On the banks of the Merced River in Yosemite, my children are at play and they learn and experience what it is to hike into a place for such a reward. There’s something about being at the base of a river or immersed in the movement of it that renews you and washes you for a new beginning.
Ridge after ridge, the mountains here are large and small just to sweep out before you both far and wide. At this fire lookout station, the range of view contributes to the protection of this wilderness.
Worn and tattered, some of the largest and oldest trees remain in the San Gabriel wilderness only standing to weather the storms, the winds, and the harsh conditions imposed upon them. Erosion by wind and heat, the exposure carves character into the landscape and its features.
From one end to another, traversing the Kratka Ridge of the San Gabriel mountain range leads you to incredible and awe-inspiring views. Whether it is the journey, the destination, or both, the beauty is but a shadow of new inspiration to come. Following the path laid before you to guide along a way of renewal and wonder.
Throughout the heights of the San Gabriel Mountains, there are places of off-trail access with careful navigation and planning. There are numerous ridges, peaks, canyons, and valleys that lead you from destination to destination. Along the way, there are unforgettable features that capture the imagination.
The depths of this gentle canyon are blanketed with chaparral, granite and stone. Within the San Gabriel mountains the Winter gives way to Spring and what comes forth is bountiful and lush vegetation.
In the Cucamonga Wilderness, there are places of refuge and mining exploration. Some of these places are dark and damp. Other places are outright dangerous and terrifying.
Worn and tattered, some of the largest and oldest trees remain in the San Gabriel wilderness only standing to weather the storms, the winds, and the harsh conditions imposed upon them.
Heavier and colder air sinking below peak after peak within the San Gabriel mountain range. A cascading scene of mist and mountain from one range to the next. From front-country to the back-country wilderness, elevation changes accompany the settling of heavier air carrying particles of moisture.
Throughout the heights of the San Gabriel Mountains, there are places of off-trail access with careful navigation and planning. There are numerous ridges, peaks, canyons, and valleys that lead you from destination to destination. Along the way, there are unforgettable features that capture the imagination.
The depths of this gentle canyon are blanketed with chaparral, granite, and stone. Within the San Gabriel mountains the Winter gives way to Spring and what comes forth is bountiful and lush vegetation.
All the while from the trailhead, the route was forested without any openings before reaching the top of Mitchell Peak. A gentle and easy-going trail, albeit less traveled and more remote on the Western side of the Sierra. To get to the trailhead, it was necessary to drive for miles on a backcountry dirt road. Not possible to reach in a standard passenger vehicle. The effort, the time, and the cost of reaching this place were completely worthwhile because of the accomplishment and the memories sure to follow.
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