Echo Mountain and Inspiration Point, Angeles National Forest

Class: 1

Mileage: Approx 9.5 miles

Elevation: 4,714’

Gain/Loss: Approx 3,000’

They say: Moderate/Strenuous

We say: If you’re 10 years old, yes.

What it is: Fun quick hike up to an amazing lookout point in Los Angeles to celebrate Valentine’s Day. This hike starts at the end of Lake Ave and winds its way up a pretty sandstone studded trail, to the top of Echo Mtn. Here you can continue on to many places in the front country. We decided to head up to Inspiration Point, which provided amazing views on a clear morning. Then we circled around and took another trail, back. The trail up was Sam Merrill Trail, the trail back was another trail that I can’t mention because of a lot of discrepancies regarding whether it is actually “open” or not. We hiked this with dogs and 10 year old Julia, who rocked this trail harder than Taylor Swift was rocking on her ipod headphones. It was fun and pretty, you should do it.

Please DO: This hike on a clear day, the views are awesome.

Please DON’T: Do this too late in the day, because even by noon, the trail was HOT and really exposed to the sun.

What you need to bring: Homemade gingerbread cookies, like the ones Julia made us.

What you want to bring: Sunblock.

How to get there: Take the 210 and exit Lake Ave. Go left on Lake and take it all the way until it ends. Park here. Head up the obvious trail at the end of the street.

Mt. Wilson via the Gabrielino Trail and Sturtevant Trail, Angeles National Forest

Class: 1

Mileage: Approx 16

Elevation: 5,712’

Gain/Loss: Approx 4,200’

They say: Moderate

We say: Yes

What it is: Really really pretty trail to a not-so-pretty mountain. Best day hike for doggies and hot days – why? – because this lovely trail takes you though Santa Anita canyon with about 12 stream crossings along the way, so you can cool off and your pooch can drink and splash around. Start at Chantry Flats TH and take the Gabrielino Trail towards Sturtevant Falls. Turn left at the sign for the Upper Falls trail and continue on through the canyon towards Sturtevant Camp. At Sturtevant Camp, cross the creek and follow the Sturtevant trail to the summit. Here is where there is a stretch of the trail gains over 1,000 feet in like 2 miles, it’s a thigh buster, but the halfway point is marked – which provides some encouragement. The last bit of trail up to the summit is speckled with stunning views. At the top, there’s a water fountain with cold water where you can refill and drench your dog. I headed back the way I came, although next time I plan to take the toll road to winter creek, which has a more gradual downhill grade…because 1,000’ loss in 2 miles, with a dog pulling you, became the hardest part of the hike.

Please DO: Take some time to take in the beauty of the canyon.

Please DON’T: Do this in summer, or even late spring, or in fall for sure…it gets hot once you head towards the summit. Real hot.

What you need to bring: Your usual hiking gear.

What you want to bring: A bathing suit. Not really, but on my return I saw all these kids jumping in the water above the falls and I was so jealous. And tired. And sad.

How to get there: Take the 210 and exit Santa Anita Ave. Turn left at Santa Anita Ave and continue all the way up the mountain (eventually becomes Forest Route 2N40). Park at the parking lot at the TH. Don’t forget your adventure pass!

Split Rock Loop and lots more, Joshua Tree National Park

Class: 1

Mileage: Who knows…

Elevation: “ “

Gain/Loss: “ “

They say: Moderate

We say: Yes

What it is: Desert to your hearts delight. The Split Rock Loop starts at the picnic area and takes you on a 2.1 mile tour of some amazing rock formations in the heart of the park. As you hike the loop you come across several (and by several, I mean tons) of use trails taking you deeper into the back country. There are several rocky passes that can be reached by these use trails, as well as some back country climbing areas. My suggestion – get a topo and go exploring. Just make sure to take your bearings often as navigation in Josh can be tricky.

Please DO: Explore this area around dusk, head uphill as far as you can go, then enjoy the view.

Please DON’T: Forget where you came from. In general, and also in regards to where you began your hike. The desert landscape can be a bit confusing.

What you need to bring: Your usual hiking gear.

What you want to bring: Your dog and a couple beers to enjoy the sunset.

How to get there: Once you pass Jumbo Rocks you’ll see Skull Rock on your right and then Split Rock exit on your left. Continue on the dirt road for a short while, park at the picnic area, pick a direction, and go.

Backbone Trail to Eagle Rock, Santa Monica Mountains

Class: 1

Mileage: Approx 14

Elevation: unknown

Gain/Loss: maybe 1000’?

They say: Moderate

We say: A walk in the park.

What it is: A really really really easy hike through the tick-laden grass of the Santa Monica Mountains to a cool rock that really isn’t as cool as Jackie claimed it was. This hike is fun, but probably more fun as a trail run. A group of us did this on New Year’s Day, to celebrate life. I brought Adventure Dog even though you aren’t allowed to. Because Jackie said we needed to live on the edge. People told us that it was against the rules, and we all thanked them for pointing that out. Everyone ate chocolate at the end because Jackie suggested it. I didn’t because chocolate on hikes seems gross. All-in-all it was a good jaunt for a Sunday but nothing notable. Follow the trail from Will Rogers State Park to the Backbone trail. Head northeast. It’ll take you to this main junction area called The Hub, head towards the big not-so-cool rock. Then turn around and go home.

Please DO: This hike if you’re short on time or extremely tired or don’t like climbing real mountains.

Please DON’T: Bring your doggy after it rains. The ticks swarm. It’s really gross.

What you need to bring: the usual stuff, and a map because the Santa Monica Mountains is officially the most confusing place to hike. Ask any of us who do it.

What you want to bring: Tweezers for ticks.

How to get there: Take Chautauqua Blvd from Hwy 1 up to Sunset Blvd, turn right and then left into Will Rogers State Park parking area. If you get there before 7am, you still need to pay or else they give you a ticket.

Hemingway Buttress, Joshua Tree National Park

White Lightning

Class: 5.7, Trad

What it is: One of my favorite climbs ever. Joshua Tree Classic. Climb the crack straight up, moving slightly left near the top. Keep an eye out for the crack within the crack. Rap from anchors 20' right of the finish with two ropes (120' rap) or walk right and rap from anchors atop The Importance Of Being Ernest with one rope (75').

Overseer

Class: 5.9, Trad

What it is: Scarier start than most 5.9 climbs. Start up the hollow-sounding expando flake to gain the main crack above. After regaining composure, continue on 5.8 terrain that sucks up nuts until it is possible to cut up and out left onto steeper ground. This is the crux, and protects well with a .75 size cam. Pull through exciting and exposed crux and traverse left to easier ground. Gear anchor. To descend, walk to climber's right and rap from farther set of bolt anchors.



Hall of Horrors, Joshua Tree National Park

Nurn’s Romp

Class: 5.8, Trad

What it is: Super fun with lots of variety. This crack offers great jams and awesome gear. Scramble to the base and climb a flake to a ledge and then up a left-facing corner to reach the crack proper which pulls a small roof on good holds and then continues up a nice hand crack to finish with a lower-angled, slightly wider finish.

Jane’s Addition

Class: 5.11, Sport

What it is: A semi-classic Josh sport climb that’ll really work you. The start is reachy and upper moves on steep edges make for a challenging climb. Ask Paul, Derek and Sherpa Jonnie if you don’t believe me.

Diamond Dogs

Class: 5.10a, Trad

What it is: Undercling/lieback the giant flake at the start, to the horn. Then move up and left across the face to the first bolt. Make note of how fragile the flake is. Get spooked. Then continue up the slightly runout face passing one more bolt enroute to the anchors.

Painted Cave, Santa Barbara

Class: V0 – V6

What it is: Some fun sandstone boulders east of Santa Barbara by Painted Cave State Park. Both boulders sit on either side of the road to the park: Hallaway Boulder and Trojan Boulder. Try your hand at the Hallaway Traverse (VO) and warm up for the Wedgie Roof (V6). Cross the road and spook yourself out on Heavy Traffic (V3). Just be sure to make yourself seen as cars speed down this road faster than you’d expect. Nice quick stop on your way up or down the coast, or before/after a play day at the Brickyard.

Please DO: Visit the actual park and look into the cave, its rad.

Please DON’T: Do this in the dead of summer – the flies here are very people-friendly.

What you need to bring: Bouldering gear, and lots of water.

What you want to bring: Bug spray.

How to get there: From Highway 154 take Painted Cave Road until you see two large boulders on either side of the road. Pull over here.

Willow Hole, Joshua Tree National Park

Class: 1

Mileage: Approx 8ish

Elevation: who knows

Gain/Loss: not significant

They say: Moderate

We say: Way cool

What it is: A hike to a willow-shaded pool of water in Joshua Tree National Park. Not joking. This trail takes you through the desert and along a series of washes to a little oasis in the center of the desert. The views are stunning and the endpoint of the hike is an unusual surprise. Follow the Boy Scout trail 1.5 miles to the junction; follow sign to your right for Willow Hole. Follow the trail along the Wonderland of Rocks and cross several washes before following a long sandy wash to the end of the trail. Continue cross-country to Rattlesnake Canyon if you dare. Return the way you came.

Please DO: This hike in the spring or winter. Dreamy 68 degree weather.

Please DON’T: Bring your doggy here without booties, lots of burrs buried in the sand.

What you need to bring: the usual stuff, and a map or GPS if you’re headed onto Rattlesnake Canyon.

What you want to bring: A camera. You’ll use it till the battery dies.

How to get there: From the west entrance of Joshua Tree, follow Park blvd until you see the sign directing you to the left parking area for Boy Scout Trail. Your journey starts here.

Mt. Wilson via the Main Trail, San Gabriel National Forest

Class: 1

Mileage: Approx 15

Elevation: 5,710’’

Gain/Loss: maybe 3,000'

They say: Strenuous

We say: No

What it is: Lhotse the Adventure Dog’s first hike. Pretty basic hike following the main trail up to Mt. Wilson and then back down. Water along the way for the pups, especially in winter and spring – in dryer months, water will need to be carried for the stretch between “First Water” and the summit, where there is a water fountain with nice cold water. Route is basic – starts from the base at Mt. Wilson Trail road and winds its way up. Stop at First Water on the way and play with your pup in the stream, then head up to the summit – return the way you came.

Please DO: Check your doggy for ticks after a wet weather spell

Please DON’T: Do this on a hot day – it’s just not as fun.

What you need to bring: the usual stuff and a bivvy bowl for your pup.

What you want to bring: goldfish crackers for yourself and cheese-flavored snacks for your pooch.

How to get there: From the intersection of I-210 and Angeles Crest Highway (SR 2), drive north on Angeles Crest Highway 9.5 miles to Angeles Forest Highway. Keep straight. Continue about 4.5 miles to the junction with the Mount Wilson Road at the Red Box Ranger Station. Turn right. Drive about 5 miles to the Mt. Wilson Park. Park to the right of the entrance or enter the park itself (open weekends and holidays).