Channel Islands National Park was a place that was high on my list to visit when I began the blog almost 10 years ago. Due to it being 14 miles off the coast of California at its shortest distance and 55 miles at its furthest, this series of islands holds a ton of untouched beauty in their remoteness and they are a stunning part of California. After finally booking a ticket on the boat that takes you across, I set out to visit the closest and smallest of the Channel Islands, Anacapa in 2012, and then visited it again to update this post in 2021. It is a great island for a day trip and it has some beautiful views, wildlife, and even a lighthouse. Here is all the information on Anacapa and if you want to read about all the Channel Island, you can here.

Details

• The closest island and the easiest for a day trip
• Cost is around $60-70 round trip
• You have to spend around 4 hours on the island it can be a long time since it is pretty small
• Around 2 miles of trails
• Information from my visit in 2012 and 2021

Getting To Anacapa

To get to Anacapa Island, the boat usually leaves at around 9:30 AM (this is the most popular time) and sets out on the hour ride to the drop off point on the island. During that time, you will cross into the channel and potentially see large freight shipping boats as well as wildlife like dolphins and whales. The crew always seems interested in showing everyone a good time, so they usually slow down by the dolphins and let everyone take pictures.

Anacapa Island

After about an hour, we pulled up to the dock at Anacapa, and about 90% of the boat’s 50 passengers got off. While this seemed like a lot, the 2.5 square mile island was large enough to never make it look crowded.

From the dock, you climb about 150 stairs until you reach the central upper shelf of the island as well as the path to the visitor center. This dock is the only area on the entire island with sea access, as the island is on a cliff and has a good 50 to 100-foot drop at all sides.

Most people opted to take the time out for lunch, but since it was already 11:30 AM and the boat was picking us up again at 3:15 PM, we set out with one of the volunteers on a mile walk to the main draw of the island, Inspiration Point.

The walk was great, and the guide that we had was knowledgeable about the island and its history. He also took us to a couple of the significant viewpoints on the island; then after the tour ended, he let us walk around and explore to our heart’s content. I would recommend this tour if it is offered, but if you simply want to walk the island yourself, here are the standout areas.

Landing Cove

This area is where the boat backs in to let you off and pick you up. It is also the area where you can dive into the kelp forest and drop in your kayaks to explore the caves from the water.

The Lighthouse

At the southern tip of the island is this beautiful lighthouse. The old mirrors for reflecting the light have been moved into the visitor’s center, but you can still walk up and see the lighthouse while hearing the loud beeping it makes every minute. Unfortunately, you cannot get within 50 feet of it, but it’s worth walking up to.

Inspiration Point

The main highlight of the island, Inspiration Point, provides stunning vistas of the two other parts of Anacapa. The viewpoint looks over the middle island as it wraps around to the base of the west island. You can also see the silhouette of Santa Cruz in the background as well. It is a beautiful spot that you will want to spend some time at, especially since you will have time to waste while on the island.

Cathedral Cove

Another stand-out area on Anacapa, Cathedral Cove, is a stunning example of what a beach can look like. Sitting on the edge, overlooking this cove, made me feel like I had left California and was in some tropical paradise like Hawaii. I only wish I was able to go down to the beach, but I will save that for another kayaking trip.

Pinniped Point

On the west side of the island, this point had some unique rock formations and overlooked another beautiful cove. It is also one of the more significant drops on the island, so make sure you don’t get too close to the edge.

You can hear all of the seals below you as well; when we were there, we saw a ton.

Campground

Right smack in the middle of the island is the ten spot campground. It was only $15 a night when we looked (as of 2013), but I would recommend not staying overnight here as a day trip is perfect to see this island.

Visitor Center

About 150 feet from where the boat lets off is a small visitor center complete with brochures, some photos, history, and the old light from the lighthouse. Not a ton to see here but a good central point with pit toilets (this is all that are on the island).

Nesting Grounds

I do have to mention that if you visit in May – July, this is the typical nesting time for the gulls and there are thousands of them on the island. It is loud, dirty and they may even be territorial. I actually enjoyed this unique wildlife experience but wanted to note that if you go during this time.

Arch Rock

Lastly, on the south side of the island is a huge rock in the sea that completes a full arch. It is about 40 feet tall and hollow for about 20 feet in its center. This rock is not accessible from the land, and you would need to boat or kayak to it, but it is cool and was the logo that the volunteers were wearing on their jackets.

Video Recap

Here is a video I took of the different points from above, complete with a short timelapse at the end (from my visit in 2012).

All in all, the Channel Islands are a beautiful trip that everyone in California needs to take at least once. As soon as you set foot on the island and start to explore, I guarantee you will be shocked at how amazing they are. I cannot wait to get to the other islands. Let me know what you think in the comments.

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Southern California is full of fantastic movie locations you can explore. I have written about some of my favorite ones in LA here, but it is not often that you get to combine a beautiful 5-mile hike with the added fun of seeing a filming location for the top watched TV finale of all time, MASH. Now I will fully admit that it was a little before my time, and I haven’t seen more than an episode or two. So for people who are fans, I am sure this would be more exciting. However, it was fun for me as well as it was in excellent condition and was in the middle of a beautiful Malibu canyon, here is all of the info. Update 2021: Most of this is still here, even after the fire. I will provide updates to anything that is different in bold below.

Details

• $12 to park in the state park
• 5 miles round trip, 200 feet of elevation
• Not a lot of shade so it will be hot in the summer
• Park Entrance at: 2126-2206 Las Virgenes Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
• Information from 2015 and 2021

After arriving at the park entrance on the corner of Mulholland Highway and Las Virgenes Road, you will pay your fee at the gate and make your way into the lower parking lot. There are a few bathrooms here, and I would recommend that you take a photo of the map before you head into the park as there are not a lot of signs, especially if you want to see some of the other highlights on the way.

The Hike

The hike heads out from the parking lot on Crags Road, which you will be following pretty much the entire way there. At the beginning and a few times along the way, you will see a sign that lets you know how far you have to the site.

The trail heads through a beautiful canyon with sparse shade trees and impressive views of the surrounding mountains. There is a path that juts off and takes you to the visitors center about a half-mile in, but I did not go over to it.

At about .75 miles, you will start heading uphill and will gain the 200 feet of elevation that you do on this hike, the rest is pretty flat.

When you come down the hill, there is a short spur that leads to Century Lake, and I would recommend taking it as this lake is beautiful and peaceful.

After checking it out, you can head back to the main road and continue the mile or so that is left to the site.

About .25 miles from here, you will cross a beautiful small bridge (the wooden part of the bridge was gone on my recent visit). Here the road will end, and you will be walking on a single track the rest of the way.

This is nice though, as most of it is shaded, which provides a way to escape the sun for a little while. When you reach about 2.3 miles in, you will see the main truck that is a staple of this hike.

It is in fantastic shape, and you can walk inside of it for a photo if you feel so inclined. The rest of the cars here are in nowhere near as good of condition.

From here is about a tenth of a mile to the main MASH site.

MASH TV Filming Site

When you arrive, you will probably not be alone as this always seems like a busy hike, but you will be free to explore all of the unique remains they have here, such as:

The Old Car

The Old Truck

The Sign Post

Also of note, there is a small building that has a lot of old photos from the set and information about the TV program. I appreciated this as I didn’t know much about it before coming, so it was great to be able to read about it. This building is gone as of 2021.

I also recommend heading up to the top of the small hill behind it as well, which is where the helipad was. This area gives you a great view of the location below. Here is a comparison of what it looks like in 2015 and 2021.

2015

2021 (more zoomed-in photo, the shaded tables are still there)

After that, I just sat under the shaded area with the picnic benches for a while and relaxed before heading back.

The road back is anti-climactic, but be sure you have enough water if you do this anytime during the summer months as it can be sweltering here. All in all, this is a great hike that I highly recommend as it is a beautiful state park and a fun old filming location. Let me know if you have been and if you enjoy it in the comments.

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The Stagecoach Inn Museum is a historic area in Newbury Park, formally known as the Grand Union Hotel, that was built in 1876. While the original building burned down in the 1970s, it was painstakingly put back together to showcase this historical point of interest to those who want to visit it. I spent an hour and a half walking through the museum and around the property’s exterior to see the other buildings they had preserved as well. It was a great spot in Conejo Valley to explore, and here is all the information if you want to visit for yourself.

Details

• Cost: $7 a person
• Only open Wednesday and Saturday from 1 – 4 PM (double-check these hours as they may change)
• Location: 51 S Ventu Park Rd, Newbury Park, CA 91320

Getting There

The museum used to be right next to the road before it was moved a few blocks down to make way for the freeway. It is still really close to the Ventu Park Road exit. You simply get off and head south, and you will see a sign for the museum on the right. Proceed down the narrow road and park next to the museum in one of a dozen or so spots. I was there on a Saturday, and it was not very busy. 

The Stagecoach Inn Museum

There was a table next to the parking lot where they took your payment and gave you a map to use when exploring.

I went to the main building and museum first; there were multiple docents giving tours which started whenever anyone was interested. I took a tour of the property and loved seeing how many artifacts they had, as well as exhibits on the building’s history and the history of the Newbury Park area. 

The kitchen was fascinating, and my guide did a wonderful job walking me through it all.

On the second floor, a few rooms are designed to show what the building would have looked like when it was an apartment complex. Then on the third floor, each of the rooms has its own exhibit.

One is for old gramophones and had a considerable amount of them.

Another had all sorts of old irons. I had no idea that people used to own dozens of irons for different types of clothes.

The third one had art made out of hair, which I never knew existed. Apparently, some families would use every member’s hair to create a family tree with each person’s hair included in it. Yep, pretty strange and interesting.

People also think the hotel is haunted because of a story about a trapper who died in the hotel. My guide didn’t believe the stories though, so I didn’t learn a lot about the haunted history of this building. 

After leaving the museum, there are a few more places you can explore outside.

First, there is the carriage house that has a few old stagecoaches in it. 

Next to that is a blacksmith shop that was used for demonstrations.

An old pioneer cabin was also recreated to mimic the original homestead for the couple who created Newbury Park.

Lastly, there is a Chumash AP (replica of the homes made by the Chumash people) in the back. 

These buildings are easy to walk to, and most had docents who would give you more information on what you were looking at. It was a great museum, and I am glad I got to visit it. Check it out, and let me know what you think in the comments. 

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Little Lakes Valley is probably one of the most beautiful areas I have been to in the Eastern Sierra. This stunning valley full of dozens of lakes and surrounded by massive craggy peaks is the perfect example of what makes this part of California so amazing. This 8-mile round trip hike will take you to 8 lakes as you wind your way through the valley and see stunning views at each turn. While the parking area can be busy, it is worth the effort to plan a trip to this stunning area of California. Check it out, and let me know what you think in the comments.

Details

• 8 miles round trip
• 1,000 feet of elevation
• Trailhead location: Mosquito Flats near Rock Creek
• Information from my visit in 2021

Getting There

The trailhead for Little Lakes Valley is located in the Mosquito Flats area of Rock Creek. It is accessed from Highway 395 between Bishop and Mammoth by turning on Rock Creek Road and taking it all the way to the end. Eventually, the road becomes a one-lane road which you will take (watch out for cars going the opposite way) back to the trailhead. NOTE: This area is crazy busy, so get there early (before 7:30 AM), especially on summer weekends.

The Trail to Little Lakes Valley

The trail starts at the end of the parking lot by walking past the bathrooms and picnic area. It starts by climbing gradually as you walk along a creek. Lots of people were fly fishing here when I went.

The trail then climbs a small hill before reaching a split for Little Lakes Valley and Mono Pass. 

Keep left for Little Lakes Valley here, and look to the left to see your first lake, Mack Lake. Mack Lake is a beautiful example of what you will see on this trail, and it is one of 8 lakes you will pass on the hike. I recommend just hiking out to the end to see them all, then going back to whatever lake you liked best to relax at.

From Mack Lake, the trail heads downhill to the second lake, Marsh Lake.

Marsh Lake was one of my favorites for photos as the reflections of the mountains in the distance were stunning. It wouldn’t be a good lake for swimming though.

It is only a short walk from Marsh Lake till you see Heart Lake, my favorite of the lakes. 

The approach to Heart Lake is amazing as you cross a bridge and make your way down to it. 

This lake is stunning and has a nice sand shelf for walking out in the water. It is one of the most popular lakes, and there are always people there.

Leaving Heart Lake, you will make your way around it and get many different views as you continue the trail.

As you say goodbye to Heart Lake, you will hike uphill for a little bit till you get to an overlook for Box Lake.

This lake looked really nice, with clear water, but it didn’t have a great way down to it, so we just soaked it in and took a snack break on the rocks.

From Box Lake, you will head down towards a nice little meadow and creek before starting a small uphill climb.

This climb gives way to an amazing little tree tunnel that perfectly frames one of the backcountry peaks.

As you head through those trees, you will cross the water and walk along a meadow as you make your way to Long Lake.

Long Lake is the longest of the lakes you walk along, haha. It is a great one to hang out at when you come back as well since it has lots of grass along the lake and lots of space, so you are not around other people. There were a lot of people fishing here too.

The trail goes alongside Long Lake, and just the trail itself is stunning, with the water on one side and massive peaks out in the distance.

As you make it to the end of Long Lake, this is where the trail really starts to gain elevation. Remember, you are at over 10,500 feet, so it feels a lot harder than it is.

You will be walking uphill for a little while until you reach a split for Chickenfoot Lake and Gem Lakes.

Gem Lake is the ultimate goal, but it is not really out of the way to go to Chickenfoot, so I recommend heading there and then connecting back with the trail.

Chickenfoot is another beautiful lake; it is well worth the extra effort to see it and the meadow/creek you walk along that feeds it.

Be sure to have an AllTrails download as the trail to connect back with the Gem Lake Trail is a little confusing. 

Once you are back on the main trail, it reaches a pretty stunning area of the Little Lakes Valley. Here, the mountains you have seen for most of the trail feel like they are towering above you since you are so close to them.

The trail continues with small ups and downs before it splits at the junction for Morgan Pass and Gem Lakes. We headed to Gem Lakes, which was the end goal for this hike.

The last portion of the trail is pretty much flat, and it has great views over meadows, small creeks, and other smaller lakes.

Eventually, you will reach Gem Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes on the trail. This lake sits near 11,000 feet and even had small patches of snow melting to feed it.

The lake is stunning from every angle, and it is a great place to sit and relax while you soak it all in.

I put my feet in the lake as well, but it was freezing cold, so I did not jump in.

After relaxing for a while, we started the trail back and headed towards Heart Lake. This was the easiest to swim at, so we jumped in the water when we made it back, culminating our time in the Little Lakes Valley.

Honestly, this is one of the best hikes in California, and I highly recommend it. The amount of amazing views you see in only 8 miles is hard to beat and something you will never forget. Check it out, and let me know what you think in the comments. 

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Ruby Lake is a high-altitude lake in the Eastern Sierra, located in one of the most beautiful parts of the state, and is a fantastic short hike in the Rock Creek area. The hike itself is 4 miles round trip with 900 feet of elevation gain, and while that might not seem like a lot, the hike starts at 10,200 feet and ends over 11,000 feet, so it will get your blood pumping. The lake it ends at is well worth the effort, though, and here is all the information if you want to check it out.

Details

• 4 miles round trip
• 900 feet of elevation
• Trailhead: Mosquito Flats in Rock Creek
• I hiked this in 2021

Getting There

From Highway 395, heading north from Bishop, you will turn off on Rock Creek Road on the left-hand side. From there, it is about 15 minutes drive to the trailhead. As you get to the end of Rock Creek Road, it becomes a one-lane road where you will have to pull out and watch for other cars as you make your way back. Eventually, the road will end at the parking area. NOTE: Parking fills up fast here! I wouldn’t get there later than 7 AM on summer weekends.

The Ruby Lake Trail

From Mosquito Flats, the trail heads past bathrooms and into the backcountry. This is a very popular trail, especially towards Little Lake Valley, so there will most likely be many people on the trail when you go.

The trail begins gradually as you walk along a small creek heading back. I saw many people fishing here, and it was a beautiful start to the hike.

The trail then heads up before it reaches a split, with one way going into Little Lakes Valley and the other going towards Ruby Lake and Mono Pass.

We headed to the right, going up towards Mono Pass. Be sure to look over to the left though, where you can see the above view of Mack Lake.

From here, you will be going up pretty much all the way to Ruby Lake.

The trail is mostly switchbacks and large rock steps, and you may want to bring a hiking pole for the hike back down.

The trail continues its uphill climb as you start leaving the valley behind and get some great views down towards it and out into the distance.

While it is not too hard, the elevation will get you breathing heavily and stopping often.

We kept pushing on until the trail bent towards the backcountry, leaving the valley behind.

This part of the trail connects with a creek that heads off Ruby Lake and has a small meadow you walk along.

The trail then connects with the creek, and you will travel alongside it as you make the last push up to Ruby Lake.

If you are anything like me, you will be blown away when you reach Ruby Lake.

The lake is massive, and it has large granite peaks surrounding you on all sides.

The water in the lake was crystal clear, and you could see fish swimming in the cold water.

We sat by the water and watched the sunset, just soaking it all in. I’m a sucker for the Eastern Sierras, and this is a perfect example of why. The lakes, peaks, and views in the Sierras are second to none.

If you want to spend more time exploring this part of the Eastern Sierra, check out my post on the Little Lakes Valley hike. Let me know what you think in the comments.

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Disclosure: I worked with the tourism board and some experiences were covered on this trip; all opinions are my own. Lake County is located about 2 hours north of San Francisco, right above the Napa Valley. The location doesn’t see as many visitors as the popular cities that surround it, and because of that, it […]

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In the city of Calistoga, north of Napa sits a bunch of unique attractions such as Castello di Amorosa (the castle winery), Petrified Forest, and Old Faithful Geyser. I recommend going to each of these attractions if you have time, but the Old Faithful Geyser is definitely one of the better ones. I was initially […]

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Mt Konocti is a prominent mountain and dormant volcano on the south side of Clear Lake, a lake in Northern California. It is a recognizable part of the landscape and is an awesome hike with fun history and beautiful views. The mountain has five distinct peaks, with 4 of the 5 at around 4,000 feet of elevation. I got a chance to hike Wright Peak and Howard Peak (the two tallest) in 2021, and here is all the information on this fun hike. 

Details

• 7.5 miles round trip
• 1800 feet of elevation
• Mostly walking a dirt road to the summit
• Location: 518 Konocti Rd, Kelseyville, CA 95451

Getting There

To get to the trailhead, I recommend grabbing the directions directly from AllTrails or making your way up to Mt Konocti County Park. There is a parking area right near the end of the dirt road that begins the trail up the mountain.

It is right near the metal gate that stops you from driving further, and there is a bathroom there as well. There was only one car in the parking lot when I went.

The Trail up Mt Konocti

The trail to the two main peaks, Wright and Howard, is basically just walking a dirt road the entire way. It is boring in the beginning, but it gets pretty great at the end.

The trail starts by walking through the metal gate and continuing on the road.

The road then connects with an area of private property that you need to cross. There is a trail that has been approved to cross the property, so please make sure to stay on it when in this section.

This trail goes around and up a small hill before connecting with the dirt road again, which you will take the rest of the way to the summit.

As you walk up the road, you will be in and out of the shade, and during breaks in the trees, you will start to see views out towards the lake.

There are markers every half mile or so that tell you how far you are from the summit.

Eventually, you reach the halfway point, where there is another bathroom, two picnic benches, and amazing views.

There is a split in the trail here, and one way goes out to Buckingham Peak while the other goes up to Howard and Wright. We went to the right, but I would love to go back and see the view from Buckingham as well.

As you leave on this trail, you will be in the shade for a little while but will still be walking the main dirt road. This is where the trail gets unique and historic; I would recommend having an AllTrails download, so you don’t miss it.

Here the trail goes into a surreal grove of Maul Oak Trees. These trees are massive, and it feels like you are in Harry Potter or something.

Look for the trail to the right when you are going through the grove as that will take you down to Mary Downen’s (a pioneer woman who homesteaded in the area) cabin.

Mary Downen’s Cabin

This old cabin was constructed in the early 1900s, and it is still in pretty good shape, all things considered. It is enjoyable to see it on this trail.

Read more about Mary Downen here, as she sounds like an amazing woman.

Next to her cabin, you can also see her walnut orchards which are stunning as well.

After exploring this area, head back to the main trail and continue.

You will reach another bathroom and picnic table before leaving the shade behind and finishing the last push to the summit.

This is where the views get really impressive, looking east out over the valley.

Eventually, you will reach a bend to go left to Howard Peak and right to Wright Peak. I went to Howard Peak first.

Howard Peak

The hike up to Howard Peak is along another dirt road. It is a little steep and has some loose rock at the end.

The summit is small with antennas, but the view out towards the lake is pretty impressive. If you can only do one peak though, skip this one and do Wright Peak.

After getting back to the main road, you will continue along the second path, a wide dirt road that bends around and takes you up to Wright Peak.

Plane Crash

Right as you get near the summit, look to the right, and you will see an information plaque about a plane crash and the actual remains of what’s left of the plane.

This fatal crash happened in the 1970s when Mervin and Julia Enzler flew from Santa Rosa back to Ukiah. It is crazy that there are still pieces of the plane up here.

From there, the summit is in view, with the fire tower on top. 

Wright Peak

The summit has great views in all directions and was well worth the effort. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Mt Shasta, the sign says. 

I explored for a while before finding a rock to sit and relax at. It is pretty amazing to have a hike like this close to the city and with such great views.

After relaxing, I made my way back down to the trailhead on the dirt road that I came up. This is a great hike and one that I really enjoyed, even if it isn’t as rugged as what I am used to. Let me know if you have done it in the comments!

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Ventura, located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, is a beautiful city full of history that is also the jumping-off point to Channel Islands National Park. The city is located right on Pacific Coast Highway and has a fun downtown, great restaurants, and a beautiful beach. I have spent a lot of time there over the years, and here are 12 spots you should explore on a visit to Ventura.

Ventura Pier

The Ventura Pier is one of the oldest and largest wooden piers in California. It is over 1,600 feet long, and it provides amazing coastal views as you walk out to the end. With over 100 years of use, the pier has been damaged and rebuilt many times over the years and is now a pedestrian and fishing pier. It’s a great place for a walk, and it has a good taco shack and brewery at the base of the pier. 

San Buenaventura State Beach

Of course, the beach is the main attraction in Ventura, and San Buenaventura State Beach is probably the most visited. This beach takes up most of the sand south of the pier, and it has small rock jetty and sand dunes that sit along the water. The beach has lots of parking, a bike trail, and a great oyster spot called The Jolly Oyster. Check the hours before you go, as it is only open a few days a week, but it is a great spot to eat or try oysters and other seafood in Ventura.

Surfer’s Point

Surfer’s Point is a rocky beach on the north side of the Ventura Pier. This beach is top-rated for surfers, and it is a great spot to hang out and watch the surfers out in the water on a sunny California day. The beach also has a nice palm tree-lined bike and walking path that runs along it if you want to get a little exercise, and you can take the path all the way down to the Ventura Pier. The parking lot is tiny here, so know that going in.

Downtown Ventura

Downtown Ventura is a fun area to walk with restaurants, breweries, thrift shops, and coffee shops. The street has been closed to cars and walking only for the last year, making for a delightful stroll with the whole family. Be sure to see the historic Ventura City Hall, built-in 1912, which is only s few blocks walk from downtown while you are there.

San Buenaventura Mission

On the western end of the downtown area is the historic San Buenaventura Mission. This mission is one of the 21 Spanish California missions dating back to the late 1700s. The mission costs to enter, and it has a small museum and a beautifully manicured courtyard. You can also enter the chapel while you are there as well, and even though it is small, it is still fun to explore. 

Ventura Botanical Gardens

The Ventura Botanical Gardens have over 8,000 different species of plants all along its 40 acres of property. The garden is much different than traditional botanical gardens, with tiered areas that you have to walk up to that hold the different gardens. It is about 2 miles to walk the entire garden, and it is a beautiful walk with stunning coastal views and lots of unique plants. Plus, you can see different things in bloom at different times of the year, giving you many reasons to go back. 

Serra Cross at Grant Park

Grant Park is a beautiful area on the hills overlooking Ventura that is a popular spot for sunset. There are many turnouts along the drive that provide great vantage points of the coastline, but the most popular is probably the Serra Cross near the top. Supposedly a cross has been in this spot since 1772, and it is a California historical landmark. I recommend visiting for sunset as it is hard to beat the views from this location. 

Marina Park

Marina Park is a beautiful public park right along the Ventura Harbor. This park has the South Jetty Marina Walk, which takes you out to the base of the rock jetty and has amazing views of the coastline and the harbor itself. Here you can watch the waves crash or boats go by as they leave the harbor. The park also has a large replica of an antique ship right in the sand. I have never seen anything like this on a California beach, and I am sure it would be fun for those traveling with families to explore. 

Ojai to Ventura Bike Path

While this recommendation probably won’t be for everyone, if you are into biking, then there is a great bike path that goes from Ojai all the way to Ventura. It is about 14 miles each way, and it is mostly flat and downhill if you leave from Ojai. I did it a few weeks back and made a full video on the trail, but it is beautiful with lots of trees and nice views, and I really enjoyed the ride.

Channel Islands

Before talking about food, I wanted to mention the Channel Islands. The Channel Islands are a national park off the coast of California that is an adventure to visit. You need at least a day to visit any of them, and they require a 1 to 3 hour boat ride. Along the way, you can often see dolphins and even whales; then, when you get to the island, you can explore until the boat comes back to pick you up. I have been to a few of them, which is an amazing area to have in California. 

Alright, these last two spots are restaurants in Ventura that I love.

Petes Breakfast House

Pete’s Breakfast House is a local diner that serves up some killer breakfast food. It was featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives for its pancake roll with homemade granola. That is what I always get there as well, as it is a hearty breakfast with a large pancake roll filled with yogurt and fresh fruit. It may sound weird, but it’s awesome. There are tons of other great items on the menu as well. Get here early on the weekends as it gets busy.

Spencer Mckenzies

Spencer Mckenzies has been a road trip go-to for me in Ventura for years. This small shop on the corner of Thompson Blvd is known for its fish tacos and burritos. Their fish and shrimp burrito was even put in the top 20 burritos in America on a recent list. I love the relaxed beach vibe of the restaurant, and it’s hard for me to pass it up when I am in Ventura.

Ventura things to do video

Here is a video I made of all the tips as well.

There you have it, my favorite spots in Ventura. What did I leave off? Let me know in the comments.

The post 12 Things to do in Ventura appeared first on California Through My Lens.

Ventura County is a great place to explore if you like biking. They have a nice beachfront trail that takes you along stunning coast views and this fantastic trail that goes from the mountain town of Ojai all the way to the Ventura Coast. While you can ride it in either direction, I got dropped off in Ojai and rode it back down to the beach. Doing it this way makes the trail largely downhill and allows you to soak in the views with minimal work. Here is all the information on the Ventura to Ojai bike path.

Details

• 15 miles each way
• Downhill from Ojai, uphill from Ventura

Getting There

There are many locations to start the trail if you want to make it shorter, but as far as I know, the official start area in Ventura is on North Olive Street and Rex Street. In Ojai, it is on Bryant Street near Caravan Outpost. At least that is where I started, but correct me if I am wrong in the comments. There is limited street parking at both locations. 

The Ojai Valley Trail

The trail from the Ojai starting point is pretty great most of the way. It gets industrial at the end in Ventura, but other than that, you are surrounded by nature most of the time.

This is especially true for the first half going through Ojai. There are multiple areas where trees fully shade the trail as you ride along.

This part of the trail has many bike stops signs as you cross city streets, which slows your biking. It wasn’t too busy when I went though, so I never had to wait long for my turn to cross.

The trail continues through a beautiful natural section here before crossing the street near the horse statue and following Highway 33.

You will be riding along Highway 33 for a while in this section. The trail is close to the road, but it is its own paved trail which is much nicer than riding along the road. There is also a dirt path for equestrian usage and walking for most of this section of the trail.

As you follow the road, there are multiple benches that you can stop and rest at if you would like.

The trail continues along Highway 33 until it splits off near Oak View. It is easy to follow the entire time.

Also, there is a nice overlook right before the Oak View section as well. There are a few of these along the trail, and they are great places to take a break and soak in the view.

At Oak View, signs note bathrooms, bike maintenance, and food if you want to pull off for a break. There is another viewpoint right after you cross the street here.

Continuing, this portion is beautiful as you ride along with houses and under trees with a large wash out to your right. Eventually, the road will connect again with Highway 33, and you will follow it again for another portion near Casitas Springs.

After passing Casitas Springs, you will be at Foster Park, which is the end of the Ojai maintained portion of the trail. From here, it moves into the Ventura maintained section. 

As you leave Foster Park and cross the road, you will see a freeway entrance and another opportunity to park and enter the trial.

The trail here also has a few art installations, with the wheel tree being the first thing you will see. 

From here, the trail leaves nature and trees behind and moves into an industrial section that will take you the rest of the way to Ventura. 

There are abandoned buildings here, large RV lots, and a waste treatment plant.  

The ride is still nice though, and you will cross under the freeway near Ortonville to continue towards Ventura. 

This last section is even more industrial, with large warehouses, oil drilling machines, and even stops created along the bike path to allow trucks to cross the path safely.

It is a stark difference from the start of the trail, and while interesting, I prefer the nature section.

The path then goes along Highway 33 one more time before ending at Rex Street and North Olive Street. 

You can end the trail here or ride along the city streets down to the ocean and connect with the bike path. I did this, and I just put Surfers Point into my GPS and made my way there. 

The trail continues for a while along the coast, but I just rode it till the Ventura Pier. It was nice to ride along the coast to end the trail instead of ending with the industrial section previous to it.

Plus, if you make it all the way to the Ventura Pier, you can stop at Madewest Brewery for a drink or Beach House Tacos for a good meal.  If you are into biking, this really is a great trail. Let me know what you think in the comments! 

The post Biking from Ojai to Ventura on the Ojai Valley Trail appeared first on California Through My Lens.

Rose Valley Falls is a short hike to a nice, 100-foot waterfall about 30 minutes outside of Ojai. The hike is beautiful and suitable for the whole family as it is 1 mile round trip. Because of that, it is a pretty popular trail with lots of people making the drive out to hike it on spring weekends. Here is all the information if you want to visit this waterfall. 

Details

• 1 mile round trip
• 200 feet of elevation
• $10 day use fee when I went
• Location: Rose Valley Campground

Getting There

From Ojai, you will want to make your way towards Rose Valley Campground, which is about 30 minutes away. I used Google Maps and got directions to the trailhead from the All Trails listing. Once you get there, be sure to note where you can park and not block the campsite entrances. The trailhead is in between campsite 4 and 5.

Rose Valley Falls Trail

After you make your way to the small dirt path near campsite 4 and 5, you will follow this for the half-mile to the falls. 

The trail was well-trodden and pretty easy to follow when we went.

There is a small stream crossing in the beginning, but the rest of the trail is dry, and it was easy to navigate the stream crossing without getting wet.

The trail has a gradual incline from here as it goes through an area ravaged by a recent fire.

As the path goes up, you will see the waterfall coming into view. When you get to the falls, they are a lot more impressive than they look in the photos. 

While the water wasn’t flowing too strongly, it is a beautiful slow cascade over a moss-covered rock wall. 

Some kids were even going into a small cave at the base of the falls, but it was too small for me to go in.

We walked all around and explored for 20 minutes before starting the hike back to the car. I believe there is another waterfall behind this that requires scrambling to get to, but I didn’t do it as I was with my 7-month-old babies. You can read more about that here.

This is a nice little hike in the Ojai area, especially if you live nearby. I probably wouldn’t make the drive up here just for this hike, but pairing it with lunch or coffee in Ojai makes for a nice half day.  Let me know what you think in the comments and read about all of the waterfalls I have visited here.

The post Rose Valley Falls Trail: A Nice Waterfall Outside of Ojai appeared first on California Through My Lens.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is a popular workout destination in Culver City, also known as the Culver City Stairs. This area consists of a large outdoor set of stairs that takes you up to a great vantage point for Downtown Los Angeles. Because of the view, it is popular for working out and for photography. Here is all the information if you want to visit. 

Details

• .1 miles
• 500 feet of elevation
• Free parking on the street
• Location: 6300 Hetzler Rd, Culver City, CA 90232

Getting There

From the 10 Freeway, you will want to exit Washington Blvd towards Fairfax Avenue. Turn left on Washington Blvd, left on National Blvd, and right on W Jefferson Blvd. From here, you will see the sign and stairs on the left-hand side and can look for street parking if it is available.

Baldwin Hill Scenic Overlook / Culver City Stairs

Assuming you were able to find parking along the street, you will want to make your way to the sign for Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook and the start of the trail.

The trail starts by heading up on a series of dirt switchbacks as you make your way to the stairs. After the second switchback, the stairs will come into view.

Here you will begin the uphill climb, which I do have to say is pretty tough. 

There are 282 stairs, and they are not all the same size, so they really do a number on your quads as you make your way up. 

There are always many people walking up and down the stairs as well, so you may need to get out of someone’s way as you climb.

There are areas to stop alongside the stairs if you get tired, which you probably will unless you climb stairs all the time (I don’t, haha). 

Eventually, you will reach the top and see the awesome view you have of the Downtown LA skyline from this angle. 

I brought my zoom lens and hiked it after there had been snow in the mountains surrounding LA so that I could get some good photos. Soak it in for as long as you would like, then begin your hike back down the stairs to your car.

This is a pretty fun little adventure in the LA area. It is not too long, but it gets the blood pumping and has a great view at the end. Check it out and let me know what you think in the comments.

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For many people In Southern California, hiking has become a way of life. Due to the relatively pleasant year-round weather and the abundance of options within an hour of Los Angeles, it is easy to see why so many people have gotten into it. I have posted hikes on this blog many times, but I wanted to make a list of easier hikes with great payoffs that could be good for the whole family during a trip to Los Angeles. Here are some of my favorite family-friendly hikes.

Old La Zoo

First up, you could put pretty much all of Griffith Park on this list. It is such an amazing park that is full of hundreds of miles of trails. The first trail in the Griffith Park area that I wanted to recommend is the Old La Zoo. The Old La Zoo is a short hike at less than a mile round trip, but it has great picnic opportunities and lots of things for families with children to explore. The park features the remains of the original Los Angeles Zoo, and instead of getting rid of the animal exhibits, they just left them there for you to see. You can walk into many of the cages and wander around the large animal exhibits as you explore. Do note that sometimes the exhibits have a lot of trash in them so you will want to watch small children closely. It is a unique spot to check out in LA.

Mt Hollywood

My favorite place to visit in LA is the Griffith Observatory. This beautiful spot on a perch overlooking Downtown LA is great to spend a few hours at. However, it is also the starting point for some amazing hikes like Mt Hollywood. The hike is a little more challenging than some on the list, but it has beautiful views of the Hollywood Sign pretty much the entire way, which will keep you moving. Plus, you can take a short excursion over to Captain’s Roost, which is a picturesque area with lots of palm trees planted in a row. Then, when you make it to the top, Mt Hollywood is one of the best views in Los Angeles. Note, this is not the mountain the Hollywood Sign is on and it costs $15 an hour to park at the lot at Griffith Observatory.

Runyon Canyon

Next up, people love to hate on Runyon Canyon, but it is actually a pretty great hiking area in Los Angeles. The hike starts from basically downtown Hollywood, and it climbs around and through the hills. The trails here can be as hard or as easy as you want, but you will be rewarded with great views if you opt for some of the harder ones. Plus, you may even run into a celebrity here while you are hiking; I have on a few occasions.

Lake Hollywood Trail

The Lake Hollywood Trail is the next spot on this list, and it is great for hiking and biking. The trail is cement the whole way, and it is basically flat, but it is still a nice 3 miles to walk around the whole lake. The views here are the reason you go, as you can see the Hollywood Sign sitting behind a lake, which is not a view that many people see in LA.

Eaton Canyon

These last few hikes move outside of the downtown LA area, and the first one is Eaton Canyon. I will say upfront that Eaton Canyon is usually too busy for me. This trail in the spring often has hundreds of people on it. That being said, it is a nice hike with a creek you follow most of the way and a beautiful waterfall at the end. I recommend going on a weekday if you can, so that you avoid the crowds as much as possible.

San Vicente Mountain Park

Basically, on the other side of Los Angeles is this hike up to San Vicente Mountain Park. This two-mile hike is relatively uneventful on the way up, but when you reach the park, you will be standing at the remains of a Nike Missle radar tower. Which was used to detect Soviet missiles during the Cold War. The city has done a great job of keeping it up, and it is just really cool to be able to see military history like this while on a hike, giving the kids a lot to explore.

Temescal Canyon

Temescal Canyon is a great way to feel like you have left the city while only being 10-15 minutes from Santa Monica. The hike starts in a shaded area and quickly gains elevation as it heads up to a viewpoint. The viewpoint is a stunning vista from which you can see the ocean, Santa Monica, and even Los Angeles if it’s clear. It’s 3 miles round trip, and it will get your blood pumping, but it has a good payoff at the end.

To end this post, I wanted to give a few more quick recommendations for not really hikes, but fun family walks. First, the Venice Canals is a beautiful area for a nice city walk. Second, the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is a series of stairs that leads to a great view of Los Angeles. Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about the Hollywood Sign hike. While not super difficult, it is harder than everything else on the list. That being said, it’s a great hike with older kids and another awesome payoff at the end.

What did I leave off that you think is a good family-friendly la hike? Let me know in the comments.

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The Malibu Pier has been an iconic staple of this area of California for over a century. The pier was used for a private ranch when it was created, but over the years, it has been transformed into movie sets, a place for people to hang out, and now the location of the Malibu Farm Pier Cafe. This restaurant is located right on the end of the pier, and it serves up some great food that uses the freshest local ingredients. While it is pricey for a meal, you are Malibu, and that is par for the course here; if you are interested in a meal with a view, here is all the information.

Details

• Cost: $15 – $25 per person
• Hours: 9 AM – 3 PM (as of April 2021)
• Location: 23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Getting There

Malibu Farm Pier Cafe is located at the end of the Malibu Pier, right on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. Parking is limited, with free street parking if you can find it, or a lot with all-day parking for $10 right next to the pier. After parking, you simply walk to the end of the pier. There is also a Malibu Farm at the beginning of the pier, but this is a sit-down version of their restaurant, and we went to the end of the pier for this meal.

Malibu Farm Cafe

After walking to the end of the pier, you will see the cafe on the right. You will order at the inside counter and then find a spot to sit while waiting for your food.

The tables were awesome as they were around the edge of the pier, and there is also a second story with bar seating that has an amazing view of the ocean.

It took about 10 minutes for our food to come out. We got the fried egg sandwich, which is their most popular dish, and the shrimp sandwich, along with a pastry to start the meal.

The fried egg sandwich was delicious as it is a nice light sandwich that tastes very fresh. The sandwich has egg, bacon, arugula, cheese, and lemon aioli. It was served with country potatoes as well. 

Amie got the shrimp sandwich, which is more of a crab cake consistency. It is served with a side salad, and she was thrilled with her choice.

It is hard to beat good food and a view like this. I recommend you give Malibu Farm Cafe a chance if you are exploring the Malibu area. For more tips on my favorite spots in Malibu, check out this post, and let me know what you think in the comments.

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The Santa Ana River Trail is a premier biking trail in Southern California that eventually plans to follow the river from its source to the ocean. While the trail is still in progress, you can ride from Yorba Linda all the way to the beach on a 27 mile uninterrupted by stoplights trail. I finally got a chance to do it in 2021, and it was an incredible experience and something that I really recommend. I used an eBike for the journey, but of course, you don’t need an eBike if you are used to riding 27 miles (one way) on a regular bike. Here is all the information on the Santa Ana River Trail.

Details

• The longest uninterrupted section is from Yorba Linda to Huntington Beach.
• 27 miles one way
• Mostly flat but lots of small hills going under the roads
• Trailhead address: 4995 Green River Rd, Corona, CA 92880

Video

Here is a video I made of the Santa Ana River Trail. It is probably the best way to experience this trail, as the written content below is just from memory based on my time on the trail. Check it out, and let me know what you think in the comments!

Getting There

To start the journey, you will want to make your way to Green River Road off the 91 Freeway. You will take Green River Road down to where it turns towards the golf course. That is where the official trailhead and parking area for the trail is. I parked my car here, and my wife brought me back here after doing the trail.

The Santa Ana River Trail

The Santa Ana River Trail is easy to follow as it leaves the parking area on a wide cement two-lane bike trail.

It goes along the freeway here and will be following the freeway for much of the first half. This first section is beautiful since you are riding along a more natural part of the river, which is not the case for most of the ride. 

You will then arrive at Featherly Regional Park, and be sure to watch for signs as the trail cuts back and goes up onto a bridge to cross the river.

This next section was under massive construction when I went, so it was just paralleling La Palma Avenue for most of the way. 

When it leaves La Palma Ave at Yorba Linda Blvd, the trail enters my favorite section.

This section goes along the outskirts of Yorba Park, and it is stunning. 

While the 91 Freeway is on the other side of the river, it is easy to forget about it while you ride along such a stunning park and waterway.

Eventually, you will leave the park and cross over a wooden bridge to the other side of the river. 

This section is also beautiful as it feels pretty natural as well. There is a biking and walking path here that goes in and out of shade trees. The river had tons of birds and little man-made waterfalls as you go along this section.

Be sure to cherish this area as it is about to become pretty industrial for the rest of the way to the beach.

As you turn the next main corner, you will see Angels Stadium out in the distance in front of you.

It is a long ride along the cement river till you get to the Honda Center, Angels Stadium, and the ARTIC Train Station.

These are three highlights that you will want to look at while you ride by. 

From here, the trail passes a fun little park and then heads into the River View Golf Course. 

This is where the trail gets a lot more popular, and I saw much more bike traffic in this section.

Leaving the golf course is my least favorite section on the ride. This area is like a concrete jungle for the next half dozen or so miles. The river was basically dry here, and it was just a huge concrete channel that you road along.

At the end of this section, the trail goes under the 405 freeway and arrives at Moon Park.

Moon Park is a fun little park with a small replica of the moon’s surface. It is a great stop for families. The last section of this trail from Moon Park to the beach becomes beautiful again.

The trail heads up to an elevated pathway that looks down on the river and begins to see the sand that has backed up into the waterway from the ocean. There was a nice wind here and birds flying overhead.

Eventually, the trail crosses its last wooden bridge, and it is a straight shot from here to the beach. These last two miles have you riding along a wide river with beautiful views out towards the ocean.

I was cherishing this section and soaking in the end of a fantastic adventure.

The miles on the path count down here to mile 0, and as you cross under Pacific Coast Highway, you will officially be at the beach.

If you don’t have a ride picking you up and taking you back, then you will need to turn around here and drive the 27 miles back. I had my wife pick me up though, so I only had to go one way. This was a fantastic adventure to have in Southern California, and I am sure I will do it again in the future. Check out the video above to see this ride as a video, and let me know what you think in the comments. 

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Mugu Peak is located in Point Mugu State Park in the western portion of Malibu. This peak is popular due to its short distance and 360-degree view from the summit. It is a tough climb though, but it is worth the effort to see such a fantastic view like this of a different part of Malibu. Here is all the information if you want to do this hike.

Details

• 2.7 miles round trip
• 1200 feet of elevation
• Bring a hiking pole because it is very steep, especially on the way down
• Sign at the trailhead said it was not dog friendly
• Location: 34.09183,-119.06549

Getting There

To get to the trailhead from Malibu, you will head west towards Oxnard and Ventura. As you reach the end of the Santa Monica Mountains, you will see Point Mugu State Park. This trail is outside of the main paid area, so you should get directions to the trailhead from AllTrails or the above coordinates so you don’t miss it. There was a dirt parking area that fit about a dozen cars, but it can fill up quickly on the weekends. It is right along Pacific Coast Highway.

The Mugu Peak Trail

The trail begins from the parking area and immediately heads up. It will be going up all the way to the summit, so be prepared for that.

I underestimated this trail, there are not many switchbacks, and it basically just goes up on a steep dirt path with loose rocks in some sections. It is doable, but not easy.

The trail gives way to nice views quickly as you head up, which makes sense as the ocean is basically right across the street from where you park. 

Getting to the summit is less than a mile and 1,200 feet of elevation, which is why the hike is so tough. That is a lot of elevation gain in such a short period of time.

There are some switchbacks as you head up and not a lot of shade as the plants in this area are pretty short.

The trail eventually hits a large hill that takes you up to the split in the trail. 

From here, it is normally hiked as a loop that goes to the summit and then goes around the front of the mountain to give you great ocean views.

If you want to make it easier but longer, head right and just head back the same way as that is the more gradual way to the summit.

If you want a real test though, head left. This is the way I went first, but it is tough.

Heading left, you will be greeted with a section with no switchbacks that goes straight up the mountainside.  I don’t see this type of thing on trails often, as there are usually switchbacks that make the elevation more gradual. 

It was a steep climb, but I was glad to be doing it on the way up and not the way down.

Once you make it to the top of this section, it gets less steep as you walk the ridgeline and do one more climb to the summit.

The views in this section are particularly amazing as well, looking out over the ocean, PCH, and towards the radar tower on the mountain across from you.

As you cross this last hill, you will see the flag and will be at the summit.

The summit is basically a 360-degree view, and it is pretty spectacular. 

There was a little bench up there to relax at before starting the hike back down. I made a loop of this upper section, so I headed down the other way. 

This section is still steep but nothing compared to the way I came up. The grade gets gradual quickly with a long path that takes you out and around the mountain and provides sweeping views of the ocean and Pacific Coast Highway.

As you make it back near the split, watch for a little spur that takes you out to another fantastic viewpoint. It is about a tenth of a mile, but it is worth it for the perspective shift it gives you.

From here, you will make it back to the end of the loop, where you can start heading back down to the trailhead. 

Take your time in this section as it is steep, and you will be distracted by the views in front of you.

Mugu Peak is a fantastic trail in Malibu, one that will push you but that will reward you at the end as well. I was happy to finally check it off my list, and let me know what you think in the comments. 

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Desert X is a biennial art installation that takes over the Coachella Valley and creates somewhat of an art scavenger hunt throughout the area. The exhibit works with artists worldwide to create works inspired by the desert, its history, and its beauty. This is the third time they have held the event and my third time visiting. I always love finding the different pieces, and you really never know what is in store for you. Here is all the information so you can check it out for yourself.

Details

• Free
• It runs until May 16
• It takes a full day to experience
• Two exhibits require tickets online; reserve tickets on their website

How to see it

I would recommend that you visit the website and download the Desert X app. The app will show you the location of each of the art pieces, tell you more about them and allow you to get directions right to them. You can also stop by the Desert X hub at the ACE Hotel in Palm Springs. There you can ask questions, get a brochure and also buy Desert X merchandise.

Video

Here is a video I made on my trip to Desert X in 2021.

The Art

Here are each of the art pieces that I saw.

What Lies Behind the Walls – Zahrah Alghamdi

The Wishing Well – Serge Attukwei Clottey

The Passenger – Eduardo Sarabia

Women’s Qualities – Ghada Amer

Never Forget – Nicholas Galanin

ParaPivot (sempiternal clouds) – Alicja Kwade

Because You Know Ultimately We Will Band A Militia – Xaviera Simmons

Jackrabbit Homestead – Kim Stringfellow

Tamanrasset – Vivian Suter

Gucci and The North Face

That’s it for this year’s Desert X. Let me know what your favorite piece was in the comments!

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Polar Playground is a fun new spot in Orange County with all sorts of desserts but specializes in fun cotton candy creations. Chances are you have seen their cotton candy on Instagram since there is a line that always starts before it even opens. That being said, it is an enjoyable family friendly experience to do at least once as the cotton candy creations are impressive, and there are a ton of fun characters to choose from. Here is all the information. 

Details

• Closed Monday and Tuesday. Open Wed-Sun from 1-8, but I heard they often cut the line before that if it’s busy.
• Prepare to wait for at least an hour
• Cost: $14 – $17
• Location: 16891 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA 92647

Video

Here is a little video I made from my Instagram about the visit.

 

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Getting There

Polar Playground is located off Beach Boulevard on the way to Huntington Beach. The location is in a nondescript small shopping center on the right side of the road. There is lots of parking nearby. 

The Store

The store is in the back, and there is always a line. On a Wednesday, I got there 10 min before open, and there were already 15 people in line. By the time they opened, there was another 10 behind me, and by the time I left, there were 40 people in line.

I waited for about 25 minutes before I made it inside and could place my order. After ordering, it was another 20 minutes before I actually got my cotton candy. Just be prepared to wait as it takes a while to make the fun creations, and I wouldn’t be surprised if most people waited 1-2 hours on average.

That being said, it was worth the wait, and once you get inside, it is a lot of fun to watch them make each of the cotton candy creations.

They have a dozen or so options that change over the week, but we decided to get Yoda and the Unicorn when we went.

Both of these were impressive, but the unicorn is the most impressive I have seen, especially with its rainbow hair.

After getting my cotton candy creation, I am happy to report that it was tasty. I rarely have cotton candy, so I don’t have much to compare it to, but I enjoyed how each of the colors was a different flavor.

All in all, it is a pretty long experience just for cotton candy, but I think it is completely worth it at least once. Let me know if you get a chance to visit in the comments! Also, note that the cotton candy melts pretty quickly when you leave the store.

The post Polar Playground: Crazy Cotton Candy Art in Orange County appeared first on California Through My Lens.

Joshua Tree National Park is home to hundreds of different mines created over the last century by people looking to strike it big. While most were failures, that didn’t stop people from trying and from creating entire small towns around some of the more popular mines. Many of these can be found in the Old Dale Historic Area, which is outside of Joshua Tree National Park, and we off-roaded out to a few of them to see them for ourselves. Before heading on, note that these mines are accessed via a tough 4×4 dirt road that you need a high clearance vehicle for. Here is all the information on this adventure.

Details

• Outside of Joshua Tree National Park on Old Dale Road
• A remote area with no cell reception and limited traffic
• 4×4 vehicle with high clearance required
• Bring a GPS; it is easy to get lost

Video

Here is a video I made from our trip.

Getting There

The best way to access the dirt road known as Old Dale Road is by entering Joshua tree National Park from the southern entrance and driving into the park for about 15 minutes. You will see a dirt road on your right and a few small signs noting that it is Old Dale Road. From here, your 4×4 journey begins.

Offroading to the Mines

After leaving the main park road, we drove along Old Dale Road for about 8 miles until we saw the remains of the Sunrise Well. 

We explored a little bit before getting back in the truck and continuing to the split with Brooklyn Mine Road.

Brooklyn Mine Road is the road you take to get back to many of the area’s mines. This is also where the road gets tough, and it keeps getting harder the further you go.

It took us about 20 minutes before we were at the next point of interest, the remains of Rose of Peru Mine.

This area had what looked like a stamp mill and a few mine shafts to see.

There were also a couple of buildings that the miners most likely used.

We continued from here in a rough wash, which was hard to follow and hard to traverse.

Eventually, we made it to the Gold Standard Mine’s remains, which is where the road got too rough, and we had to park and walk.

Gold Standard Mine

The Gold Standard Mine has the remains of an old car, a few small buildings, and a completely open mine shaft.

We entered the mine shaft and explored for a while, but be very careful if you choose to enter it as they can be very dangerous.

The mine had a few different splits, but there was not much to see in it.

After finishing exploring, we left the Gold Standard Mine and headed along the road to the Brooklyn Mine. 

Brooklyn Mine

This mining area had an intact house that people use for dispersed camping while in the area.

It also had the remains of a few more houses and some vats that looked like they were used for cyanide. 

Passing all of this, we went up into the hills and found the Brooklyn Mine entrance.

This mine is pretty big, with many offshoots heading up and down and even a few ladders. 

Please be very careful if you enter here, and I would not recommend trusting the ladders at all.

It was a pretty interesting mine shaft to explore, with lots to see.

After leaving the mine, we walked back to where the truck was parked and started the long drive out.

When we got back to Old Dale Road, we decided to take a right and headed up into the mountains.

This was the most challenging part of our 4×4 adventure, but we wanted to drive up to the famous building with the California flag painted on it that many people photograph. 

I enjoyed seeing this spot, especially after seeing how hard it was to get to.

All in all, this was an amazing adventure, one that I really enjoyed. That being said, you need to be very careful if you come out here both in the off-roading aspect and the mines. Let me know what you think in the comments.

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Believe it or not, during the 1950s – 1960s there were 16 Nike Missile Control sights located around Southern California. These were put in place to protect us from any external threats and most are no longer there today. LA-96C was one of these bases and it was preserved by the city and turned into a park. It is an amazing historic spot to explore in Los Angeles and a fun hike for the whole family. Here is all the information.

Details

• 2 miles round trip
• Free parking
• It is basically just walking a dirt road
• Road closes at night
• Location: 17500 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Video 

Here is a video I made of my hike.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFMakRAaRNc

Getting There

To start the hike, you will want to make your way along Mullholand from the 405 Freeway. As you drive the road, you will see a dirt turnoff on the left. This rugged dirt road is only about a quarter of a mile and it takes you to the parking area for the hike. There are about a dozen spots.

You will head past the yellow gate from the parking area and start the short hike to the park.

The hike is on a dirt road with a gradual incline. It is relatively uneventful, but you will see the Encino Reservoir out in the distance along the way.

This is also a popular trail for mountain biking, so you will see many cyclists while there.

Eventually, you will make it to the park and the remains of the missile control site, LA-96C. From the entrance, you will see a guard station and start to see information placards that talk about the history of what you are looking at.

The city park is well preserved and provides an awesome glimpse into California’s military history.

There are many displays around the park that talk about how it was one of 16 Nike Missile Sites during the Cold War and was in use from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s.

The site was used to track any potential incoming missiles that may have threatened Los Angeles during that time period.

There are many things to see here, and it is well laid out and enjoyable to explore.

The highlight for sure is the radar tower that you can climb to the top of.

From the top, you can see all the way to the ocean in one direction and Downtown LA in the other.

After exploring, you simply make the 10 min hike back down to your car. I really enjoyed this short LA hike and I am surprised it took me so long to do it. It is great for the whole family, be sure to check it out, especially if you are a history buff. Let me know what you think in the comments.

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