Photo: www.kylesparks.com
Rowing around on frozen Tenaya Lake in Yosemite, California. 1/12 www.kylesparks.com
Keough Hot Springs, Bishop, California
If you find yourself climbing in the Owens River Gorge, bouldering at the Alabama Hills, or skiing the Sierra during chilly winter months, Keough Hot Springs is a nice place to warm up, soak and shower. Located seven miles south of the town of Bishop, this place offers a warm pool and a hot pool. Check their website for details.
The Alabama Hills area is in the Lone Pine/Mt. Whitney area of the eastern Sierra. Known for rock climbing and bouldering, this area was once used as a backdrop for Hollywood movies.
Area Information from Mountain Project: Alabama Hills
Photos submitted by Darren Odgers. 11/11
Sespe River Trail Swimming Holes
Sespe Wilderness – Willet Hot Springs Trail – Rose Valley
It can be a hot walk in, but if you are in search of a swimming hole, there a few to be found in this area.
The Sespe River Trail, a part of the Los Padres National Forest, begins at the Piedras Blancas Trailhead in Rose Valley. An Adventure Pass is required to park in the parking lot, and pit toilets are located at the parking area. (Adventure Passes can be obtained from the Wheeler Gorge Visitor’s Center.) From the parking area at Piedras Blancas, begin walking the mellow, well-maintained trail and cross a shallow bit of water. Follow the trail and be ready for multiple creek crossings, some of which will require taking off your walking shoes and wading. Other crossings have logs and rocks for a drier crossing.
Little trails leading off the main trail will take you to nice swimming holes in Sespe Creek as soon as one mile from the trailhead. A place that is generally deep for swimming is at Bear Creek Campground, where Bear Creek and Sespe Creek meet. Bear Creek Campground is four and a half miles from the trailhead. Although most of the trail is in the sun, Bear Creek Campground does have good shade. This trail can get very hot in summer months, making the swim all the more satisfying. Early summer some wildflowers can still be seen on the trail.
Directions:
Take Highway 33 to the Rose Valley turnoff. Take it to the Piedra Blanca Trailhead. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Ventura.
Tar Creek:
Submitted by Jeffrey Scott Hanssen
July 2011
This is one of the more spectacular destinations in the Los Padres, and to top it off, it’s only a moderately difficult 2.7-mile hike (5.4 miles roundtrip). From the trailhead, you have an early elevation gain of 120 feet, followed by a 720-foot drop to the final destination. Keep in mind the return uphill climb, if the temperature is high, as if often is in the backcountry. The majority of the trail passes through chaparral and a few scattered live oak, but offers some great mountain vistas.
It’s 2.2 miles from the trailhead to where the trail empties into Tar Creek. As you make the final descent to the creek, you will come to a slightly treacherous spot where the trail has been eroded. The actual trail continues diagonally down the side of the canyon, but many people now take the washed out and steep short cut to the left. As a side note, if you have any idea of taking the trail that goes to the Sespe Creek, it continues opposite Tar Creek where the actual trail comes down, so if you take the short cut, you may miss it. Be warned that the trail to the Sespe is overgrown in places and necessitates negotiating around a landslide. For this hike, you don’t need to worry about that.
Once you arrive at Tar Creek, you have about a half mile (less if you take the shortcut) to the first pools and falls. There is no trail for this portion of the trip, though you can usually spot where others have walked. You’ll be rock-hopping and working your way through bushes, but it’s not too difficult. There is probably more than one way to go. Your challenge will be to find the easiest.
You’ll know when you have reached the destination. There are three gorgeous deep pools in series, with two waterfalls and a natural water slide. Each pool affords several perches on the rocks from which to jump. You can start at the top and work your way to the last pool. If you have tender feet, you should consider wearing some old shoes, as the climb back up, especially from pool 2 to pool 1 is a little difficult.
That’s the end of this hike, though if you are adventurous, I have heard that there is a second falls and pool further downstream, but I’m not advocating that because I have not done it. I think most people will be quite satisfied with the first destination. It really is incredible.
Tips:
From Fillmore, take A Street north. After about 1.1 miles, A Street turns slightly to the left and stops at Goodenough Rd. Turn right here and continue to the end of Goodenough Rd. (gate to the left). At this point, take the road uphill on the right. This is Squaw Flat Rd. It’s then 4.5 miles over a road that is sometimes asphalt, sometime dirt, sometimes narrow (one car width +), sometimes scary, and always bumpy. Plenty of parking is available at the trailhead, some on the left side of the road, where the trail starts, and a very large area on the right. Coordinates for the trailhead are N34 28.816, W118 55.026.
From Fillmore, take A Street north. After about 1.1 miles, A Street turns slightly to the left and stops at Goodenough Rd. Turn right here and continue to the end of Goodenough Rd. (gate to the left). At this point, take the road uphill on the right. This is Squaw Flat Rd. It’s then 4.5 miles over a road that is sometimes asphalt, sometime dirt, sometimes narrow (one car width +), sometimes scary, and always bumpy. Plenty of parking is available at the trailhead, some on the left side of the road, where the trail starts, and a very large area on the right. Coordinates for the trailhead are N34 28.816, W118 55.026.
No special equipment is required. Just bring plenty of water and be cautious at the eroded area where the shortcut down to Tar Creek deviates from the original trail continuing to the right.
Ski & Snowboard at Mountain High
Mountain High is a fun, local place to ski and snowboard. They have night hours, so it’s easier to fit a trip into your schedule. At 6,600 feet elevation, the base of Mountain High is a few miles from the tiny mountain town of Wrightwood. Only a few hours’ drive from Ventura, Mountain High has 16 lifts and 59 trails to ski or snowboard. 14 runs are Beginner, 23 are Intermediate, and 22 are Advanced. The West Resort is the most popular area for snowboarders and some skiers. The East Resort has the longest runs, including Goldrush, the longest run in Southern California, 1.6 miles. The East Resort has the easiest runs and a tubing park. The season generally runs from mid-November through mid-April and the area receives an average snowfall of 180 inches each year.
Photo from Mountain High Webcam, www.mthigh.com
Mountain High Webcams: Live Cams
Mountain High Snow Report
All equipment can be rented at the resort. Rentals
Group and private lessons are offered for children and adults. Lessons
Hours of Operations:
West Resort: Weekdays: 8:30am – 10:00pm / Weekends & Holidays: 8:30am – 10:00pm
East Resort: Weekdays: 8:30am – 4:00pm / Weekends & Holidays: 8:30am – 4:30pm
North Resort: Weekdays: 8:30am – 4:00pm / Weekends & Holidays: 8:30am – 4:30pm
North Pole Tubing Park Weekdays: Weekdays: 9:00am 4:00pm / Weekends & Holidays: 9:00am – 4:00pm
Directions from Los Angeles:
Take Interstate 10, the 60 Freeway or the new 210 Freeway East to Interstate 15 North. Exit Highway 138 West and make a left on Highway 2. You will find Mountain High just three miles past the town of Wrightwood. Travel time from downtown Los Angeles is 90 minutes.
Directions from San Fernando and Antelope Valleys
Mountain High is so close to the Antelope Valley that its night lighting can be seen from Palmdale, Lancaster and the entire surrounding area. From the San Fernando Valley take Interstate 5 to Highway 14 North. Exit Pearblossom Highway 138 East and make a right on Largo Vista. Then follow the signs to Mountain High. Drive time from the junction of Highway 14 and Highway 138 is 45 minutes.
Trail Maps:
Alta Sierra Ski Resort at Shirley Meadows is near Lake Isabella in Kern County and offers 600 feet of vertical descent, two lifts, and a small selection of runs including two beginner, three intermediate, and two advanced ski runs. Adult lift tickets are $37 a day. They have a Tube Park with an automated lift that will take you and your Tube to the top of the Tube Course. So, if there’s some snow, it could make for a fun day only a few hours from Ventura. Snow/Weather Forecast: www.snowforecast.com
Alta Sierra Webcams
Photo Credit: www.altasierra.com
From the Alta Sierra Ski Resort website:
“The Alta Sierra Ski Resort is located approximately one hour from Bakersfield, CA., in the Southern most tip of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The Resort is 7000 ft. in elevation and the weather can get very cold. You will want to dress in layers, with a water resistant jacket, pants, shoes or boots. We recommend that everyone participating in a snow related activity consider wearing a helmet. We offer a small selection of rental helmets on a first come first serve basis, or you can purchase one from our ticket office.
The ticket office is the first building on the mountain and will be your first stop. This is where you will purchase your passes, and purchase any items you may need or have forgotten. Please be aware if you are paying by credit card, we accept Mastercard or Visa. We do not accept American Express, Discover or Personal Checks. You will then proceed to the rental office to pick up your equipment. Be prepared to leave your drivers license which is required as a “deposit”.
Our Ski packages includes: boots, skis, and poles -$20.00 full day or $15.00 half day (starts at 12:30pm). The Snowboard package includes: Board and Boots for $35.00 full day or $25.00 half day.
Our prices for Friday’s are more economical than other days of the week. The Friday Special for children 12 yrs. and under is $50.00 and $60.00 for adults. This includes the lift pass, rental equipment, and a 1 hour lesson. If there are 20 or more in your group, I can give you a 20% discount which lowers the amount to $48.00 for adults and $40.00 for children 12 and under.
We have a charming warming hut that is the perfect place to come in out of the cold. Some people pack a lunch. However, we feel that our lunches are very affordable, and it’s one less thing for you to worry about. We offer breakfast items in the morning, burgers, hot dogs, soups, salads and more as well as a variety of drinks. There are tables set up for you to enjoy your meal inside or two fire pits with seating outside. The warming hut hours are 8:00am – 4:30pm.
Be sure to arrive no later than 10:00 am to assure a close parking spot as well as rentals. You can check our web site: www.altasierra.com for our opening date and driving directions.
Finally, Alta Sierra Ski Resort is a family friendly resort and our goal in every department is to assure a fun filled memorable experience for all our guests!
We hope to see you on the slopes!” From the Alta Sierra Ski Resort website
“Mt Baldy offers all levels of skiing and boarding from the very beginner to the steepest vertical drop in Southern California. 26 Runs Spanning 3 Mountains covering 800 acres with 2,100 Vertical feet. Only at Mt Baldy can you get the full experience. Wide open glades, tree runs, bowls, moguls, groomed runs, cornices and natural wave like quarter pipes. It is a common site to see many of the local riders toting a back pack and riding off into our famous tree runs to grab a bite and take in the views. With all this room Mt Baldy has been developing its terrain park, hits, jumps and rails are all part of the fun.” (From the Mt. Baldy website.)
Skiing at Mt. Baldy (Photo from Mt. Baldy Facebook Page)
HOURS:
Open daily: Monday – Friday 8 am to 4:30 pm
Weekends and Holidays 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
LIFT TICKETS:
First, Mt. Baldy lets you ride for free on your birthday. Guess you have to have a birthday during snowy months, but there you go.
Secondly, this is cool, pre-paid tickets can be purchased online at this link. http://www.shopbaldy.com/
Mt. Baldy Ski Lifts (Photo from Mt. Baldy Facebook Page)
DIRECTIONS:
Mt. Baldy is East of the 57 FWY. & West of the 15 FWY.
Get there via the 210 FWY. and/or the 10 FWY.
Note: There is more than one Mountain Ave. exit of the 210 Fwy. Make sure it is the Mountain Ave exit in the city of Upland and it says Mount Baldy on the Fwy. exit sign
210 or 10 freeway:
Take the Mountain Ave. / Mount Baldy exit from either freeway, which is located in the city of Upland and head North towards the mountains. Mountain Ave. will turn into Mt Baldy Road and dead end into the Ski Area Parking lot. Approx. 16 Miles.
210 Freeway:
Exit Baseline Road, Claremont from the 210 FWY only. When on Baseline go west, to Monte Vista/Padua Ave. Turn North (right) on Padua, follow for a mile to the light. Turn East (right) onto Mt Baldy Rd. Follow the Mt Baldy Rd. for about 7 miles to the Village and another 3 miles up to the Ski lifts. Road will dead end into the ski area parking lot. Approx 14 miles.
Either route there is no gas station once you exit the freeway.
Once on Mt Baldy Rd. follow the road for about 7 miles to the Village and another 3 miles up to Ski lifts. The road will end at the ski area parking lot and parking is free for our customers. At Mt Baldy the ticket office and rest rooms are the only facilities at the parking lot level. You will ride the first chair to the main part of the ski area, where you will find the rental equipment, lessons, rest rooms, restaurant, basket check, first aid, tubing park and the beginner, intermediate and advanced skiing. Most people will ride the chair back down to the parking lot at the end of the day. Remember to fuel up before driving up! There are no gas stations in Mt Baldy. (From the Mt. Baldy website.)
Mt. Baldy, Top of Chair #4 (Photo from Mt. Baldy Facebook Page)
HIKE WENDY TRAIL TO WATERFALLS, Newbury Park, California:
Submitted by Jeffrey Scott Hanssen
View of the falls.
Trip Information:
All the rain we’ve been getting has made the countryside very lush. My son, John, and I, stricken with cabin fever, decided to get out for a hike on this beautiful, sunny day, the last day of 2010. We weren’t the only ones, because there were about 50 cars parked at the trailhead. Our destination was the waterfalls about 1.8 miles in. The trail was a little soggy in places, but easily passable. We were quite surprised when we came upon a rattlesnake in the middle of the trail, a small one, about 2 1/2 feet. I had always operated under the theory that snakes hibernate in winter. Now I know differently. He was a little lethargic though. We waited about a minute until he slowly slithered off the trail. This was a wonderful short hike. The falls exhibited a healthy flow due to the recent rains, but there’s usually some water, even in dry years. The return hike was uneventful – no snakes!
Directions & Tips:
Park on Potrero Rd. at the end of Wendy Dr. in Newbury Park. You will have to go up and down trail a couple of times before you get to the falls, but the only real steep portion occurs near the beginning, just before you get to the windmill. This being a pretty wet year, you will have to negotiate a stream crossing (rock-hopping) at the bottom of the canyon. The spur trail to the falls in not too well marked, though I think there is a sign. After you cross the stream, continue up the trail until you get to the first switchback. Continue straight on the spur trail, only a few hundred yards to the falls. Be cautious climbing over rocks to get to the base of the falls.
Trailhead at end of Wendy Drive at Potrero Road in Newbury Park
Wet winter so far has plenty of water in the stream.
Satwiwa Indian Natural Area
Old Windmill still turning the wind after all of these years.
Recent rains have made for good flow over the falls.
Rattlesnake. We were quite surpoised to see this since it has been quite cold of late. So much for hibernation
Looking back on the old windmill.
Ventura River Trail
Trip Description:
Submitted by Scott Hanssen
I started this trip near the Patagonia store in Ventura. From here, head north on Olive St., cross Main St., making a little jag, continue on Olive until you pass the on/off ramp for Highway 33, then turn left on Rex St. Pick up the trail at the end of Rex St., about 200 feet. The first half of this trip passes through mostly industrial areas. There’s not a lot of interesting or beautiful sites to see, unless you consider the artwork that has been placed along the trail in the form of metal sculptures. Also, if you’re into geocaching, there are plenty of caches here. In about six miles, you reach Foster Park. This is a good place to rest, with restrooms and water available. Shortly after Foster Park, you begin climbing in earnest, though it’s never really too bad, since the path follows the line of a former railroad track. There are some beautiful views along the way, and even a place to jump in the river for a swim, if you’re so inclined. The trail goes all the way to Ojai, but I cut it about 3 miles short to stop at my final destination: Full of Beams coffee shop. This is a great place, with a nice, shaded patio in the back. The return trip is downhill all the way to Foster Park, but after that, the last 6 miles to Ventura can be a little trying if there’s a strong ocean breeze against you. All in all, a great bike ride.
Tips:
The beauty of this trip is that it’s on a dedicated bike/pedestrian trail, so mixing with car traffic is minimal. There are a few cross roads where you need to be alert however, especially Stanley Avenue, which is unbelievably busy, though I have found that most drivers are courteous and will give bikes the right of way.
Resting Place along Trail, Foster Park
Swimming Hole Beside the Trail
Old Debris Dam at Foster Park
Unsanctioned Art Along Ventura River Trail
White Ledge Peak in Distance
Getting Close to the Top
Destination
Full of Beans Patio
Reward
Ventura 1/2 Marathon & 5K on this trail:
Sunday February 13th, 2010
Please join us on Sunday, February 13th for the 10th annual Ventura 1/2 Marathon & 5K. This race takes place along the Ventura-Ojai bike path and has a great atmosphere. Features a fast course on a bike path, technical running tops, great post race food, and a reasonable entry fee. www.Vendurance.com
