains. This space is popular among hikers and mountain bikers alike, with trails that range from easy to moderately hard.
The Cranky Camper 