Joshua Tree National Park Feb 13-15, 2009

First trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Place that looks like it's not of this earth. Lots to see and do from hiking, rock climbing, camping, wandering the desert, 4x4 roads and just soaking in the unusual scenery. We entered through what the map I'm looking at is calling the West Entrance right out of the town of Joshua Tree. Joshua trees of every shape and size as far as the eye could see along with huge rock formations. Plenty of places to pull over and park, get out and go for a walk or take off on an overnight hike. I was still recovering from being sick so we really didn't get to hike too far but still saw a great deal of the park.
Skull rock was cool to climb around, cholla cacti garden. We drove through two of the campgrounds. Not really the type of place I'd like to camp but if you're going to be rock climbing all day I'm sure it's cool. Saw quail and a coyote and a couple rabbits which was cool. On the second day we entered through a different area, The Black Rock Nature center. I kind of liked this area more, nice campground for family style camping, closer to hills with snow on them. There's also a big ranger station/interpretive center. A colder day by far and I started feeling pretty sick again so we didn't get very far on our hike. Interesting area though.
I'd say the park is a must see at least once. Wouldn't mind going back to see the wild flowers but other than that I think I've had my Joshua tree fill for awhile.
Joshua Tree National Park http://www.nps.gov/jotr/

Switzer Falls

With some time off between Christmas and New Years we decided to head to the San Gabriels for a day hike. Three of us and two dogs headed out along with our gear to test out for an upcoming trip.
The drive was ok, a little windy way up the 2 but not too far. The decent into the picnic area parking is a little sketchy but not bad, just drop it in low gear and watch for on coming traffic. There were a few others in the parking lot but not too bad. Lots of tree coverage and a cute little creek trickling by.
Trail starts out relatively flat in a canopy of trees. We crossed the creek countless time but nothing too hard, if I had some waterproof boots on like Brian I wouldn't have thought twice about it. We made it to the first little campground pretty quick and decided to start the hike up towards ??? (Brian?) The flat trail turns into a bit of a climb for a little while and loses the tree coverage but gains great views of the surrounding mountains. You also get a distant view of Switzer Falls from this part of the trail.














After walking up in the sun for about a mile we started to head back down into the trees again and soon met back up with our buddy the creek. We walked down for probably a little less than a mile and decided to turn back after realizing we'd have to hike all this way back up. We walked back to the first campground to test out the gear. Not sure if that would be a place I would pick to camp. It was close, probably a mile or so in, water nearby and little stoves set up but it's right off the main trail in an area that seems to be pretty popular. In the short time we were there setting up and testing out gear we probably saw between 15-20 people and dogs crossing the trail in front of us. So if you're looking for privacy and to fell out in the wild this might not do, although I imagine once the sun goes down you probably have the place to yourself.

Over all a good hike, first have very easy, second half probably moderate. Nice tree coverage for hot days but looks like it gets really crowded on in the summer.
Things to know before you go:
1) get an adventure pass
2) dogs are ok on a leash but a lot of people ignore the leash law
3) popular trail with a lot of people

Abalone Cove

So of course this is a place most people that live in the south bay area are well aware of, if not then you should be. Great place to go on a sunny day during low tide. It's right off Palos Verdes Drive South with it's own large parking lot which unfortunately is $5 per car but hey, if it's to keep places like this clean and accessible I'm all for it. You can try to find nearby street parking but be very careful, most of the residential areas are permit only and strictly enforced. Just past the parking lot is a green field with picnic tables that overlook the ocean and on clear days amazing views of Catalina. A few trees here and there can be found if you're looking for shade. On summer days this place can get pack but on a Friday in January we had the place virtually to ourselves.

You walk down a decently maintained trail to the beach, not super steep but definitely not flat. You may want to stop and "enjoy the view once on the way back up"
Once at the beach you must walk over rocks to get to the sand, depending on tide you may have to do this for awhile, watch your ankles. If the tide is low you'll see some great tide pools, starfish everywhere, crabs, sea urchins, sea anemone, hermit crabs, baby fish, and if your lucky baby octopus. Not really a great place if looking for a swim but there are some spots that will do. Depending on time of year you may see a nice green trail or tons of tall wild flowers or a dry brown hill side. I recommend mid spring for flowers and green.
There are also many other things to explore in the area before or after the tide pools. Across the street is Wayfarer's Chapel, a must see. The Point Vicente Interpretive Center is also another cool stop.
Things to know before you go:
1) pay parking
2) check the tide, you won't see much at high tide
3) were shoes that grip well or can get wet, the rocks are both slipper and sharp
4) don't take shells or sea creatures from the area
5) parking lot is only open 12:00 - 4:00 during the week and 9:00am-4:00 on weekends
6) No fires, barbeques or dogs allowed