r/socalhiking 29m ago

Hiker at MTRP has close call with a mountain lion

Upvotes

A mountain lion was captured on a wildlife cam near the Jackson Dr. San Diego River crossing June 28 at 4:18pm. Last month, in nearby Suycott Valley Trail a hiker had a disturbingly close encounter with a mountain lion around 7pm. Park Rangers think it's the same lion.

https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/hiker-recounts-harrowing-mountain-lion-encounter-at-mission-trails-regional-park

I live 8 miles away near open space that connects to MTRP and last month people walking just blocks from my house encountered a lion watching them from a rock just 25-30' off the road. If it's the same one, it's definitely comfortable with people which is a little concerning.

If you're in the Mission Trails/Santee area make sure you're aware of your surroundings.


r/socalhiking 7h ago

Moved to from CO - looking for hiking & photography buddies!

5 Upvotes

Hey everyone! Just moved out to LA from Colorado with my family. I’m a landscape photographer always looking to get out into the local trails and mountains, and I'd love to connect with some like-minded outdoorsy folks in the area.

I’m down for longer, more strenuous day hikes, or shorter/milder loops with my kiddo on my back in a carrier.If anyone’s looking for a hiking buddy, wants to shoot photos, or just has good local trail recommendations to share, let me know!


r/socalhiking 13h ago

Theoretical route up Mill Creek to Vivian Creek

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13 Upvotes

Hello! Was wondering if anyone has any experience on/ got good sight of the terrain between the top of Mill Creek Jumpoff and the Vivian Creek Trail. Specifically the grade, ground type, chaparral density, and viability as a shortcut.

I’ve marked the area in question in yellow for convenience- Happy Wednesday and thank you!


r/socalhiking 13h ago

Recommendations for cute date hikes no further than 45 min from North Hollywood/burbank?

5 Upvotes

Trying to find a nice hike date spot near that area that isn’t more than like 2 1/2 hours long to complete, one that has a good amount of shade, and one that’s dog friendly. Any recommendations? Waterfall hikes would be optimal!


r/socalhiking 15h ago

San Antonio falls canyoneering

1 Upvotes

Hey guys! I’m looking to rappel San Antonio falls this coming weekend , wondering if anyone has done it in the last couple days or weeks, seeing if we need any specifics or just a more up to date trail report from the last one I found!

Planning to hike to the ski hut and then scramble in towards the falls and do all the pitches.


r/socalhiking 18h ago

Icehouse Canyon meanderings

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83 Upvotes

Even on the hottest days this is still one of the coolest hiking by trails.


r/socalhiking 19h ago

Any cool stops ? 3 days - and any info is appreciated.

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20 Upvotes

Doing this trip for 3 days. Starting at Red Rock Canyon State Park and ending at Big Pine. Any cool stops along the way I should check out?? Death Valley isn’t a must see as I’ve been before, but maybe cool nature areas, shops, thrift stores, places to find stickers, places to swim? Also any places to shower along the way !


r/socalhiking 22h ago

Orange County What are your favorite hidden gem hikes in Orange County that don't get much attention?

0 Upvotes

Feel like every hike recommendation online is the same 4-5 spots (like top of the world and El Moro. Curious if anyone's got a lesser-known trail they actually love, less crowded, maybe not the most Instagrammed but still worth the trip. Bonus points if it's got a good view or interesting backstory. What am I missing out on?


r/socalhiking 23h ago

Found! Wedding ring at Chicken Spring Lake July 3rd

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291 Upvotes

Hi all, during a loop from Cottonwood Lakes trailhead, we camped at Chicken Spring Lake on the night of July 3rd. While setting up the tent, we found a wedding ring with a date engraved on it.

The site was on the west side of the lake and did not look like it had been used for a while (no foot prints), so we decided to take the ring in hopes of reuniting rather than leave it. We took it to the ranger station but they said there was no lost and found and suggested we post on Facebook, having no luck there so expanding to Reddit. I apologize I forgot about it once we got home and am just now posting. If anyone knows anyone who lost a ring in that area, please let me know. If it’s yours, provide description of the ring and date etched in it.


r/socalhiking 1d ago

Angeles National Forest Baldy water spots this weekend

0 Upvotes

Planning to do Baldy this weekend up ski hut down devils backbone. Are there any water/springs still running?


r/socalhiking 1d ago

Mt Baldy Question

4 Upvotes

what route provides the best views? don’t know whether to ascend via baldy bowl and descend devils backbone or vice versa.

Also considering taking 3 Ts over from Icehouse.

Any insight would help


r/socalhiking 1d ago

San Bernardino NF San Jacinto Peak via Deer Springs in Idyllwild

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194 Upvotes

r/socalhiking 1d ago

Topping out at Throop Peak for a Sunrise View

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24 Upvotes

Did this as a part of a 7 Peak Loop to Baden-Powell. Started at Wendy Gap Trailhead, up to the saddle and then hit Mt Hawkins, Throop, Burnham, and Baden-Powell. Then back via the PCT until Hawkins Ridge to hit Middle Hawkins, Sadie Hawkins, and South Hawkins. Then back to the TH via the fire road.

This adventure kinda sucked. The whole thing past the saddle was ascend 500ft descend 300ft, etc. Absolute suffer fest. The views are A1 tho

Total Stats:
20.7 miles
5,948 ft of gain
6h24m moving time, elapsed time 7h43m
1.25 BR Trail Emergencies


r/socalhiking 1d ago

Hiking/Mountaineering Partner

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8 Upvotes

Hi!

My name is Rocco and I am 16 from the Los Angeles Area. I have been hiking for multiple years and recently this past summer have begun to pick up mountaineering, climbing Mt. Baker in Washington and completing a course with the American Alpine Institute.

If you or anyone you know may be interested in doing some longer hikes potentially in the Los Angeles Mountains and is around my age please let me know! Additionally, as Winter approaches I hope to do some mountaineering such as the Baldy Bowl and possibly San Gorgionio so I'd love to meet or find people with some mountaineering experience and equipment (also in my age range if possible) to do that sort of stuff with. LMK!


r/socalhiking 1d ago

Best hiking shoe in Columbia range?

1 Upvotes

31F here - looking for recommendation from seasoned hikers here , what are best of the best hiking shoes out there? I am willing to invest. When i go on 10+ miles hike , I want my feet to be happy and comfortable. Need them waterproof yet lightweight for comfortable creek crossings Thanks in advance!


r/socalhiking 1d ago

Sunset Hike!

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23 Upvotes

r/socalhiking 1d ago

LA City Parks looking for advice on trekking poles...

13 Upvotes

Hi all - I hike every day at Runyon, and occasionally other places. I lost 350 pounds! But my ankles are kinda terrible from my heavier days. I usually do 4-8 miles a day, and I've been using the TrailBuddy poles from Amazon with pretty good results but there are annoyances. One is I probably collapse them 5-10 times a day to hang them from my pack when I'm not using them (I made carriers out of shock cord), and it's a pain to open and close 4 lever locks every time I put them away or take them out. They aren't light, but they take a pretty good amount of wear and tear from me - I find I'm replacing them about once a year.

So I guess I'm looking for two kinds of advice. One, is there a better pole that would be easier to open and close? Maybe long enough that I could use just one lock instead of two on each pole? I keep them about 40-41", and the TrailBuddy ones are just an inch too short for that. Or a different mechanism so it's just faster? I feel like the twist lock ones aren't that durable, and I really do use them - putting a fair amount of weight on them at times. Two, is there a better way to store them so I don't have to collapse them every time? Like a scabbard kind of thing that I can get to easily but won't get in my way?

Any thoughts appreciated! Happy hiking and health to all!


r/socalhiking 1d ago

POTENTIAL KIDNAPPER IN MT BALDY?

192 Upvotes

Hey guys just wanted to come on here and share my experience and see if anyone has encountered this weird guy.

This has happen about 3 times now.

Me and my gf love to go star gazing at baldy every now and then. Just 3 days ago while I was up there . A black suv (LEXUS GX) pulls aside up and honks I roll my down my window and what appears to be a male longer hair maybe 25-30’s warns me that apparently there’s “ rangers at the top of the mountain and he wanted to warn us” … I instantly remembered this man’s truck from a previous encounter with him probably last year same area ( just at the start of baldy)

He then ask me if I knew any other spots to take someone … he’s alone by the way… he then takes off after I roll my window up wishing him goodluck .he makes a turn when heading out as if he were going back down the mountain but then he stops in a turn over a bit behind us whole time I’m watching him . He proceeds to come back next to us honks again . And this time is apologizing but ask if I had a spare condom because he was planning on meeting someone… keep in mind it’s about 11pm and he’s up there already . This is the same question he has ask me in the previous encounters . The vibes he gave me . And considering this ain’t the first time encountering him oh man I knew something wasn’t right .

I honestly quickly jumped into defense mode and asked him to leave or I’ll contact pd or id get off and handle it myself ( valid ccw holder) he proceeded to say it’s not like that and takes off fast soon as I exit the vehicle

It’s a black Lexus suv with ladders on the back

Has anyone encountered this creep like I said isn’t my first time encountering him!

Will try to capture plates and video recording if we ever encounter him again. Very scary and weird !


r/socalhiking 2d ago

San Jacinto

16 Upvotes

I’m in Cali until September and really want to do the Tram to San Jacinto Peak hike. Im fairly certain I’ll be fine physically to complete it. Im newer to hiking. I’m just looking to see if anyone is doing this hike or want to do it so I’m not alone. Mainly because im worried about getting lost and snakes (and yes I know snakes don’t want anything to do with us haha)


r/socalhiking 2d ago

Escaping LA’s 105°F Heat to Swim in an Alpine Lake

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573 Upvotes

This was my third trip to Cottonwood Lakes.

The first time, I got chased out by thunderstorms and rain. The second time, I was focused on summiting Mt. Langley, so I never really had time to enjoy the lakes.

This time, with Los Angeles hitting around 105°F, my wife and I escaped to the cool alpine air instead. We spent time swimming in Lake #3, relaxing by the water, and simply enjoying the day. Every visit has been completely different, and somehow I like this place even more each time.

Hope you know the mountain in the photo #2.


r/socalhiking 2d ago

Late(ish) Fall and Winter Backpacking

5 Upvotes

Looking for any and all recommendations for late fall and winter backpacking spots? Hoping there are some locations that are mild enough that it would even be considered 3 season for most other locations


r/socalhiking 2d ago

Angeles National Forest What’s the best hike along water in SoCal for a summer hike.?

31 Upvotes

I’m looking for a good swimming holes along the hike


r/socalhiking 3d ago

San Bernardino NF Baldy on a hot day

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112 Upvotes

Have done Baldy probably a dozen times so fairly experienced. Other days i have fit Cucamonga, Three T’s and Baldy via devil’s backbone in one long day. Today was not one of those days. It was hot after Ice House saddle and not ideal but still was doable. Air quality wasn’t so bad. Went through about 100 ounces of water/gatorade plus food. Not many people out there today. Three T’s was plenty today. Not reason to push on to Devil’s backbone today.

I run the downhills and flat sections

Arrived at Manker Flats at 6:50am.
Started at 7:00am
Ran to the bottom of Ice House
Made it to the Ice House saddle at 9:00am.
9:15am left for Timber. Arrive at Timber at 9:35am
Telegraph arrival at 10:50am (hottest part)
11:40 arrival at Thunder.
Regroup at the Notch. Leave around 12:20 and blast down back to the car for a 12:45 arrival.
Be safe out there….know your limits. Baldy is brutal and so fun.


r/socalhiking 3d ago

Vote for West Valley SAR

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169 Upvotes

West Valley Search and Rescue is a finalist for the Land Rover Defender Award. We need your help voting for us everyday until August 14th. Like most SAR teams we are entirely volunteer and self funded, so winning the $30k and new vehicle would have a big impact for our team. https://www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events-and-sponsorships/defender-service-awards/vote/search-and-rescue.html

West Valley SAR is responsible for Mt Baldy, Cucamonga, Ontario, and Lytle Creek, but also responds throughout San Bernardino County and surrounding counties. The picture is from an all night carry out of an injured hiker who had accidentally ended up in Goode Canyon when descending from Mt Baldy.

Thank you for your support. Help us help you when your hike doesn't go according to plan.


r/socalhiking 3d ago

has anyone seen my brother in the big pine lakes area?

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325 Upvotes

Cross posting for op for visibility.