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Etiwanda Falls Trail

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NORTH ETIWANDA PRESERVE

NEAR RANCHO CUCAMONGA

Activity: Day Hike, Chasing Waterfalls

3.5 miles, 800′ elevation gain, 2 hour duration, rated Moderate

It’s a steady climb up the foothills towards the mountain.  The hike is straight forward through green hills with the snow capped mountains beckoning, shinning brightly, just beyond. Upon arriving at Etiwanda Falls I discovered that it does not show off as much as other falls.  Only the top portion of it is visible as there is a steep canyon that twists just out of sight.  The only way to view beyond the first two drops would be either via rock climbing harness repelling over the side or maybe a drone.

That being said what is visible is still pretty special.  The winter storms brought plenty of rain and snow, feeding the falls in the most glorious way.  Etiwanda Falls is quite a picturesque setting.  The streams feed it in a broad area adorned with trees and rocks. It really is exquisite.  I did attempt to see more of the falls, but without much success as even spots that a glimpse might be possible it is more or less blocked by the steep canyon walls, trees and brush. 

Always yearning to see what is just beyond I continued passed Etiwanda Falls following the left fork.  What I experienced was a lovely journey along the following stream with only trees and the sound of the rushing water.  It was a beautiful trek to a smaller falls, very calming and delightful.   

I made my way back along the babbling brook to Etiwanda Falls and then headed up the right fork.  There was a good amount of rock hopping involved with multiple crossing to be maneuvered.  My journey up the two different forks of the stream added an additional mile and a half to the hike and a couple hundred extra feet in elevation, but was thoroughly enjoyable.  I will concede that some of that 1.5 extra miles was me walking around in circles trying to find the best way across a couple difficult crossing not wanting to get my feet wet.   The furthest part of my hike did bring me to traces of snow even at these lower elevations.  

There was some graffiti which I absolutely deplore.   If I hear that there is a lot of graffiti I just mark that hike off of my list.  The further I went off the beaten path the more prevalent it became.  I suppose with less people around taggers and gang members can do their evil deeds ruining nature for everyone.   In my pictures and video I did the best I could to avoid the sad sight.  Luckily around Etiwanda Falls itself, where there would be people, it wasn’t too bad. 

Even for a Friday there were a good amount of people on the hike.  My understanding is that ramps up to crowded on the weekends.  There is a descent sized dirt parking lot that on the weekends does fill up.  It costs $3 for half day.  

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Etiwanda Falls
(The only way to see a waterfall is in motion)
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“A waterfall cannot be silent, just as the wisdom! When they speak, the voice of power speaks!” -Mehmet Murat Ildan

Thanks for joining me ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ in the foothills leading up to a beautiful flowing waterfall. The sound of the crashing water is always so wonderful and does so much to bring life into Balance… Thank you Nature! Stay tuned for more by doing a few easy things: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. The menu above will show many or the areas that PBTA travels to in order to bring ideas of adventure to you when you are planning your next outing in Nature. The menu is categorized mostly by location. Each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. If you like the cap I am wearing they are available at my Adventure Wear site: SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Ortega Falls

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Lake Elsinore Area

Activity: Day Hike

Date: March 26th, 2019

1/3 mile, less than an hour in duration, approximately 50′ elevation change, rated Easy

Ortega Falls is in the hills above Lake Elsinore and is part of the Cleveland National Forest. It is just a short walk from the 74 Ortega Highway and you will need an Adventure Pass to park, (so I found out the hard way).

Ortega Falls is a seasonal waterfall so you will not always get to see the cascading water as it tumbles over the rocks. With the rains we have had this winter it was showtime for us and it was spectacular. Ortega Falls is made up of two waterfalls with the second just a little downstream from the first.

Speaking of showtime we had some tight-rope walkers that were doing their thing over the falls. How cool is that? A great water display as well as a circus act!

I will say as I have explored some falls in So Cal there is some tagging and I have tried to take my pics in such a way that it didn’t show them. But it is disappointing to see. I can’t believe people like that are even out in nature.

Sitting at the Ortega Waterfalls.

My Hiking App said the elevation change was only 16’. I would say it is about 50’ especially if you want to get down to the water. It is just a short distance so the falls are very accessible.

 

 

Sky-Walker above the falls. That guy has skills!

First glimpse of the large waterfall!

Peek-a-boo view of the Ortega Falls

Love waterfalls

This shows the second of two falls that make up Ortega Falls.

 

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Spooky Canyon

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MOJAVE TRAILS NATIONAL MONUMENT

AFTON CANYON

Activity: Off-Road, Overlanding, Hiking, Spelunking, Rock Climbing, Scrambling, Camping

Date: 12-22-22

Wow, what an exciting and daring feat! This outing encompassed so many aspects of an thrilling adventure. My son Alec and I were on a Overlanding expedition of Afton Canyon and this was one of the exhilarating excursions as part of that jaunt. Can you tell that I am more than a little enthusiastic about this trek?

So as far as Spooky Canyon… The map that I have attached begins at the Campground that we camped at. The Afton Campground area is about 3.5 miles off the freeway., It’s a good campground with great views, park pit toilets, picnic benches, grills, fire pits and shade coverings. The campground is first come first serve and is $6.

The recommendation is that the dirt road off of the I15 Afton Road Exit is doable for most cars, but if you go beyond that point you should have a high clearance 4×4, as there is sand, dirt, rocks, and water crossings ahead. The map shows the Spooky Canyon Hike as 8 miles, but if you 4 Wheel to Spooky Canyon it is obviously much shorter.

It is a must to have GPS directions as it would be difficult to find the trailhead otherwise. We parked at the railroad tracks, where there is a small bridge, (not to be confused with the train trestle that you pass earlier). We walked under the tiny bridge to get to the Spooky Canyon entrance.

The Canyon is a very cool slot canyon with plenty of twists and turns, rock out cropping and unique rocks formation and walls, with places to squeeze by and scramble over. I don’t know that it ever completely encloses overhead, but it certainly leaves only the most dim skylights in places so that headlamps are a necessity. The hike is most interesting, but where it kicks it up a notch or two is when you arrive at the ropes.

There are a half dozen or so climbing sections that range in 10-35′ in height with one having just a step in between before you begin again, so that one is basically a 60′ drop or so.

My teenage son thought this roped area was the greatest thing ever. It was vertical. You could find footholds and climb up the rope that had spaced out knots and some loops, (and not always in spots that you might need them.) I used a combination of the rope in one hand and a rock handhold in the other and hoped that if the rock handhold came off in my hand that I would be fine with my body weight dangling by one hand on the rope. The first sections going up, (of course up is always easier than going down, which was something that was weighing heavy on my mind, but certainly not the gun ho teen’s), were not too bad. It was the last section that was the most intense as it was higher and was the section that basically had two rather dramatic climbs pieced together.

My son climbed up no problem as I waited to see how that went and wondered was there something up there that worth the effort and dangerous undertaking. All I heard from up above was the crunch of gravel as Alec plodded off down the next corridor. “Alec? Alec?” No response… So I waited about 5 mins and though, Oh the heck with it and started climbing. It would have been nice to have someone there to know if I made it or not… teenagers, lol.

At the top of the climb were more twists and turns of a slot canyon. The roof finally opened up into bright blue sky and I continued along the path of sand, dirt and rocks with steep walls all along. After 10 minutes or so along the route Alec returned to me and accompanied me the rest of the way. The track ended with a scamper up a desert hillside of loose rock to an incredible view of the entire area.

After a snack we headed back enjoying the beauty of this awesome spectacle known as Spooky Canyon. Back to the ropes, only this time it was down, which as I said previously is always harder. Mr. Showboat grasped the rope and leaned back using grip strength on the rope as if he was in a climbing harness, which he was not. I objected to this method saying what if your hand slipped… but to no avail. Then I told him the other problem with your technique is that in the pictures it makes it look like you are just on an incline with a rope instead of vertical, but whatever, lol. We both made it and I will say it was a most energizing and stimulating experience.

Once we exited the canyon there was a long freight train going by which was an excellent sight to observe right in front of us.

For all the action of this cave climb in Spooky Canyon CLICK THE PIC!
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel

Back down the ropes… always harder then going up.
You can’t fall if you don’t climb. But there’s no joy in living your whole life on the ground.

Thanks for checking out this invigorating, interesting and eerily beautiful ‘Spooky Canyon’ hike, with my son Alec and I. We highly recommend this hike although to complete it you should be athletic and fearless. You have to put a lot of trust into the ropes as you are forced to question, how good are the ropes? How long have they been there? Who set them up, tied the knots and how were they placed? So if I was to rename this canyon it would be “Sketchy Canyon”, lol! It did appear that the lines were in descent shape and that whoever put them there knew what they were doing, but still… So that you do not miss out on the rest of the adventure in Afton Canyon please COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go to the menu you will discover that PBTA adventures to many fabulous locations all over this great West of ours. Each location or activity is a separate Website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. Hopefully this expose has encouraged you to plan your own exciting adventure in Nature. It is so important for all of us to take a mental and physical break from the rigors of everyday life with its stresses, routines, and even boredom. Adventures in Nature is what ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’ is all about. Nature heals, it is big medicine. If you need adventure wear I literally have you covered please checkout SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Bane Canyon Extended Loop Trail

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CHINO HILLS STATE PARK

Activity: Day Hike

8 miles, 1,237’ elevation gain, 4 hour duration, rated Moderate

Date: 3-22-22

I discovered that a person that I sail with went mountain biking on the same day I biked at Crystal Cove. She told me that she biked Chino Hills. I had not heard much about this area and was of the opinion that it would be more of a urban type of hike, but decided that I would check it out just the same. My research of the current Spring conditions at Chino Hills State Park made it look intriguing with green rolling hills. I choose a hike that looked like it covered a good amount of ground, but then extended it to be as far away from others as possible, such that I could get that more natural, on my own type of Zen like feel that I seek when I hike.

The best way to get away from it all was to pick something a little steep and higher up then most everyone else would do. If you see my map I went clockwise up to a ridge. The ridge was great as it provided a bird’s eye view of the area, the mountains off in the distance including snow capped Mt Baldy, the rolling green hills all around me, the interior of the park, and unfortunately the sprawl of urbanization, and some power lines which is something I try to get away from when ’Pursing Balance Through Adventure’. Still if I looked where my feet were taking me and glanced off to the green hills to my right then all was good, that is once I got passed the power lines.

Here are some of the particulars in regards to the route. I parked on the street at the corner of Elinvar Dr and Sapphire Rd. Doing this will get you into the park earlier then the 8AM that the drive into the park opens and saves you the cost of parking. If however you park where I did on a Tuesday, on Street Sweeping Day, which is not well marked, and you will get a huge frick’n ticket… Unfortunately I speak from experience.

The asphalt drive into the park is Bane Canyon Drive, so that is the beginning of the trek and it is somewhat steep. At the top of the incline you can go onto dirt hiking trails left or right, I went left and there was a trail sign pointing towards East Fence Line Trail this led up more incline until you make your way onto Bane Ridge. It was cool hiking along this spine and there is even one spot that you are on a sort of a knife’s edge with steep drop offs on both sides. This goes on until you finally take a left turn on to the wide Pomona Trail. Stay on that trail until you see the old windmill. Just in front of the windmill turn right back onto East Fence Line Trail. I pretty much had all of this section to myself which is just the way I like it. The trail will run along a fence line, thus the name and finally empty out on to Long Way Around Trail where you go left. It is a short distance to Corral Trail where you will have some really pretty views as you head downhill. I found some lovely patches of poppies and the green hills and canyon were very special. Once you get down to the bottom of the trail you need to get to the paved road in front of you by taking a short cut little trail or go to the right and then loop back to the left. Up the hill for a scenic view and then turn to the right to the Equestrian area. There is a shaded picnic area there and a bathroom. Go straight ahead up Bane Ridge Trail. You will stay on this trail all the way back to Bane Canyon Drive, the paved road and on out. Along the way through a series of hills, on a winding path, I found more poppies and the Black Mustard was in bloom. This is a sort of day glow yellowish green tinted invasive species, a weed basically, but it certainly adds color in the Spring.

So summing up the area. I was pleasantly surprised by how lovely the park was especially in the Spring when it is so green. The power lines and the urban views from the ridge were a turn off, but otherwise I liked it.

Some Urban Sprawl in the mid-ground, but it is SoCal.
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel CLICK THE PIC
Time is really a gift, so… “Leave the roads and take the trails.” -Pythagore 

Thanks for hiking along with me as I checked out what is a new area for me all in the name of ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. I loved the rolling green hills, the canyons, and the wildflowers. Despite what I mentioned regarding the urban views from the ridge it was fairly remote along the first half of the trek and in one spot maybe even a little wild. I found fresh scat and a half eaten bunny so it certainly wasn’t that tame of a spot. It was a good place to leave the troubles of the outside world and wandering the paths. Nature clears your thoughts and restores some balance and that my friend is what PBTA is about. So stick with me for more healing through nature’s open arms. This can be accomplished simply by doing this: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. The menu is a great resource for you when planning your next outdoor adventure. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. You will find my Pursuing Balance Logo and Mantra on high quality Adventure Wear for purchase at SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Third Stream Crossing via Middle Fork Trail

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SAN BERNARDINO NATIONAL FOREST

CUCAMONGA WILDERNESS

LYTLE CREEK

Activity: Day Hike, Chasing Waterfalls

6+ miles, 1,500’ elevation change, four hour duration, rated Hard

Date: 8-16-21

This is an outstanding outing in nature that has just what you are looking for when you are ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. It has grand alpine scenery with a rugged canyon, picturesque peaks, old growth stands of pine and cedar, a babbling brook and a hidden treasure being a three tier 80’ waterfall that is a little hide and go seek in nature.

The first part of the adventure is just getting to the trailhead. By the way, you will need an Adventure Pass for Parking or other suitable pass for the National Forest. There is about three miles of gravel road that sometimes is pretty torn up depending on when it was last worked on. Many people believe that you need a 4×4, but I would say a truck or SUV with descent clearance would do.

Once the trek is underway there is approximately a mile of switch backs to maneuver and the view gets better with every step. This portion of the trail can be steep with some portions that are rather narrow, dusty and rocky.

You will work up to a forested area with some magnificent trees which is much appreciated on a hot summer day. I would suggest an GPS Map App to follow as finding the actual hidden gem of a falls is not easy. It’s off to the left of the main trail at about the 2nd mile or so, across some dry creek beds, off trail, sort of bush whacking your way in hopes that you are going to find the correct finger heading up. I trusted my intuition while verifying my steps with the GPS Map App. This can be frustrating and not everyone finds their way. I soon was on the path, and when I say path it is not much of a path as you are soon doing some creek crossings, log walking, rock hoping, and scrambling along a glorious little stream. There are some little pools collecting along the way of clear cool water until you lay eyes on the main event a gorgeous 3 tier 80’ waterfall cascading down the rock face to a crystal clear reflecting pool. The water is cold even in the summer, but it feels so good after the hike up. Rejuvenation and relaxation is in order as you soak up this treasure’s bounty.

On my way back I made a bit of a loop dropping down off of the main trail to Stone House Camp a rocky area along a stream with wonderful deciduous shade trees for a reprieve of the afternoon heat. There is only a foundation of what must have been a small stone house and you could pitch some tents here, but it is not really a camp, but still it is a scenic and restful spot. From here you reconnect with the main trail once again making your way back to the trailhead.

Most people love this hike, but not all… some complain of bugs, not finding the falls, being worried of the narrow trail with big drop offs, and the condition of the road to the trailhead. Sounds like paradise and adventure all wrapped up in one ball know as attitude and perspective.

A waterfall needs to be seen in motion. Click here for PBTA YouTube Clip
“Grace is finding a waterfall when you were only looking for a stream.”- Vanessa Hunt

Thanks for joining me chasing waterfalls while ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. This time I really was chasing waterfalls as the last half mile push was off-trail, traipsing about hoping that I was somewhere in the vicinity of the falls. Thank goodness for GPS mapping or I would probably have turned around. I suppose that it is all part of the adventure of finding this hidden gem. The good part of the difficulty is this special spot has not been destroyed and trashed by graffiti as some of our Inland Empire Waterfalls have. Speaking of Adventure, for more profound outing in nature, with me as your host, please complete the following simple tasks: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you peruse the menu above you will discover that PBTA ventures to incredible spots all over the West. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. Please stop by and purchase our top quality Adventure Wear at SHOP APPAREL, such as the shirt on my back. It not only looks great and carries the mantra, but helps support this endeavor.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Cucamonga Peak

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CUCAMONGA WILDERNESS

Activity: Day Hike, Peak Bagging

13+ miles, 8,859’ elevation, 4308’ elevation gain, 8.5 hours, rated HARD

Date: 7-9-2021

Ice House Canyon to Cucamonga Peak Trail is a difficult hike through some of the most scenic territory in Southern California and will give you the impression that you are in the Sierras. This area is my favorite in SoCal because you have so many options. Ice House Canyon leads up to a saddle which branches off in different directions to multiple hikes that will wet your hiking palette. It is a gorgeous hike up a wonderful tree lined trail, along a flowing stream in view of mountain tops in close proximity.

Once at the saddle you head on up to Cucamonga Peak taking in the views of the neighboring mountains Timber Mt and the Three T’s, Bighorn Peak, Ontario Peak, Mt Baldy and farther off in the distance the other direction you can catch glimpses of Modjeska Peak/Saddleback Mt, San Gorgonio, and San Jacinto.

I love to stop and talk to fellow hikers and learn about their adventure. Along the path I met a young woman, Vivian, who has summitted Cucamonga Peak 48 times! She was proposed to on Cucamonga Peak and as a matter of a fact she informed me that the following weekend she would be married there and in attendance will be hiking friends. How cool is that?  And she just got back from Mount Whitney. 

Along the way if you are observant you might spy an Old Abandon Gold Mine started in the boom of the 1860’s. Lytle Creek Mine starts out a small hole in the ground that you have to shimmy into on your hands and knees and then it opens up so you can stand. It has several passage ways ending in a mind shaft that goes straight down, so mind you step and bring a good light if you DARE to explore. This probably was not the best idea since I was alone with only a IPhone to light my way, but I wasn’t expecting an old creepy abandon mine to tempt me. I did alert my safety group that I was about to do something crazy. I have a group of friends that are hikers, follow any trekking adventure of mine with detailed info on the trip, where I would be, when I start, and when I plan to finish. If I am in cell service they can track me with an APP. If I am not in cell service, which many times I might not be except if on top of a mountain, then they will know my last location that I did have cell coverage. I spent 15 minutes or so spelunking, and then gave my safety group the all clear of the mine.

The trek up the mountain is not an easy one, and it is long, so it is not for those just starting to do some hiking even if you are tempted by the sounds of adventure, discovery, nature, with alluring mountain vistas that spill out before you to revamp and rejuvenate. In other words this is a first rate hike that certainly can fit the bill of ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. Such an adventure can act as an equilibrium between the workaday world and it’s stresses and pitfalls – freeing ones soul in nature. But… you should be in good physical shape, carry plenty of water and snacks, equipped with good sturdy hiking footwear, and trekking poles are a good idea. (if you are doing this in Winter then that is a whole other ball of wax and I suggest reading about my first Winter trek in this area, in deep snow, Bighorn Peak and also Hiking in Snow.)

Once on top you will want to spin around belting out the theme to the ‘Sound of Music’. Take some time and hike around the top a little and take in the astounding views in every direction. Pose with the summit sign on the cliff overhang and just take a load off… if only for awhile.

I stopped and passed the time with this young women who was engaged atop Cucamonga Peak and would be married on the summit next weekend. How unique is that?!
  • Would you crawl in a small hole in the ground?
  • Light at the end of the tunnel.
British Young Women loving life on Cucamonga Peak
Cucamonga Peak 8,859’, Wikipedia has it at 8,862’ maybe that is if you stand on that rock in front of the ledge I am on, lol.

Sometimes you just need an adventure to cleanse the bitter taste of life from your soul.

The Tree was barking out commands to me. It suggested to me to be ”Pursuing Balance Through Adventure”.

Thanks for joining me on this exquisite journey to the top of one of the tallest peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains, and certainly one of the most beautiful trips around. For more adventures be sure to do the following: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. The menu above will have many different locations in the West that PBTA travels to in the pursuit of finding balance in life through nature and adventures in it. You just might find yourself in need of this type of freedom. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. For the appropriate adventure wear for such a pursuit please click here: SHOP APPAREL where you will find top quality gear with the PBTA logo and mantra.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Ontario Peak

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San Bernardino National Forest

Cucamonga Wilderness

Near Mt Baldy Village

Activity: Peak Bagging, Day Hike

13 miles, 3888’ elevation gain, 6.5 hour duration, rated HARD

Date: 6-18-21

This hike starts out through Icehouse Canyon. This is a favorite of mine. The trek is not only beautiful as you hike along a babbling brook, through green lush timber and undergrowth, but the trail gives the hiker multiple options once you reach the saddle.

From the Icehouse Saddle you can make your choice to turn around as this is a destination for many hikers, or head up to Timber Mt, which is only about a mile further. If you are looking for a long adventure then take on the Three T’s, (which is on my To Do List), Timber Mt, Telegraph Peak, and Thunder Mt. In the same direction as Ontario Peak is Big Horn Peak which I did in the snow, this added a whole different experience altogether. Another option is Cucamonga Peak, yet another thrilling and epic adventure.

I invite you to checkout my previous posts on Timber Mt and Big Horn Peak as they will go into more detail regarding the beginning of the hike through Ice Box Canyon.

You will need a Adventurers Pass or National Forests Pass to park, also you need to fill out a permit, which is no charge at the trailhead. The parking lot was pretty full at 6:30 AM. There was a good amount of hikers heading up Ice Box Canyon.

A fast hiking young woman passed me and just afterwards alerted me to the rattlesnake that had just crossed the path. There was no denying this was indeed a poisonous snake, the stripes and the tale tail rattle, which by the way it did not make a sound. It was secluded under a bush within striking distance. I was filming as two hikers went by. I told them about the venomous viper.  They joked, “Now you are the third guy.” They went on to explain the comment.  The first guy wakes the snake up, the second guy pisses it off and the third guy gets bit.  

The bugs were out. Luckily they stayed mostly around the relatively short lush section that follows the stream up.

I always enjoying meeting folks along the path and hearing about their experience not only on this trail, but other adventures they have taken. I had a great talk with outdoorsman Blake on a bunch of peaks I haven’t hit yet.   More adventures for my To Do List.

I met a fit young woman who has become infatuated with hiking this year and has tackled some incredible peaks right out of the starting gate. We laughed about the false peak we encounter just when we thought that we had finally reached the top. I spent the rest of the afternoon with my new hiking friend Alicia hearing about her recent conquest of peaks, and imparting my knowledge regarding some of the experiences I have enjoyed.

Once on top the experience is almost surreal. The views are simply outstanding! Perched atop some boulders, next to an ancient and majestic tree, which is iconic for this hike, I enjoyed a snack before heading back to civilization feeling a little more Balanced. Of course that is the goal when ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’.

This video on my PBTA YouTube Channel is where you can get glimpses of the deadly rattler as it slithers through the underbrush right on the trail.
“What a glorious greeting the sun gives the mountains. – John Muir

Thanks for joining me on this peak bagging excursion. This was a good one. It is one of the Six Pack of Peaks for Southern California, and thus a major accomplishment for the area. It was a stupendous adventure the kind of outing that brings things back into balance, counter acting the noise of the everyday world with the quite serenity of such a special place. The mountains can do that sitting quietly on a peak overlooking the busy life below. Fresh mountain air with a hint of evergreen, exercise, a feeling of peace, views that have that “WoW” factor- pretty cool indeed. For more pretty cool stay tuned and you can do that by a few simple tasks: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you go to the menu you will find the different locals that PBTA treks to each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. If you like my shirt, and my hat then go to SHOP APPAREL for all of your Adventure Wear needs. It’s all top quality and it carries the mantra logo.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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San Antonio Falls

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ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST

Activity: Day Hike, Chasing Waterfalls

1.5 miles, 275’ elevation change, 45 minute duration, rated Easy

3-2-21

San Antonio Falls is fed from the snow melt of Mount San Antonio also know as Mount Baldy. That being said, the best time to view the falls with the most flow would be late Winter or earlier Spring. The delightful 80’ falls has several tiers to it as it takes a couple twists and turns.

The hike starts where you park just a little past Manker Flats Campground. It is a short jaunt and although there is some incline it is a fairly Easy hike. If you decide to climb down to the actual base of the falls there maybe a little scrambling to be had. If it appears too tough look around there might be a little easier route than the one that you chose.

On this day I combined this hike with that of nearby Stoddard Peak. In my opinion, both hikes are a little short, but combining the two made for a perfect outing. If you are hiking the aggressive trek to the Mount Baldy then you may need to soak your feet at the falls.

Waterfalls are in beauty in motion and need to be viewed that way. Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel.
Life is like a waterfall – always moving.

Thanks for joining me ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’ while chasing waterfalls near Mount Baldy. What better place to find that balance between the craziness of the real world filled sometimes with turmoil, strife, and struggle, but always busy- sometimes to the point of chaotic, sometimes life is dull and mundane- explore the other side of the pendulum… go kayaking, surfing, mountain biking, skiing snowboarding, sailing, hiking, backpacking, or in this case just sit quietly with nature next to a waterfall. The sound, the earthy smells, the lite spray on your face, the water tumbling and cascading down to the cool pool below. To continue this journey of balance through profound adventures in nature: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. Look the part as your wander through nature with PBTA Adventure Wear. It is top quality and carries the mantra. Look for it at SHOP APPAREL. For ideas of adventure go to the menu above. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Stoddard Peak

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ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST

Activity: Day Hike, Peak Bagging

6 miles, 4590’ elevation, 1145’ elevation gain, >4 hours duration, rated Moderate

Date: 3-2-21

A fun hike in the Angeles National Forest in the Mount Baldy area is Stoddard Peak. Early on the mostly double track trail passes some cabins on private property, but it fine to travel through on foot.

The best thing about this hike is marveling at all the beautiful mountains that surround you. The first portion of the hike is cool and shady through an oak grove as well as some evergreen trees along the journey. From there it opens up to magnificent green mountains. The hike transitions at the crossroads. Pay attention so as not to miss the entrance into the bush. It is here that the trek goes from an easy moderate incline along a double track trail to a steep single track path. The route is challenging with loose dirt and rocks in some spots and hard pack with slick gritty sand in areas, so watch the footing. Turning an ankle or taking a spill is a quick way to ruin an otherwise excellent day. Once the ridge line is made nature takes center stage with the fabulous mountain vistas. There are two false summits, but stay the course. Once atop Stoddard Peak the views are even more amazing to include Mount Baldy and Sunset Peak, which I have climbed previously.

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Inhale peace, exhale stress, inhale calm, exhale worry, repeat.” – Cassy Arch

I hope you enjoyed this journey to Stoddard Peak in the Angeles National Forest while ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’. The idea of PBTA is to help you find yourself during a journey of self discovery, to gain a feeling of peace and contentment, through the immersion of bold experiences in nature. (Wow, that is a mouthful. It might take reading that a couple times to digest.) To find that sweet spot between the routine of responsibility and wild abandonment. In order to start down this path please LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you explore the menu above you will discover many places that PBTA travels to and while they are not Nirvana: a state of perfect happiness, an idyllic place, they certainly are pretty close to the mid point we are seeking between that and the drab monotony of our every day routine in this fast paced, crazy mixed up world. If we are to indeed find that midpoint to Nirvana then we will need a hat and shirt proudly displaying our mantra. You can find that at SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails,

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

Uncategorized

Bighorn Peak

3 Comments

CUCAMONGA WILDERNESS

ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST

Activity: Snow Hiking, Snow Peak Bagging 

12 miles, 8441’ elevation, 3619’ elevation change, 10 hour duration, Rated HARD 

Date: 2-17-21

This is the hardest hike I have ever done. Well, except Mt Langley, a 14’er, as that was a killer and the altitude wiped me out.  The hike to Bighorn Peak is serious in the winter. I took on this challenge with trepidation. I really didn’t want to do this alone especially because of the snow and ice, but then again I got to go at my own pace and to really absorb nature.  The snow trek to Bighorn Peak is long, it is hard, it’s got altitude, it has elevation gain and did I mention snow and ice?  There are steep slopes that make having micro spikes a must. I have new really nice winter hiking boots, and micro spikes and they were essential.

My plan was to go to the first of the two peaks, Bighorn Peak and see how that went. If I felt good then back track and head for the second higher Ontario Peak. Without snow and ice this could be an 8 hour trek. I was soon to discover that hiking in snow is much more difficult and time consuming then I even allowed for especially on a steep incline when you want to be sure of each and every step. So needless to say, one was more than enough.

Sporadic snow and ice on Icehouse Canyon Trail going up, (Ice on Icehouse, go figure…), but nothing that good boots and trekking poles couldn’t handle, that being said use caution. The two times the trail seemed sketchy is because it was, in-fact I got off trail. Checked GPS and back in line.  I zigged when I should have zagged on a couple of the switch backs.  

This would be a tough, long, arduous exploration.  I had only enough experience hiking on steep snowy mountainsides to know that I should indeed embrace that feeling of caution. My first such outing was with my friend Dexter on Blue Ridge Trail near Wrightwood.  We did not have micro spikes or snow shoes, but just tromped a foothold in the snow on an exposed mountainside.  That hike would have been simple in the summer, but not covered in snow where at times we sunk up to our knees.   

I was in the wilderness trudging through the snow to a peak that not many people get to this time of year.  How do I know?  I did see a few folks on the Icehouse Canyon Trail leading to the Icehouse Saddle, not many however, although true enough it was midweek. From Icehouse Saddle the trails could go in 5 different directions as far as hikes. I did not see anyone going up to Bighorn and Ontario Peaks, which was all snow. The prints in the snow heading up past the saddle were very few.

There is a portion of the hike once I made the ridge where I was traipsing along a knife’s edge, with a dangerous and deadly drop, plus the wind was blowing in the direction of the cliff, which kept me on guard.

It was slow going in the snow and the steep, making my journey much more difficult than anticipated.  I was glad to have my new waterproof insulated hiking boots and micro spikes, which definitely was the only way this could have been done.  A large portion of the trek is on a very steep embankment, the kind that you just keep sliding.  I learned some things about hiking in snow and I happily impart that new found knowledge in a post on ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ Hiking and Backpacking 101, “Hiking in Snow.”

From the ridge to the summit provided amazing views of Ontario and Cucamonga Peaks, (both are on my list to climb), that is once the clouds parted. There were sweeping vistas to delight in the opposite direction as well. Snow capped Mount San Antonio aka “Mt Baldy” glistened in the sunshine, the Three T’s: Thunder Mountain Telegraph Peak, and Timber Mountain, (I have already summited Timber Mt), standing like silent sentries to the right are also on my To Do list.

After the ceremonious Selfie Summit Shot, and a quick snack I headed down. Some people think that going down is the hardest part. Since the cardio portion is eased dramatically I am not one of those people, unless… there is snow. Going down is just as hard, and just as slow because of the tromping in the snow, and when you add the slippery slope and having to be sure of your footing it is more difficult. Then throw into the mix that the afternoon sun now was softening the hard pack snow. I was now stepping through my earlier frozen boot prints and instead of being on top of the snow I was now deep in the snow sometimes to my knees and in some snow drifts even higher. The snow hiding the trail, made it tricky to find the way. I got off trail more than once and that usually meant deeper snow. It was all part of the adventure, but made for a more extended day then I had intended. I was spending more time which also meant that I was expending more energy.

I started rationing my water, so I was probably somewhat dehydrated, add new boots, and overexertion and this all led to feet cramps afterwards in the middle of the night. So a word of caution bring a few extra hours of water with you on a snow hike, and plan on it being way longer than you expect. But have fun and enjoy the journey because this is what ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’ is about.

  • A bit of snow to be sure at backcountry campsite Kelly Camp. I will have to keep this spot in mind for backpacking.
  • Bighorn Peak Summit 8,441’
  • Mt Baldy is the nickname for Mount San Antonio.
  • Neighboring Cucamonga Peak
  • In the background is Mt Baldy and the Three T’s: Thunder Mt, and Telegraph Mt are all on my list. I have summited Timber Mt.
  • Ontario Peak to the Left and Mt Baldy on the Right. I have my sites on both.
“When you see someone putting on his Big Boots, you can be pretty sure that an Adventure is going to happen.”
-A.A. Milnie

Thanks for joining me trudging through the snow up to the Bighorn Peak while ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’. Wow, that was a good one, mostly because it was a challenge, it was something new, and it was exciting- said another way it was ‘Pursing Balance Through Adventure’. I hope that you can get inspired to push your envelop a little bit. Speaking of inspiration there are lots of great places to go find yourself. If you look at the menu above you will see the many places that PBTA travels to throughout the West. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. Speaking of following that is a great segue into please FOLLOW, COMMENT, LIKE and SHARE in order for us to have more bold experiences in nature together in the future. Please stop by SHOP APPAREL to support this site and more importantly find some great Adventure Gear.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure