Make everyday an Adventure

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Adventure Aide: Local Guide- Coachella Valley & Greater Palm Springs Area

Local Guide: Coachella Valley &Greater Palm Springs Area

https://adventureaide.com/blog/local-guide-coachella-valley

Local Guide: Coachella Valley & Greater Palm Springs Area

Katie Martinez

October 18, 2018

The Inland Empire, situated east of Los Angeles, incorporates the vast deserts of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, and most notably: the Coachella Valley. Although it is probably most recognizable for the annual festival named after its location, the valley is home to beautiful desert landscapes and has plenty of trails to explore.

Many people make their way to the Coachella Valley during the winter when the desert climate is most comfortable, and the views the most beautiful. Although, hiking and various outdoor adventures are available year round as there's definitely no shortage of thing to see and do.

Oasis Hikes

Oasis Hikes vary in degree of difficulty depending on what you're looking for. These trails and preserves showcase the natural beauty of the desert and the history of the natives who still reside there. Some of these trails reside on reservation lands, so please plan accordingly.

1. Big Morongo Canyon Preserve

2. Whitewater Preserve (3.5 - 5 miles)

3. Coachella Valley Preserve

4. The Indian Canyons Trails

5. Bear Creek Canyon (9 miles RT, strenuous)

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The San Jacinto Mountains

From the valley, there is one mountain that stands out: Mt. San Jacinto, standing at 10,833 ft. elevation. The mountain is accessible from a variety of locations: the PCT trails from the South, the Idyllwild Marion Mountain Trail, the Cactus to Clouds trail from Palm Springs, or for a more leisurely assent, the Palm Springs Aerial Tram. The San Jacinto Mountains are also home to many campsites and lakes ready to be explored.

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Desert Views

The desert offers some of the greatest opportunities for stargazing, which is often why so many stargazers flock to the area during astronomical events such as meteor showers or a lunar eclipse. There are two observatories that offer a closer look at the universe, and different groups offer stargazing night tours, the Rancho Mirage Observatory and Gargan Optics Observatory.

Unique Experiences

If hiking doesn't suit your fancy, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the desert. Check out these adventures for a unique perspective on the Coachella Valley.

1. Horseback Riding - there are a number of stables and ranches in the area that offer horseback riding tours and adventures.

2. Cycling - If it's not too hot, cycling can be a great way to explore the desert as well as get some physical exercise! More information.

3. Ariel Adventures - Experience the vastness of the Coachella Valley for yourself by hot air balloon or prop plane!

4. Off roading - Take the road less traveled and experience the desert off the beaten path. Check out this map for the best places to start.

Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Adventure Aide: Explore Mt. Baldy

Explore Mount Baldy

Explore Mount Baldy

Katie Martinez

August 22, 2018

Mt. San Antonio, more commonly known as Mt. Baldy, is the highest point in Los Angeles County, standing at an impressive (for LA) 10,064 ft. It is a popular mountain to hike with various routes to the top that range in both distance and difficulty. If hiking's not for you, there are still plenty of other ways to enjoy the mountain and it's sweeping views of Southern California.

Hiking to the Notch

If you are looking for a solid day hike, an easy option is to hike to the Baldy Notch and back, starting from either the Manker Flats trailhead, for a roughly 7 mile climb, or from the Ski Lot parking lot, for a shorter, 5 mile climb. Both trails meet-up for the last 2 miles of the climb, but the trail from Manker Flats offers the connection to the Ski Hut Trail, as well as to San Antonio Falls, about a quarter mile up. More details.

Ski Lift to the Notch

Not up for a hike? You can always opt for taking the ski lift up to the Notch. The total trip lasts around 10-15 minutes and allows for a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. A single ride up or down (as of 08/2018) costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $13 for youth ages 13-17 years old, and $10 for children ages up to 12 years old. A round trip ride (as of 08/2018) costs $25 for adults, $20 for seniors, $20 for youth ages 13-17 years old, and $15 for children ages up to 12 years old. The site offers discounts for booking online, so check it out! More details.

At the Baldy Notch

Once you make it to Baldy Notch, there is plenty to do and see. You can easily spend a day exploring here, or more if you wish.

Hike! There are many options available to you if you want to continue hiking: You could follow the 3 mile round trip trail up to Thunder Mountain. You could also continue up the roughly 6 mile out and back trek up the Devil’s Backbone Trail to the Baldy Summit. You can also join in on the many moonlight hikes offered by the resort throughout the year. Stop in at the Top of the Notch Restaurant for maps and more information. Details.
Zipline! Mt. Baldy Resort now offers a zipline- 600ft long and 90ft high! Book online, or at the resort.
Eat, Drink, and Enjoy the view! The main ski lift drops you off at the Top of the Notch Restaurant, where you can buy food, or enjoy some wine and local beers. It is a great place to eat and perhaps even watch the sun set over Southern California.
Glamping! You are now able to rent tent cabins at the notch! If you are looking to camp, without having to climb the mountain, this is a great option for you. Check the website for availability and pricing.
Events: The Top of the Notch offers many events to come up and enjoy, so be sure to check out the resort’s website for upcoming events, including Battle of the Brews, Comedy Shows, Concerts, and more.
Winter time: Winter time brings with it other activities, including tubing areas, and smaller runs for ski or boarding lessons. The mountain also offers some of the highest and steepest runs in SoCal, that include many areas for those interested in backcountry skiing or boarding. The runs are more for those with experience on the slopes, so plan accordingly.

*Adventure Pass for Parking: You will need to buy an adventure pass to park on the mountain. You can buy these ahead of time, at any local sporting goods store, or at any of the featured locations listed on the Adventure Pass site. The day pass costs $5 and the year pass $30 (additional car pass $5).The pass is required for the Los Padres, Cleveland, Angeles, and San Bernardino National Forests, and go towards the upkeep of the wilderness areas enjoyed by the public.

Baldy Village

Finally, if you want to venture up the mountain, but stay lower in elevation, check out the Baldy Village. The village offers restaurant and lodging options, including the Baldy Lodge and the Buckhorn Pub. Surrounding the village are also other trails to explore, including Bear Canyon, Icehouse Canyon, Sunset Ridge, and the Joatngna Trail.

**Important! For your own safety: always do your research before hitting any of these trails, and plan accordingly. A quick google search will offer you a great deal of information on the trails and current trail conditions. However you can also call the local Ranger’s Station, or the Mt. Baldy Visitor’s Center for information.

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Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Goodbyes

I would like to take some time to reflect on Goodbyes...

After so many instances of meeting uniquely wonderful people, only to have to part ways, I think it is fair to say that I have become a master at goodbyes. Not that it's become easier and less painful for me to do so, but in that I've learned to anticipate the coming pain, and cope with the parting. Not to mention cope with the then aftermath, which is a related, but whole other topic. Change is inevitable in life, and when you so chose to expose yourself to the unknowns of the world, it is something that you will also experience in abundance.

I began to learn this skill, with my own upbringing, as for various reasons, change was an ever present part of my life. I learned how to quickly adapt to different environments and peoples groups, and learned to function despite it all. My first team trip in High School, to which I experienced a unique sense of depression missing and longing for the surroundings and group that I had just left. This was also mixed with a feeling of frustration and anger at the world that I had left and returned to, which was ignorant to the world I had just seen and experienced. This is then followed by a seemingly endless string of "fun facts", stories, comparisons, and inside jokes.

This pattern has continued and repeated multiple times, as I came home from college, moved, went on my trips, worked in many places, and continued to step out.

Good byes still suck though. They will always suck. But they are also inevitable...

Friday, December 11, 2015

Dowtown LA

The highlighted instrument is strung up between the two skyscrapers, and played like a harp. But it is so huge that the musicians look like they are dancing as the hit the notes. #art #losangeles #dtla #music

A video posted by ☆Katie (@katierm1821) on Dec 11, 2015 at 4:19am PST