Mt. Baldy via Register Ridge and Devil's Backbone 10/15/2017 - Mt. Baldy, CA

10-15-2017

Register Ridge Trail is STEEP!...climbing 2,600' in 1.5 miles. This trail may be one of the steepest trails in S. CA, perhaps. Besides the elevation gain in a short distance, the challenge is also altitude as the trail ascends from 6,700' to 9,300'. Register Ridge trail connects to Devil's Backbone reaching Baldy's summit (10,064') in about a mile. You can also opt to take a side trail from the junction to traverse Mt. Harwood (9,551'), gaining extra 200' elevation. 

The hike from trailhead to summit Baldy via Register Ridge/Devil's Backbone is approximately 3.5 miles and 3,900' gain. If Mt. Harwood included, it's about 3.6 miles and 4,100' gain. From San Antonio Falls trailhead, the route follows San Antonio Falls and Baldy Bowl Trail (aka Ski Hut Trail). Soon after passing the metal register box...hence, it's called "Register" Ridge?...veer right and take the use trail going up the ridge. The steep climb begins right away. The trail is in good condition. Pace yourself and enjoy spectacular views as you go. Hiking poles are useful for this steep trail. Bring enough water as the trail is exposed facing south and pretty bald. 

Mt. Baldy (Mt. San Antonio) 10,064' is the highest peak in San Gabriel Mountains, and the highest point in Los Angeles County. It also stands as the third highest peak in S. CA following San Jacinto (10,834') and San Gorgonio (11,503').

For my trip report to summit via Baldy Bowl/Ski Hut Trail:

http://johnshiking.blogspot.com/2012/12/mt-san-antonio-mt-baldy-ca.html

Wisdom Tree, Burbank Peak, Cahuenga Peak and Mt. Lee (Hollywood Sign) via Wonder View Trail

March 31, 2017

Wonder View Trail is a great hike for sweeping views and challenging workout with some interesting history of Hollywood. Hiking distance is relatively short, but the route is partially steep and rocky/uneven.

Trail leads to the three summits....Burbank Peak (1,690 ft), Cahuenga Peak (1,820 ft - high point of Hollywood Hills and 12th highest in the Santa Monica Mountains), and Mt. Lee (the HOLLYWOOD sign!).

Wisdom Tree, a lone pine tree, sits on top of Burbank Peak. It can be a good spot to meditate or dip into philosophical thoughts. Also, it's interesting to see cairns (piles of stones) adding artistic and spiritual dimensions there.

Cahuenga Peak was saved with the effort made by local conservationists when residential development was announced. Among those who contributed to save the peak are Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, the Tiffany & Company Foundation, Hugh Hefner and Aileen Getty together with state and local agencies. Knowing such a background history of the peak educates us to really appreciate the hike and think of nature conservation and preservation so that generations to come can also enjoy and appreciate it.

Wonder View Trailhead: At the end of Wonder View Drive. Park on Lake Hollywood Dr. No privy available.

Hiking distance (approx): Burbank Peak - 1 mile RT; Cahuenga Peak - 2.4 miles RT; Mt Lee is 3.2 miles RT
Elevation gain (approx): 900 ft/Cahuenga Peak.

Video by Lifeisamt

Miss American Green Cross Trail & Seven Trees Trail (Library Trail) - Brand Park/Glendale, CA

March 29, 2017

Ditch the crowd in Griffith Park! Brand Park offers a great hike with fantastic views and it's less crowded. The trail is steep, however, and you can choose moderate or extreme. The reward from the top is a Wow! It's part of Verdugo Crest Loop with great views of LA cities and mountain ranges far and near. The park also has some interesting local history, so it's fun to spend extra time to explore....Brand Library/Art Center, Miss American Green Cross statue, Japanese garden and Doctors House museum. Brand Park is really beautiful and peaceful with flowers and trees.

Miss American Green Cross trail and Seven Trees trail (aka Library Trail) are located behind the library. Miss American Green Cross trail gets extremely steep, so be warned. Most people choose to hike Seven Trees trail in/out, and those who want extreme workout or challenge may hike Miss American Green Cross trail to ascend and Seven Trees trail for descending. Once you reach Seven Trees Plateau (1,520 ft), take in a great view before you...wow! From there, if you wish, the trail continues up to the radio towers at Mt. Thom (2,440 ft) where some of the Verdugo mountain roads also intersect. The trail is super steep and a bit slippery, so respect your ability and a hiking pole would be useful particularly when descending. At the top, the reward is sweeping vistas in all directions.

The statue of Miss American Green Cross is a monument of American Green Cross reforestation history which is historically rooted in Glendale back in 1928. Brand Park is truly a hidden gem....two thumbs up!

Hiking distance: Approx. 2.5 - 3.5 miles RT depending on routes.
Gain: Approx. 715 ft to Seven Trees Plateau; 1,640 ft to Mt. Thom.
Ample parking and restroom available.

Video by Lifeisamt

Urban Hike Griffith Observatory to Mt. Hollywood - Griffith Park/Los Angeles, CA

March 9, 2017

Griffith Observatory and Mt. Hollywood are, perhaps, two of the most popular hikes in the heart of Los Angeles. Besides tourists, trails to/from Griffith Observatory is no doubt LA locals favorite hiking/workout spot. There are many trails you can choose from and interconnecting one another within Griffith Park which is the world's largest wildland within the boundaries of a major city. Trekking up to Mt. Hollywood from the observatory is fun and one of the popular routes in Griffith....and views on the way and from the top are fantastic. Enjoy sweeping views of the greater LA in all directions, and city lights at night are spectacular!

 Video by Lifeisamt