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Jul 30, 2023 : Danielle Parsons
Bloggers
Stunning Backpacking Trips in Southern California
Escape the city traffic and head out for a night under the stars
1. Estrella Camp in the Silver Peak Wilderness
Trail: Start at the Salmon Creek TH off of Highway 1 and hike to Estrella Camp
Length: 7 miles out & back
Elevation gain: 2,000 ft
Highlights: Lounging by the enormous waterfall at the beginning of the trailhead
Yes.. that is whip cream…some things are worth their weight in gold
2. Cone Peak
Trail: South Fork Campground in the Sierra National Forest
Length: 16 miles loop
Elevation gain: 5,000 ft
Highlights: Appreciating the solitude of being one of the few people on trail
3. San Jacinto
Trail: Hike from Devils Slide Trail to Round Valley Campground, with the option to summit San Jacinto peak weather permitting
Length: 20 miles out & back
Elevation gain: 3,000 – 5,000 ft
Highlights: Finding the “Hidden Lake”, which is actually a unique forest vernal pool
Forest Vernal Pool
Can you spot the rattler?
4. Barker Valley
Trail: South Fork Campground in the Sierra National Forest
Length: 8 miles out & back
Elevation gain: 1,200 ft
Highlights: Appreciating San Diego’s backcountry wilderness
The trail goes through an ancient old growth tunnel of Red Shank chaparral
Fields of Goldfields (Lasthenia californica)
Don’t forget to Leave No Trace, read all regulations for the park you will be in, and check the weather forecast before setting off on your journey. Happy Trails! – Dendrophile Danielle
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