Hiking journal of my hikes completed in 2015.

• 2014 Hiking Journal
• 2013 Hiking Journal

Total Miles hiked in 2015:

• 340.2 with 74,301′ gain

Miles hiked in Angeles Forest in 2015:

• 296.2 with 68,190′ gain

When clicked, all images below open to a new tab at a larger size. Unless noted otherwise, links in descriptions below are to galleries with additional photos.

Hike #49 on Dec 6. I hiked from the parking lot at Devil’s Punchbowl County Park up to the High Desert Trail and across to Devil’s Chair.

Stats: 7.4 miles, 1300′ gain and loss.

Hike #48 on Dec 4. I hiked the Silver Moccasin Trail from Shortcut Saddle at Angeles Crest Highway to Vetter Mountain. Route Instructions: Angeles Crest Highway to Vetter Mountain 

Stats: 8.4 miles, 2160′ gain.

Hike #47 on Nov 28. I hiked from Eaton Saddle to San Gabriel Peak with Debbie and Kevin. Route Instructions: Eaton Saddle to San Gabriel Peak

Stats: 3.2 Miles, 1071′ gain and loss.

Hike #46 on Nov 22. I solo hiked the Silver Moccasin Trail down Shortcut Canyon from Angeles Crest Highway to West Fork Campground. Route Instructions: Silver Moccasin Trail through Shortcut Canyon. Post: Impressive Regrowth Throughout Shortcut Canyon

Stats: 6.8 miles, 1700′ gain and loss.

Hike #045 on Nov 19. I solo hiked the Gabrieleno Trail from Chantry Flat to Sturtevant Camp (using the Lower Gabrieleno-a.k.a. Upper Falls Trail at the split). From Sturtevant Camp, I took the Zion Trail to Mt. Zion and Lower Winter Creek back to Chantry Flat.

Stats: 9.25 miles, 2100′ gain and loss.

Hike #044 on Nov 8. I solo hiked from Chilao Flat to Mt. Hillyer to Rosenita Saddle and back the same way.

Stats: 7.2 miles, 1245′ gain and loss.

Hike #043 on Nov 1. I solo hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from mile marker 54.10 on Angeles Crest Highway to Cloudburst Summit. From there, I took the south use trail up to Winston Peak and hiked around the peak a little to explore.

Stats: 7.8 miles,1462′ gain and loss

Hike #042 on Aug 9. I hiked the Big Trees Trail and Beetle Rock Trail in Sequoia National Park with Debbie, Etienne, Camila, Chloe, Olivia, Aitana, Lorenzo, and Consuelo.

Stats: 2 miles, 365′ gain and loss.

Hike #041 on Aug 8. I hiked the Muir Grove Trail from our campsite at Dorst in Sequoia National Park with Etienne, Camila, Aitana, and Lorenzo.

Stats: 5.9 miles, 640′ gain and loss.

Hike #040 on Aug 8. I hiked the Grant Grove Loop in Kings Canyon National Park with Debbie, Etienne, Camila, Chloe, Olivia, Aitana, Lorenzo, and Consuelo.

Stats: 0.5 miles, 115′ gain and loss.

Hike #039 on Aug 8. I hiked the Little Baldy Trail in Sequoia National Park with some exploration past the peak with Debbie, Etienne, Camila, Chloe, Lorenzo, and Consuelo.

Stats: 3.6 miles, 760′ gain and loss.

Hike #038 on Aug 2. I hiked the Baldy Bowl Trail up to Mt. Baldy and took the Devil’s Backbone Trail down to Manker Flat.

Stats: 11 miles, 3904′ gain and loss

Hike #037 on July 26. I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Eagle’s Roost to Pleasant View Ridge and took the ridge up to Mt. Williamson, Middle Mt. Williamson, and West Mt. Williamson.

Stats: 6.8 miles, 2185′ gain and loss.

Hike #036 on July 25. I hiked the Icehouse Canyon and Chapman Trail Loop to Icehouse Saddle. Route Instructions: Icehouse Canyon/Chapman Trail Loop

Stats: 8.9 miles, 2620′ gain and loss.

Hike #035 on July 17. I hiked from Cloudburst Summit to Winston Peak and down to the saddle. From the saddle with Bump 6903, I headed down a dirt road with several branches leading into Squaw Canyon. I went left instead of right at one branch which led me back up the side of Winston Peak. Without much time left to explore, I headed back out of the canyon and took the PCT back to Cloudburst Summit.

Stats: 6.8 miles, 1975′ gain and loss.

Hike #034 on July 12 with Etienne. We hike from Dawson Saddle to Mt. Baden-Powell. Route Instructions: Dawson Saddle to Mt. Baden-Powell.

Stats: 8.8 Miles, 2236′ gain and loss.

Hike # 033 on July 9 with Monique. We hiked the Mt. Waterman Trail to Mt. Waterman. Route Instructions: Mt. Waterman Trail

Stats: 6 miles,1250′ gain and loss.

Hike #032 on May 3 with Debbie and Lorenzo. We did a shuttle hike along the PCT from Vincent Gap to Inspiration Point. At Jackson Flat, we walked through the campground and hiked the short Jackson Flat Geologic Trail and had dinner at Grassy Hollow. Nice sunset and moonrise on this one.

Stats: 5.8 miles, 1350’gain, 405′ loss.

Hike #031 on May 1 with Etienne. We hiked the PCT from mile marker 62.50 to Eagles Roost and followed Kratka Ridge (lot of x-country scrambling) to the high point which Bruman counts as one of his 106 Tops In The Angeles Forest. We then continued along Kratka Ridge to the Mt. Waterman Trail and took that up to Mt. Waterman. On the way back we took the Mt. Waterman Trail down to the saddle that joins Kratka Ridge and followed the ridge a short way to a dirt road that let out across from the exit of Buckhorn Campground. We followed Angeles Crest back to Eagles Roost and took the PCT back to mile marker 62.50.

Stats: 13.2 miles, 3250′ gain and loss.

Hike #030 on April 26. I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Inspiration Point to Wright Mountain.

Stats: 13.4 miles,2275′ gain and loss.

Hike #029 on April 19. I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Vincent Gap to Inspiration Point and returned following several side trips. Over half of the hike was off the PCT and in areas without stats on the Harrison map that the stats for this one are entirely from the GPS track.

Stats: 11.5 miles, 2730′ gain.

Hike #028 on April 17. I hiked from Dawson Saddle to Throop Peak following the ridge because of the icy snow covering the north face making continuing along the Dawson Saddle Trail dangerous for my skill level without microspikes. From Throop Peak, I followed the PCT to Mt. Hawkins and hiked down to the last bump on Copter Ridge. I returned the same way. Post: Finding Shade And Magnificent Views On Copter Ridge

Stats: 10.8 miles, 3235′ gain.

Hike #027 on April 11. I hiked from Charlton Flat to Vetter Mountain with Debbie, Camila, Etienne, Chloe, Olivia, and Brooke. Route Instructions: Charlton Flat to Vetter Mountain

Stats: 4 miles, 520′ gain and loss.

Hike #026 on April 4. I hike the Lady Bird Johnson Trail in Redwood National Park.

Stats: 1.6 miles, 215′ gain and loss.

Hike #025 on April 3. I hiked the High Rock Trail and a spur trail to the Eel River in Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Stats: 1.8 miles, 270′ gain and loss.

Hike #024 on April 2. I camped at Woodside Campground in Salt Point State Park and hiked the Salt Point and Bluff Trails.

Stats: 7.4 miles, 670′ gain and loss.

Hike #023 on April 1. I camped at Ben Reis Campground in Butano State Park and hiked a loop consisting of the Six Bridges Trail, Ano Nuevo Trail, Goat Hill Trail, and Little Butano Creek Trail.

Stats: 6.2 Miles, 1140′ gain and loss.

Hike #022 on March 28. I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Three Points to Sulphur Springs Campground with Debbie, Camila, Chloe, Etienne, and Lupita.

Stats: 7 miles, 645′ gain and loss.

Hike #021 on March 26. From South Fork, I hiked the Manzanita Trail (A.K.A. High Desert National Recreation Trail) to Vincent Gap. One of the best trails in Angeles National Forest with plenty of shade and well maintained.

Stats: 10.6 miles, 2500′ gain and loss.

Hike #020 on March 22. From Red-Box, I hiked up to Strawberry Saddle and took the use trail (which includes some rock scrambling) up to Mt. Lawlor. From Mt. Lawlor, I continued along the use trail (that at times was a little overgrown) and made it down to Barley Road and took that to Barley Flats where one of the Sherrif Department helicopters was parked. A pilot came out to talk to me, asked my what route I took to get there, and we had a short pleasant conversation. I went back to Red Box following Barley Road. The portion of the road between the junction leading back to Mt. Lawlor and the junction leading to Strawberry Saddle is significantly overgrown but passable. There are a couple areas that require thought to get around and some people might classify them as sketchy. One spot looks to have had a chain put there to help cross, but one end is no longer attached. Next time, I’ll either go back by way of Mt. Lawlor or set up a shuttle and walk down the paved road from Barely Flats to Angeles Crest Highway.

Stats: 9.3 miles, 1725′ gain and loss.

Hike #019 on March 21. Debbie and I did a shuttle hike of the San Gabriel Peak Trail to San Gabriel Peak and then took the South San Gabriel Peak Trail and Mt. Lowe Road to Eaton Saddle. Route Instructions: San Gabriel Peak Trailhead to SGP to Eaton Saddle.

Stats: 3.4 miles, 1411′ gain, 1071′ loss.

Hike #018 on March 13. I hiked from Red Box down the Gabrieleno Trail to the Kenyon-Devore Trail and followed that to the pavillion (a.k.a. Cosmic Cafe) on Mt. Wilson. From Mt. Wilson, I followed Kenyon-Devore back until it meet Mt. Wilson Road and followed that down to Eaton Saddle. From Eaton Saddle, I hiked up to San Gabriel Peak and then followed the San Gabriel Peak Trail down to Mt. Wilson Road and took that to Red Box.

Stats: 13.5 miles, 3406′ gain and loss.

Hike #017 on March 8. I hiked from Crystal Lake Campground up to Mt. Islip following the Big Cienega and the South Islip Ridge Trails. I finished the loop by following the Islip Ridge and Windy Gap Trails back down to Crystal Lake Campground.

Stats: 7.5 miles, 2420’gain and loss.

Hike #016 on March 3. I hiked the PCT from the trailhead at mile marker 62.50 toward the junction at Pleasant View Ridge. I lost the trail in the snow, got to a steep area, and decided to go back when the way forward wasn’t clear to me. I thought I’d just go down Angeles Crest to Mt. Waterman which I know well in the snow but got a flat tire on the way and called it a day.

Stats: 1.3 miles, 435′ gain and loss.

Hike #015 on Feb 27. I hiked the PCT and the Kratka Ridge in Angeles National Forest from the PCT trailhead below Islip Saddle, past Eagle’s Roost to an un-named bump near Cedar Springs.

Stats: 4.1 miles, 1100′ of gain and loss.

Hike #014 on Feb 21. I hiked from Chilao to Mt. Hillyer in Angeles National Forest with Debbie. Route Instructions: Chilao to Mt. Hillyer

Stats: 6.2 miles, 945′ gain and loss.

Hike #013 on Feb 19. I solo hiked Devil’s Canyon in Angeles National Forest. I didn’t leave enough time to make it to the falls. The trail to Trail Camp is in good condition and easy to follow. However, past the Trail Camp it is hard to follow (where it still exists), is overgrown, and has a fair amount of debris from the Station Fire. So, moving past Trail Camp is very slow going and–even with the numerous cairns–requires constant route decisions to move forward. This stretch of forest was the most difficult I’ve experienced hiking through to date. Post: Heart of Devil’s Canyon

Stats: 10.4 miles, 2020′ gain and loss.

Hike #012 on Feb 8. I solo hiked from Islip Saddle to Mt. Islip following the Pacific Crest Trail up to Windy Gap on the way up and taking the Mt. Islip Trail back down to Little Jimmy before reconnecting with the PCT. Most of the trail was snow free with several small icy patches of snow to cross. I saw a couple Bighorn Sheep at Islip Saddle (across Angeles Crest from the parking lot). Route Instructions: Islip Saddle to Mt. Islip

Stats: 6.7 miles, 1580′ gain and loss.

Hike #011 on Feb 7. I hiked in from Charlton Flat to Vetter Mountain in the mist/light rain with Debbie. In addition to enjoying the heightened smell that accompanies moisture; it was nice to see the new foundation in place for the construction of a new Vetter Mountain Lookout. Route Instructions: Charlton Flat to Vetter Mountain

Stats: 4 miles, 520′ gain and loss

Hike #010 on Feb 5. I solo hiked the Gabrieleno Trail from Red Box to Devore Trail Camp and back. Significant trail maintenance between Valley Forge and West Fork was done since my last hike in this area (Oct 2013). In addition, re-growth has choked out most of the poodle-dog bush and made the area far more green to walk through. As a result of the trail maintenance and re-growth between Valley Forge and West Fork; there is no poodle-dog bush blocking any part of that segment of the trail.

Stats: 13 miles, 2420′ gain and loss.

Hike #009 on Feb 1. I solo hiked in Angeles National Forest. From the Mill Creek Picnic Area, I followed the Pacific Crest Trail to a use trail which led to Mt. Pacifico and returned the same way. (Note: I followed Halfmile’s Track on the PCT which is clearly marked with signs on the trail and is possibly a re-route of the USFS track–which currently isn’t marked with signs or obvious at this time–the difference is clearly shown on my track map below). Although about half the hike is through mostly burn area, I found it uplifting that most of the pines at the upper elevations escaped death. There is currently almost no poodle-dog bush on the trail and what little there is can easily be avoided (probably the work of the PCTA). A lot of poodle-dog bush can still be seen from trail though.

Stats: 11.8 miles, 2,260′ gain and loss.

Hike #008 on Jan 25. I hiked in Angeles National Forest with Roxanne. We hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Cloudburst Summit to the north “use trail” around Bump 6903 and followed that and the Winston Ridge “use trail” to Winston Ridge. We returned using the west “use trail” around Bump 6903 and summitted Winston Peak on the way back to Cloudburst Summit.

Stats: 4.7 miles, 1375′ gain and loss.

Hike #007 on Jan 24. I hiked in Angeles National Forest from Eaton Saddle to Mt. Lowe with Debbie, Roxanne, Etienne, Camila, Chloe, Karl, Valery, Troy, and Ziggy. Route Instructions: Eaton Saddle to Mt. Lowe.

Stats: 3.2 miles, 520′ gain and loss.

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Hike #006 on Jan 22. Solo hike in Angeles National Forest. I hiked from East Fork to the Bridge to Nowhere. The highlight of the hike was seeing a Bighorn. Post: A River, A Bridge, And A Bighorn Sheep. Route Instructions: Bridge to Nowhere via Lower San Gabriel Canyon

Stats: 10.2 miles, 1,200′ gain and loss.

Hike #005 on Jan 17. Solo hike in Angeles National Forest. I hiked the Colby Canyon Trail to Josephine Saddle, and then the Josephine Saddle Trail, and Josephine Peak road to Josephine Peak. Route Instructions: Colby Canyon Trail to Josephine Peak.

Stats: 8.4 miles, 2,150′ gain and loss.

Hike #004 on Jan 16 with Sarah in Angeles National Forest. From the Switzer Picnic Area, we hiked the Gabrieleno Trail and the Bear Canyon Trail to Switzer Falls.

Stats: 3.8 miles, 990′ gain and loss.

Hike #003 on Jan 10 with Scott in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on day two of our camping trip. We hiked the Rock Tanks Loop Trail which included a few challenges finding the old American Indian Trail that connects Palo Verde Wash and Smoke Tree Canyon. At the saddle, we added a worthwhile short side trip to an un-named peak with great views. Having just one car and unable to set up a shuttle, we walked the road back to the car to form the loop. Post: First Impression Of The Anza-Borrego Desert (about the duality of water in the desert with an emphasis on Smoke Tree Canyon).

Stats: 8.6 miles, 1,450′ gain and loss.

Hike #002 on Jan 9 with Scott in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on day one of our camping trip. From the Culp Valley Primitive Camp, we hiked the Culp Valley Trail and enjoyed the light change from dusk to night.

Stats: 0.5 miles, 91′ gain and loss.

Hike #001 on Jan 9 with Scott in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park on day one of our camping trip. We hiked the Lower Willows Trail starting from the 2nd stream crossing instead of the 3rd (because I didn’t want to drive across the 2nd stream), with a side trip to a palm grove, and forming a loop to visit the Santa Catarina Spring Monument area.

Stats: 6 miles, 395′ gain and loss.