Hiking the 2nd Tallest Mountain in Southern California
In full disclosure we were doing this hike in one day so we took the Palm Springs tram to the start of the hiking trail and did not hike all the way from the base (tram drops off at around 8000 feet). That being said this is a advanced trek that encompasses about 15 miles round trip and an overall elevation gain of close to 4000 feet (with gains and losses) before reaching the summit at 10,834 feet.
We arrived early at 9 AM and boarded one of the first trams up the mountain. This ride will cost you about 20 bucks round trip, but it worth it for the spectacular views of the beautiful mountain side, the desert below and the lush forest at the top.
When you arrive at the base of the trail you are greeted with an amazing contrast that is not seen in many hikes around Southern California. From a stark desert with little green at the base to a full forest complete with tall pines and lush streams. The ranger station also has a sign that greets you as you start your journey stating “May the peace of the wilderness be with you.” This is fitting, because of how rough the trail can be there is not many people you bump into during this hike. Along the trek there is a break in the trees that drops you in a beautiful meadow with lush grass stretching for at least 300 yards. It seems out of place in the surroundings but is large enough to be seen from the summit and is a perfect stop to refuel before heading up into the steeper part of the trek.
From there you hit the 4 mile mark and pass the last stop for fresh water before you return from the summit (another 3 miles each way). The elevation is around 9500 feet and you can start feeling the thinner air, but the trek is so beautiful the air can be disregarded. You pass many huge rocks (this hike is well known for its rock climbing) and wooded areas before reaching a clearing and starting the series of switchbacks that go on for about a mile and a half and lead to the summit.
The last mile and a half are especially grueling, having already put around 5 miles on your body astark change in elevation as well as thinner air leads to a slower climb to the summit. Through this area you see many people stopping to regain their breath and the switchbacks seem to get longer and longer. When you finally reach the base the summit the views are amazing but there is still trees blocking them from being fully realized. Next you must climb up about 100 feet over rocks and snow to reach the actual summit of the mountain. Many people do not venture all the way up as the snow makes the rocks slippery but its hardly worth putting in the full trek to not reach the summit. When you finally get above the rocks the views are breath taking. On a clear day you can see all the way to the ocean (which is around 120 miles).
We took about an hour to refuel and rest before making the trek back down, but I would highly recommend you make this journey if you are in the area as it is the second highest point in Southern California (500 feet shorter then San Gorgonio), and a very doable day hike for those that are in the shape to handle it.
Author Bio
Josh Mc is an outdoor enthusiast most at home without a roof over his head. He works for the outdoor retailer OutdoorPros.com and writes for the Outdoor Blog OPAdventureTeam.com
I’m wrapping the last touches on my new Utah website. This site includes the best things to do and see in Utah and has a good page for Utah hiking that I think you’ll like. As always, if you have something to add please send it to me because I don’t, and can’t, know everything. I value your input, pictures, and trip reports, and they help readers that are looking for hiking tips and trails.
Back in April I reviewed an artist that carves walking and hiking sticks. Now he’s doing something special again by donating proceeds from his hand made walking sticks to a family in the Gulf.
There are some great hiking trails in Georgia. From the mountains to the coast, and all in between there are many trails. From trails in state and national parks to city trails there is something for you. Here are just a few of my favorites:
Appalachian Trail in Georgia – There are seventy some odd miles of the AT in Georgia, but you don’t have to do all of it in one hiking trip. You can hike a mile or two during a fun day hike, or go for a longer weekend trip where you can knock out anywhere from a five to twenty miles. There are several roads that intersect the trail so there are many sections where you can hike from road to road in a day or a weekend.
Suwanee Greenway – This trail covers about five miles if you hike it end to end, but more if you explore any of the side trails. It is well maintained with most of it paved and offers access to fun places like the Suwanee Town Center Park. This trail is popular with families on bikes, walkers, joggers, and of course hikers.
suwanee.com/pdfs/suwaneecreekgreenway.pdf
Benton MacKaye Trail – This trail winds through one of the most beautiful areas of North Georgia. You’ll enjoy the drive to this trail as much as the trail itself. This trail is cared for by a highly dedicated association that keeps it in top condition.
bmta.org/HikerResources.htm
Silver Comet Trail – With over 60 miles of trail you can really work your legs on this one. This is an excellent trail for your bike, and a perfect place to train for a big hike. This trail was once a railroad and now winds through three Georgia counties.
silvercometga.com
Savannah – If you’re visiting Savannah you must see Skidaway Island State Park, and while you’re there you can hike the trails. Just remember that if you are there in the summer the bugs are biting and the humidity and heat are killer. Drink lots of water, use bug repellant, and consider hiking in the morning.
I’m boycotting BP gas stations and products.
These include:
BP
Castrol Oil products
Arco
AM/PM
Amoco
Safeway Gas
I understand that most BP gas stations are privately owned, but there is no other way to hit BP hard in the pocket. I have this list in my car and will do all I can to avoid buying gas from these stations. We must make BP, and their friends, pay for this disaster. We must not let them get away with this as easy as Exxon did years before. We must stay on our weak kneed politicians to enforce retribution. Don’t let big investors and supporters of big oil tell you this won’t work. This is one of
our only options to show our support for the environment and to show our dislike for BPs actions.
Crossing rivers and streams when hiking can be one of the most dangerous things you’ll do. From getting swept away to simply falling and getting wet in cold weather it can kill you. Here are a few tips for crossing fast moving streams and rivers. Of course, it doesn’t have to just be “fast moving” to be dangerous as deep water and under water currents can get you too.
Find a Safe Place to Cross – Just because others have crossed at a certain point doesn’t mean it’s the safest. This is most often the case, but not always. You may have to travel several feet to several miles up or down stream to find the best crossing point. If you’re in a place like Alaska with huge snow melts and often without trails looking for the best place is a must. The widest section of a stream or river is most often the most shallow and slowest moving.
Unbuckle your Waist Belt – This is an easy one to forget, but if you fall into fast moving or deep water while hooked to your backpack you’ll be pulled down with it. Imagine trying to undo your chest strap and your waist belt while being pulled downstream underwater.
Use Hiking Sticks – Or any stick you can find. This will provide support and allow you to test the water in front of you before you make the next step.
Avoid Rapids – Never cross in rapids. Even if the water isn’t deep rapids are very strong and can easily pin you between rocks on the bottom.
Keep Your Gear Dry – In the case that you do fall or your back gets wet you want to ensure that your extra clothing, food, electronics, sleeping bag, and other gear is dry. If you’re miles from civilization wet gear can kill you. Before you cross remove your boots and tie high on your pack. I like to keep an old pair of Teva style sandals for river crossings and for loafing around camp.
It’s easier than you think to get lost in the wilderness. In fact, people often get lost on short trips when they didn’t plan for a big excursion. This, of course, can be the worst time to get lost because you probably don’t have many supplies with you like you might have on an overnight backpacking trip. Here are some tips to remember if you get lost.
Stay Put – One of the biggest mistakes made when lost is to continue moving. Once you establish that you are truly lost it’s best to stop and wait for help. If you call for help (via 911 or other method) moving will make it more difficult for rescuers to find you. At the least stopping allows you to calm yourself and get your thoughts together. When we realize we are lost fear often keeps us from thinking clearly.
If you Must Travel
If no help is arriving or no one know where you went you may have to travel. Some say follow water and I like this idea, but it’s still no guarantee that it will lead to civilization. If it’s dark you can find high ground and look for lights or the glow of a community in the distance. In daylight signs you can look for are squared off farmland, power lines or railroad tracks, or other signs of humans like campfire smoke.
Before you move leave a message stating: Who you are
Where you are going
When you left
Bring all the important supplies possible and plan your path and track your bearing using trees, rocks, or other items that will keep you traveling straight. Many times those that are lost simply walk in circles. Obstacles like water or large rocks can cause you to get off track as well.
Overall, the most important tip when lost is to remain in one place and remain calm. The biggest danger we face when lost is often our own fear and the mistakes we make when scared.
Early last week the Obama family visited the Asheville, NC section of the Blue Ridge Parkway and went for a hike. Being a family that values fitness it only makes sense that hiking would be an important activity for them. Image coming off a several day hike only to meet the first family. I wonder if the Secret Service would search your backpack?
Video shows how traffic was stopped for the first family.
The first time I think I heard of Earth Day was 15 or so years ago in college. Maybe I had heard of it before, but that’s as far back in my memory as I can remember it. I didn’t do anything special to save the earth that day or to make a change for the better. I bought a t-shirt because the shirt looked cool, but that was about it. As I grew up I learned to appreciate the nature I’d been playing in since I was a kid I started to see how fragile it really was. It was then – as an adult – that I started doing my part to make the world a better place and to try to preserve what was left.
As a hiker I try to do simple things like taking trash with me and not leaving it at a camp site, staying on the trail to prevent erosion, carpooling to the trailhead, and supporting outdoor gear companies that give back to the environment that provide them with their business.
As a parent I’m teaching my little boys to recycle, to plant trees, and to protect what is going to be even rarer in their lifetime. My parents pulled themselves out of poverty and gave me a better life than they had. Now I’m going to do something equally important and teach my kids love and protect the earth in ways society forgot in the struggle for better lives.
I think as we become more aware of the damage we’re doing to the environment the more important Earth Day will become. Christmas is important to many of us because it’s a time to spend with family and a reminder of our right to worship as we choose. Fourth of July is important to Americans as a reminder of the freedom our ancestors fought for and that we continue to fight for and develop. And now Earth Day may become just as important as we begin to appreciate how fragile our planet is and how important the fight is to protect her.
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High-beam headlamps and spotlights, like flashlights, are essential safety assets for any long
overnight trip. Be safe and let Elightspot.com light the way.
stark change in elevation as well as thinner air leads to a slower climb to the summit. Through this area you see many people stopping to regain their breath and the switchbacks seem to get longer and longer. When you finally reach the base the summit the views are amazing but there is still trees blocking them from being fully realized. Next you must climb up about 100 feet over rocks and snow to reach the actual summit of the mountain. Many people do not venture all the way up as the snow makes the rocks slippery but its hardly worth putting in the full trek to not reach the summit. When you finally get above the rocks the views are breath taking. On a clear day you can see all the way to the ocean (which is around 120 miles).
