Claren Wanders

Two national parks adjacent to each other are Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park in High Sierra in California. Both parks offer outdoor adventures, stunning sights, and majestic trees.

Kings Canyon National Park

About an hour or so from Yosemite to the south is Kings Canyon National Park. After our 4 day stunt in Yosemite, we traveled to the Big Stump Entrance via hi-way 180. As always, the first stop is the visitor center. Get all the information you need, a bathroom break, get maps and directions. Next to the visitor center is the grant village which has a gift shop, restaurants, and washroom. I would recommend getting food here and bringing some before venturing deep into the canyon.

General Grant Tree

It’s a mile from here to the General Grant Tree parking and about a quarter of a mile to the General Grant Tree- the world’s second largest tree after the General Sherman’s in Sequoia. It’s an easy, paved hike. While stopping mid hike, go through the trunk of The Fallen Monarch- A giant sequoia that fell, ? hundred years ago.

Giant sequoias are resistant to decay, so their remains can linger for a long period of time if undisturbed. Native Americans from long ago used it for shelter.

Take the Grant Tree Trail, to also wander to the Gamblin Cabin, still standing and whole, even after decades from its construction.

Boyden Cavern

After the and lunch at the grant village, we drove for 40 minutes deep into the canyon, passing a windy, winding road for our Boyden Cavern tour. Named after Putnam Boyden, a logger who surveyed and open the tour in 1900s. An awe to behold a marble cavern. Pitch dark without any source of light. Once lit artificially, presents a variety of stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground dried up river/waterways. It operates in the spring and is closed the rest of the year. You will need to book ahead. https://boydencavern.com

Next to the Kings River, is the parking area. A short, about 10 minute but steep hike to the entrance of the cave. The tour is about an hour where you will walk through the cave. Wear layering clothes, it’s always chilly inside the cave no matter the temperature outside.

Waterfalls

Drive further down the hi way, about 5 miles, to the Grizzly Falls Picnic Area. The falls is a 2 minute walk from the picnic area. Visit during spring for a more majestic waterfall.

Further down from the grizzly falls, about 12 minute drive is the the Roaring River Falls. Waterfall cascading over granite monoliths into a rock pool, accessed by a flat 1/4-mi. path.

We did not have time to drive further to Zumwalt Meadow. The sun is setting, and it’s dangerous to be driving in the dark.

Parks INN Bed& Breakfast (aka Plantation B&B)

A quaint, friendly, informal bed and breakfast accommodation, tucked in a beautiful, quiet grounds in the foothills of Sierra Nevada Mountains. Every room has its own vibe. And the gourmet breakfast is superb! And only 16 miles away from Sequoia Nat’l Park.

Sequoia Nat’l Park

Home to some of the tallest trees in the world, Sequoia National Park puts humility in perspective. With it’s gigantic trees towering above you, you’ll feel your problems small in comparison.

I had the same thoughts when we visited Mariposa Grove in Yosemite 7 months prior. That was what opened my insignificant whine about life and its inequality.

These magnificent, ancient trees in its stillness and silence, calms the soul and makes you realize how small your issues are. Nature does heal.

About 25 minutes away from our air BNB, The Parks INN, we again drove past a couple of rivers, climbing to 14,000 ft. through windy, winding, picturesque mountain side. Before reaching the park entrance itself, stop by the look out where you’ll marvel at the Moro Rock (1 ‘r”), at a distance. Do not confuse this with the Morro Rock in Morro Bay.

Moro Rock Trail-Isolated, dome-shaped granite formation with a rock-cut stairway to the panoramic summit. It is a 0.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Sequoia National Park.

Only 177 feet elevation gain, but remember you are starting from a high elevation point. It may be a short hike, but you definitely need water and sun block. While admiring the summit and the mountain ranges, make sure to look back to the hi-way that you drove to get there. It’s awesome to see how much driving was made winding through the mountainside to get to this place.

There are a lot of trails and sequoia trees groves that you can visit in the area, but make sure you drive your car to the iconic Tunnel Log, in the Giant Forrest, along Moro Rock Road.

Last notes before you venture. Pack water and snacks. No store or anything like that in the park or anywhere during the drive. And bring your medicine too. It is anyway, a long way back if you need instant relief relief from sunburn or head or stomachaches, or even a little allergy. Other than that, GO ENJOY NATURE.

Revisited Yosemite in late spring to get a glimpse of a roaring waterfall feels. It did not disappoint. In mid-June of the year following the pandemic the family went ahead a drive to the famous climbing park that is Yosemite.

How to get there

From Moreno Valley, it’s about 6 hrs and 50 minutes to Upper Pines campground. Hubby and I drove through 60W, to Hiway 71 towards Pomona, then CA 134 W to Ca 99 N towards Fresno. Travelled 132 miles to CA 41 N to Yosemite Park. About 63 miles, take the second exit from the roundabout. Before this, is where you’ll pay the entrance fee of 35$ assuming you have day pass already secured.

Entrance Reservations -updated Jan 2022

Reservations are not required to visit Yosemite National Park. As always, we strongly recommend that you make a reservation if you plan to stay overnight in Yosemite.

If you think you’re there yet, No. You still have about 30 miles of the calculated slow drive to the the park. Driving next to the cliffs and winding mountainside. Pay attention while driving as this a narrow cliffside road. Otherwise, enjoy the view.

Need to know

During summer, make sure you avail yourself a day pass before going. You can’t visit the park without it. If you have an overnight reservation inside the park’s hotels and campground, NO NEED FOR A DAY PASS PERMIT. The reservation as well as the day pass is good for 3 days use multiple entry.

Ready you 35$ entrance fee/car. They accept credit/debit cards (preferred use during pandemic for a contactless transaction). Alternatively, flash them you America the Beautiful Annual Park pass, and get in with ease. https://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html – get the pass here.

Bring printed reservations, maps and other online resources as little to no service inside the park.

Accommodations, Food, Supplies

There are 2 general stores inside Yosemite Valley. Both have all the necessities on sale. They even have fresh produce. And for those camping, wood, fuel, ice are available for purchase. Small camping gears like headlamps and survival gadgets are also on sale. I did not notice if camping tents, sleeping bags or chairs were on site though. Check the website https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/index.htm for more info.

An upscale Ahwahnee and a family-friendly Yosemite Valley Lodge, saves you travel time to and from the valley. Several Campgrounds are open. Check the website for details.

Things to do

Upper Pines Campground – late lunch and set up camp

Hike Vernal falls- took us 5 hrs to finish taking the Clark’s Point coming down.

Tour the valley- rent some bikes and visit the meadows, Yosemite and Bridal Veil Falls, Ansel Adam Museum, Visitor Center, Yosemite Village, The Ahwahnee Hotel, El Capitan.

Take a dip at the sentinel or cathedral beach. Bring a pack lunch to El Capitan or Cathedral Picnic Area.

Hike Nevada Falls. or Climb the half dome.

Drive up to Glacier Point. Stop by Washburn Point. Both will grant you breathtaking views of the falls and the valley.

Visit Mariposa Grove- Marvel at the giant Sequoia Trees. Check the website if is open. It was closed due to the recent hurricane that toppled down some of the trees.

Tenaya Lodge

Tenaya Lodge is an award winning 3 star resort hotel about 45min. from the valley. Note that it means it’s 30-40 minute drive from the valley to the entrance and only about 10-15 from entrance to the resort.

We stayed for 2 nights. It’s a huge property, with pools, a camp, trails and a kid obstacle course, among many other things to do. It has two restaurants and a coffee shop. Good hotel, easy access to the valley but quite expensive for my taste.

What do you say we camp next to the beach and the hi-way at the same time? San Onofre Bluffs Campground is the one you need. The bluffs are located in San Clemente State Beach, the Southernmost part of Orange County, California. San Clemente State Beach, has three distinct areas: the San Onofre Bluffs, the San Mateo Campground and the San Onofre Surf Beach. All 3 has there own pull to offer. Be sure to know which campsite you are trying to reserve for.

August 13, 2021, hubby and I drove 1 1/2 hour to San Onofre Campgrounds from Moreno Valley. We arrive a bit early as I was planning on hiking but the heat changed my mind so we stayed at the day use area and drove around the campsite instead. San Onofre Bluffs Campground, as the name implies sits next to the bluffs. And just next to Hi way Interstate 5 and a railroad.  Address: 5200 S Pacific Coast Hwy, San Clemente, CA 92672

A well known surfer’s haven, including the world famous surf breaks in Trestles Beach, you will see almost everyone that goes to San Onofre will have a surf board with them. And yes, it’s quite amazing to watch surfers ride the waves in grace. Also bikers abound, even when the campgrounds end with a gate, the bikers continue to Oceanside and back.

The Campgrounds

A 10$ entrance fee for day use is required or have your annual pass California Explorer do the trick https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1049. If you have a reservation for the campgrounds, then NO day use fee is needed. The campground has day use areas South and North area. South being the farthest and closest to Oceanside, about 20-25 minutes to Oceanside, and the North being the closest to Orange county. North day use area is also where the entrance is located. Note that all the sites are primitive. No electricity or water hook ups. Also, small space for tents if you plan on having a few to set up camp.

Plenty of parking spaces both day use areas and in between campsites. In case you needed something or do not want to cook, restaurants and groceries are 7-10 minutes away to San Clemente Beach area. We got groceries, corn and sweet potato at Ralph’s. Campgrounds host is located next to trail 3, just before site 46. It is an old school bus converted to campground host Station.

The Campsite

There are 175 sites sitting next to the bluffs. The first 1-10 trailer/tent sites have a very good view of the open ocean. So does sites 108-119, and 146- 153ish I would say. The rest would either be covering the Pacific Ocean view or tucked a tad lower from the hi way, sites 125-145. But, you can always hike closer to the edge of the bluffs to witness an epic sunset. Speaking of which, the bluffs campground has 6 trails that all lead to the beach. Dogs/Pets permitted on only Trail 1 and Trail 6. Flush toilets and open showers are available on day use areas and every 10-20 campsites. Dumping stations and drinking water available just before Trail 3 and on the day use area. Fire rings and picnic tables on every site.

Hike the Trails

San Onofre Bluffs ha 6 designated trails that you can hike. Trail 1 next to sites 1-12. About 0.6 mile down to the rocky beach. Rocky, as in fist sized rocks even bigger. Better bring water shoes or sandals, because you cannot walk comfortably in them huge stones. Trails 2 just before site 24 and trail 3 just after day use north parking area. You will notice other small trails that will eventually meet on the designated trail.

The most picturesque is trail 6. This is where the dramatic sandstones are located. It’s about half a mile down to, again rocky beach with some spats of sand. And pets are allowed on this trail. Park next to sites 160s and further up to the North day use area. Trail 6 is next to site 175. Trail 4 is the only one with sandy beach below. I will not recommend that you hike the beach from trail 1 to 6 as the tide might rise up very quickly and the most uncomfortable walk in those huge stones hampers the experience. However, there is a trail on the bluffs itself from trail 1 to 6, about 3 miles out/back. Be careful and follow the signs as it is an unstable cliff.

The Cons

We had a blast watching the surfers and the sunset. We lingered on the beach embracing the salty wind on our skin and hair. Our dog cosmo, seemed a little cold though. We both got wet when the tide came in fast. It is pacific ocean anyways, so yes the water’s cold. The hike on trail 6 was so pretty. Easy half a mile and maybe 100 ft elevation. But with gorgeous bluffs against an open Pacific Ocean view.

We had camp fire and a good dinner and wine and an epic sunset. But, trying to get a good night sleep is far from the horizon. The noise from the vehicles passing the hi way is already intolerable. Oh did I mention, the railways?! Yes, trains pass through and I felt more often on the wee hours of the morning, like a few hundred feet away from your head. By the grace of good wine and a tired body, I did sleep 4 hours straight. If you are in your van or RV, then I guess it’s much better.

Beach hike

I, the next day tried hiking the beach from trail 4 to, was hoping trail 1, but Inever made it. Past trail 4 where there was a sandy beach, a rocky path again emerged and it continued all through out. Met a few fishermen on the way, passed several trails, a couple of furry friends and some ill fated hikers just like me who never realized how hard it was to walk on stones.

After what felt like forever, not reaching trail 1, I sat next to a trail where a young lady surfer was coming down who told me that she came down from trail 2. And that was it for me. I walked up the quite steep trail back to the paved road for half a mile. Looking back every now and then, to appreciate the scene of open sea and beautiful bluffs presented to me. Upon reaching the civilization, I walked from day use area parking in between trails 1 and 2. I walked for almost 1 hour to our site 106 where hubby had already packed and ready to go. I started the hike @0840hrs, got back @ 1130hrs. So yes, it was difficult and steep and a long one.

Eats

Having said that, we drove northbound 12 minutes to Pedro’s Fish Tacos and got me the famous fish tacos while hubby got steak burrito. Highly recommended! The steak burrito was exemplary. Though I liked the fish taco, it did not fare well with my “La Bufadora” breaded shrimp tacos back in Perris. And with that, another weekend passed.

The Carlsbad Flower Fields are truly a sight to behold – imagine rows and rows of colorful flowers, blooming as far as the eyes can see, along with beautiful ocean views.

Visited the eye candy on the day before the last of its extended week run May 15, 2021. There were still about 10-14 acres of blooming ranunculus. And some exhibits by master gardeners which are worth checking out.

Officially known as The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, the fields boast 70 million ranunculus flowers blooming across 50 acres, in every color of the rainbow.

How to get there

Located just north of San Diego, the Carlsbad Flower Fields also makes an easy day trip from Los Angeles and Orange County, perfect for enjoying that spring sunshine and warmth. Address: 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

It is about a 35-minute drive from downtown San Diego, about an hour from Orange County, and an hour and 30 minutes from Los Angeles (depending on traffic), making the Carlsbad Flower Fields a fun day trip from any of these destinations.

Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers make up The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch® in Carlsbad, California, are in bloom for approximately six to eight weeks each year – from early March through early May. This year, due to the pandemic, only booked online patrons can enter. Face covering is required. No pets allowed. Hand sanitizers and handwashing stations are strategically located throughout the entrance, exhibits, and fields. The ticket was 20$/person but was reduced to half price on the extended week run.

Admission is $20 for adults (10+), $10 for children 3-10, and $18 for seniors (65+). If you plan to visit multiple times, there is also a season pass available ($42 for adults, $22 for children 3-10, $38 for seniors). Parking is included in the admission fee.

Tips and Tricks

Wear comfortable shoes as you will mostly walk around the nearly 50 acre of visual delight! They carved special path for photo shoots so you do not trample on the flowers. Book early or late during the day to avoid large crowds and harsh sunlight. You will get better captures.

Make sure to visit the American Flag of flowers up the hill. There is also a wagon ride that tours you around the field and bring you the northern most part of “U-Pick Berry” area, a latest addition to its various pull. Make sure to check their website for times and if available.

There are also other things to do like a sweet pea maze, view the exhibitions (there were poinsettias as well as orchids on display), and even some live music. There’s a strawberry shack for desserts, and you have to eat your food there. There was also a pizza food truck with outdoor dining tables. No cash transactions, so bring your handy dandy cards.

You can pay to take a tractor ride, but I think by walking around, you can still take in all of the sights just as well. There were some benches round the fields if you get tired. I’d budget ~3 hours to spend here for the fields, although you could certainly take a whole day.

Bring sunglasses, wear sunscreen (a cute straw hat wouldn’t be amiss either), and a fully charged phone for all the photos you’ll take!

Once you got your fill of colors, the Carlsbad Outlet is within walking distance from the parking. Windmill Food Hall is also around the corner for a variety of food. We opted to have lunch @ King’s Fish House -address: 5625 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008 . A 2-minute drive from the flower fields. Tried their half-dozen assorted oysters, Mississippi catfish, and the steak, downed it with margarita. Delicious!

Have you ever explored a cave? It can be both fascinating and educational, especially the secret sea cave of San Diego. Most of them are quite difficult to access. Hello? Sea Cave?! You get the chance only on low, better in a negative low tide. I recently found one, not-so-secret cave but because it’s inaccessible majority of the time, it remains unspoiled and prestine.

While it has many names – “The Hidden Arch Cave Under Sunset Cliffs” – or the “Open Ceiling Sea Cave” – or simply “that great photo spot”, all of these names refer to a sea cave that is approximately 40 ft wide X 40 ft high with an open (collapsed) ceiling of some 30 ft. Secret Cave of San Diego.

With one entrance on the west side, this cave has become popular due to the intriguing (and non-photo shopped photos) that can be taken of a perfect ceiling circle framed by a nearby entrance. 

Where do you start

We started the adventure with a drive to Luscomb Point in Sunset Cliffs, a community in Point Loma San Diego. Be sure to try this on a negative low tide, the lower, the safer. Check out the tides here https://magicseaweed.com/Sunset-Cliffs-Surf-Report/4211/.

The cave, which technically is a blowhole, is fenced from the top, preventing people from accidentally falling down this massive hole when it gets dark.

Find parking roadside near Luscomb Point. If it gets crowded, find parking next to the neighborhood streets of Hills St., Monaco St., and further south, Ladera St.

How to actually get to the cave

There are 2 ways to get to the cave. We took the shorter, risky way. Walk towards the northernmost part of Luscomb’s Point where the surfers go. It’s next to square-fenced small blowhole (picture above from alamystocks).

The descent

The initial descent is quite steep for me (15-20 ft) down a rocky, non-defined cliff, but short. Be very careful as it is slippery.

Once you’ve reached sea level (this is a relative term depending on the height of the tide during your visit), the cave is just around the corner past the rocky beach. You’ll need to hug the cliff you’ve just descended during the first portion of your trek. This will be the most treacherous part, so please watch your footing, especially as you get splashed by a rogue wave or two.

You’ll eventually reach the small bay that you saw from above that separates Luscomb Point from the cave. This stretch is pretty easy to traverse as you draw closer. Once passed the bay, you’ll hug the northern wall of the cave until you finally reach your end destination, and oh what a destination it is.

The second, longer but a tad easier way is to descend down from a trail across Hills St., walk your way to the left until you reach a hole inside the cliff. Go through this, you’ll emerge on a small rocky beach. Continue past this beach and just around the corner in the cave. This will add extra 0.2 miles to the trek, passing a smaller cave and going through a passage in between the cliff. The difference with this way, is you do not need to descent 20 ft and skirt your way hugging the edge of the cliff.

When to go

As far as timing goes, I would recommend heading down to the cave about 30 minutes before the lowest negative tide. However, we were quite late arriving, the lowest negative tide was @0652am, we got there and not descending yet about the same time. Then we scout back up upon seeing the sketchy way.

There was no other way better than the sketchy one earlier. So, once I mustered the courage, we started heading down, around past 7am. Be ready to get your feet wet. Even on a (-) 1.4 tide, there were portions that water was knee deep.

Reached the cave @0730hrs. There were few people when we arrive probably because others have already left knowing the tide’s coming in soon.

We stayed inside the wonder for only 15 minutes, took photos and marveled at nature’s gift.

Another important thing to remember is you will need to leave the sea cave before the tide starts rising again. We left the cave around 0745hrs.  Some of the rocks that were visible when we came are now submerge under water. LEAVE before the tide comes in. Link to a short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M7d0tbiM08

To call this cave other-worldly would be an understatement. It’s a place lost to time and you’ll feel both awed and in peace as you stand at the altar of this natural temple. Worth all the trouble to get to only if you’re brave enough.

Stairs that lead to the beach

After the feat, we can’t just leave not venturing the other hidden gem of Sunset Cliffs, so walking southward for about 10-15minutes towards Ladera St., we found the stairs. The stairs that leads to the beach. There were people and kids tide pooling, and very few surfers. I think you can also take this stairs down and walk your way North towards the cave. Not sure about this, but you can try on a negative low tide.

It’s quite fascinating to examine the walls of the cliff when the waters down. Birds and other creatures actually rest on its cracks and grooves.

Where to Eat

There are a lot of small cafes surrounding the area but the nearest one was “The Little Lion” Cafe https://thelittlelioncafe.com/. Opens 9-2. Visit the website for days open. I did not research much about the cafe but just went anyway. Thankful for impromptu decision! Their menu was on point.

I got the breakfast sandwich, daddy got the eggs benedict, and we tried the salmon toast. Boy! It was delish! We finish all of it. Like finger licking finish. Also don’ t forget their drinks. I tried matcha latte, equally worth every sip! No wonder there’s a long wait line. Call to reserve and pre- order.

The Indian Canyons in Palm Springs, are the ancestral home of the Agua Caliente tribe of Cahuilla Indians. The Canyons are not only sacred to the Cahuilla people but are of great historical importance to researchers and nature lovers. Visitors will find rock art, house pits and foundations, reservoirs, trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, and much more in this nearly pristine desert-scape.

How to get there

Reaching the Indian Canyons in Palm Springs is easy since the entrance is along South Palm Canyon Drive, the main road through the center of Palm Springs.- 38520 S. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs. 9$/person day-use entry. Reserve your ticket online. Bring with you hard copy/print out of your reservation. No overnight camping/use. The gate from when you enter the trails closes at 5 pm.

Be sure to get out before that or you’ll walk out and leave your car inside until the next day. As a bonus, military including retirees are free.

Hours

Sept. 1 – July 4: daily 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

(Last vehicle in at 4 p.m.)

July 5 – Aug. 31: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

(open only Friday, Saturday, Sunday – Last vehicle in at 4 p.m.)

No animals allowed.

Please be mindful when visiting as these place is sacred to the tribe. From the entrance drive another 5 miles to the Palm Canyon trailhead, next to the outpost. You will pass the split rock approximately 4 miles from the entrance.

Palm Canyon Trail

This trail stretches across the north slopes of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The best section is the first mile, full of California fan palms, viewed by an easy trail that follows close beside the creek. We only did the first mile which ends in an intersection to other trails. The first descent from the trailhead next to the outpost, rewards you with fan palm oasis. Very serene and beautiful place. Picnic tables and bathrooms located in the visitor center and down in the picnic areas.

Palm Canyon is quite magnificent. It is cool and mostly shady, filled with fan palms of all sizes next to a stream which still has pools and springs in mid summer though at drier times most water flows below ground. The trees rise up to 60 feet and have trunks 3 feet across, all from the same species . The most evident wildlife are desert spiny lizards, but rattlesnakes are also quite commonly encountered, while fish and frogs live in the reflective pools and streams.

link to my YouTube clip –https://youtu.be/8a09R9KNAAs

The Trees

We marveled upon towering fan palm trees, crossed a stream, go through a granite hill. Share the trail with horseback riders. The canyon climbs gradually with just one steepish place where the path detours around, otherwise the trail follows right beneath the trees, enjoying cool breezes and dark passageways even on the hottest, sunniest day. All around are fallen fronds and the tall trunks of the live trees, some bare, others encased by many years worth of dried leaves. Some palms show signs of fire, a semi-regular occurrence in California.

The Hike

We stayed a bit longer at the end of the 1 mile intersection to linger under the fan palm oasis and take pictures. From here you can either take Victorville trail for a 2.5 mile in total loop back to the trading post. There are several other alternatives to hike back, we opted to take the path as we came. Shaded and straightforward as the other loops will expose you to heat and sun.

Upon reaching the trading post, we had our lunch and bathroom break. Hubby opted to nap a little while I skim through our photos. We plan to continue hiking Andreas Canyon Trail after lunch.

Andreas Canyon Trail – Water in the desert

Another trail of the Indian Canyons , is the Andreas Canyon Trail. A short, beautiful, shaded, next to a stream hike.

From the trading post, drive back for about 3 miles until you reach the rotunda. From here follow the signage to Andreas Canyon/Murray Canyon to your left. It will be another 2-3 miles to reach the trailhead. Similar to Palm Canyon Trail, bathrooms and picnic tables are also available here.

Andreas Creek begins high in the San Jacinto Mountains, joining Palm Canyon just south of the Indian Canyons entrance station. A mile-long loop trail follows either side of the creek, passing many fan palms and other desert plants. Rock mortars once used for food preparation by the native Indians can be seen along the trail.

The Hike to Andreas Canyon

Andreas Canyon Trail has more bustling stream compared to the 1st mile of Palm Canyon Trail. You can either do the trail counter clockwise or in clockwise loop, as what we did. We started off to the right stopping by the rock mortar. This is the same mortar ancient Indians used to pound their food and other things. Don’t forget to appreciate the rock formation that greets you as soon as you enter the trailhead. The trail hugs the bed of the creek as it makes its way through a dense grove of palms, cottonwood trees, and other native plants.

Just a few dozen feet away from the water, it’s all desert — creosote dominates, and up on the rock formations you’ll see cholla reaching toward the sun.

The established trail is well marked (and clear), but you might be tempted to hop off once in awhile to get a closer look at the water or the palms. Otherwise, you’ll reach the back end of the hikeable canyon a bit past the 0.5 mile mark, where you’ll meet a fence and a marker denoting the Andreas Canyon Club — a private inholding of houses that sit on former railroad-owned land.

At the 0.5 mile mark, the trail hops the stream and returns to the trailhead on the southern bank, which keeps you a bit further away from the palms but also provides some truly spectacular views of the valley to the southeast.

From here, you will either go back the way you came for a shaded return or cross this stream and hike up to an expose retreat back. We braved the heat and sun and took this route back. Rewarded with spectacular views view from above.

Link to my youtube clip- https://youtu.be/G02gj_fqHMM

Hana means flower in Japanese, and Hana Field, new for 2021. It has acres of beautiful Sunflowers with a super cheap admission of only $5. You can bring home some “U-Pick” sunflowers for $15. You’ll need to make a reservation before visiting. As important as the fact of arriving with your own “sharp cutter or serrated knife”, should you want to bring a few sunflowers home. Otherwise, they sell new cutter/scissors at the gift shop right by the entrance.

I have been chasing sunflowers since last year when we were up North California, sadly last week of July, the sunflowers we arrived at are not in bloom almost drying out, hence my urge to find them still blooming. Thank you to the latest sunflower fields in Orange County. Finally, caught up with them!

A spectacular spread of flowers always makes for an uplifting sight, but certain splashy specimens stand taller than the rest in this regard.

Sometimes literally taller, which is very much the case when it comes to sunflowers. 

For while flower fields tend to capture our hearts and fancies, sunflower fields are the sunny spaces you’ll often see in calendars, on postcards, and in gift books, too. They’re that pretty and that picturesque.

How to get there

But where to find a large line-up of tall bloomers? And where can you find a place that allows you to pick your own sunflowers?

Hana Fields by Tanaka Farms, Address: 427 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Don’t get confused with Tanaka Farms in Irvine. The farm is located at the corner of Sunflower and Anton. https://www.tanakafarms.com/events/2021/5/28/sunflowers-at-hana-field-in-costa-mesa-swaar-27zhf-7h5ed

An important “PLEASE NOTE” from the Tanaka Farms team? “The fields can get quite muddy, so closed toe shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty are a must. Also, bees love sunflowers, so if you have an allergy, beware that there will be a lot of bees on the premises.”

Wander around and find all sorts of varieties of sunflowers. If you prefer not to get physical cutting fresh ones, there are already pre cut fresh, ready for you to bring home from the outdoor gift shop. Also they sell different sunflower snacks and goodies. I got the sunflower cookies, which were delish.

Along with these dazzling flowers, there’ll be zinnias, herbs, bunnies, chickens, and more to make you seriously consider trading in your sneakers for a pair of boots. Peak bloom tends to last for two weeks but there will be several happening through the summer in case you miss it. Visit their website for more details. Link above.

Hike and beach in one, let’s go! Find this combo @ Torrey Pines State Reserve. Torrey Pines State Reserve in San Diego has several hiking trails one can chose to venture to, one of them will lead you a gorgeous beach, with an epic backdrop of sculpted badlands.

Torrey Pines State Reserve got its name from one of North America’s rarest tree, the Torrey Pine. The Torrey pine, Pinus torreyana, is the rarest pine species in the United States, an endangered species growing along the coast of San Diego County and on two of the Channel Islands. The species name torreyana is named for John Torrey, an American botanist, after whom the coniferous genus Torreya is also named.

We hiked in total about 2.5-3.5 miles, branching to lookouts whenever we encounter them. Start early, this is a popular hiking area to beat the crowd and get parking.

How to get there

We drove from Moreno Valley for 1 1/2 hours to 12600 N. Torrey Pines Road, San Diego, California 92037. There’s a 20$ entrance fee/car. Or flash your California Explorer Annual Pass. https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1049

Drive all the way up to the hill for the visitor center parking. If you’re up for an extra walk, park roadside next to the beach for free. But walk an extra 2 mile up the hill, before the actual trails. FYI- Pets are not allowed on the trails. No drones are permitted.

Bring water. Drinking fountains when we went were closed due to the pandemic. Bathrooms/Portalet are available at the entrance, visitor center, and razor point trailhead.

Be prepared to see crowded parking lots, cyclists and joggers, families, and beachgoers all trying to enjoy the same 8 miles of trails and additional paved roads and beaches.

The Trails

This state park is made up of six trails, which vary on length and intensity. This makes choosing a trail quite like ordering at Starbucks, personable and customizable.

Note: during this time, the stairs to the beach access was taken down for repair. People still went down to the beach anyway, by scrambling the rocks. Once done with water, sand and sun, they walk back to the parking area from the beach.

1. GUY FLEMING TRAIL

⅔ mile loop
This is an easy loop that takes you to 2 incredible look out points. You make your way to the cliffs that overlook the ocean and then walk north, parallel to the coastline.

2. RAZOR POINT TRAIL

⅔ mile 
This trail is exciting because it breaks off into several additional trials. Veering off to take these paths is a fun, subtle way to add to your workout. It lands you at a incredibly large rock area that’s an ultimate lookout point for ocean views and photos.

Yucca Point Trail is one of the small breakaway trails. This small garden loop is a delightful spot to stroll and take in ocean views. We highly recommend taking the short time to branch off onto it. It’s also accessible via the Beach Trail.

3. BEACH TRAIL – No beach access this time (04/2021)

¾ mile
Start high up on the cliffs and weave your way down. It’s more important to have good-gripping shoes on this trail than some of the flatter loops. This is because you’ll be carefully working your way downhill. When you make it down the final steps, you’ll step (or leap!) onto the sand. Making it to a beach has never been so triumphant. We accessed Razor Point Lookout and further down Yucca Point Lookout from this trail. Also made our way past The Red Butte.

After taking in the seaside, you can make your way back up the trail for a fantastic uphill workout or head back to where you (likely) parked by simply walking the beach back north. You can also branch off to Razor Point or make your way back up by the Broken Hill Trail.

We opted to go down to the beach access just to see but not actually going down. It is quite steep without the stairs. Took the Broken Hill Trail going up.

4. BROKEN HILL TRAIL

Access to beach via 2 paths, one 1.2 miles & one 1.3 miles– North Fork Trail and South Fork Trail. North being the shorter version.
The Broken Hill Trail has some serious uphill climbing. The Broken Hill Overlook, which rewards you with sand stone badlands view, and South Fork Overlook, you realize your heightened elevation and know you worked hard for that view!

5. PARRY GROVE

½ miles
This half-mile hike takes you through the wildflower-filled Whitaker garden. It leads downwards to a lovely ocean view, an ideal spot for resting before turning to hike back up the trail.

6. HIGH POINT TRAIL

0.1 mile hike
This short path gives you a complete 360 degree view of La Jolla and the surrounding San Diego area. If you’re a visitor wanting to get a better feel for the area or a native who has never experienced the entirety of this area’s beauty, it’s worth checking out.