The Grand Canyon, Arizona
Having hiked here several times in the past twenty years, I've grown most attached to this place. Off the North Rim are some of the most beautiful and rugged trails in the entire canyon. Some of my favorite places? The Powell Plateau, and the Esplanade, with its unparalled views of the canyon. Thunder River, Deer Creek, and the long hike down the North Bass Trail were very rewarding hikes . I dislike crowds and the North Rim receives far fewer visitors than the South Rim. Not that the South Rim is any less visually pleasing, if you can see past the crowds. Here's a photograph taken on a recent trip down the Hermit Trail.
Sierra Nevada Mountains, California
On planning another hike to the top of Mt. Whitney, I realized the pain from the last time I went there has finally subsided. That was in 1993. I wasn't in shape for it, but made it nonetheless. Some of my favorite entry points on the Eastern Sierra are Cottonwood Lakes for the Golden Trout Wilderness, Rock Creek for the John Muir Wilderness, and Mammoth Lakes for the Ansel Adams Wilderness. And speaking of Mammoth, try taking the Mammoth Mountain gondola to the top (11,053 ft.) and riding your bike down. Now that's a hoot!
Death Valley National Park, California
(Click on above image for a Quicktime VR version)Ah, Death Valley. I've been coming here since I was a child. I thank my parents for introducing me to this wonderful place. Never tiring of it's silent beauty, my last visit there was in October of 2000. Here is a shot taken in November of 1996. I've hiked across the width of Death Valley and back three times. Some would say I'm nuts, and in fact one time I did come close to disaster, but the risks seem minor compared to the scenery to be had. My good friend and hiking partner Bob (unfortunately for me he now lives in Hawaii) has hiked a good length of the valley and then some, so I'm not the only crazy one.
Anza Borrego Desert State Park, California
A seemingly little visited area perhaps only because of its immensity. Largely undeveloped, it affords the hiker with many choices to get lost for a weekend or so. A walk up Rockhouse Canyon is always a joy (just getting to it by car can be a challenge). Springtime here is spectacular if the previous winter was a wet one. Here is a page of images from a recent trip to this area.
Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests, California
So close to the city and yet you could get lost if you're not careful. I've hiked many places in these mountains mainly because they're close. Each time I wander into the mountains though, I realize that there is far more offered here than the majority of the millions of people living below realize (thank God). Mt. Baldy, Mt. Williamson, Mt. Baden-Powell, and Mt. San Gorgonio are but a few of the places I've been. Here is a page of images from a recent walk up the Arroyo Seco.
