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San Antonio Falls, Angeles National Forest, near Mt. Baldy

1/14/2012

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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
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Short hike in Sycamore Canyon Park, Diamond Bar CA

1/14/2012

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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
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Hermit Falls Via Chantry Flat

1/8/2012

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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:
Katadyn Hiker PRO Water Microfilter
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The Camping Fantastic Adventure Club

1/3/2012

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Join now:

Join the Camping Fantastic Adventure Club and receive important email updates, and get invited to top secret campouts in California.

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Learn how to Survive in an emergency in just 12 weeks

1/3/2012

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Disasters and emergencies can strike at anytime and it is important to be prepared.  A simple internet search can provide survival tips but often leads to information overload.  I recently purchased the book "Urban Survival Guide" by David Morris and I found that this book is very different from most survival books.  

The book is actually a 12 week Urban Survival course that covers the most important elements of survival.  This book will not give you useless information but rather provide you with practical skills that you can use in just about any survival situation.  Since the book is intended to be a 12 week course, if done properly you will become more prepared and knowledgeable about survival after participating in the exercises in this book.  I use this book often to update my survival skills, and properly replenish my emergency kit.  Survival and emergency preparedness is important for everyone, not just campers.  

I highly recommend the Urban Survival Guide. There are also additional online, and printed resources available to those that purchase this book.  The camping fantastic blog remains free but only with the support of people like you.  I occasionally recommend awesome products that I have personally used and this survival book is a useful tool.   Donations and product recommendations keep this blog alive.   If you are ready to be prepared and learn more about survival just click here.
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