MARY JANE FALLS

26 Friday Aug 2011

Posted by in Cave, Outdoors, Strenuous Hikes, Waterfalls

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Mary Jane Falls… WOW!
This is probably the best hike I’ve been on so far for one reason and one reason only, the location!

Located 40 minutes north of the Las Vegas Strip there is a hidden paradise. A place that is overshadowed by the towering hotels and casinos. This amazing oasis is located in the Spring Mountains of southern Nevada.

This isolated adventure begins way before you reach the Mary Jane Falls Trailhead. As you leave the city in your rear view you will soon be driving down a one lane highway with amazing rockscape on either side. The scenery changes drastically in a matter of seconds. You will find yourself driving along a pine and campground filled highway (reminded me of the San Bernardino national Forest)

Now this is where the fun begins. Once you have parked you will notice the trailhead sign and the trail directly behind it. The first 1/3 mile is at a slight incline along a rocky trail. you will soon reach a sign that reads “trail” at the base of the switchbacks. (At this point I took some time to let my lungs adjust to the elevation before continuing) on the trail up the switchbacks you will see towering Ponderosa Pines, White fur and Aspen trees in the canyon below.

As you reach the top of the switchbacks you have an amazing view of Kyle Canyon and the canyon walls and you suddenly realize that you are 9,000+ ft above sea level. Such and amazing feeling.

When you reach the falls you will be in awe at the height of these natural wonders. The view is amazing! There are 2 caves, 3 waterfalls and a view of Big Falls, which is across the canyon.

I can’t wait till my next trip to Vegas. This is a must do hike. It is great for kids, dogs and adults.

The best part of this hike is that the temperature is 20-25 degrees cooler than in the LV valley. Excellent for hiking in the summer.

Happy Trails,
Alex G

•Waterfall
•1000 ft elevation gain
•Cave
•3 miles round trip
•free parking

Escondido Canyon Waterfall

24 Wednesday Aug 2011

Posted by in Easy Hikes, Outdoors, Waterfalls

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     Escondido Falls is a great trail to hike anytime of year. This trail is located in the Santa Monica Mountains of Malbu. The proximity to the coast provides relief from the heat of the SoCal Summer. The temperature here usually lingers in the mid to upper 60’s. The only drawback to hiking this close to the exclusive sands of Baywatch Beach would be the very limited parking. You will definitely want to arrive early.The tiny parking lot is located at Winding Way and PCH.There are no parking fees.
     The trailhead is about 1/2 a mile north on Winding Way from the parking lot. Winding Way is basically a private road leading to some pretty swanky homes. The entire hike ends up being about 4.2 miles roundtrip. I would say that it is a pretty family friendly trail as long as your children are at least 6 years of age. Poison oak is abundant here. You will want to keep everyone on the trail. There is some bouldering involved and there is a pretty steep portion of trail where you may choose to use a rope that someone has setup to aid you in your climb.
    There are a couple of small waterfalls along the first portion of the trail, but it is the last waterfall that you will really want to see. The last waterfall is a multi-tiered beauty with a total height of roughly 150 feet. It isn’t your typical California waterfall. This one is covered in moss and grass and is definitely this most tropical looking waterfall that we have experienced (YouTube Link).

-FPMiv

HARDING CANYON WATERFALL

20 Saturday Aug 2011

Posted by in Outdoors, Strenuous Hikes, Waterfalls

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In March of 2011 our sense of adventure led us to Modjeska Canyon, Ca for an attempt to reach Harding Canyon Waterfall.

We geared up and headed towards the Santa Ana Mountains to reach the trailhead before sunrise. Parking for Harding Canyon Falls is located at the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary Parking here is free but limited, so arrive early for a spot.

The trail begins to the right of the sanctuary on Harding Truck Trail. After a .25 mile walk at a slight incline you reach a fork in the road. From here go left and you will soon reach the creek bed. Head to your right until you reach the creek. Now here is where the fun part begins.

By no means is this an easy hike so be prepared for a long and wet hike.

Head up creek for 3 1/2 hours… Yes that’s right 3 1/2 hours. On this adventure you will hike along the creek, in the creek and across the creek. Staying dry is not an option. You will see some of the best creek pools around! (Great for the summer months) The trail is very shaded and sprawling with plant life including the infamous Poison Oak, so be aware of your surroundings. Newts lizards frogs and snakes are also common along the trail so keep an eye out.

After several creek crossings the canyon begins to narrow and the boulders begin to appear. Continue on up creek for the waterfall is just around the way. (that’s what I kept telling myself)

After a long, challenging, wet hike you should now be embracing the sight of Harding Canyons hidden beauty. A beautiful 40 ft waterfall with a waist deep pool at its base.

Although very difficult it is still very doable. As always be prepared and use common sense.

Click here for directions

•waterfall
•creek
•pools
•8 miles r/t
•3 1/2 hrs one way
•free but limited parking

U.S. hikers in Iran get 8 years in prison – CNN.com

20 Saturday Aug 2011

Posted by in News

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Two U.S. hikers have been sentenced to 8 years in prison after being convicted of espionage and illegal entry into Iran. They claim they didn’t know that they had crossed into Iran. It goes to show you how important a good map and gps can be…

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/08/20/iran.us.hikers/

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FISH CANYON WATERFALL

19 Friday Aug 2011

Posted by in Moderate Hikes, Outdoors, Waterfalls

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Darlin' Donna waterall

Fish Canyon Falls is one of those sights that leaves you in awe. Truly one the best waterfalls that the San Gabriel Mountains has to offer. The adventure begins juat beyond the Parking Lot From here you begin your 2.2 mile adventure. Along the trail you will see ruins of old cabins,  wild berries, and posted signs with history of the canyon. With only 2 creek crossings this is one of the more easier and drier waterfall hikes around.

Once you’ve reached the waterfall getting to it can be a bit tough… between you and pool at the base lies a small but steep slope. With careful navigation make your way down and grab a seat.

This place gets bit crowded because on the weekends, so start your hike early for preferred seating. Trailhead opens at 7am. This is a well shaded trail along Fish Creek which is perfect for the hot months.

On your way back from the falls take the time to visit a hidden waterfall. I saw so many people walk right pass the trail and didn’t even realize it.  The trail is easy to find if you know what you are looking for. On your way back  look for the natural staircase that is formed from the roots of a tree. Shortly after passing that you will come across a bend in the trail with what appears to be a runoff  to your right.. follow that trail for 1 minute and there you will see Darlin’ Donna Waterfall, Fish Canyons Hidden beauty.

Enjoy !

Alex G

For directions click here

  • waterfall
  • creek
  • 4 miles r/t
  • free parking
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