Guides and Trips

My iPhone died along the way, so I had to edit to fill in the missing route segment (the "level" section on the elevation profile... it was't really level).This was an out-and-back route, with a couple of short detours. The actual total mileage was closer to 17 miles.This was a terrific hike. Blackstar Canyon is primarily fireroad, but we stopped at the Indian grounds, Beek's Place, and then on the return trip...

The mileage for this trip was significantly longer than indicated by the song that popularized this route (~32 miles vs 26), partly due to the lack of clear trail markers, making this a a very demanding trip. Considering repeating this hike again this year, but this time I will definitely recommend waterproof boots. 

This was an out-and-back hike, and I only recorded the hike to the top. On the way down, we took the slightly longer fire road rather than the Upper Holy Jim trail (which is badly rutted in the recent rains). We also took a brief detour to the Holy Jim Falls, so total mileage is probably around 16 miles.The weather was gloomy, but we still had some beautiful views. And there were...

Joan and I hiked this loop on a beautiful Saturday with near-perfect weather. One thing I like about this is that is starts at Gate 14 (free, but limited parking). The other thing is the amazing views up and down the coast. It really is a beautiful area. There is a segment that parallels Laguna Canyon Road where you'll get some road noise, but the majority of the hike is in peaceful wilderness....

Oh no! The flagpole is gone!This was a fast-paced early morning hike (6am) with some kick-ass hills. A little under 3.5 miles in a little under an hour, with roughly 900 feet of total vertical gain. But I'm bummed that the flagpole is gone. Does anyone know the story behind it? Did it come down when we had the wicked wind and tornado warnings, or was it vandalized? 

Hike led by Sheila with Hiking OC.

Hike with Crystal Cove Cardio group: http://www.crystalcovecardio.com/calendar/12192040/