Sharing some stories and the names of people who helped me in the 2010’s — Looking back at the past decade, I’m awed at just how lucky I was especially on the career front. …

San Gabriel Mountains — Mt. San Antonio (Mount Baldy) is the highest peak in Los Angeles. It’s the most difficult hike I’ve done in the greater Los Angeles region so far due to the elevation gain (~4,000 feet) over the distance (11 miles). That being said, I’ve seen kids, teenagers, seniors, and a double-amputee…

Santa Monica Mountains — Sandstone Peak is the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. There are two paths to Sandstone Peak, a 3 mile strenuous trail (Backbone Trail) with high elevation gains and a 6 mile moderate trail (Mishe Mokwa Trail). You can park at the Sandstone Peak Trailhead Parking to take either…

Santa Monica Mountains — This is by far my favorite hike in Malibu — the views, the effort required (it’s not steep, but it’s a persistent incline throughout most of the hike), and frankly, the views again. The official 7.3 mile hike starts down by a parking lot right next to a Mormon church…

Cleveland National Forest — Three Sisters Waterfalls Trail is a 4.7 mile trail located in Cleveland National Forest. The trailhead is accurate on Google Maps. There is a parking lot which was locked when I did this hike because of the government shutdown. I also called ahead to see if I needed an Adventure…

Santa Monica Mountains — This is a 5.1 mile trail right off the PCH. The parking lot is very easy to find and costs $12 for the day. Right where you start, make sure you don’t go left and onto the La Jolla Canyon Trail. …