 |
| A sign reads: Indian Canyon Trailhead Angeles National Forest |
I'm living in southern California this year, and decided to use my exploration of the area as my focus for the #AtoZChallenge. I'm concentrating on free to see places, though I will include locations that require a parking fee. This is the ninth post in the series.Springtime is a wonderful time to hike in southern California. After winter rains, the vegetation is green and the wildflowers are blooming. I recently joined my husband for a hike on the Indian Canyon Trail. Parking in the lot at the trailhead does require a pass. (National Parks pass is valid, for example.) The sign at the parking lot gives specifics, including the nearest place to purchase a pass. The hike itself is free.
Another sign near the parking lot informed us that this trail was also part of the Pacific Crest Trail. We went about a mile before turning around and heading back, as we started the hike late in the day and wanted to return to the car before dark.
 |
| Sign reads: "Pacific Crest Trail National Scenic Trail" |
While I did take my hiking poles, I could have done this particular hike without them--although my husband told me that had we continued on, I would have appreciated having the poles. The section we hiked was pretty easy, though.
 |
| A fairly smooth trail with a gentle incline |
Several wildflowers and shrubs were in bloom.
 |
| Blue desert chia blooms along the edge of the trail |
 |
| Golden yellow western wallflower blooming |
 |
| A type of ceanothus covered in white blossoms |
Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail, but I saw the remains of a car that had crashed down the mountainside. I took a photo, and my phone "helpfully" informed me that the vehicle was a Mediterranean cypress!
 |
| Apparently this is a Mediterranean cypress, though I would describe it as an upside-down car |
The views of the area were spectacular, and the sunset just added to the beauty.
 |
| Panoramic view of the sun setting behind the mountains and John on the trail |
 |
| The setting sun and the trail back to the parking lot |
While there are interesting man-made things in this world to see, you just can't beat God's creations!
Agreed! The best sights to see are those The Almighty made.
ReplyDelete