I am off to Denver next week taking a 30 hour train trip from Sacramento to Denver.  Once in Colorado I will explore many locations- The Fat Tire Brewery, Coors Brewery, Estes Park, Boulder, Denver, Casa Bonita, A unique efficiency cottage rental experience and more.  I plan to share the most interesting parts on here.  Up until now 95% of the blog has focused on camping, hiking, and exploring exciting locations in California.  But as I escape to Colorado a state just as awesome as California I feel that I should share what this state has to offer.  What is your favorite place in Colorado?  Anything I shouldn't miss?  
Stay tuned, more to come............................ 

The Ramona Grasslands Preserve is great for walking, exploring, or horseback riding.  A few small benchs can be found along the main trail that would be perfect for a mid day picnic.  Bring your camera as the views in this park are stunning.  Many small trails can be seen along the way but they were created by cattle or small animals and are not considered to be part of the main trail.  After veering off the trail we were advised by the volunteer patrol (they ride on horseback) that you must stay on the main trail.  So while tempting to veer off the trail this action is prohibited despite no visible signs in the park or on the park's website indicating this rule.  The park also contains a small pond.  You can even see where native americans ground up acorns in the rocks.  If you are planning a trip to Ramona, CA this park should not be missed. 

Find out more here:

Ramona Grasslands Preserve

Once it gets dark you will need to see to walk to the bathroom, to cook, or to eat.  The propane lantern is thought of as the most common lantern used during a camping outing but a headlamp, or handheld battery lantern can be used as well. Each type of lamp has some pros and cons. See below for more information.  Glowsticks are best for decoration or even for a camping dance party. 

Battery Powered Lights (Headlamp or Lantern)

Pros:
Lasts longer than a propane lantern

Cons:
Batteries can be expensive

Solar Powered Lights

Pros:
Great for Decoration, No batteries needed

Cons:
Can only be used at night and often less bright

Propane or Gas powered Lights

Pros:
Propane is affordable, Lantern is bright

Cons:
Batteries last longer, Sometimes difficult to light or dangerous,
Glass can break if lantern falls over

If decorating your campsite is the goal, I would use glow sticks or solar accent lights.  Battery power is the easiest to use but the large lantern I used needed 8 d batteries.  Unless you buy a off brand these batteries can be very expensive.  See below to see what lights I used on my most recent camping trip.  What lights do you prefer to lighten your campsite? Have you used any of the below products?

San Antonio Falls, at about 100 feet, is one of the most impressive falls in the Southern California area.  These falls are easy to get to via a short hike at only 1.2 miles round trip.  If you are hiking to the top of Mt. Baldy, these falls are a nice detour along the way.  The waterfall consists of three tiers and is best viewed after a rainfall. 

To reach the falls, park at the edge of the road near the gated Falls Road just past the Manker Flats campground.  An adventure pass will be needed.  Walk up the paved road and at the hairpin curve at 0.6 miles is where you will start to see the falls.  This is also where the road turns to dirt.  A dirt path at the road's bend provides better access to the falls.

To get there:

From Pasadena:

Take 210 freeway east
Exit Mountain Ave.
Turn Left and drive north about 5 miles to Mt. Baldy Road 
Continue on Mt. Baldy Road about 5 miles and past the Mt.Baldy village 
Park near Falls Road (left side) just past the Manker Flats Campground
The trailhead is at the locked gate on Falls Road

If you are looking for a short hike to fit into your busy schedule Sycamore
Canyon Park in Diamond Bar is the spot.  A hike to the top of the park is only
0.6 miles but  the walk is peaceful and relaxing.  Many trees provide shade and
there are benches along the way if you need a quiet place to sit.  The park even
has a small waterfall. 

This park is great for hiking or a picnic.  The park also contains a baseball diamond and a small  playground.  At one time the park had a large scary slide that went down a steep hill but it has been removed for safety.  Now a smaller and tame playground  remains.  This park can be accessed via Diamond Bar Blvd or Golden Springs Drive  in Diamond Bar.  If you cross the street at Diamond Bar Blvd you can access the  more challenging Steep Canyon Trail  via  Steep Canyon Road. 

Sycamore Canyon Park is my favorite park in Diamond Bar and I hope that you enjoy it.

The  park is located at:
 

22930 Golden Springs Drive
Diamond Bar, CA  91765

The trail is accessed from the Chantry Flat parking area (look  for signs).

These falls are not as impressive as nearby Sturtavant Falls but  this short hike is fun nonetheless.  It is an upside down hike so the return trip is less pleasant,
specifically the un-shaded parts.  
 
If spiders and/or spider webs scare you this hike  should be avoided.  Many spider  webs are visible along the hike especially along the creek, within the trees,  and in the surrounding brush.

Most of the trail is easy to follow and contains helpful signs,  but when you reach the creek the correct path can be confusing.  You can cross the creek either to the right via the horse trail or use the other trail to the left.   Either way you must cross the creek and then take the trail to the  right.  You will pass a cabin on  your left and eventually see a sign that reads "First Water 3/4 Jct.".  From this point you are only 3/4 of a  mile away from the falls. Hermit  Falls are very anti climatic compared to the majestic Sturtavant Falls.  The trail leads to a rock pool and a  group of large slippery rocks.  Please be very careful when walking on the rocks, and cliff diving is not  recommended.  There are actually
three falls at this location.  If  you are facing the rock pool you can see two small falls to your left and one  larger waterfall to your right.  From this location only the top of the larger waterfall can be safely viewed.  Although tempting, I would  not try to gain a better view of these falls as that would be unsafe, and could lead to serious injury.  
 
I was disappointed at the amount of trash at this location and the appearance of graffiti on the nearby rocks.  Despite these eyesores, Hermit Falls  would be a great place to have a picnic or just sit and relax.  Make sure to pack out all of your trash and if possible do a good deed  and pack out the trash of others.  
 
If you brought a water filter this would be a good time to refill your canteen, but drinking directly from the creek without proper water filtration is not advised.  To see the water filter that I use just click on the link below (affliate link).  
The return trip is mostly uphill and as with any hike, plenty of water is
needed.

Hermit Falls is a nice hike and relatively short at only 2.4 miles round trip.  If you have never hiked to Sturtavant Falls I would do that hike first as it is easier and more impressive.  However this hike provides a nice workout that is more exciting than your local gym.

TO GET THERE:

From Pasadena:
Take the I-210 East 
Take Santa Anita Ave exit
Turn left onto North Santa Anita Ave 
Continue onto Chantry Flats Rd

Look for the Chantry Flats Parking Lot  (end of road)
 
2201-2299 Forest Route 2N40,
La Canada Flintridge, California
91011

Look for trailhead signs (Hermit Falls)

Water filter that I use while hiking:

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