Indian Canyons

We decided to hike in Indian Canyons. This is private land owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. During the winter the area is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The address is 38520 South Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs. There is a fee per person to enter. Adults are $12, children $6, and horses $11. Dogs are not allowed. Before heading here I suggest looking at their website.

Hiking in the Desert Can be Dangerous

You should allows have the following items with you.

• Water/electrolytes
• First Aid Kit
• Flashlight
• GPS/cell phone
• Signal mirror
• Whistle
• Poncho
• Pocket Knife
• Compass
• Snacks/food
• Sunscreen/chapstick
• sunglasses/hat

In addition, when hiking in the desert it is better to dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. It is highly possible that you will see a snake and it’s safe to assume all snakes are dangerous. Be mindful of where you put your hands and feet. In the desert, it’s important to know the symptoms of heat-related illness.

Parking

After paying at the entrance we drove to the Murray Canyon parking lot. The lot is dirt and there are plenty of parking spaces. There are two port-a-potties in the parking lot.

Murray Canyon to Seven Falls

From the parking lot to the end of the trail it is approximately 2 miles each way. Most of the trail is easy, however, there are a few moderate sections. The trail itself is mostly sand or compacted dirt. You will be walking along the stream the whole time. Be prepared to get your shoes wet.

A Steep Section

About 1.5 miles into the hike there is a a steep section. If you have poles this would be a good section to use them. We didn’t have any poles and we just took our time. After passing a group of hikers on the way down they informed us, “That trail is treacherous and we’re lucky we made it down.” Luckily, that was a bit of an exaggeration and we just took our time and were fine.

Horseback Riding in Murray Canyon

Murray Canyon is a popular location for horseback riding. There is plenty of space for parking a trailer in the lot. In addition, there is a hitching post near the end of the trail. It’s a perfect spot to leave your horse before the trail gets too steep. Remember trail etiquette and allow the horses to pass safely first. Horses always have the right of way.

A Hike to an Oasis

Murray Canyon was an amazing hike to a desert oasis. We enjoyed our time in the desert. It was winter so the water was a little too cold to go in, but it was relaxing hiking next to the stream. We saw lizards and birds, but unfortunately, we didn’t see any Big Horn Sheep. We saw signs that they were in the area. I highly recommend this hike if you are in the Palm Springs area and it’s not the middle of the summer.

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Convict Lake

Convict Lake is just South of Mammoth Lakes. From 395 there is a 2-mile paved road that will take you right to the lake. Breath-taking doesn’t even sum up the view of the lake highlighted by Mount Morrison behind it. Glaciers originally carved out Crater lake and today it is often crystal clear. You can boat, camp, fish, and hike at Convict Lake. There is a 3-mile loop around that the lake that is considered easy. I suggest you hike clockwise so that you can enjoy the view. There are paths to get down to the water. This trail is nice in the summer but spectacular in the fall. Part of the trail goes through a grove of Aspen trees and if you plan it right you will see some spectacular fall colors. There are vault toilets and picnic tables.

Parker Lake

Parker Lake is one of the family-friendly hikes along Highway 395. The lake is located near the June Lake Loop and is accessible via a dirt road that passenger cars can navigate. Park at the trailhead and the hike is about 2 miles each way. The first half of the hike gives no hint as to the beauty that is ahead. After leaving the trailhead we walked through sagebrush, but about 1/2 mile into the hike the trail starts to run parallel to the creek. We passed through an Aspen grove that is beautiful in the summer but would be amazing in the fall. I don’t think anything can prepare you for your first glimpse of Parker Lake. You are basically looking at the backside of Yosemite and it’s amazing.

Parker Lake Activities

Unlike Convict Lake there isn’t a clear path around the lake, however, you can fish, picnic or camp at the lake. This is a popular lake for fishing and I’ve seen lots of fishermen along the shores. I have been to Parker Lake for a day hike and I also backpacked there and spent two nights. There are no bathrooms or running water at the lake, however, there is a vault toilet at the trailhead. You don’t need a permit for day hikes, but if you want to spend the night you can get your permit at Recreation.gov.

Little Lakes Valley

I think Little Lakes Valley is a little slice of heaven. The entire trail is 8 miles roundtrip, but you can see the first lake after just 3/4 of a mile of hiking. There are a series of lakes, a few meadows, and Rock Creek that make this trail so special. Little Lakes Valley is located north of Bishop off Hwy 395. Rock Road starts at Tom’s Place and ends at Mosquito Flat. The trailhead starts at 10,000 feet so be prepared for some altitude. This a beautiful hike and is extremely popular. The trail is both well maintained and marked. It is popular with both fishermen and hikers. No permit is required for day hikes only for overnights and no fires are allowed. There are vault toilets and trashcans at the trailhead.

Backpacking at Little Lakes Valley

I have day-hiked at Little Lake Valley and also backpacked for multiple nights. Little Lakes Valley is an ideal location for a beginner backpacker because you can find a camping spot without putting too many miles and there is plenty of water to filter.

Hiking With Your Family in the Sierras

Hiking at Convict Lake, Parker Lake, or Little Lakes Valley with your family will allow you to see some of the beauty of the Sierras that people racing down Hwy 395 will never even know is there. As with all hikes check the weather before you go and bring your 10 essentials for hiking. Get out there and enjoy some nature.

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The 10 Essentials for a day hike are

• Appropriate Footwear
• Maps & Compass
• Water
• Food
• Layers & Rain Gear
• Safety Items
• First Aid Kit 
• A multi-tool or knife
• Sun protection
• Shelter

Appropriate Footwear

If you spent any time hiking you realize quickly how important it is to take care of your feet. A good pair of hiking boots or trail runners can make all the difference. I own both and switch them off depending on where I’m hiking. My boots are Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots. They are waterproof so if the weather is going to be wet I definitely choose them. I also prefer my boots if I know the trail is going to be covered in rocks. I feel like they protect my toes and my soles from the pain of stepping on a rock. My trail runners are Altra Lone Peak 6 Trail-Running. They are perfect for when it’s hot and I know I’m mostly going to be hiking on a clear trail.

In addition to shoes, socks are important. Good socks can help prevent blisters. I love my Darn Tough socks and I would never hike in a 100% cotton sock again. 

Maps & Compass

My cell phone is a great tool, but 9 times out of 10 I don’t have service where I’m hiking. I do use my phone when hiking. The Alltrails Pro App lets you download the map before leaving the house, however, it is a good idea to have a paper map with you for the area you are hiking in. I live in Southern, California and a forest fire is always a possibility. In case of a fire or another natural disaster, a map and a compass will help you navigate another way out. 

Water

A good rule of thumb is to plan for ½ liter of water for every hour you’ll be hiking for moderate or strenuous hikes. For longer hikes, I also bring a water filter if I think there might be a water source that I can filter from. Some hikers keep a Life Straw in their backpacks for emergencies. The Life Straw lets you drink directly from the source because the filter is built into the straw. 

Food 

Snacks are essential for a hike. It’s a good idea to bring calorie-dense snacks. Ask any hiker and they will tell you their favorite snack that gives them a little boost on a tough hike. Sometimes a few gummy worms will give you enough energy to make it up the last hill.  In addition to something for lunch, I always have a protein bar and some almonds in my backpack in case I have to spend the night in the woods. 

Layers & Rain Gear 

For day hikes you should dress in fast-drying moisture-wicking layers and remember the rule, “start out bold.” If it’s cold outside you should be a little cold when you start hiking. If you are too bundled you will have to stop to take off layers. Even worse if you keep hiking and sweat through all your layers. When you are covered in sweat as soon as you take a break you will get chilled and if it’s cold outside it’s hard to get warm when you’re wet. Avoiding getting wet while hiking will help keep you comfortable so bring a raincoat. You can find an inexpensive raincoat that only weighs a few ounces and you can just leave it in your backpack. I also have a beanie and gloves in my backpack just in case. 

Safety Items

Some of your safety items should be a light, matches, a whistle, and a satellite messenger. I always have a headlight with a fully charged battery in my backpack. Things happen and if you have to hike out in the dark you will be thankful for a light source. In case you have to spend the night it is a good idea to bring waterproof matches or something else to start a fire. Hang a whistle on the strap of your backpack in case you need to get someone’s attention. Satellite messengers are pricey and they require a subscription, however, after many years of debating I bought a Garmin GPS Mini. It gives both me and my family peace of mind that I can call for help even if I don’t have a cell signal. 

First Aid Kit 

A small first aid kit that has supplies for injuries and illness. I’m allergic to bees so my kit also contains an epi-pen. If you hike with your dog make sure you have supplies for your dog too like extra gauze and large bandaids. I also have extra baby socks in case I need to put them over my dogs’ paws. If you keep Duct Tape wrapped around your hiking pole you can use that to keep the socks on your dog.  

A Multi-tool or Knife 

I’m surprised by the number of times I have used my multi-tool. I’ve used it to get out a splinter, cut duct tape, and to tighten screws.

Sun Protection

The sun can be brutal on hikes. Sunscreen is a must and a hat will help keep the sun off your face. Don’t forget your sunglasses even when you’re hiking in the snow during the winter.

Shelter

I know what you’re thinking, “I’m just doing a day hike I don’t need shelter.” There have been plenty of hikers that have either gotten lost or injured and ended up spending the night on the trail. I only bring a tent with me when I’m backpacking, but I always have an emergency space blanket in case I need to shelter in place. These blankets weigh a few ounces and can really make a difference if you get stuck. 

A Few More Good Practices

In addition to the 10 essentials, you should have for a day hike leave a copy of your hiking plans with someone at home. It should include where you’re hiking, the name of the trailhead, and your anticipated return time. It’s always better to be prepared

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Location:

Mt Hillyer is located in Angeles National Forest. From the 210 W exit CA-2 (Angeles Crest Highway) Approximately 30 miles up CA 2 you will see the sign for Chilao Campground. Instead of heading to the campground continue straight for ¾ of a mile past a boarded-up visitor center. About ¼ mile past the visitor center is a small parking area. There is a sign for the Silver Moccasin Trail to Horse Flats Campground.

Mileage:

Starting from the Chilao trailhead the roundtrip is a little over 6 miles. 

Difficulty:

As far as a peak goes this is an easy trail, however, it is rated as moderate on All Trails. There is some elevation gain in the first mile. It levels off at Horse Flats. Some reviews stated that from the Horse Flats campground you should go counter-clockwise because then you will be walking on the paved section of the trail on the way up instead of the sandy and loose rocks trail. 

Dog Friendly:

The hike to Mt Hillyer is extremely dog friendly. We only saw one other dog and very few people. Because we did this hike as a loop we chose to use a trowel and bury the poop. The morning we hiked it was very cold, but if you hike in the summer there is very little shade and no water so plan accordingly for your dog. 

Trail Details: Silver Moccasin Trail

Chilao to MT Hillyer is in Angeles National Forest so you need to hang up your Adventure Pass before leaving your car. You can either buy an annual or daily pass at Big 5 or REI and at visitor centers if they are open. We started our hike on the Silver Moccasin Trail for the first mile. This part of the trail is a little steep.

Horseflat Trail

Horseflat Camp is where the loop to Mt. Hillyer begins and it is 2 miles from the sign. We went clockwise. There are some steep, loose sand areas on the way up. The highlight of this section is the giant boulders. There was a group set up with their foam mats and they were practicing rock climbing.

Mt Hillyer

After you have hiked 2 3/4 miles be on the lookout for a small trail leading up because this is the way to the peak of Mt Hillyer. Thankfully, I had downloaded the map from Alltrails so I was able to follow that. There is not a sign or survey marker to let you know you made it to the top and furthermore, there’s not much of a view. When we got to the top it was freezing. The temperature was in the ’30s, but the wind was howling and it made it feel so much colder.

Returning to the Chilao

We could have turned around and gone back the same we had come up, but we continued the loop. At Rosenita Saddle we left the dirt trail for the paved road that lead to Horseflat Campground. After walking through the campground we completed the loop and returned back to the car via the Silver Moccasin Trail.

Final Thoughts About Chilao to Mt Hillyer

This is an easy hike as far as peaks go. It’s good for dogs because we only saw two other groups of people the whole morning. This hike is probably better suited for Spring or Fall because there’s not much shade and I can imagine roasting on the trail in the summer.

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Mileage

The hiking trail for Stoddard Peak is an out-and-back trail. Depending on which parking lot you park in, the trail is almost 6 miles. 

Difficulty 

Hiking to Stoddard Peak is rated as moderate. The first part of the trail is actually pretty easy. You will be walking up a fire road that has a moderate incline. It isn’t until the last ½ mile that it gets steep and you need to do some rock scrambling. 

Location 

Head towards Mt. Baldy on Mt Baldy Rd about 1 ½ mile before the village of Mt Baldy be on the lookout for a sign for Barrett-Stoddard Road. The sign is on the right side of the road if you are heading up the mountain. Follow the road down to a small parking lot. There are trash cans, but no bathrooms. An adventure pass to park in the lot. Adventure passes can be bought annually or as a day pass and can be found at places like REI and Big 5. 

Dog Friendly 

Good news for your furry friends. Dogs can join you while you’re hiking to Stoddard Peak. The first part of the hike is on a road that passes many private homes and cabins so be sure your dog is on a leash. 

Trail Details 

From the parking lot head down the fire road towards the power station. Walk past the sign that says that this is a private driveway. The sign is for vehicles only hikers are allowed to use the road. At about 1 mile you will need to walk around a closed gate, again this is for cars and not hikers.

After you have hiked about 2 ½ miles be on the lookout for a trail on the right that leads up. This is where the trail gets steep. The trail has a lot of loose dirt and bushes that poke. When you get to the top you will see a summit, but it’s a false summit. Continue on the trail. At times there are multiple trails and some rock scrambling is necessary. At about 3 miles you reach the metal triangle sign that denotes Stoddard Peak. I’ve been there when there was a wooden trail sign and other times it’s missing. There is an old ammo box that has a register to sign in. There are a few boulders to sit on before you return. 

For the return trip just follow the same trail back. Make sure and take in the views of the local peaks. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Saddleback Mountain. On the hike back you will have views of Sunset Peak and Mt Baldy. Hiking to Stoddard Peak is especially nice in the spring with all the wildflowers in bloom.

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Tip #1 Conditioning

Start small. Dogs, just like people, need to build up their strength and endurance. It’s not a good idea to start off with a 10-mile hike. If you are already walking your dog every day then a 2-3 mile hike would be a good place to start. I walk Jinx 5 miles a day and her first big hike was 5 miles. At any time during the hike, I was ready to turn around if it looked like it was too much for her, but she loved it.  

Tip #2 Paws

Be mindful of your dog’s paws. Your frequent daily walks before you take your dog hiking not only build up their endurance but it will help to toughen up their paws. In summer you need to be aware of how hot the ground is and in winter of snow and ice. Some people suggest booties for your dog but check with your veterinarian first. Booties for a long hike when it’s warm is probably not a good idea because dogs sweat through glands in their paws. Booties can cause them to overheat. I always have a container of Musher’s Wax in my backpack. This wax can be used to coat their paws if they are walking on a lot of snow or ice or I’ve even used it to massage Jinx’s rough paws after a really long hike. 

Tip #3 Water & Food

A good rule of thumb is if you are thirsty so is your dog. You need to bring plenty of water for both you and your dog and a lightweight water bowl. A water filter is a great idea if you are hiking in a place where you can filter water. Your dog shouldn’t be drinking unfiltered water. I’m guilty of letting Jinx drink unfiltered water and twice it has been a problem. She got sick. You know your dog best, but dogs are just as susceptible to bacteria in untreated water as we are. As far as food goes, bring snacks. Your dog is using a lot of energy hiking so they may need some extra calories. Jinx rarely eats breakfast when she first gets up so I bring her breakfast and plenty of treats. 

Tip #4 Vaccines and Flea & Tick Meds 

Check with your veterinarian and make sure your dogs are up-to-date on their vaccines. Fleas and ticks can make your dog miserable. Here in Southern California, we have both, therefore Jinx takes a monthly oral medication. We found out the hard way that she is allergic to fleas. I also carry a tick pick in my backpack and as soon as we get home I give her a thorough once-over looking for any ticks. 

Tip #5 First Aid 

Hopefully, you’ll never need to provide first aid for your dog, but it’s better to be prepared. I carry a normal first aid kit in my backpack. I can use the gauze inside to wrap a wound or cover a paw. I also have duct tape. The tape can go over the top of the gauze to hold it in place. In addition, I have a pair of baby socks that I can put over the gauze and then put the duct over the top to hold it in place. In case of an allergic reaction, I carry Benadryl for myself but talk to your veterinarian because dogs can also take it. 

Tip # 6 Poop

Everyone poops, but nobody wants to see dog poop in nature. You have two choices: to bag it or bury it. Bagging is fine as long as you actually carry it out to a trash can. Nothing is worse than seeing old poop bags littering the trail. I assume hikers think they will pick it up on their way out, but they often forget. I carry a lightweight titanium trowel. I dig a hole and bury the poop, that way I don’t have to worry about finding a trash can for the poop bag. 

Tip # 7 Heat 

Jinx is an all-black dog and on a hot sunny day, she will overheat quickly. First, if it’s going to be over 80 degrees without any shade she has to stay home. Last summer I took her backpacking and I knew the first 2 miles would be hot and no shade. The second part of the trail was shaded and next to a creek. I was worried about her overheating before we got to the creek so I bought her a cooling vest. It is a light color and I soak it in water before putting it on her. The vest retains moisture and helps her stay cool. We took breaks and I encouraged her to rest in the shade on the way up the mountain. 

Tip #8 Off-leash 

Off-leash is a sensitive topic for many dog owners and hikers. The entire first year I hiked with Jinx she was always on her leash. I bought a hands-free bungee leash that goes around my waist. Year number 2 I started letting her off her leash on some hikes. However, it’s vital for me to say that Jinx has 100% voice recall. If I see people or other animals I call her and she returns for me to put her leash on. If your dog doesn’t have good recall, this might not work for you. Even if hikers like dogs they don’t want your dog jumping on them. Regardless of whether your dog is on or off leash, they should be wearing identification preferably with your cell phone number. Microchipping is great, but a tag with a collar is extremely helpful.  

Tip # 9 Exhaustion 

Dogs love to please their humans and they will continue to hike because you do. Keep a close eye on your dog for signs of fatigue. Some signs to look for are wanting to lay down, foaming at the mouth, or excessive panting. Make sure to allow them sufficient rest and water and be prepared to turn back.  

Tip #10 Have Fun 

Hitting the trails with your dog is a great bonding activity for you and your dog. Hiking not only provides your dog with exercise but also stimulates their brains from the new smells and sights. Have fun and enjoy the benefits of being outside and enjoying nature with your best friend. 

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Mileage

• 1/2 mile roundtrip if you want to explore the tunnel.
• 1.8 miles roundtrip if you want to explore the cave and follow the trail through the gulch.
• 4 miles roundtrip to an entrance to a slot canyon.

Difficulty

Just hiking through the canyon is easy. The only tricky part is a 5-foot drop into the cave at the beginning, however, you can sit on your bottom and slide in. The hike through the gulch is also easy, but if you want to continue on to the slot canyon you have to navigate up a steep slope at the end of the gulch. When we visited it there was snow on the ground and it was icy so we stopped at the end of the gulch.

Location

We were driving to Zion from Kanab. The turn-off is located 16 miles north of Kanab about 1/2 miles south of Carmel Junction on Highway 89. If you make it to the restaurant in Carmel Junction you have gone too far. The turn-off is for a dirt road on the west side of Highway 89. Drive 1/4 mile down the dirt road and the parking area is on the left. Straight ahead is the entrance to the Belly of the Dragon.

Dog Friendly

This trail is dog friendly. Our dog had no problem getting down the drop-off into the cave, but a smaller dog might need a little assistance. Jinx had a blast running back and forth in the snow when we walked through the gulch.

Trail Details

From the parking lot, you can see the entrance to the tunnel. The hardest part is the 5-foot drop-in, but even little kids will be able to navigate it with a little help. The bottom of the tunnel is covered in sand and rocks. Parts of the bottom become narrow and uneven so watch your step. In the winter there might be ice inside. The tunnel is short so take your time and explore. The middle of the tunnel can get very dark a flashlight will come in handy. We didn’t have a flashlight so we used our iPhones. It can also be very cold inside depending on the time of year, so bring a jacket. Most importantly this tunnel was built to divert water so don’t enter if there is any chance of rain.

After exiting the tunnel you can continue walking through the gulch until you get to a rock wall. The gulch is fun for children and dogs to run through. When we got to the rock wall we had to turn around because of the ice and snow. After exploring we headed for Zion to do some more hiking.

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Roadtrip to Sedona

Tanya, Kiana, and I spent the night in Williams, Arizona, and then the morning at Bearizona watching the bears and wolves. When we were done exploring Bearizona we drove to Sedona and did a little shopping and had lunch. After lunch, we drove out to Boynton Canyon.

Sedona’s Magical Vortex

There are 4 different vortex sites in Sedona. Some contain female energy and others contain masculine energy. We chose to visit  Boynton Canyon Vortex because it’s less crowded and easier to find a parking spot. It is supposed to be balanced energy-containing both female and masculine. This vortex is between the rock formation named Kachina Woman which contains the female energy and an unnamed knoll that contains masculine energy.   

Boynton Canyon Vortex

Boynton Canyon Trailhead is about 8 miles outside of downtown Sedona. From 89A turn on Dry Creek Road and then turn right on Boynton Pass Road. The parking lot is about ¼ mile down the road if you make it to the Enchanted Rose Resort you have gone too far. The parking lot was full when we arrived so we parked off the pavement on Dry Creek Road and walked the ¼ mile back to the start of the trail. If you park in the parking lot you need a parking pass. Visit Red Rock Program Pass online to get the details for trail parking in Sedona. At the trailhead, there is a vault toilet and a map. From the parking lot, you can either hike the Boynton Canyon Trail which is about 7 miles, or the Boynton Vista Trail which is 1 mile. 

Vista Trail

We started out on the Boynton Canyon Trail and about ½ mile in we saw a group of white-tailed deer. After watching the deer we decided to turn around and go back to the trail sign at the beginning. At the sign, we then headed toward the vortex on the Vista Trail. This is an easy family-friendly trail and you can also bring your leashed dog. There are some rock cairns that mark the trail. 

Magical Music

As we got closer to the vortex we heard flute music. At the top of the rock formation known as the Kachina was a man sitting playing his flute. The music definitely added to the ambiance. This man tries to come out to the vortex twice a day to play his flute, pass out rock hearts and share his worldly wisdom. He gave a lot of great advice, but my favorite thing he said was, “you have to let all your hurts go and receive the peace from Mother Earth.” Very sage advice. It was the end of the day and he was out of heart rocks, but we enjoyed listening to his music and words. 

Soaking in the Magic

We didn’t climb to the top of the Kachina because it involves some rock scrambling and we weren’t feeling that brave. Instead, we climbed around the base and found a place to sit on the red rocks. I remembered reading an article about Earth Grounding and how it’s good for you to take your shoes off in nature, so Kiana and I took off our shoes and ground our feet on the red rocks. I’m not sure if it was the stunning views, the wise words of wisdom from the flute player, or the magical energy from the vortex but I felt emotional.

The Masculine Energy of the Knoll

As much as we loved our spot sitting at the base of the Kachina we got really cold because it was in the shade. We put our shoes on and walked across a small saddle to sit at the base of the knoll. There was a woman sitting on the saddle playing her guitar and singing. Sitting there in the sun on the red rocks, listening to the music and soaking in the view I felt the energy moving up my legs. As skeptical as I am, I was shocked. Kiana felt tingly in her calves. Not only did I feel something magical I also felt emotionally drained as I had just cried everything out. Possibly I was following the flute player’s advice and letting it all go! On the other hand, Tanya felt energized and happy. She was smiling from ear to ear.

We Were Sad to Leave Sedona

We spent way longer at the Vortex than we had planned. None of us wanted to leave. We finally decided to walk back to the car as the sun was starting to set. I can’t wait for our next trip to Sedona. There are 3 more vortexes for us to explore and miles and miles of wide-open beautiful trails to hike.

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The Details

Trailhead: West Foothill Parkway, just past Trudy in Corona

Parking: Parking is free along West Foothill Parkway

Length: 12 miles round trip to the Doppler from Foothill 

Elevation Gain: 2,337 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Total time: 4-5 hours

Dogs: Yes on a leash

Water: There is a refillable water station at the trailhead.

Parking

When you hike to the Doppler you want to park on West Foothill Parkway. You will see the cars parked on the curb and they have all headed to the same place as you are going. Parking is free. Do not park in the neighborhood, because you will either get a ticket or have your car towed. There are signs on every street stating that parking is for permitted residents only. 

Starting the Hike 

On West Foothill Parkway there is a sign for the Skyline Trail and this is where you want to start in order to hike to the Doppler. The first part of the trail is paved and it is directly behind houses. Signs along the way ask that users of the trail respect the neighbors and keep their volumes low. There is a place to refill water bottles at the beginning of the trail and there are several trash cans. After you pass the houses the trail changes to a wide dirt track. At about ¾ of a mile, you will come to a giant map showing all the different hiking trails in the area. If you want to hike to the Doppler you will need to veer right and head up the fire road. 

The Fire Road to the Doppler

Hiking the Fire Road to the Doppler is a constant uphill. You will be sharing the trail with hikers, runners, and mountain bikers. The day we hiked we saw 3 cars on the trail, but I don’t think that is the norm, because the gate at the bottom is locked. The trail consists of one switchback after the other. If it’s a clear day it doesn’t take long to have views of the Inland Empire. We were able to see the city of Corona, Blue Mountain, Mt. Jurupa, Box Springs Mountain, and Mt. Baldy.  

Beware of the Heat

You should not plan to hike to the Doppler Ball if it is hot outside. There is no shade at all. This is a hike that calls for a hat and sunscreen. If it is warm, bring a lot of water. There is nowhere to refill your water once you start up the fire road.

Hiking in the Rain

Unfortunately, the day we hiked we had the opposite problem. It was cloudy and it rained. Sally and I had both checked the weather forecast the night before and no rain was predicted. About 4 miles into the hike it started to rain and at first, it was light, but at times, it really came down. Sally had a rain jacket in her backpack, but I didn’t. The weather was only 60 degrees, but by the time we had finished the hike and made it back to the car I was completely drenched and cold to my core. During one of the heavier downpours I tried to shelter under a bush and I looked in my backpack and found my emergency space blanket in case I needed to wrap it around myself.

I always bring a backpack and I usually have all of my 10 essentials, because I never know when I will need them. Needless to say, my raincoat is going back in my backpack. Every hiker should have the following with them:

Ten Essentials For Hiking 

1. Appropriate footwear: I always fear for the people I see sliding down the hill in their Vans or Converse or worse yet flip-flops. 
2. Maps/Compass/GPS: Cell phones are a great tool, but 9 times out of 10 I don’t have service. Furthermore, living in Southern California I need to be able to find another route off the mountain in the case of a forest fire. 
3. Water: A good rule of thumb is to plan for ½ liter of water for every hour you’ll be hiking for moderate and strenuous hikes. For long hikes, I also bring a filter if I think there might be a water source that I can filter from. 
4. Food: Bring calorie-dense snacks. I always have emergency protein bars or wrapped snacks in my backpack in case something happens and I have to spend the night in the woods. 
5. Rain Gear: – fast drying layers: Although it rarely rains in California I can attest to how miserable it is to hike in the rain without a jacket. Moisture-wicking clothes are key to being happier. I keep a pair of gloves and a beanie in my backpack as well. 
6. Safety Items: A light, matches, and a whistle. You should have some sort of light in your backpack in case a hike takes longer than expected. I always have a headlight with me. Waterproof matches or something to start a fire and a whistle to call for help. After many years of debating, I bought a Garmin GPS mini. It gives both me and my family a peace of mind that I can call for help even if I don’t have a cell signal. 
7. First Aid Kit: Your kit should have supplies for injuries and illness. My kit also has an epi-pen because I’m allergic to bees. 
8. A Multi-tool or knife: Even though you might think you’ll never use it you might be surprised how often you actually do. 
9. Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. 
10. Shelter: I only have a tent with me when I’m backpacking, but I always have an emergency space blanket in case I need to shelter in place. 

Ruins On The Way To The Doppler

When you are almost to the Doppler ball you will come across two ruins. It looks like two separate shelters, but there was no information about them. All that is left are some stone walls amongst some mature trees that are definitely not native to the area. According to Corona Heritage.org, the ruins are the remains of two cabins that were built in 1930 by Joseph Beek. One cabin was a vacation get-a-way and the other was for the caretaker. Mr. Beek also planted the trees around the ruins and installed a few cisterns to supply the water for them.

The property is still owned by the family, but they stopped using the cabins in the ’80s because it was too hard for them to keep up with the theft and vandals. I saw this location listed on a site about local ghost towns, but I’m not sure if two houses add up to a ghost town.

One Last Push 

After the ruins, it’s about 800 feet of climbing to the Doppler ball. The Doppler ball was “meh.” We took a picture to prove that we were there and looked around for a minute, but the view wasn’t great because of the rain. On a clear day, you can see Catalina, but all we saw were clouds. We went back down to the ruins to eat our lunch. Luckily, it had stopped raining for a few minutes, while we ate. After lunch, we walked the 6 miles back to our car. Of course, it started raining again, and we were drenched and splattered with mud by the time we got to the car.

Final Thoughts 

If I lived in Corona I would use Skyline Drive Trail as a conditioning hike, but I think for me this hike goes in the “one and done category.” I can’t stress this enough, do not plan on hiking here if it is hot or even on a warm day with full sun, because you will roast. 

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Day Hiking

Even if you are not up through hiking the PCT yet, there are plenty of places to section hike it. We wanted to see Eagle Rock so we started our section hike in the small town of Warner Springs. This part of the trail is 6.2 miles out and back. It is a heavily used trail and you will be sharing it with lots of hikers and plenty of cows. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but they need to be leashed. Parking is across the street along the highway or at the community resource center, not at the fire station. The actual trail starts at the cattle gate next to the bridge.

If you are planning to do this hike, I suggest late fall, winter, or spring. Summer would be just too hot. There are parts of this hike that are in full sun.

The first part of the hike is through trees and you walk along a creek. The middle part is through pastures and in the springtime we saw lots of wildflowers and lizards. The last part of the trail is wide open with no shade and a lot of sun even on a cool day.

Eagle Rock

Eagle Rock is an aptly named rock formation on the Pacific Crest Trail. You will be amazed at how much it resembles an actual eagle. It looks as though it was carved by a sculpture and not by nature. We were able to scale the rocks behind the eagle and scramble up to the top for a photo. We were there during Spring Break so there was a mix of day hikers, through-hikers, and families with kids. Everyone took turns climbing to the top for their photos. After exploring the formation we found a shady nook next to some nearby rocks and let the dogs take a break from the sun.

Heading Back on the PCT

After a break in the shade, we started our hike back. In general, this is a very flat trail. There are a few inclines but I would rate this trail as easy. The only hard part is the unrelenting sun and we felt it on the way back. We saw cows on our return trip, but they were off in the distance. I have read other hiker’s accounts of cows charging them on this trail, so beware.

Back To The Car

We stopped several times to let the dogs cool off in the creek. Along the way, we saw a few hikers that had set up under the shade and were taking a nap. They were through-hikers that had got an early start and then took a siesta in the middle of the day when the sun was the hottest. We made it back to the car without seeing any snakes or being chased by cows.

Julian

The quaint town of Julian is only 30 minutes from Warner Springs. There are breweries, cideries, and lots of places for apple pie in Julian. We stopped at Julian Beer Co. on Main Street. We shared a pizza and tasted several of their beers. There is plenty of outside seating in both the front and the back. We were there during COVID so we sat outside, but there are also several different rooms to eat inside. Their pizza was great and the guys that work there are very friendly. They even made some chicken and brought it out to our dogs as a special treat.

A Good Day

We had a great time hiking to Eagle Rock and we enjoyed Julian. After Julian, we drove back to our campground for the night. There are plenty of other trails in the area and it is the perfect location for a long weekend whether camping or staying in one of the hotels or Airbnbs in the area.

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