Craving that perfect winter getaway? How about a quiet snow covered cabin in a small mountain community where you can relax and cozy up near the fireplace to watch the snow fall.. (Weather not guaranteed).

One of the Southern California’s greatest features is that you can go from the beach to snow covered mountains within a two hour drive! We were itching for winter here at Go Outside (Feb. 2010) and With the recent storms that we had been getting slammed with, the mountains were being blanketed in heaps of snow while the coastline was swimming in inches of rain.

Make it happen
We placed a call to Woodland Park Manor who set us up with an affordable rental cabin in Idyllwild and we were off, driving towards mount San Jacinto where winter awaits! Our drive winding up CA-243 was nice and easy with the exception of the last 5 miles approaching Idyllwild. The road became covered in a mix of packed snow and slush but our fearless subaru made it up without incident. Be prepared as chains are often required during the winter months.

The Cabin
Our cabin; A neat A-Frame construction, complete with a queen and a twin sized bed, a small usable kitchen including utensils, dining table, t.v., fire place and floor to ceiling windows overlooking the snow covered wonderland, was perfect. Idyllwild had received approximately two and a half feet of snow in some locations. This was just the getaway we were hoping for.

Lets Play
Itching to get out into the snow we layered up and set out into a crisp day where the only sound to be heard was the snow crunching under our boots. We discovered a large meadow just behind the grounds where smooth snow was windblown about in undisturbed drifts just begging for someone to play with. A stubborn creek cut its way through its center melting the snow from underneath refusing to freeze.

We spent the afternoon giving life to a massive whiskey drinking leper of a snowman who refused to support his arms and subsequently fell victim to our viscous massacre. We pummeled each other with snowballs, and inflicted brain stopping whitewashes until we were exhausted.

The Perfect Getaway
The evening sunset cast its alpenglow across the mountain above us as we retreated to the warm cabin to cook our dinner. The fireplace lit and glass of wine in hand we enjoyed the night warm and cozy in our winter cabin, the perfect getaway.

We will surely be going back this winter and highly recommend Woodland Park Manor.

Information
Cottage with a Kitchen and Fireplace $115.00
Cottage with a Fireplace $95.00

Colin & Denise Day ~ Innkeepers
55350 South Circle Drive | P O Box 86
Idyllwild, California (CA) 92549
Phone: 951-659-2657
Toll Free: 877-659-2657
Email: info@woodlandparkmanor.com
website: www.woodlandparkmanor.com

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In Orange county? Looking for an enjoyable stroll to an interesting location? Visit Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park for an easy 4 mile round trip walk to a cave once used by bandits and thieves after robbing stage coaches or stealing livestock.

Pirates would retreat to this hideout tucked into a shaded oak grove a short ways into wood canyon, its walls bearing the bore holes in which pegs were fitted to hang gear. Overhanging ferns and moss covering the roof release droplets of water, thus the cave has been named “Dripping Cave”.

Where
The walk begins from the Aliso and Wood Canyon Wilderness Park parking lot on AWMA road. Just a half mile south of the Alicia Parkway and Alicia Creek Road Intersection in Aliso Viejo. Parking costs 3 dollars.

The Hike
Walk southeast out of the lot following AWMA road, and hop onto the single track Aliso creek trail which meanders along the roads edge.

Follow the Aliso creek trail for 1 mile before reaching a major junction at roads end and turn right onto the wood canyon Trail.

The wood canyon trail is a dirt walkway leading deeper into the canyon, past meadows, cave rock, and rolling hills while Aliso Creek burbles along its flanks.

After approximately 3/4 of a mile turn left onto the Dripping Cave trail. Continue for a approximately 1/4 mile to arrive at the cave.

Disclaimer
* Make no mistake, this is far from a “wilderness” experience. Orange County Housing development can be seen perched on the hilltops above, and this is a popular mountain biking and exercise location.

Information
Aliso And Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
28373 Alicia Parkway
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 923-2200

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Its desert season in California, mild days and cool nights; Perfect weather for a Visit to Joshua Tree National Monument and a few nights of camping at our favorite Indian Cove Campground. Site # 83 is our go to site as it offers enough room for the park max 3 tents, cars, a picnic table, and plenty of room around the fire pit.

Scramble
There is nothing quite like listening to the silence atop a towering rock column, gazing out at the sharp contrast of a bright blue sky behind the golden rock, with an eagles view of the desert floor sprawled out below. Bring a sturdy pair of shoes to combat the punishingly coarse rocks. Pick a pile of boulders, evaluate your route from the bottom, swallow your fear of heights and begin your scramble to the top. Bouldering opportunities without the need for a rope or climbing experience are endless. Never place your hands where you cannot see as rattlesnakes enjoy warming themselves amongst the boulders.

Explore
Spend the day exploring through washes and traversing the open desert. Discover barrel cacti, marvel over massive ant holes, and the variety of spiky desert flora. Beware of the “shooting” cholla needles which seem to find their way into our legs even as we kindly yield way to them. If traveling with a four legged friend stick to the trails and check their pads often as the hostile desert plants can cause lots of trouble for your wandering explorer.

With fall comes the mating season for tarantulas and as a result they are on the move looking for love! These terrifyingly beautiful creatures pose no greater danger to humans than a bee sting however it is important to be on the lookout for them as you drive through the park as to not abruptly end their love quest with a tire!

The NPS states that approximately 250 big horn sheep divided into three herds call the park their home. For those vigilant enough, the sheep can be spotted near the Eagle mountains range on the eastern end of the park, the Little San Bernardinos range on the west, and within the Wonderland of Rocks. Their keen eyesight and tremendous ability to traverse the landscape afford them the luxury of disappearing into the desert, making it a real prize to spot one.

You may have better luck seeking out the slow moving desert tortoise, which continues to evade us throughout our four years visiting the park. This is likely due to the fact that they spend 95% of their time underground emerging with the warmer temperatures that accompany spring and summer when they will wander from their burrows to forage and search for mates.

Hike
Discover a hidden oasis tucked into a deep canyon on an unbeatable day hike to the Lost Palms Oasis. In the parks east, Starting at the Cottonwood Spring trailhead and a small oasis of palms, You will walk just over 3.5 miles up and down through gullies, passed hulking boulders, sandy washes and tight canyons before reaching an overlook from where you will first lay eyes on the Lost Palms Oasis. A cluster of California fan palms numbering in the hundreds line the steep walled canyon bottom, sipping from small pools fed by the trickling cottonwood spring. Enjoy a view out to the Salton Sea before the trail descends a tight ridgeline dropping to the oasis below.

The moderate 7 mile round trip is well traveled and clearly marked but, it is best to remain navigationally aware while entering and exiting the washes. Be prepared with lots of water and plenty of sunscreen as shade is scarce until you reach the oasis.

Climb
Joshua Tree is a world renown climbing destination offering a multitude of routes for all levels of climbers. Keep an eye on RockGrrl’s site as she has hosted the successful 2nd annual JTree Tweetup climbing gathering. Nomad Ventures is your shop for guided tours, and gear. Even if you are not a climber you cannot help but stare in amazement when you come to the realization that “Yes, that is in fact a person all the way up there!”

Backpack
If developed campgrounds are not your thing pack your backpack and self-register at any one of the parks 13 backcountry registration boards marked as B on the park map. Leave your car at the registration board parking area, hike in and set up camp in the rugged backcountry. Your camp must be outside any restricted day use areas, one mile from any road, and 500 feet from any trail. This leaves quite the variety of options to find and enjoy solitude within the park.

While you may camp generally anywhere in the backcountry we found backpacking the Boy Scout trail to be an excellent two day trip covering low mileage with easy to moderate terrain. Camp outside of sandy desert washes and bring lots of water as you will not find any out there. Fires are not permitted in the back country however you may use a backpacker stove for cooking.

The Key to the best Sunset
A desert sunset is truly a spectacular sight. Standing atop 5,185 ft Keys View allows you to take in the Coachella valley, Mount San Jacinto, Mount San Gorgonio, the Salton Sea and even Mexico on clear days. The sheer distance in the field of view lends to the perception that you are looking into a water color painting allowing for a fantastic display of color all meshing and running together as the sun drops. Bring a jacket as the exposed ridge top is prone to extremely gusty winds! Give yourself plenty of time to drive to the viewpoint, it can take up to 60 minutes to drive across the park depending on your location.

That said, there is no bad location to observe the passing of the day. Just go up! An hour before sunset, we like to hike west of the Indian Cove campground, into the open desert to claim our perch atop a towering boulder throne to watch the desert sun change every rock in site a different color with each passing second.

Camp
As we have mentioned above we are in love with the Indian Cove campground, Already been there? check out one of the other 8 campgrounds the park offers. The campgrounds are open year round and reservations can be made at Black Rock, Cottonwood and Indian Cove between October 1 through May 31 by calling 1-877-444-6777. You may also reserve a site online at www.recreation.gov

Park Map

Download PDF of park map

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The Boy Scout Trail is a moderate 8 mile trek that transports you from the low to the high Mojave zones within Joshua Tree National Monument. As the hike progresses the trail showcases the striking contrasts between the desert zones. Travel from open desert, through boulder canyons, across sandy washes, within the wonderland of rocks, and into a Joshua Tree forest on this one way hike between the backcountry registration board at Indian cove to the registration board near the Quail Springs picnic area.

Since the journey is point to point it requires an additional vehicle to act as a shuttle from the finish back to the start. If you do not have the luxury of a second vehicle to provide transportation back to the trail head we recommend beginning the hike at the Indian Cove backcountry board. This allows you to hike through the most dramatic sections of the trail that make this backpacking trip worthwhile.

When Should I go?
During the fall, winter and early spring daytime temperatures remain mild and bearable while nighttime temperatures will be cool or cold making this the optimal time for desert hiking. We embarked on our adventure in January. While nights may become cold dropping below 40 degrees it is nothing a good sleeping system can’t handle. Be Prepared as temperatures varying up to 40 degrees between day and night are not uncommon in the desert.

Lets get started – the open desert
Starting at the Indian Cove backcountry board, park your vehicle, complete the required self registration card and drop it into the box on the side of the board. The hike begins with a 1.5 mile tramp through open desert. The trail is generally easy to follow but it is good to carry and study a map beforehand to gain an idea of where the entry point into the canyon and wash is located in the rock formed mountains that lie ahead.

Finally we dropped into the first of many washes that would navigate us through a gorgeous canyon with walls reaching high on either side. While the trail is flat, soft sand under our shoes increased the effort required as we dipped in and out of washes around the backside of a large mountain of boulders.

A Wonderland of Rocks
Soon the trail starts climbing in elevation and at approximately 3 miles begins steeply switchbacking its way up and out of the canyon. Reaching the top we were now surrounded by humongous piles of rocks and had gained an elevation of nearly 1000 feet. This was our favorite section of the trail as it meanders along the outskirts of the wonderland of rocks displaying increasing amounts of vegetation including Juniper, oak and yucca.

It is important to remain aware of your surroundings in order to keep a good fix on the trail. We wandered off trail for brief moments a few times, but were easily able to pick it back up at obvious intervals.

A Joshua Tree Forest
The trail continued climbing gradually until we reached a plateau at 4.5 miles and eventually walked our way out of the towering rock formations and into the high Mojave. We were instantly treated to a beautiful landscape populated by a Joshua Tree forest with wide open views of the San Bernardino mountains. Rock piles dot the land scape and offer protection should the winds pick up.

I could hang here forever
Now that we were out of the last of the washes, we scouted the area looking for a rock formation that would protect us from the wind. It wasn’t long before we had our camp set up and were free to roam about the area climbing the massive boulder mounds and wander the Joshua Tree forest in search of the tree whose arms reached highest into the heavens.

Dusk quickly set in and the sky, free from light pollution took on a variety of purples, oranges and reds. We found a spot to sit watching the clouds shape shift before our eyes as if someone was continuously dragging a paintbrush through the magnificent canvas laid out in front of us. It was early January and we could make out some snow on the top of mount San Jacinto far off in the distance.

We had the desert to ourselves and enjoyed a chilly night filled with stars, wine and checkers. The hike out the following morning was an easy downhill coast to our starting point at the Indian Cove Registration board.

Info
Topographical Map

Register your vehicle at the Indian Cove Backcountry registration board. Unregistered vehicles, or vehicles not parked at a registration board are a safety concern and may launch and unnecessary search and rescue operation.

Your camp must be outside any restricted day use areas, one mile from any road, and 500 feet from any trail. This leaves quite the variety of options to find and enjoy solitude within the park.

Bring lots of water as you will not find any on the trail.

There are no fires allowed in the back country, Not that there is anything to burn in the desert, all of the plants are protected.

Feedback
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Two healthy steps forward and there is no longer any platform underneath my feet, my weight is fully committed to my harness and a few carabiners, I am Airborne and quickly leaving the tower behind. I tuck into the cannonball position accelerating on my way to 45 mph with the wind roaring through my helmet and pulleys howling like banshees on the cables above. This is Ziplining on the Catalina Island Eco Adventure Tour.

The Zip Trip
3,671 feet of cable spans Descanso canyon high above Avalon harbor. A total of Five zip lines run from 500 feet to 60 feet above sea level. The full tour takes approximately two hours to complete.

Line 1, a 501 foot long zip shakes out your butterflies and gets your adrenaline pumping before clipping in to Line 2, the longest of the tour at 1,045 feet you will have plenty of time to take in the views and really appreciate the rush! We found Line 3 to be the most enjoyable, the fastest of the bunch flies for 702 feet ensuring that you arrive at the far tower with a deafening smack as your guide slams the breaking block into your zipping trolley to bring you to a safe stop atop the landing pad. Line 4, nicknamed the Tarzan, rides for 892 feet and brings you through a cluster of trees of which we were promised a beer if we could successfully retrieve a leaf! Finally, line 5 the “vogue line” zips for 531 feet and sports a motion camera to capture that shit eating grin which is no doubt plastered across your face. You can purchase the picture for a shockingly expensive 17 dollars in the gift shop back at the base.

Our guides Marcus and Elena did an awesome job of keeping us safe and providing entertainment with Island History, funny stories and wildlife facts. What a fantastic job, who wouldn’t want to zip all day long!

What if it rains?
Tours run year round, rain or shine unless the weather is very bad. It was noted that the lines run very fast when wet! Reservations are generally needed as this is a popular adventure and you must coordinate with the Catalina Island ferry to be sure you can access the island in time for one of the scheduled tours. Groups can contain up to 10 people, We were lucky enough to only have six of us on our tour.

Arrive at the Descanso Beach club, just a short walk past the casino building (the round one with the red top!) 15-20 minutes before the start of your tour. This allows for the stowing your belongings in the lockers, last minute jitter induced pee breaks, (pee BEFORE your guides help you into your harness!!) harness and helmet fitting, weigh-in and safety checks to go smoothly. Your guides provide a brief safety and instructional presentation to get you familiarized with the harness system and the cannonball ziplining position. The tour then begins with a shuttle ride up to the Hogs Back Gate, and your first tower.

Tips for zips
Don’t forget your camera with a good wrist strap to take video and photos of the incredible views as you zip across the canyon. Views of the turquoise ocean stretching infinitely are unreal. Pants, longer shorts, sneakers or closed toed shoes are required. Kids between ages 5 and 9 must ride tandem with a guardian and riders under 90 lbs will also be asked to ride tandem. Light weight zippers will want to take a bit of a run off the platform and remain tucked in the cannonball position to maintain the speed needed to make it to the other side.

What if I don’t make it?
You get the sandbag when you don’t have enough speed (or perhaps your friends may or may not have requested your humiliation) to make it to the other tower and you shamefully coast backwards towards the middle of the zipline where you dangle from your crotch and wait for your rescue. Powerless to move in either direction, but hey… you have a fantastic view 300 feet above the canyon with the bright blue harbor below; Hang out, and watch for dolphins! A guide sends out a pulley with a sandbag that has enough weight to reach you, and a rope attached to the end. The stranded zipper then grabs on to the sandbag and the guide reels them in to the tower amidst a chorus of cheers, mockery, finger pointing and laughter.

Ziplining Cost: $92.50 per person
Contact Discovery Tours (Santa Catalina Island Company) for reservations or 800.322.3434. They can also help with other island adventures and lodging.

Ferry Cost adult San Pedro or Long Beach: 66.50 round trip
Ferry Cost adult Dana Point: 68.50 round trip
Here is a coupon for 7.50 off of an adult round trip exp 3/31/11
Contact the Catalina Express Double check the Schedules and make reservations in advance.

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Contact Go Outside with any questions you may have. Have you enjoyed this trip? Got a different trip in mind to recommend? Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments section below!

The Boulder Basin Campground sits 5 miles into a suspension pounding dirt road that switchbacks its way to the upper reaches of  the San Jacinto mountain range. Glimpses of soaring vistas overlook the pine forest as you wind your way higher and higher, making you acutely aware of the steep drop-offs threatening one way high speed elevator access to the valley below.

Of the 34 sites at the campground, a handful are held for reservations only, and the others are first come first serve. Bring cash and use the self registration envelopes to select your site and pay the 10 dollar fee. The sites are reasonably spaced apart, in a wooded setting and each contain a fire ring and a picnic table. The drive in lets you know that you will not be staying at your standard developed California campground where everyone is stacked on top of one another. While a few of the sites have ample room for trailers, we would advise against it due to the drive up.   *Fair warning, the pit toilets were by far the most ferocious we have ever been in. High-Five to the camper who set up an incense stick although it was no match for whatever was brewing in there. Has anyone seen the movie Dogma?

We scored site # 21 in the back (north) end of the campground last weekend, and set up our tent on a secluded flat topped ridgeline about 100 feet from our picnic table and fire ring. After getting our gear squared away we set off to explore the area following a use trail east of our camp. While we are not climbers (can anyone help us fix that?), the numerous opportunities for rock climbing were immediately apparent. The variety of large boulders littering the area and keeping the grounds true to its name, bared chalk dust or played host to climbers spidering their way to the top with their crash pads sprawled out below.

We spent the afternoon poking around directly east of the campground discovering Indian grinding mortars and scrambling to high points to capture the amazing northern views of San Gorgonio and the San Bernardino mountain range across the Coachella valley below. The desert spilled out to the northeast giving way to views  into Joshua Tree National Monument. If you are looking for trails, nearby hiking options include the Black Mountain trail and the Pacific Crest Trail.

While lacking the jagged sky piercing granite peaks, leftover snow-melt and glaciers, we could not help but feel like we had escaped to a campground in the Sierra Nevadas; just two hours from home! This is as close as you are going to get in southern California!

A cool night set in at the 7500 elevation while we relaxed around the fire and eventually retired to our tent. Clouds that had previously hinted rain, gave way to a sky filled with stars not visible from our light polluted views back home.

Save a log or two for a fire in the morning while you boil water for coffee (we recommend Starbucks Via) and eat breakfast. After breaking down the tent and loading the truck we started back down Black Mountain road. When we reached rt 243 we decided to continued North for 5 miles to visit Lake Fulmor; a nice place for a picnic lunch, to cast a line from lakes edge or take a short walk around the trail that runs its perimeter.

If you live in southern California, heading up to the San Jacinto mountains is always a nice easy getaway providing a multitude of adventure options!

Getting there

It is recommended that you have a high clearance vehicle but you should have no issues rallying your standard height sedan up to the campground.

From the mountain town of Idyllwild continue on Rt 243 north for 9 miles to Black Mountain road (FS 4501). There will be a dirt turnout, with Black Mountain rd making a hairpin turn into the mountain. A sign will point to Boulder Basin Campground. Continue on Black Mountain rd for 5 miles to reach another sign indicating the entrance to Boulder Basin. Make a left at the sign and you will soon enter the campground.

* Head up there quick for this last weekend! The campground closes October 27th this year. Generally the campground is open from May to the end of October weather permitting.

Contact the Idyllwild Ranger station for info: (909) 382-2921

Feedback
Contact Go Outside with any questions you may have. Have you enjoyed this trip? Got a different trip in mind to recommend? Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments section below!

Unlike the east coast where the beauty of fall is unavoidable, Californians have a small window of opportunity to seek out the elusive season. One of the few and by far the best place to find fall foliage is on the eastern slopes of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range. The season reveals itself in vivid color for a brief moment each year during the first two weeks of October, not long after the majority of the range will be blanketed in snow. Go Outside motored up Rt. 395 October 1st-3rd with some friends for some spectacular yet easy hikes and drives through this epic countryside.

Leaving from southern California the drive up the 395 is mind numbingly straight. To make the drive easy We spent a night in Lone Pine. Great deals can be found at the Mount Whitney Motel. Be sure to attempt solving the riddle posted above the check in desk. Perhaps if you do, you will be granted a free nights stay. We couldn’t crack it, best of luck to you! We woke up in the morning to the clouds rolling off of the towering 14,505 ft mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States providing a gorgeous way to start our day.

Convict Lake
Our first stop was Convict Lake, named after a 1871 shootout involving a group of escaped convicts from Carson City Nevada. Heading north on Rt 395 turn left onto Convict Lake road approximately 36 miles north of Bishop. If heading south on the 395 Convict lake road is 12 miles south of Mammoth Lakes.

Follow the entry road to its end on the west side of the lake to find parking in the loop, or along the right side of the road. A trail runs the lakes entire perimeter. We recommend starting the trail here from the west side picnic area which sports better growth and color than the sparsely grown east side.

Views of Laurel Mountain and Mount Morrison tower over the lake providing a beautiful alpine backdrop. The trees at the far end of the lake were bursting with yellow and orange colors, while the few scattered aspens lining the shores were casting their fiery reflections across the crystal water. The trail covers 2.5 miles of extremely easy terrain and provides fantastic beauty along with ease of accessibility. The lake also provides camping, and great trout fishing from the end of April to November, fish from the shores, drop your boat or kayak in at the ramp, or rent from a variety of boats at the marina.

Lundy Canyon
Ten miles north of the town of Lee Vining Turn Left onto Lundy Lake Road. Pass Lundy Lake within a mile and continue on the narrow dirt road. The drive into Lundy Canyon paid off within seconds. We could not help but pop out of the car every few turnouts to snap photos of the vibrant yellow and green leaves, while gazing over the beaver ponds hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the beavers at work building their intricate engineering masterpieces.

Follow the dirt road to the end to find parking, and the Lundy Canyon Trailhead. The Lundy Canyon trail is covered by a tunnel of multicolored aspen trees. Their spade shaped leaves illuminating the way forward and lining the trail floor. Less than one mile into the trail you are granted a spectacular view of an enourmous beaver pond damming mill creek, fed by lower Lundy Canyon Falls. The towering walls of the canyon skyrocket above displaying an array of red and grey metamorphic rock. The surrounding area proves a varitable beaver workshop containing fallen trees, rounded stumps, and logs bearing the precision cuts displaying what prolific builders beavers are. We relaxed at the ponds edge for a while soaking in the beauty of fall and waiting for one of our beaver friends to make an appearance. Alas he never showed.

On this trip we did not continue further along the trail, however the Lundy Canyon trail continues for 3 miles eventually switchbacking its way out of the canyon and into the Twenty Lakes basin. Few trails provide such quick access to the high sierras containing the beauty of alpine lakes, glaciers, glacial lakes, waterfalls and granite peaks as the Lundy Canyon trail. Lundy Canyon has been added to our backpacking to do list!

Mono Lake
On our way back down Rt 395 we stopped at Mono Lake. Mono lake is a massive hypersaline and alkaline lake containing three times the salt concentration of the Pacific ocean! In order to provide drinking water for the city of Los Angeles, 1913, and 1941 water diversions away from the lake allowed evaporation to significationly lower the lakes water level. The receding water level has exposed peculiar looking limestone formations known as tufa, which are formed underwater near calcium rich springs. Follow the boardwalk out to “Tufa Grove” on the south side of Mono Lake, beware you may wish to bring a gas mask as the lake assaults you with a pungent sulfer smell walking along the alkali fly blanketed shoreline! Yuck! While the lake and tufa are pretty. I think we will skip mono lake on our next visit and would recommend gazing at it from your car windows as you drive by with the windows up! Ok… we may be exaggerating a bit!

June Lake Loop
Next on our list was a scenic drive down route 158 through the June Lake Recreation Area,or the June Lake Loop as it is known when combined with rt 395 to form a loop. Route 158 spans 16 miles and is best driven from north to south in order to keep the mountain range in full frontal view. The road travels past four large lakes Grant lake, Silver lake, Gull Lake and June Lake all offering fantastic views of the sierra crest with ample opportunities for fishing and camping. We found the leaves beginning to change around the June Lake village, but this stretch likely needs another week before it reaches its full potential.

Parker Lake Rd
Prior to reaching grant lake we pulled off of route 158 briefly onto Parker lake road. A dirt road leading west towards Parker Lake. We explored the areas various aspen groves exhibiting pockets of yellow orange and green. The many secluded turnouts along the dirt road would provide a fantastic car camping location to spend the night.

Reaching the parking area we took a brief walk up the Parker Lake trail gazing in awe at the snow remaining on the peaks of Mount Wood. Unfortunately threatening rain clouds stopped our progress before we reached Parker Lake, and a decision was made to return to the car and save the hike for another day. Parker Lake lies approximately 2 miles from the trailhead, with the trail climbing briefly from the parking lot before leveling out to reach the lake. Retracing our steps back to the trailhead we were treated to wide open views of Mono Lake and Mono craters.

Sierra Lodge at Mammoth Lakes
We were able to find a fantastic deal online at the Sierra Lodge to spend the night in Mammoth Lakes, just 4 miles west on the 203 off of the 395. As evening hit we mozzied across the street to Angel’s Restaurant for some killer grub. Treat yourself to the chicken pot pie and a pint from the mammoth brewing co. The food was very good and extremely cheap! The place was empty. Within the coming weeks there will be a two hour wait to grab a table, standing room only packed with ski bums partying the night away after a long day on the mountain. We will be back come winter to take our rightful place with the rest of the bums!

Little Lakes Valley
Sadly Sunday morning rolled its way in and we would have to start heading back to home. We had a bit of a drive ahead of us but the sierras had not released their grip on us yet. We had one more stop to make for a short hike into the Little Lakes Valley. Back on route 395 and approximately 25 miles south of Mammoth Lakes, near Toms Place turn right onto Rock Creed Road. Rock Creek road was beautiful and perhaps the best display of fall we encountered on our trip, containing far more orange and reds amongst the aspen trees lining the road. The road runs parallel to rock creek providing excellent opportunities to capture the changing colors. Perched high above Rock Creek Lake the colors below looked like a painting reminding us of the movie “What Dreams May Come”.

Follow the road until it ends near the Mosquito Flat campground. Here you will find the trailhead leading back into the Little Lakes Valley. As we arrived into the parking lot the looming clouds that seemed to be following us all weekend decided to unleash. Showering us with with their cold sierra rain. Determined to see at least the first few lakes we donned our raingear and marched up the trail. Head straight out of the parkinglot onto the trail. A bridge leads to the left and a day use picnic area, Instead continue straight up the trail.

Rock Creek flowed steadily on our left, containing small remnants of snow. The trail climbs at an easy rate, stay left at the fork atop the first hill and soon you will drop into a basin containing the lakes. (The path to the right climbs strenuously up to ruby lake and mono pass.) One by one they appear, fed by Rock Creek and each producing a more spectacular view than the previous. The lakes shimmer a blue green hue that would have been bursting had the sun and blue sky been reflecting upon them. Mt Starr rises above to the north while Mt Morgan towers high above the lakes still holding on to a few patches of snow.

After walking half of a mile we came upon the first lake. We scrambled off-trail breifly climbing a few of the boulders to the east and were treated with a grand view of Mack Lake. Clouds obscured the mountains cheating us out of the full impact of this beautiful backcountry but the scenery was overwhelming nevertheless.

We continued up the trail stopping at Marsh lake, and eventually reached our turn around point where Ruby Creek flows into Heart Lake at approximately 1.5 miles from the trail head. The rain was showing no signs relenting and the clouds were dropping in altitude lower and lower into the valley. We vowed to bring our backpacks into the valley and do the hike again as an overnight backpacking trip in the summer after the snow melts. As we made our way back to the trailhead fantastic views of Rock Creek were exposed, talk of calling in to work to take a vacation day and stay another night filled the air.

John Muirs “Range of Light” are a powerful force that fill a person with wonder. While we were stalked from above by the ever present cloud cover, our trip to the eastern Sierras to find fall was a major success. The crisp air, grey skys and dancing array of colors was exactly what we needed to get us in the fall spririt.

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Contact Go Outside with any questions you may have. Have you enjoyed this trip? Got a different trip in mind to recommend? Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments section below!

When we think about California road trips, the first one that comes to mind is the Big Sur Coastline. No place in the state is as effective at filling us with overwhelming awe and fantastic excitement than the dramatic cliff edges, jagged rock outcroppings, crystal blue water and sky high redwood groves contained within this awesome section of coastline. The air smells fresh and crisp, the waves cast their thunderous soundtrack on the cliff walls, enchanting mist filled Redwood groves provide miles of hiking and urban sprawl is left far behind. We are free to forget everything and just enjoy this must see California adventure.

Elephant Seal Vista
Since we are coming from southern california our trip always begins with a visit to the Elephant seals in San Simeon. Massively Grotesque fowl smelling sloths slogging their way up and down the beach, belching their hideous cries at one another. When they are not fighting each other, “kerchacking”(insert comic book sound effect) one another with one of their teeth, mouths agape in dispute over their prized selection of vuluptous lady friends they are sleeping in massive piles and generally annoying one another and the surrounding sea lions. The elephant seals can be seen year round peaking from November to January. All joking aside seeing the elephant seals in their natural habitat behaving as they would is a beautiful thing. Dont forget to say hello to the abundant and curious squirrels inhabiting the area, looking to make friends with any passerby willing to take their picture!

Coastal viewing
Continuing north on HWY 1 the coastline undergoes a dramatic change as the highway climbs and twists along the cliff edge. Take advantage of any pullout you see. We spend all day pulling over at each turnout or dirt patch offering enough room for a vehicle for a chance to step out of the car and soak in the ubelievably large views. There is no rush! Things move slower up here, enjoy it. Big Sur boasts the title of the fastest rising coastline on the pacific seashore. This is immediately apparent in the vertigo inducing drops causing your knees to weaken as you approach the edge for that perfect photo, or for your passenger, as you pilot your vehicle around that next blind bend in the highway hugging the cliff edge without a guardrail providing a false sense of security from the churning pacific far below. Bring your binoculars; We have spotted pods of hundreds of dolphins spanning for miles feeding and frolicking off the coast. Blue, Grey, and Humpback(the one species we have yet to see) Whales making their migrations and feeding runs, sea otters nursing their young, and the California Condor soaring along the cliff edges.

Mill Creek
For a seldom used hike that you will have all to yourself turn east at Nacimiento-Fergusson road just across from Kirks Creek campground. Wind your way up the hairpin turns gaining elevation and increasingly epic views of the ocean dropping further and further below. A large dirt parking area will appear on the left side of the road after a major hairpin turn. The trail, marked by a trailhead sign begins on the east side of the road just at the apex of the turn. You passed it as you turned into the parking area. The Mill Creek trail is shaded in its entirety by a variety of maple, sycamore and towering redwoods trees. Low lying redwood sorrel (think clovers) covers the ground creating an endless sea of green, framing the trail which crosses Mill and Lion creek a few times before terminating after about 1.5 miles. Camping is allowed in the Ventana wilderness provided you have a permit. Contact the Big Sur Station for permit information.

Julia Pfieffer Burns State Park – McWay Falls
No visit to big sur is complete without visiting McWay falls. Although this is likely the single most popular viewpoint along the Big Sur coastline, you owe it to yourself to view the falls in person. Just before the entrance for Julia Pfeiffer burns state park pull over on the side of the road. Gain access to the trail on the west side of the highway and follow north approximately .5 of a mile. Mcway falls pours directly onto the sand and when the tide is right will rain down upon the waves racing up the small beach below. While this may classify as a “tourist” location, It is a stunning sight to see the water launch itself over 80 feet off of lands end and plunge its way into the pacific ocean…not to be missed.

Pfeiffer Big Sur state park – Pfeiffer Falls
A short way up the road from McWay falls sits Pfeiffer Big Sur state park, not to be confused with Julia Pfeiffer Burns state park, and an easy/inviting walk through the redwoods. Pay the day use fee at the park entrance (which grants you access to any of the parks in the area), continue to your first stop sign and make a left. The trailhead parking will be on your right, a few hundred feet up the road. The trail leaves from the top of the parking area near a large crossection displaying the age of an ancient fallen redwood. The trail immediately passes through a fantastic redwood grove and a bridge spanning the deeply cut Pfeiffer redwood creek before beginning its uphill climb to a junction splitting the Valley View and Pfeiffer Falls trails. Take the trail to the right and continue a short climb before a decending into another beautiful redwood grove. Pfeiffer falls lies just a short easy climb up to a viewing plateau. Round trip the walk is just over 1.5 miles.

Lodging

Camping at Kirks Creek
Our favorite campground, Kirks Creek sits on the western side of the highway 8 miles north of Gorda while heading north, or 8 miles south of Lucia while driving south. With pleanty of room for your tent or trailer, there is not a single site on the grounds that does not have a sprawling ocean view. Sites are reasonably spaced apart and trail provides access to a rocky cove during low tide at the ocean below.

Big Sur River Inn
While it certainly isnt cheap, the Big Sur river Inn is a great place to spend the night. Relax in the alpine chairs placed directly in the Big Sur river, read a book, or flip through your camera which will undoubtably hold a memory card filled to capacity with breathtaking coastal views. For the evening, the restaurant serves excellent food and a pub a few doors down offers beer on tap. We prefer the general store on site to purchase your favorite wine or beer with which to spend the night at the chilly rivers edge since the rooms most excellently lack a tv.

Treebones Resort
If it were up to us, we would live here fulltime. We spent a romantic long weekend relaxing in a yurt at the Treebones resort. Full review coming soon!. The short of it? Treebones gets it right; Organic garden, excellent food, awesome sushi bar, pool and hot tub, spectacularly maintained grounds, Yurts featuring sweaping ocean or towering mountain views, they even have a nest that you could spend the night in. We fell asleep to the sound of rain pattering the canvas roof of our yurt and awoke to seals barking on the cliff edges far below. All conscerns drifted away leaving us only to ponder how and where we would begin our life anew living in our very own yurt!

Feedback
Contact Go Outside with any questions you may have. Have you enjoyed this trip? Got a different trip in mind to recommend? Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments section below!

Forever Wild is based in the mojave high desert town of Phelan California. Did you even know they existed? Forever Wild rescues captive bread exotic animals and reptiles. You may have heard about them when the Extreme Home Makover show helped revamp their property in 2009.

Forever Wild is a non-profit organization, run by husband and wife Joel and Chemaine Almquist functioning solely on volunteer work and private donations.  The sanctuary serves as home to numerous tigers, panthers, mountain lions, servals lynx, an african lioness and various reptiles.

While it was sad to see such beautiful animals locked in cages, these cats are much better off than they had once been. Almost all of the animals have been neglected, abused, abandoned, endured painfully botched declaw surgureys, were beaten to make them more aggressive to serve as guards for drug dealers or to perform in sideshows; these animals would not be able to survive on their own. Forever Wild does a great service by providing a home and continuous care for these magnificent beasts. Never have we been so close to such powerful animals.

During our visit a playful serval scratched his back rolling around on his cage floor, an African lioness terrifyingly stalked a passerby behind us. She wanted out of that cage bad! We decided that if the lioness were to escape from the cage, we would gladly jump into a cage with one of the smaller Lynx or servals.A tiger released a ground shaking roar that contained enough bass to vibrate every bone in our bodies. We stood face to face within touching distance of a mountain lion and discussed our fear of seeing one in the wild on our hikes. Sakia a massive bengal tiger showed us tons of affection, following us and, lying down at the edge of her cage wherever we went, begging for attention.

Forever wild is located at the end of a long dirt road at 8545 Buttemere Road Phelan, CA 92371 and can be contacted at  (760) 868-2755. Do not be alarmed when you turn down Buttemere and think you have made a wrong turn. Continue down the pothole ridden road that appears to lead nowhere until you reach its end, and the Forever Wild animal sanctuary.

Feedback
Contact Go Outside with any questions you may have. Have you enjoyed this trip? Got a different trip in mind to recommend? Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments section below!