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, Hiking, Opinion, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Bonita Falls

With over 300 miles of trail in 680000 acres of the San Bernardino National Forest, there is much to explore. On a warm Sunday afternoon, we hiked to Bonita Falls and spent some time cooling off in the creek.

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, dogs, Hiking, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Bailey Canyon Falls

On this June hike, I revisited the Bailey Canyon Nature Trail. This short hike terminates with the ephemeral Bailey Canyon Falls. In 2024, the falls are flowing thanks to the atmospheric rivers of the past two winters.

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

Yosemite Adventures: Wapama Falls

With photos and story-telling, the Cranky Camper describes the hike from O'Shaughnessy Dam to the famed Wapama Falls in Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy Valley.