Plunge Creek- alternate route

Hiking date: February 27 2016

Location: Yucaipa CA

Rate: normal

Today's hike was a little different than usual. We hiked with some friends of my dads on another route of the Plunge Creek Truck trail (see Plunge Creek Truck trail). You start out in a neighbor- hood. Take the trail on the left and follow it. There will be a lot of junctions, but go left on all of them. Soon, reach a bike rally and go into the valley. As you make your way up. There will be a few steep parts. Then loop back around to your car. It was fun to do a hike with friends. It was VERY smoggy which meant it was hot. We were sweating to death! I wish I would have brought my water mister.

Here is a map of what we hiked

Picture update

I have decided to improve the pictures on my blog. You may have noticed that the pictures seem a bit larger. Also, starting now, I am going to start posting more pictures than usual. Hope you like it!

Ladder Canyon

Hiking date: February 20 2016

Location: Mecca Hills CA

Rate: normal

What a hike! Today, we went far out, past Indio, into the chocolate mountains near Mecca to hike Ladder Canyon. Try to go on a weekend when it is crowded because robbers could break open windows to steal, even if there is nothing in there. You start out walking on a wide dirt road. Notice the huge granite rocks that surround you. Look for the trail marker and go left. It is a little like the Museum trail, only a lot more rocks. Soon, you will reach three ladders, the second being a little scary for kids. Then, go through a crevice in the canyon and reach a another ladder. Then hike up to the top of the ridge. It was defiantly a favorite. These pictures are so cool that I have to make them bigger

One of the many narrow parts of the trail:

Climbing a ladder:

Ooh I can't help doing more pictures!

Crafton hills

Hiking date:  February 7 2016

Location:  Yucaipa CA

 Rate:  Normal

For this hike, we thought we should do a moderate hike. Considering Kelly’s  back and  since John just got back from a missionary trip in Florida for a week. We hiked from the soccer fields  in Yucaipa to Zanja Peak, the high point of Crafton Hills.  You start out at the soccer fields in Yucaipa.  Then hike up some foothills and go by some private property. Next, start hiking up the ridge and turn right. Go over a bunch of foothills, one having  a 45° degree slope. Finally, we reached Zanja peak, noticing a Frisbee shaped mark of the summit. Remember to come down the way you came, only take the left path as soon as you see it. At one point you will reach the private property that you passed on the way up. We thought it was fun to reach another summit.

one of the many bumps on the trail:

enjoying the time:

So far, my hiking career has been great. I will never stop hiking!