This list put together by the folks over at REI is very descriptive as is the video. Carrying these items is crucial when exploring the back-country. It’s better to always be prepared. Most of these things can remain in your day pack all the time with the exception of the food.
Turn the batteries in your flashlight around so it doesn’t accidentally turn on
carry a writing tool and paper in a ziplock bag
always tell someone where you are going and when to expect you back
Sturtevant Falls is located in the San Gabriel Mountains and is accessible via the Chantry Flats Recreational Area. This is one of my favorite waterfalls for many reasons. One being that is is so easy to get to, this is a great hike for kids and adults. Another reason is the 50 ft waterfall that awaits you at the end of a 1.8 mile hike. Now you’re thinking 1.8 miles is not that bad…but there’s a catch.
The adventure begins in the parking lot which opens at 6am, and gets full really quick! Once you’ve found parking and displayed you’re Forest Adventure pass on you’re dashboard you are good to go.
Look for the sign that reads Sturtevant Falls and proceed past it to the trail that leads down into the canyon. Follow the fire road all the way down. Soon you will be hiking on a dirt trail with the sounds of the creek flowing in the background. The trail becomes very jungle like and before you know it you are walking along a cabin lined trail with the tree canopy providing shade on those warm summer months. There are a few tricky creek crossings along the way so be careful. If in doubt just walk through the water…after all, its just water.
You will know when you are near, as the sounds of the gushing waterfall gets louder with every step. When you finally reach the waterfall you will be amazed at the size and how easy it was to reach it.
When I first did this hike earlier in the year i couldn’t believe how easy it was to reach such a natural wonder. I took some pictures and videos and had a snack enjoying the sights and sounds of Sturtevant Falls… Then I geared up and began to head out with the rest of the group. This is where the i realized that this easy hike was to good to be true. The hard part begins as soon you leave the dirt trail behind and pick up the fire road. This is about a 700 ft elevation gain in about .6 miles! On a cool day this isn’t too bad but on those hot summer days I recommend getting an early start.
After several breaks and many sips of water you will reach the halfway point back up to the parking lot. Here you will notice a trail marker that reads Hermit Falls 1.2 miles. Take this trail for an added adventure and the reward will be a beautiful hike with views of the San Gabriel Mountains and soon a up close and personal look at the creek. Hermit Falls consists of a few pools and multi tiered waterfalls. This destination is popular amongst teenagers who use this as a swimming hole, Jumping from the rocks above into the 15+ft deep pools and sliding down Natures Waterslide.
700 ft elevation gain/loss
50 ft waterfall
difficulty- Easy on the way in – moderate on way out
We decided to take a short Monday morning hike out to the red rocks of Whiting Ranch. To our surprise we came across a number of deer. I was able to catch a couple with my phone’s video camera.
The Borrego Trail when combined with the Red Rocks Trail is a 5 mile hike round-trip (2.5 miles in 2.5 miles out). This is a great beginners hike and a hike that even the youngest family member can participate in.
Bedford Peak is part of the Santa Ana Mountains, home to Santiago Peak, the highest point in OC. Although Bedford Peak is not a major peak it is still a popular hike amongst locals.
Today we decided to conquer this trail and mark it off our list. Parking for this hike is located at The Maple Springs Trailhead, located in the town of Silverado.
From the parking lot you will continue on foot onto Maple Springs Rd for about .3 miles until you come across a sign that reads “Trail” This is the Silverado Trail (Silverado Motorway) make a left here and proceed past the yellow railing. Its all uphill from there!
The next 3 miles take you up 2,000 ft in elevation. Making for a very strenuous hike, especially on a warm day like today.( 80 degrees was the high) the trail starts of narrow and then widens out as you clear the brush. As you steadily climb in elevation the Santa Ana Mountains begin to reveal themselves and they are a beauty!
About half ways up the switchbacks, you reach coffin rock, here you are treated with wonderful views of OC, great place for photo opportunities!
Once you reach The Main Divide Rd. this is the indication that you are close to the peak. From here, hang a right past the white gate and continue up the trail for .1 miles or so until you reach Bedford Peak. (There is a brown rail about 2 ft high)
When you reach the peak, you can enjoy great views of Mt. San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, Mt. Baldy and OC in the distance.
-IF HIKING IN THE SUMMER, START EARLY! TRAIL IS FULLY EXPOSED! NO SHADE! BRING A HAT AND PLENTY OF WATER-
view of San Jacinto(right) and San Gorgonio (left)
view of Mt. Baldy
Taken on a much clearer day 2/14/13
• 6.6 miles round trip
• 2,000 ft elev. gain
• 3,800 ft summit
• Adventure pass required
• Strenuous
Eaton Canyon is one of those places that is tucked away right beneath our noses. It is literally a few blocks from the freeway. Making it a great place for a quick day hike.
Eaton Canyon Waterfall is located in Pasadena, Ca and is a beautiful sight! Much like other waterfalls located in the San Gabriel Mountains. The waterfall itself is 50 ft with a large pool at its base. It is at the end of a 1.5 mile trail that begins at the parking lot of the Eaton Canyon Nature Center. Parking here is free of charge.
With a total Elevation gain of about 400 ft in 1.5 miles this hike is good for people of all ages. The first mile is on a dirt trail until you reach the Mt Wilson Toll Bridge. As u pass under the bridge you will soon notice the creek on the left hand side, there are a couple small pools here, this a great spot to take some pictures and enjoy the scenery.
The remainder .5 miles is in a narrow part of the canyon and consists of creek crossings and some rock scrambling so be careful on this last part.
There are a few side trails that branch off from the main trail. STAY ON THE MAIN TRAIL!!! Eaton Canyon has been the subject of multiple deaths this year News Link. the easiest way to get lost or seriously injured is by venturing off the main trail.
This is a popular hike so it does get crowded. Get there early if possible.
• 50 ft Waterfall
• 3 mile round trip
• Difficulty- Easy
• Free Parking
• 400 ft elevation gain Click here for directions
The Santiago Truck Trail is at risk of being closed to the public. The County is contemplating purchasing the land from it’s current owners at a cost of $2.3 million. Please take the time to sign the petition and help preserve our open spaces. The Santiago Truck Trail leads up to The Luge (video), a popular single track mountain bike trail.
This weeks hike was an easy hike with a big payoff!
The trail begins on a service road directly behind the Ranger Station. This is somewhat like the beginning of The Blackstar Canyon trail. After a short distance you pick up a single track trail, Aliso Canyon Trail, which will give you great views of the rolling hills and a hint of the geological wonders that lie within the park.
At the 1.5 mile mark you will reach a junction, go right, and proceed on Wood Canyon Trail. This trail is very popular with bikers so be aware of your surroundings because they come flying down the trail. Along the trail you will notice Cave Rock on your left. Save that trail for the way back! After .5 miles you will reach the junction with Dripping Cave trail go left for .5 miles until you reach the cave. The cave is none like I’ve seen in OC. It’s very large and appears to be next to a creek bed and is hidden behind a grove of trees. It’s no wonder why the Bandits used this as a hide out.
On our way back from Dripping Cave we decided to check out the Cave Rock Trail. Even though it was only .25 miles long it was one of my favorite parts of the hike. This trail has multiple caves and has wonderful views of the canyon. The trail meets back up with Wood Canyon Trail making for an easy return with an added bonus! Click here for directions
cave rock trail
cave rock trail
cave rock trail
• 5 miles round trip
• elevation gain 200ft
• caves
• Difficulty – Easy
• Time – 2.5 to 3 hours
Your Favorite Hiker 