Tag California

Joshua Tree: Rocks Steal the Show

Reg Spittle 6 Comments

During our recent visit to Joshua Tree National Park, the rocks stood tall in the California desert. Skull Rock, Face Rock, Heart Rock, and Arch Rock each posed for Sue’s camera. Along with several other walkers, we called out characters in Face Rock. How many do you see? Can you match the four names with their photos?

We walked several trails that were clearly marked and mostly flat. We tried one longer loop from All Trails that was promising at first, but was tough to follow after our guide, Sue’s phone, ran out of power. Not wanting to risk getting lost among the giant rocks, we turned around.

Lassen Volcanic National Park: Three Day Hikes

Reg Spittle 1 Comment

Three day hikes offer something for everyone in Lassen Volcanic National Park, located east of Redding, California. If you start from the north on Highway 89, the 1.7-mile Manzanita Lake Loop is a relaxing warmup. Head south to the other two trails: three-mile Bumpass Hell Trail and the tough, five-mile climb to Lassen Peak, 10,457 feet, and back. The Bumpass trail transports walkers to a boardwalk, which passes through a hydrothermal area. Sue and I walked the lake loop and Bumpass trail in half a day, but decided against tackling the peak in the warm afternoon sun. (I was tempted, though.) Looking for more? The park offers 150 miles of hiking and if you are walking the Pacific Crest Trail, you’ll get fantastic views as you pass through yet another national park. If you’re camping, the Manzanita Lake campground looked great and was still open in mid-October. The three day hikes close sometime in fall until spring. (Thanks to Sue for the photos!)