open up and say ahhhhh
Tuesday, August 06, 2013
Monday, August 05, 2013
Hazard Peak Trail - 7/22/13
Hazard Peak is located in Montana de Oro State Park in Los Osos, CA. There is no fee to get into this park.
From the Hazard Peak parking lot, you can see Valencia Peak in the background. You don't really get a good view of Hazard Peak until after you make your way out of the eucalyptus grove.
Hazard Peak Trail - 7/22/13
The Hazard Peak Trail is a 3-mile hike to the summit. Over the 3 miles, you climb about 1025 feet in elevation, so the trail is not overly steep, but rather, a gradual climb. Not too many level areas on the trail. On sunny days it can get rather warm, and there is very little shade. The narrow trail is open to hikers and bikes. No dogs are allowed on the trail. And if you ride a bike on the trail, bike bells are encouraged.
Hazard Peak Trail - 7/22/13
Shade is a rare commodity on Hazard Peak Trail. Aside from the shade of this eucalyptus grove, there is no shade at all on the trail. Bring your hat, sunscreen and plenty of water on this trail.
Hazard Peak Trail - 7/22/13
This gopher snake was using the trail to warm itself up. I got close to the snake, but it didn't even move. I took a few pics, then walked away, leaving the snake in peace :)
Hazard Peak Trail - 7/22/13
The view from the summit is pretty awesome. You can see Morro Bay far below. It was even better since it was a sunny day :)
Hazard Peak Trail - 7/22/13
For some reason, I had thought this was a 2 mile one-way hike to the summit, but, it turned out it was a 3-mile hike.
Hazard Peak Trail - Baby Rattlesnake - 7/22/13
About a quarter of a mile from the trail head on the way back to my car, I found this little guy on the side of the trail. I almost didn't see him. And I wouldn't have, if a lizard sitting near him hadn't jumped and run and caught my attention. Cool!
Devil's Postpile National Monument - Minarets - 7/2013
A view of the Minarets from the road into Devil's Postpile.
Devil's Postpile Ntl. Monument - Starkweather Lake - 7/2013
A tranquil morning at Starkweather Lake.
Devil's Postpile National Monument - Red's Meadow Campground - 7/2013
My campsite - and campfire, getting ready to make S'mores! MMMMMM!
Devil's Postpile National Monument - Red's Meadow Campground - 7/2013
Relaxing under a gorgeous evening sky at Red's Meadow Campground
Devil's Postpile National Monument - Rainbow Falls Trail - 7/2013
I took the 5-mile round-trip trail from the Ranger Station to Rainbow Falls, first making the steep, but short trail to the top of Devil's Postpile.
Devil's Postpile National Monument - Rainbow Falls Trail - 7/2013
The morning walk to Rainbow Falls was nice and cool and shaded. The afternoon trip back was another story: hot and very little shade. I was thankful for the water and Gatorade I brought.
Devil's Postpile National Monument - Rainbow Falls Trail - 7/2013
Hiking along Rainbow Falls Trail. I took the 5-mile round-trip trail from the Ranger Station.
Devil's Postpile National Monument - Rainbow Falls Trail - 7/2013
on the trail to Rainbow Falls. There is very little shade on this trail, so bring lots of water and sunscreen! A hat would be a good idea too.
Devil's Postpile National Monument - Rainbow Falls - Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels - 7/2013
2 Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels size each other up.
Devil's Postpile National Monument - Rainbow Falls - 7/2013
Rainbow Falls is a 101-foot tall waterfall on the San Joaquin River in Devil's Postpile National Monument.
Devil's Postpile National Monument - Rainbow Falls - 7/2013
The trail that takes you to the base of the waterfall, is steep, but short.
Devil's Postpile National Monument - Rainbow Falls - 7/2013
A view of Rainbow Falls from the base of the waterfall.
Devil's Postpile National Monument - Rainbow Falls - 7/2013
If you hike to the falls in the afternoon, you might get to see the rainbow for which it is named.
Rock Creek Wildflowers - Belding's Ground Squirrel - 7/2013
Belding's Ground Squirrels are a common sight in Yosemite's Tuolumne Meadows.
Lake Shasta - Common Merganser babies - 7/2013
A little group of baby Common Mergansers swims by the boat at Lake Shasta, CA, mama nearby.
Tuolumne Meadows - Mule Deer - 7/2013
A mule deer buck, antlers in velvet, pauses for a moment before walking off.
Rock Creek Wildflowers - Marmot - 7/2013
A marmot chews on some tasty grass in Yosemite's Tuolumne Meadows.
Tuolumne Meadows - Marmot - 7/2013
This was the first time that I had seen marmots in Tuolumne Meadows.
Yosemite National Park - Pika - 7/2013
I had never seen a pika before until this trip to Tuolumne Meadows. I spotted a marmot near Ellery Lake and pulled my car over to try to get a pic of him. He ran across the road to where I was parked, and ran down the hill. I got out of the car to find him, and then heard a loud "chirp" sound. When I looked in the direction of the "chirp," I spotted this pika sitting on a rock. I snapped a couple of pics of him, and then left. So exciting!
Little Lakes Valley Trail - 7/2013
I hike this trail every summer. It is so beautiful. Every picture you take is postcard-worthy.
Rock Creek Wildflowers - Western Monkshood - 7/2013
These flowers were named after their resemblance to the hood of a monk.
Rock Creek Wildflowers - Sierra Lily - 7/2013
The backside of these flowers is so intricate and just as pretty as the front.
Rock Creek Wildflowers - Sierra Lily - 7/2013
Definitely one of my favoritest flowers of all, the Sierra Lily (also known as Kelley's Lily or Kelley's Tiger Lily)
Rock Creek Wildflowers - Crimson Columbine
I am always happy to see these bright, pretty flowers along the roadside and along the trails in the Eastern Sierras.
Rock Creek Wildflowers - Mountain Pride Penstemon
Bright pink in color, these flowers are hard to miss!
Rock Creek Wildflowers - Shooting Stars - 7/2013
These were found along the roadside, but more were found along the Little Lakes Valley Trail.
Rock Creek Wildflowers - Elephant's Head
These flowers are so named for their resemblance to little elephant's heads. Can you see the resemblance?
Yosemite National Park - Olmsted Point - 7/2013
A view from Olmsted Point Lookout - a short out and back trail from Olmsted Point that starts at the parking lot. Although the view from the parking lot is great, I highly suggest taking this short trail, because the view is simply amazing.
Tuolumne Meadows - Lembert Dome - 7/2013
Lembert Dome is a popular day hike in Tuolumne Meadows. I have yet to hike it, but I plan on it.
Tuolumne Meadows - Smoky Mariposa Lily
The Smoky Mariposa Lily is a common sight in Yosemite National Park in the summer.
Tuolumne Meadows - Pothole Dome
A view from the top of Pothole Dome in Yosemite's Tuolumne Meadows area. It is an easy hike to the top, but you have to watch the elevation. You can get light-headed very easily.
Tuolumne Meadows - Pothole Dome
A view from the top of Pothole Dome in Yosemite's Tuolumne Meadows area.
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