Tag Archives: peak

Back Roads, California Lodge, Historic Site, Sightseeing, Viewpoints, Wilderness

National Forest Cabins

January 9, 2023 DanaMite

California Fire Lookouts for Rent
US Forest Service Cabins

red cabin

NFSlogo
Rent a secluded cabin with an amazing view, a historic tower for wildfire spotting, or a USFS guard station – hidden deep inside USDA California National Forests. Several of these NFS lookouts have been closed recently, so the ones listed below have links to status and reservation information.

Dirt road access is common to reach these remote locations. Some require stair climbing, or steep access hikes. Winter months are usually snowy, inaccessible and sometimes dangerous for these high country locations. Access roads suffer from closures due to rock slides or landslides. Check with the locals ranger station for current conditions.

A few of these rentals are open all year long – in the southern part of the golden state.

El Dorado National Forest

Harvey West Cabin
4,720′ elev. on Silverfork American River, Gold Rush

Loon Lake Chalet
6375′ elev. near Georgetown, Gold Country California

Robbs Peak Lookout
Robb’s Hut / Robbs Cabin
6686′ elev near Placerville, Gold Country California

Sly Guard Cabin
Sly Park @ Jenkinson Lake, near Placerville, Gold Country California

Van Vleck Bunkhouse
6549′ elev. near Georgetown, Gold Country California
download PDF info sheet

Lassen National Forest

McCarthy Point Lookout
overlooking Mill Creek Canyon and Ishi Wilderness
ranger & info 530-258-2141

Mendocino National Forest

Pine Mountain Lookout
>>>> Renovated & ReOPENS soon! April 2020
4400′ elev. over looking Eel River wilderness
ranger & info 707-275-2361

Plumas National Forest

Crocker Guard Station
5700′ elev. near Meadow on back road
Lake Davis Loop, way out behind Portola, California

Big Bear Lake 2002 — Big Bear Lake, Southern California

San Bernardino National Forest

Coon Creek Cabin
Actually this one is a reservable group campground – next to a set of historic cabins. Big Bear Area Group Camp Site. Heart Bar Rd #1N02 near Angeles Oaks, CA

Morton Peak Fire Lookout
(no longer available overnight stays 2019)

Sequoia National Forest

Big Meadows Cabin
Big Meadows Guard Station
off Big Meadows Rd #14S11
7600′ elevation; located in between Sequoia NP & Kings Canyon NP

Camp 4 ½ Cabin
1100′ elevation; Lower Kings River
near Pine Flat Lake, CA

Grouse Valley Cabins
3 cabins near lakes; Giant Sequoia National Monument, Western Divide
4800′ elev.

Mountain Home Guard Station
Mountain Home State Forest, Sequoia Groves
6000′ elev. near Springville, CA

Needles Fire Lookout
(destroyed in structure fire 2011)

the needles — View of The Needles, from Dome Rock on Western Divide Highway (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Oak Flat Lookout
Oak Flat Cabin Rental
4900′ elevation; Kern River canyon near Lake Isabella

Poso Guard Station Cabin Rental
open all year round, 4500′ elev. near Kernville, CA

Quaking Aspen Cabin Rental
Giant Sequoia National Monument, Western Divide Highway near Ponderosa, CA

Wishon Cabin Rental
Tule River, Giant Sequoia National Monument; open all year round. 4000′ elev. near Camp Nelson, CA

Shasta/Trinity National Forests

Forest Glen Guard Station
near Trinity River & Forest Glen, CA

Frog Meadow Guard Station
7760′ elev. near Lake Isabella, CA

Girard Ridge Lookout
Historic Fire Lookout Tower
4809′ elev. near Dunsmuir, CA

Hirz Mountain Lookout Tower
Hirz Mtn. Fire Watch Tower Rental
overlooking Shasta Lake, CA
(currently closed for repairs 2019)

Harris Springs Guard Station
near McCloud, CA

Little Mount Hoffman Lookout
Mt. Hoffman Rental
7000′ elev. near McCloud, CA

Post Creek Guard Station
near Hayfork & Platina, CA

Sierra National Forest

Camp Four and a half Cabin
Camp 4 ½ Cabin Rental
Lower Kings River, open all year round
1100′ elev. near Pine Flat Reservoir

Six Rivers National Forest

Bear Basin Butte Cabin & Fire Lookout
elevation 5300′ in Six Rivers NF / Smith River NRA
(road damage & access issues 2017)

Tahoe National Forest

Calpine Lookout Cabin Rental
near Sierraville, CA

Sardine Peak Fire Lookout
overlooking the Sierra Buttes and serene Lakes Basin, Yuba Rivers, North Gold Country CA

Back Roads, Sightseeing

Childs Meadow

December 12, 2022 DanaMite

Childs Meadows @ Lassen Forest

on the Lassen National Forest map this huge meadow area along Highway 36 is marked as “Childs Meadows”

morgan mtn burnt — Morgan Mountain above Childs Meadow after the fire 2021

Childs Meadow sits at 5000 feet in elevation, on the edge of the Mill Creek drainage, just south of Lassen National Park. The meadow spans from Mill Creek, eastward along State Route 36 for many miles. Gurnsey Creek flows down Wild Cattle Mountain, near the resort, crosses the pavement, and heads east to meet up with the Deer Creek drainage above Chico, California

This sacred meadow was the summer camp and ceremonial ground for native tribes that existed long before the white men showed up. The meadow basin was originally owned by J.C. Tyler who used it for summer grazing land. He established a resort about 1864 and by 1896 it was a regular stage stop for travelers.

In 1900, Tyler sold the land to Abner Nanny who used it for summer grazing. Frank Childs purchased it in 1909 and also grazed livestock there seasonally. By the late 1930s a service station and cafe had been established. Then came cabins that were the precursor of the privately owned Childs Meadow Resort, which burned down some time later. These days Highlands Ranch Resort is the newest place to call this location home.

Lassen: Childs Meadow (before the fire)

July 2011 vs. July 2021

What a difference a decade makes. Drought in California makes a green meadow brown!

Childs Meadow 2010 — Childs Meadow Resort in 2010

NEW Highlands Ranch Resort @ Lassen

RENOVATED (2017) across the street
Village Inn at Highlands Ranch

Village Inn Childs Meadow Lassen — Village Inn @ Childs Meadow, South Lassen

mountains

MOUNT LASSEN MEADOWS
Lassen Peak @ 10,457 feet has the highest known winter snowfall amounts in California. There is an average annual snowfall of 660 inches, and in some years, more than 1,000 inches of snow falls at its base elevation of 8,250 feet.

childs meadows

and a month later (after I start this post)…
AUG 2021 the DIXIE FIRE

Burnt Above — Highlands Ranch Resort with Dixie Fire burn scar on ridge above 2021

October Snow Barn — Historic Barn – early snow in October 2021

2007 – Nature Conservancy Buys Childs Meadow
times-standard.com/2007/10/20/the-nature-conservancy-buys-childs-meadow/

cafe and motel — Cafe and Motel (1950s postcard )

As for the spelling on the name:
Childs Meadows is commonly seen on USFS maps, and found inside a book called Tehama County Place Names.
Most locals know it as Childs Meadow, but it also seen spelled with an apostrophe s – Child’s Meadow

Swimming Pool at Childs Meadow Resort (1950s postcard)

Campsites, Sightseeing, Trailheads, Wilderness

Northern California Mountains

July 31, 2020 DanaMite

Mountains of Northern California / NorCal Mountain

California sure has a lot of mountains. West Coast land is home to the tallest Sierra Nevada range, plus the Cascade range, which extends northwards to Canada. (Many of which have volcanic peaks.)

We break down all the mountainous regions in the north part of the state below w/ links, topo maps, lakes, rivers, wilderness, parks and forests. Small towns & cities are linked in red.

sacramento river — Sacramento River, above Lake Shasta

North Coast Mountains

canoe Redwood forests and rivers are what make up most of the Northwest part of California, just below the Oregon coast. Logging and fishing are the big industries up here. Lumber mill towns and camps still exists today. Wilderness areas, dirt back roads, river kayaking, stream fishing, camping and real wild indians. Oh yeah, and Big Foot!

The landscape in more dramatic along the North Coast of California, as the steep rocky terrain tumbles into the sea w/ the San Andreas fault running parallel to the shore. Marine life, rocky shores w/ small towns. Del Norte County & Humboldt County. Wild rainy weather, at least half the year; fog and sun the other half.

Six River National Forest

California towns near Redwoods & Mountains:

NorCal California

the North State

fish The furthest north is Siskiyou County, which borders the state of Oregon. We have the Klamath River flowing south into California, with plenty of mountain peaks, forests and wilderness. Interstate 5, Highway 3 and Highway 96

Pacific Crest Trail passes through the area and backpacking is common (all year long). Notable spots – Klamath Knot and The Eddy’s. Prominent Mount Shasta is actually situated inside Siskiyou County, not Shasta.

Klamath National Forest

California towns near Klamath Mountains:

NorCal California

shasta

Shasta Trinity Mountains

Giant Mount Shasta is located inside Siskiyou County, and Shasta County & Trinity is everything located to the south of it. Interstate 5, Highway 3 and Highway 299. Recreational lakes, rivers and streams, and off roading trails. hiker

Waterfalls, hot springs, mountain biking and stream fishing can be found within this region. Mining history and museums are primarily situated around Weaverville. Houseboats and boat rentals can be found on the big reservoirs. Whiskeytown was totally toasted in wildfire of 2018. Alpine lakes, granite spires, campgrounds and cavern tours, all located along the Interstate 5 corridor.

Shasta Trinity National Forest

California towns near Trinity Alps & Shasta Forest:

Beautiful park setting @ Lee Fong Park, in historic Weaverville, CA

River Beach Campground — Trinity River Camping, Douglas City, CA

Mendocino Mountains

dirtbikes Coastal mountains located above the Napa & Sonoma wine country. US 101 & Highway 20. Rivers, forests, wilderness and redwoods is the key terrain that make up the Mendocino County mountains.

There is a fair amount of off road trails and dirt roads located in and around Mendocino, so you can expect to see 4x4s, dirt bikes and toy haulers on the east side of the mountain range. The coastal side of the Mendo National Forest will have the rivers and redwood parks.

Mendocino National Forest

California towns near Mendocino Mountains:

Spring Fouts Mendo — Fouts Springs Camping OHV

Plumas Mountains

pct Northern Sierra Nevada mountains is where the granite rock of the Sierra meets to volcanic rock of Lassen Volcano. Butte County and Plumas County is the Feather River drainage, all flowing south from Mount Lassen.

Pacific Crest Trail is routed through Bucks Lake Wilderness and the Feather River Canyon, so backpacking is popular. Highway 70

Plumas National Forest

California towns around the Plumas Mountains:

goldshore — Mini Gold Lake, near Silver Lake @ Bucks

Lassen Mountains

snowmo Technically speaking, the Susan River is the top waterway of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Lassen County spans the distance from the Nevada state line, west to Plumas forest and the Feather Rivers (all 4 forks).

Lassen Peak is the middle of the National Park and the National Forest totally surrounds that. Numerous lakes, hiking trails, wilderness areas and dirt roads make up this huge forested area. Snow-mobiling is popular in winter months around the town of Chester.

Lassen National Forest

California towns around the Lassen Mountains:

Northeast California

The far northeast corner of the golden state is the remote cattle range lands of Modoc Country inside Modoc County. Drier than the rest of NorCal, the high desert sage brush meadows, a few lakes and pine forest mountains. Highway 299 & US 395

Modoc National Forest

California towns near Modoc Mountains:

mill creek falls — Mill Creek Falls in Modoc

Back Roads, Backpacking, California Rivers, California Waterfalls, Campgrounds, Camping, Campsites, Campspots, Creeks, Equestrian, Fishing, Hiking, Lakes & Reservoirs, Off-Road Trail, Picnic Areas, Rock Climbing, Sightseeing, Ski XC, Snow, Snowmobiling, Trailheads, Viewpoints, Wilderness, Wildflowers, XC Ski Areas

Sierra Buttes California

July 19, 2020 DanaMite

The Sierra Buttes

elevation: 8591′

Northern Gold Country California at the headwaters to the Yuba River

Lakes Basin Recreation Area
Tahoe National Forest
near Plumas Eureka State Park

Gold Lake, Sardine Lake, Upper Sardine, Smith Lake, Packer Lake, Grass Lake, Sand Pond, Goose Lake, Snag Lake, Long Lake, Jamison Lake, Round Lake, Deer Lake, Tamarack Lakes, Young America Lake, Frazier Falls

California is the land of granite peaks. Rocky, exposed mountains that stick up out of the landscape for all to see. Southern Cal has a few of them, but most granite peaks in California are found in the Sierra Nevada.

US 395 Eastern Sierra impressive ridge lines are the highest and most photographed and Lake Tahoe has plenty of big granite surrounding it. The farther you go north, the less granite you will see – not because it isn’t there, mostly cuz it is just buried with tall dense forests.

lakesbasinhikers — lakes basin day hikers

NORTH SIERRA – The Sierra Buttes are the impressive granite peaks located in between the North fork of Yuba River and Sardine Lake.

SE of Mount Lassen and NW of Lake Tahoe, at the tippy top of the historic gold country. Gold Lake Road #24 connects Gold Country Highway 49 to North of Tahoe Highway 89. Road #24 is often closed for winter snow, so most visitors enjoy this region in the summer months. hiker

Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout Hike

The infamous PCT (aka. Pacific Crest Trail) passes the peak and goes north through this basin of alpine lakes, so backpackers are often seen. Tent camping is very popular, as well as RV camping w/ numerous developed campgrounds and open camping as well. Some of the hard to reach primitive camp sites (next to lakes) can be accessed via 4×4 vehicle. Gotta have a good topo map.

Downieville is well known for the mountain biking trails, so this whole region is covered with amazing trails. Snowmobilers and cross country skiers love the area during a good winter snow and they can access this area from the north off Hwy 89.

View Larger Map

Sardine Lake

hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, fishing, kayaking, cross country, & snowmobiling

campsite snag lake — Snag Lake (free) Camping on Gold Lake Highway

Back Roads, Backpacking, Campgrounds, Equestrian, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Sightseeing, Ski XC, Snow, Trailheads, Viewpoints, Wilderness, Wildflowers, XC Ski Areas

Mount Pinos

June 20, 2019 DanaMite

Sierra Views from Pinos
Originally uploaded by danamight

Mount Pinos Recreation Area

The Mt Pinos Recreation Area is located on the border of Southern and Central California, inside Los Padres National Forest. After passing Frazier Park, the winding, paved, mountain road starts atop Cuddy Valley and is approximately 12 miles from Interstate 5 @ Tejon Pass. The 8831′ peak is the tallest in Kern County and is a popular spot for both summer and winter recreation: cross country skiing, snow shoeing, backpacking, hiking, mountain biking. The snow gates often close during heavy snow.

Mount Pinos Road starts atop Cuddy Valley Rd, at the “Y” – where it intersects with Mil Potrero Highway, which heads out to Pine Mountain Club, California.

One mile up the Mount Pinos route, you will find McGill trailhead on the right side (it is popular w/ mountain bikers) and then the first snow gate at Burbank Rd. Another 4 miles up hill, you come to the only set of dirt roads accessible on this range. A left turn will take you winding thru pine forest to the valley below. 4×4 is not required, but a National Forest map could be very handy. Unfortunately all the private properties at the bottom have locked gates & no thru access to Cuddy Valley is allowed. Although it is an awesome drive to just go exploring in the woods, there is no way out (once you get down the hill), so you must return the same way you came.

Back on the main route, shortly after the dirt roads is McGill Campground on the right side & another snow gate. In another mile and a half you will reach Mt Pinos Campground on the left side; the entrance is easy to miss. From here you are less than 2 miles from the end of the main road.

Mountain Bike, Hike, Backpack, Camp, XC Ski, Snow Sled

Darkest Skies for Stargazing in Southern California

The huge paved parking lot is the dead end (2 miles from the peak of Pinos) – very popular with astronomers, mountain bikers, plus the families and snow sledders in winter (if the gates are open). A National Ski Patrol’s Nordic Base, the only building you will see up this way. At 8300′ elevation, the large parking area is perfect overnight spot for amateur astronomers, so be considerate when visiting night. New moon (no moon) weekends APR-OCT are optimal viewing months. In busy summer months you can often find motorhome campers all set up with expensive equipment tracking the heavens all night long. Please be respectful of their hobby & eyes; Turn off headlights when you approach the parking area at night.

hiker

There is also a hike-in, freebie camp ground called Chula Vista; an easy quarter mile walk from the parking lot to 12 camp sites & a pit toilet. Mountain bikes dig this area too. A large meadow here blooms with wild irises in summer, only sometimes.

Trail 21W03 Mt Pinos
Originally uploaded by danamight

ROAD CONDITIONS to Mount Pinos, call the rangers 661-245-3731

Pinos – Peak to Peak Hike

The trailhead for Pinos Summit starts at this parking lot. It is a 2 mile moderate, but steep hike on an old fire road. The neighboring peak to the west is called Mount Abel @ 8286′ elevation (aka Cerro Noroeste). The infamous peak to peak hike along the ridge line from Mt Pinos to Mt Abel is 6.5 miles one way – and very popular in summer months. This hike requires 4-6 hours & a car shuttle should be arranged in advance. The Chumash Wilderness sits between Mount Pinos and the tiny community of Pine Mountain, which can be seen below on many places along the hike.

camp

There are 3 developed campgrounds in the Mount Pinos Recreation Area:

McGill Campground accepts reservations online. Campgrounds are often closed during winter months, due to snow. (Oct-April)

DARK NIGHT SKIES: Amateur Astronomers unite!

thebigboys — Pinos star gazers out in force

summitsign — Hiking Trails to Mount Pinos, California

flagspinos

LOS PADRES MAPS:

Los Padres National Forest Map

Los Padres Forest Topo Atlas

NatGeo Los Padres East Map

Sespe Wilderness Trail Map

Dick Smith Wilderness Map

NEAREST TOWNS:

Chumash Wilderness — Mt Abel trailhead looking East to the Mount Pinos range. Pine Mountain Club, and the Sierra Nevada mountains can both be seen from this vantage point

see the neighboring mountain peak, Mount Abel

Camp O Alto @ Cerro Noroeste

Lakes & Reservoirs

Walker Lake

November 15, 2017 DanaMite

A few different Walker Lakes around California.

Walker Lake, California

Walker Lake @ US Hwy 395, Eastern Sierra
June Lake Loop – Hwy 158
June Lake, CA

Inyo National Forest (Lee Vining to Grant Lake)
Inyo Forest Road #1N17 access to side canyon route, Inyo Forest Road #1S23

small, scenic, hike-in only lake (pictured below).
1.2 mile hike downhill – strenuous, very steep; 800′ elevation loss. Bloody Canyon trailhead also connect to Sardine Lake, above Walker Lake.

hikeinlake

There is also another Walker Lake in Mendocino County California. Walker Creek, Ridgewood Park; west of US Hwy 101, south of Willits, CA

Walker Lake, Nevada

very windy, Walker Lake, Nevada
US Highway 95, north of Hawthorne, NV
Mount Grant elev. 11,239′

Walker Lake State Recreation Area, now known as Monument Beach, is located along the western shore of the lake. The Hawthorne Army Depot, the world’s largest ammunition depot, fills the valley to the south of the lake. Naval Undersea Warfare Center?

Route 95 passes along western shore of Walker Lake. Walker River from the Eastern Sierra mountains in California, may sometimes flow into Walker Lake, Nevada.

Upstream water users have exploited the Walker River for profit, resulting in the destruction of Walker Lake, NV. According to the USGS, the level dropped approximately 181′ between 1882 and 2016. By June 2016 (under drought conditions) the lake level was 3,909′ above sea level, the lowest lake elevation since measurement began in 1882.

Better camping option, north @ Fort Churchill, NV

Back Roads

1S23 – Inyo NF

November 12, 2017 DanaMite

inyoroad1S23

Inyo Forest Rd #1S23

Walker Lake & Mono Pass
Bloody Canyon Trailhead

North of June Lake Loop, off of Road #1N17

also known as Little Walker Lake trailhead

1 mile walk downhill to Walker Lake; very steep trail with 800′ elevation decent.
Vault toilet & one campsite at parking lot.

trailheadcamp

Trailhead camp for backpackers who arrive late. Nearby Parker Creek offers more in the line of free camping, more creeks, private setting.

Slim pickins on campsites, means have a plan B or C ready in case these few ideal canyons are full. Minimal camping spots, down on the main drag Road #1N17

Bloody Canyon leads further up the steep ravine to Upper & Lower Sardine Lakes.

walkerlake

Walker TH

Bohler Canyon near #1S19 (locked gate)
private property along some portion of this lake, so be aware of signage

California Deserts, Hiking

Desert Hiking California

October 21, 2017 DanaMite

California desert region hikes

Anza Borrego Desert State Park
Approximately 20% of California’s land is desert, located in Mono, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Diego, Imperial, Riverside Counties… most falling in the eastern portion of California. Almost all of the Baja California peninsula is desert, right down to THSDmap the beaches on the Sea of Cortez. The Mojave joins in Sonoran desert in Joshua Tree National Park, which is reason enough to explore this fabulous landscape. Anza Borrego Desert has way more cacti and vegetation than the barren Death Valley terrain. But Death Valley offers abundant acreage, seclusion, hot springs, scenic canyons, mining history, the tallest mountain peaks and the lower point in the nation. Inyo has impressive mountains that sit just east of the Sierra Nevada and is a volcanic wonderland along Highway 395 with indian petroglyphs, cinder cones and ancient lava flows.

Anza Borrego Hikes – San Diego Back country: Blair Valley Indian Pictographs

Bodie Ghost Town – High desert mining camp, off Hwy 395

Darwin Falls Hike – High desert waterfall, near Death Valley

Death Valley Hiking

Fossil Falls – Lava Flow on Hwy 395

Hiking Las Vegas

Inscription Canyon – Mojave Desert, Barstow

Joshua Tree Hiking Trails

Mojave Desert Hiking

Panamint Valley & Canyons

Rainbow Basin – Mojave Desert, Barstow

Randsburg Mining Town

Telescope Peak Hike

California Desert Hiking Maps

bajaalmanac2010
Baja Almanac
Baja Map Set by NatGeo
Bodie Ghost Town Map
Death Valley Maps
Inyo National Forest
Jawbone Canyon Map
Joshua Tree Maps
Mojave Desert by Tom Harrison
Mojave Map by NatGeo
Mono Lake Map
San Diego Backcountry Map
Anza Borrego Desert Map
Verdugo Mountains Map

Camping, Campsites, Campspots

Reyes Peak

April 27, 2017 DanaMite

Ojai Camping
North of Ojai, CA

Camp out among tall pines, well above the coastal fog.
Los Padres National Forest Road #6N06

Ojai, CA – NORTH on HWY 33
a very scenic drive, in North Los Angeles County

Coastal Foothills

Near the Pine Mountain Summit (elev 5080′) on California Highway 33, the small sign only reads PINE MTN and points east, to a rugged side road. By far one of the worst paved roads around.

This Reyes Pine Mountain, should not to be mistaken for the golf course community of Pine Mountain Club, many miles north of here, around the other side of Mount Abel.

This is Reyes Peak, also known as Pine Mountain Ridge “north of Ojai”, on the sorta paved Pine Mountain Road. (Los Padres National Forest Rd # 6N06)

overozena
The view above is from one huge dirt pull out, on the left – over looking Ozena Valley, on the west end of Lockwood Valley Rd. Motorhomes, trailers, off-roaders and hunters like this as a last minute camp site, very close to the highway.

If your vehicle can endure 9 long miles of poor pavement, pot-holed roads, then maybe you can find seclusion back in the woods around here.

Six or more primitive campsites, spread out along a forested ridge line (around 5000′ elevation). Tables and fire rings only. No fees, no toilets. Bring a shovel and plenty water. No pipes, no running water up here.

The scattered camp sites are located far enough away from each other, that the location provides some privacy and still relatively close to town. Some sites are in forested settings, while others have big boulders, but are exposed to wind and sun. Although these few sky view camps are perfect for the stargazers.

Dark night skies can be okay, if the coastal fog stays low. Neighboring Mount Pinos is all paved – usually best choice for RV campers w/ telescopes, who need large areas of flat level ground.

One particular camp site is located at a very decent view spot. Boulders, pine trees and mountain views to the south. Click the image above to expand.

PRIMITIVE CAMPGROUNDS
Campfire permits are required.

The end of the road is a top destination LAUNCH spot for hang gliders & para-sailers. Watch them jump on YouTube compliments of DanaMite.

The hiking Trailhead for Reyes Peak and the Chorro Grande Trail #23W05 are also at the end of this dead end road #6N06. Reyes Peak Trail leads east, out to 7510′ elevation, overlooking the whole lower Los Padres region – Lockwood Valley, Ozena, Piedra Blanca, Sespe Gorge, Potrero Seco.

Get outside this weekend. There are no more excuses!

MAPS: Los Padres National Forest Maps

NEAREST TOWNS:

Backpacking, Hiking, Ski XC, Trailheads, Wilderness, XC Ski Areas

San Jacinto Wilderness

December 26, 2016 DanaMite

Jacinto Maps

Southern California / San Jacinto Wilderness Area / San Jacinto Mountain / Palm Springs Mountain Hike

The well-photographed snowy mountain backdrop behind the desert deluxe resort-land known as Palm Springs, Mount San Jacinto is the second tallest peak in Southern Cal.

Mighty San Gorgonio peak, across to the east – on the other side of the valley, is the very highest mountain in this desert region. Granite Jacinto peak is located in between the mountains of Idyllwild and the low deserts of Palm Springs.

32,248 acres

Mount San Jacinto – 10,834′ elevation

San Bernardino National Forest

JACINTO PARK access –

Palm Springs via Tram

Book tickets online!

Nearest towns:
Idyllwild CA
Pine Cove CA

Day hikes, picnic in the forest, backpacking, horseback rodes w/ SUPER easy access via the fantastic Palm Spring Tram ride, up to 8000′ elevation.

The San Jacinto Wilderness is managed by 2 different agencies: The National Forest Service and California Department of Parks & Recreation.

If you are camping overnight in the forest, you must get your wilderness permit from the agency that administers the area where you plan to spend the night. Day-use permits can be obtained on the day of your trip by visiting one of the ranger stations below. Day-use permits issued by either agency are honored by both, except during the busy summer months when permits to enter the Wilderness via Devil’s Slide Trail can be obtained only from the National Forest Service.

Camping permits can be obtained in advance by mail, in person, or online w/ PDF. National Forest Service accepts requests up to 90 days in advance; Mount San Jacinto State Park accepts them up to 56 days in advance. You can also get them on the day of your trip, if any are available at that time.

USDA National Forest Service
San Jacinto Ranger District
54270 Pine Crest Ave
Idyllwild, CA 92549
951-659-2117

Mount San Jacinto State Wilderness
25905 Highway 243
Idyllwild, CA 92549
951-659-2607

regional trail maps –

San Jacinto Hiking Maps

San Jacinto Wilderness Map USDA
San Jacinto Trail Map (Tom Harrison)
San Bernardino NF Map USDA
Santa Rosa Wilderness USDA
San Bernardino Mts (Wilderness Press)

Mount San Jacinto State Park is surrounded by San Jacinto Wilderness

More San Jacinto Wilderness Info & Links –

summitpost.org/jacinto-peak
San Jacinto Peak Wiki
USDA San Jacinto Wilderness
Mount San Jacinto State Park

Backpacking, California Maps, Equestrian, Hiking, Trailheads, Wilderness

San Gorgonio Wilderness

December 26, 2016 DanaMite

sangorgonioview — Old Greyback, San Gorgonio Mountain – as seen from forest road #2N93

Southern California /San Gorgonio Wilderness Area / San Gorgonio Mountain Peak Hikes / Backpack Gorgonio

The tallest mountain peak in Southern California towers over the often smoggy basin of the Inland Empire, Riverside & San Bernardino. Coachella Valley lies to the southeast. Joshua Tree National Park lies due east.

Old Greyback is a fitting nickname for the peak. The massive, bald, decomposed granite gravel paves the whole top layer, above treeline (altitude nearing 12,000 feet above sea level) and this impressive peak can be seen from most of the Los Angeles basin and the Palm Springs desert. The expanding view of the Pacific Ocean can be seen 70 miles to the west, but only if the skies are clear. Windy, winter days are excellent conditions for viewing, but plan your hike accordingly as this peak could be covered in deep snow during winter or springtime.

This is a very popular backpacking weekend trip to escape from the big urban populations. San Diegans and Angelinos can easily access this location in a few hours from home, via Interstate 10 and some mountain driving on a 2 lane highway.

94,702 acres

San Gorgonio Peak – 11,503′ elevation

San Bernardino National Forest

Forest & Hiking Maps –

San Gorgonio Topo Maps

San Gorgonio Wilderness Map (USDA)
San Gorgonio Trail Map (Tom Harrison)
San Bernardino National Forest (USDA)

Gorgonio trailheads –

Hwy 38 @ Angeles Oaks
Hwy 38 @ Barton Flats – Jenks Lake
Hwy 38 @ Heartbar – Fish Creek & Mission Springs
Hwy 38 @ Fossil Falls – Momyer & Big Falls
I-10 @ Millard Canyon – East Branch & Middle Branch
Interstate 10 @ Cottonwood Canyon – PCT access

nearby campgrounds –

Heartbar Campground (Hwy 38)

Mission Springs Trailhead Camp

Dry Lake Campground

nearby communities & towns –

ANGELES OAKS
BIG BEAR CITY
BIG BEAR LAKE
FOREST FALLS

Hiking Mount Whitney

February 28, 2016 DanaMite

Mt Whitney Trail / Mount Whitney Map

mt whitney map When the snow melts in the High Sierra, the rush is on! This is one of the most popular backpacking trips in the Eastern Sierra, as Mt Whitney is the highest peak (14505′ elevation) in the contiguous United States of America.

Day hikes to the summit should only be attempted if you are in excellent physical shape & used to high altitude hiking. There are so many folks trying to hike this sought-after peak in the warmer summer months (MAY-OCT) that the National Forest has put tight restrictions on these Mount Whitney trails. You must obtain a Wilderness hiking permit for this hike & that requires waiting in a long line of outdoor enthusiasts that also seek this prime destination.

The Lone Pine Ranger station holds an annual Whitney trail LOTTERY, where you must apply a year in advance & be granted a permit before you can set foot on this popular hiking route.

An alternate backpacking route to Mt Whitney is the southern ridge line from the Cottonwood Lakes trailhead, but you still must verify with local authorities for permits & Wilderness passes.

The Alabama Hills, between US Hwy 395 @ Lone Pine CA and the Whitney Portal offers camping and mountain biking trails with excellent views of Mount Whitney from below. A short drive up to the portal & you can stand in the waterfall mist & then do a day hike up to Lone Pine Lake.

Now that we have you salivating for this epic adventure, you can start your dreaming & real planning by ordering hiking topo maps of the region. Then after you have thoroughly reviewed the maps, the terrain (as well as your own physical condition), you can contact the Inyo National Forest / Lone Pine ranger office for more specifics on dates & details. This may take years of planning to make it happen.

lone pine roads

The Alabama Hills sit at the base of Mt Whitney, California

Hiking, Hot Springs, Primitive Hot Springs, Trailheads

Gaviota Hot Springs

March 27, 2014 DanaMite

Las Cruces Hot Springs
also known as Gaviota Hot Springs,
and as Gaviota State Park Hot Springs

Top Pool

W of Santa Barbara, W of Goleta, CA
North of Gaviota State Park

US 101

US Hwy 101 @ PCH 1 exit
follow frontage road on south side of the 101

View Gaviota Hot Springs in a larger map

This soaking spot is a convenient stop for those traveling the 101 on the California Central Coast. The hot pools are located in an overgrown canyon, about half mile up the hill from the parking area. The natural earthen pools tend to be warm, mushy, and smelly (like sulfur) but never super hot.

These are old, historic, volunteer built pools that are not maintained regularly, so keep that in mind when comparing this location to other well-manicured springs. Many of the locals that care for these sacred spaces only get paid back by reckless visitors with litter, graffiti and vandalism. If you want places like this to stay open, we must do our part to ensure that we leave it better tan we found it.

Parking fee, lot managed by California State Park. Gate closes at dark.

gaviota park signs

1 mile hike round trip

Poison oak, snake and ticks can be a problem at this location, so do be on the lookout.

swampy pool

hiking trails from here –
Gaviota Peak (fire road) and Campbell Trail (unmaintained)

Campgrounds, Lakes & Reservoirs

Ponderosa Flat Campground

August 26, 2013 DanaMite

Butt Lake California
Ponderosa Flats Campground

Lake Camping NorCal

RV camping, tent camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, boat launch, handicap accessible.

Ponderosa Campground – PG&E Campground, located 3 miles from Lake Almanor

Tucked away off the main drag of Plumas Hwy 89. North end of Butt Valley Reservoir on east shore. Turn off about 6 miles northwest of Lake Almanor Canyon Dam on Hwy. 89, take Butt Valley Road south for 3.2 miles.

Set in a Ponderosa Pine forest along the shores of Butt Lake, part of a system of reservoirs formed by hydro-electric dams managed by Pacific Gas & Electric. Lake levels can change rapidly with minimal warning.

DSCN0117

Quiet lake in California: No water skiing, jet ski or race boats; only small motorized fishing boats. Canoeing, kayaking and sail boating are also popular lake recreation. Off road areas nearby.

• Elevation: 4,150′
• Number of Sites: 63
• Camping Reservations: Yes
• Sites Available: Reservations; First come, First serve
• Vehicle Accessibility: Vehicle 32 ft. max. No RV Hookups
• Length of Stay: 14 Days
• Water: Piped; lake
• Toilet: Vault
• Season: Closed for winter, Nov-April
• Fee: Yes
• Operated By: PG&E
• Closest Town: Lake Almanor, CA

Pacific Gas & Electric
Almanor Ranger Station
916-386-5164

Ohio Valley Route — The alternate dirt road access thru Ohio Valley is graded dirt w/ rough roads that may require 4×4 or high clearance vehicles. RVs are not advised to travel this way.

nearby destinations –

Wilderness

Ventana Wilderness

August 22, 2013 DanaMite

ventana hikes

Central Coast California
Backpacking Big Sur

Ventana Wilderness is a 40 mile stretch of protected land located in the Santa Lucia Mountains on the Big Sur coastline in between the Monterey peninsula and the Nacimeinto-Fergusson Road #4004. Fort Hunter Liggett lies to the east side and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Ancient volcano peaks called “cones” line the pine ridges – Ventana Cone, Ventana Double Cone, South Ventana Cone, Black Cone & Cone Peak.

240,026 acres
Cone Peak – 5155′ elevation
Los Padres National Forest
San Antoni River
Sykes Hot Springs
Tassajara Creek
Tassajara Hot Springs

campgrounds bordering area –

Cone Peak Primitive Camp (Nacimeinto Rd)
Ponderosa Campground (Nacimeinto Rd)
Nacimeinto Creek Campground
Prewitt Ridge Primitive Camping
Escondido Campground (Milpitas Rd #4050)
Arroyo Seco Campground (Road #G16)
Wildcat Campground (Tassajara Canyon Rd)
China Camp Campground (Tassajara Canyon Rd)
White Oaks Campground (Tassajara Canyon Rd)
Kirk Creek Campground (Hwy 1 @ Nacimeinto Rd)
Bottchers Gap Campground (Palo Colorado Rd)
Limekiln Creek State Park (Hwy 1 @ Nacimeinto Rd)

hiking trailheads –

Cone Peak
Escondido
China Camp
Arroyo Seco
Bottchers Gap

redwood hikes

nearby towns –

Central Coast Big Sur Maps

Los Padres Forest Maps

NatGeo Big Sur Topographic Map

Pinnacles National Monument Map

Ventana Wilderness Topo Map

Smaller Silver Peak Wilderness (31,555 acres) is also featured on the same map, situated south of Ventana and north of the San Simeon Hearst Castle area.

Ventana Wilderness Alliance
Ventana Wildlife Society

California Fire Lookouts for Rent US Forest Service Cabins