Category: Hikes

If you’re anything like us, we can’t wait to take our first road trip of the summer. Being in lockdown the past two plus months has us itching to hit the road and get a change of scenery. Our dream location would be a place that we can hike and eat and dance and hang with cool people. Flagstaff, AZ is just that place and it is relatively close to Southern California!

Sitting at just under 7,000 feet in elevation, Flagstaff is a hikers paradise. With miles of trails ranging from flat red sandstone plateaus to Humphrey’s Peak at 12,633 feet there are trails for every preference and experience level. Add the natural beauty of the US’s largest contiguous Ponderosa Forest and stunning 360° views and it is a destination worth exploring. In fact Flagstaff is so dedicated to hikers it boasts a 50 mile interconnected trail within the city that has been a twenty year project in the making. Flagstaff has also recently joined a few other US cities dedicated to sustainable tourism by taking the Pledge for the Wild. A program dedicated to “keeping Flagstaff’s wild places special as a destination for all to experience the outdoors and Pledge for the Wild to sustain Flagstaff’s beauty for generations”.

What would a hiking destination be without amazing food and drinks? Flagstaff checks both of those boxes with vibrant local faire and handcrafted cocktails. Flagstaff’s craft brewery scene is one to mention- especially the Flagstaff Brewery Trail that encourages guests to visit participating breweries and collect a free pint glass at the end. What other town has a beer trail?

We love going out for a night in the town while on vacation (even if we’re sore from hiking) and Flagstaff’s happening night scene doesn’t disappoint. You can dance in the old taxidermy museum, The Museum Club, or grab handmade cocktails at the self proclaimed haunted hotel, The Hotel Monte Vista. Being a college town, there is always something to do when the stars come out.

Check out our latest issue for the full Flagstaff, AZ Hiking Guide which includes so much more!

I was in Napa, CA over the weekend for my bestie's wedding (congratulations Sue!) and was super excited to explore Napa Valley's wine region. I had made reservations for wine tasting at a few places and hoped I would be able to find a couple local trails to hike before the wineries opened in the morning. I found a cool little spot near our hotel called Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa, CA.
Skyline park has 25 miles of multi-use trails that wind through dense manzanita and black oak forests, chaparral, creeks, and even a small lake. Expansive views of surrounding vineyards are absolutely stunning. The trails are shared by hikers, horses, and mountain bikers, but I only saw hikers the morning I hiked it. Other activities in the park include an archery range, disk golf, picnicking, and a campground. The park's website says the park is home to many species of native plants and wildlife, including deer, foxes, turkeys, bobcats, and mountain lions. The park also hosts many flying creatures such as bats, hummingbirds, and woodpeckers.
The highest point in the park, Mt. Sugarloaf, at 1,630 feet has beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay, Mt. Diablo, and Mt. Tamalpais on clear days. There is also a 2.5 acre native garden site dedicated to the late Martha Walker, a local gardener who hosted a radio talk show about gardening among many other garden and native plant related activities.
I highly recommend visiting Skyline Wilderness Park if visiting Napa! It is a gorgeous trail system that is perfect for a morning hike before heading out to partake in the valley's most popular activity, wine tasting.

For more information about Skyline Wilderness Park check out the website here:
https://skylinepark.org/

Jaime Purinton

CEO and Editor of Hike It Off

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Griffith Peak, Mt. Charleston, Nevada

11/6/2019

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I seriously LOVE Mt. Charleston! I finally made it up to the mountain a couple weeks ago for a solo day hike and chose to hike up to Griffith Peak, the 3rd highest peak in Nevada at 11,054ft. The hike was 10.5 miles (from the lower parking lot including a side trip to the spring) with about 3,500ft elevation gain. I really, really, enjoyed everything about this trail. It is well maintained, and climbs up skinny switchbacks with some serious views. It felt rugged and the solitude was incredible (I only saw 4 hikers all day)!
The Fall colors were in their peak, and the entire trail looked like it was dipped in gold. From Aspens to Goldenrod, everywhere I looked shimmered in beautiful hues of oranges, yellows, and gold. It was just stunning, especially set against the sheer white walls of the rocky canyon.
Once on the peak, there was a 360 degree view, including nice views of Vegas, Mummy Mountain, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, and the other local mountains. The day I went was very windy (40-50 mph gusts) on the peak and very cold (below freezing) so I didn't get to spend as much time as I would have liked on top to explore. There are lots of fossils in the rocks on the trail that remained from thousands of years ago when the area was covered by a shallow sea, with a high concentration of them on the peak. I was able to find and take pictures of a few on the peak but wonder what I may have missed up there.
I can't wait to get back to Mt. Charleston and explore some more of the trails, including hiking to Mt. Charleston peak at just under 12,000 feet! I used this trail description and a map for the hike:

https://www.hikinglasvegas.com/uploads/4/2/0/4/42045421/griffith.pdf

Jaime Purinton

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Rae Lakes Loop

10/8/2019

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We backpacked Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon NP the end of September. It is in our top three places in the Sierra so far! It was absolutely stunning! If you'd like to see the route we took, check out Scott Turner's write up over at Modern Hiker:

https://modernhiker.com/hike/hiking-the-rae-lakes-loop-kings-canyon-national-park/

We got lucky with perfect weather, but understood taking the trip that late in the season was risky, and were prepared for weather including snow if needed. Luckily the weather was perfect! Enjoy the photos!

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Our Favorite Day Hikes Near Mammoth Lakes, CA

8/26/2019

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We just got back from a short 3 day/ 2-night backpacking trip to Anona and Superior Lakes in the Ansel Adams Wilderness outside of Mammoth Lakes, CA. It is so beautiful, and there are a ton of easily accessible trails within minutes of Mammoth Lakes so we wanted to share with you some of our favorites.

Easy Hikes

Devils Postpile Loop
1.4 Miles (Out & Back)
215 Elevation Gain
Devils Postpile Trailhead
This 1.4 mile out and back hike features a unique rock formation made of Columnar Basalt that towers 60 feet above the ground. 82,000 years ago, a particular type of lava that was ideal for making column flowed in the area. As the lava slowly cooled, it contracted and split into vertical columns that are symmetrical and have a hexagon shape (so cool!). Then between 12,000-20,000 years ago a glacier flowed down the river next to the monument and the ice carved away the West side of the postpile and exposed the sheer wall of columns we see today. From the trailhead, it is a 1 mile out and back hike to the base of the monument with 40 feet of elevation change and you add in an additional .4 mile with 75 extra feet of elevation gain by hiking to the top of the monument.
Get maps, shuttle times, park fees and more here:
https://www.nps.gov/depo/index.htm

Photo: Yolanda Nowicki

Rainbow Falls and Red’s Meadow via Devils Postpile National Monument
6 Miles (w/Shuttle Back) or 10 Miles Out & Back
550 feet Elevation Gain
Devils Postpile Trailhead
After seeing the Devils Postpile, head down the trail that descends the postpile to the South. You will see a trail junction with a sign- follow the trail that is marked Rainbow Falls. After a couple miles, you will reach another junction at the John Muir Wilderness boundary and follow the sign again to Rainbow Falls. Pretty soon you will hear the falls and when they come into view, they are magnificent. Spend some time exploring this area including lower falls. When you’re ready to head out, take the trail to Minaret Rd. and out to Red’s Meadow to enjoy lunch. Catch the shuttle back to Devils Postpile trailhead.
Casey over at Modern Hiker has an awesome and detailed write up here:
https://modernhiker.com/hike/hiking-the-devils-postpile/

Moderate Hikes

Mammoth Rock Trail
6.2 Miles (Loop)
800 Elevation Gain
Mammoth Creek Park Trailhead
This fun hike is part of an amazing trail system in Mammoth Lakes that starts in the valley and travels through a flat section where you will see some gorgeous Aspens. Once you reach the rockslide area, the trail heads up to the base of the iconic Mammoth Rock, a notable landmark for the Mammoth area. Its composition of marble and limestone give it a beautiful white glow in stark contrast to the dark lava formations surrounding it. Over the years, the rock attracted miners who mined areas near the rock. Remnants of the mines can still be seen today, including a stamp mill that is near the trailhead on Old Mammoth Road.
For directions, maps, and more information, visit:
https://www.mammothtrails.org/experience/3/trail-running-the-mammoth-rock-trail/#directionsTab

Barney Lake Trail
5.4 Miles (Out & Back)
1,200 Elevation Gain
Duck Pass Trailhead
A beautiful hike that has amazing views, lots of trees and water. It is a perfect trail if you want the feeling of getting out there but without a ton of miles or elevation gain. You can extend this hike and go up Duck Pass for an extra thrill (see description below).

For directions, maps, and more information, visit:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20496

Strenuous Hikes:

Duck Lake via Duck Pass
10.2 Miles (Out & Back)
3,300 Elevation Gain
Duck Pass Trailhead
We love everything about this trail! Trees, emerald green lakes, rugged pass that feels so high Sierra, and just enough mileage and elevation gain to feel like you got a terrific workout! And the views 😊 It is definitely a hike to plan when you’re in the area.

For directions, maps, and more information, visit:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20496
Or check out Shawnté Salabert’s write up at Modern Hiker!
https://modernhiker.com/hike/hike-duck-lake/

Photo: Paul Jansak

Devils Postpile to Fern Lake to Anona Lake
12 Miles (Out & Back)
2,700 Elevation Gain
Devils Postpile Trailhead
Visit Anona Lake at just under 9,300’. Framed by Iron Mountain, the Southern most section of Ritter Range, make for a dramatic and gorgeous background for the lake. Test your route-finding skills, as the trail from Fern Lake up to Anona Lake is hardly used and becomes hard to follow in places. After passing Fern Lake, you probably won’t see too many other hikers so if you’re looking for some solitude in a beautiful setting Anona Lake is a perfect option for a long day hike.

For directions, maps, and more information, visit:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20544

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Oh Sweet Summer! Hiking Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

7/23/2019

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When it heats up here in Southern California, we head to the beach! One of our favorite summer hikes is on the trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Known as one of only two places our nation's rarest pine, the Torrey Pine or Pinus Torreyana grows, the park boasts 2,000 acres of a fragile and unique coastal environment. In addition to the park preserving the Torrey Pine, it also preserves one of the last salt marshes and waterfowl refuges in Southern California. The reserve has multiple trail options ranging from easy to moderate, but all the trails have amazing views of the Pacific ocean. Trail features include steep and dramatic cliffs, stunning views of the ocean, twisted pine trees, and an Adobe visitor center that was built in 1923. Flowers are abundant in the Spring, and you might sight an Osprey if you're lucky.
Torrey Pines State Beach lies below the Reserve and is accessible by trail. Our favorite route is to head up to the Reserve first and explore all the trails before descending down to the beach for some relaxing in the soft sand. These trails are very popular and are packed in the summertime, especially on weekends. If you're looking for a more solitary experience, go in the off season and during the week. It is a different kind of beauty in the wintertime (although trails may close if it is raining to preserve them).
Make sure to pack water and sunscreen. No food is allowed in the reserve so plan to have your snacks before or after your hike. Enjoy your hike and don't forget to practice Leave No Trace on all trails.

Park Address:
12600 N. Torrey Pines Road
San Diego, CA 92037

Operating Hours: Gates open at 07:15 am and close at Sunset.
The Visitor Center opens daily at 9:00AM.
The reserve is a day-use park only. There is no overnight camping at this facility.

General Admission Day Use fee is $10-$25 per vehicle (demand based pricing) or a valid annual California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass. Camping is not permitted at Torrey Pines. Pay at the Automated Pay Machine located near the entrance or west end of the parking lot if no staff person is in the kiosk.
Winter Weekdays: Hourly rates are available at North Beach lot.
Note: Recreational vehicles longer than a standard parking spot are allowed only in the North Beach lot.

Trail Maps:
https://torreypine.org/reserveinfo/trails/

Park Rules:

Stay on trail – Walking off trail causes erosion, tramples plants and frightens wildlife.
No pets – Dogs frighten wildlife and their waste causes nesting animals to abandon their young.
No food in the reserve – Help keep our animals wild and healthy by picnicking only at the beach.
No alcohol
No drones – To Prevent possible resource damage from accidents and to avoid frightening animals.
No picking/collecting natural features – Pinecones and flowers must be left to produce seeds to grow new plants. It also allows fellow visitors to enjoy the fauna.
No smoking/open flames – Torrey Pines has a high fire danger. The plants found here are dry and flammable.
No amplified music – Respect your fellow hikers and enjoy the sounds of nature while in the reserve.

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Dry Lake Isn’t so Dry!

5/29/2019

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For the first time in many years Dry Lake in the San Gorgonio Wilderness is full! It’s absolutely stunning so take a hike up soon and enjoy the beauty! Here’s a great trail write up to plan your hike with:

https://nobodyhikesinla.com/2010/06/08/dry-lake-via-south-fork-trail/

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Big Horn Mine

5/20/2019

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I love hikes that are full of history and if they have an old mine I literally freak out. So of course this hike has been on my radar for awhile to check out.

The Big Horn Mine was staked in 1891 by a man named Charles Tom Vincent, aka Charles Vincent Dougherty after finding gold while hunting the area's Big Horn Sheep. Many others owned and operated the mine off and on up until 1985 when it was deemed not feasible to continue operation of the mine. For the full history click here:
http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/WrightwoodHistorical/WrightwoodRoots/a06bighorn.pdf
For details on the mine stats here:
http://www.secretmines.com/p/big-horn-mine.html

The hike:
The trail starts at the Vincent Gap Trailhead. Instead of heading up to Baden Powell, take a left and head down the trail towards Mine Gulch. It is pretty straight forward after this. Follow the old wagon road that winds along the creek and enjoy the beautiful views of Mt. Baldy. The trail will start to go back up and you will see a sign that points you towards Mine Gulch- stay right and continue along the wagon road that hugs the back side of Baden Powell. At just over 2 miles the mine will come into sight. Great area to explore and take pictures. Return the same way you came.

Hike Stats:

Mileage: 4.2
Elevation Gain: +/- 550 ft
Elevation at Mine: +/- 7,000 ft
Difficulty: Easy
Details: Dog Friendly (Leash Required), Adventure Pass Required for Parking, Year Round Hiking, Fairly Maintained Trail (there was a washed out section but it was passable), Primitive Restrooms at Trailhead
Trailhead: Vincent Gap- https://goo.gl/maps/vCYWMaQxAA4tbphN8
Park Information: www.fs.usda.gov/angeles/