Yosemite June 2020

Hike Review: McKinley Peak

Location: north of Highland, CA
Distance: 3 miles round trip 
Difficulty: strenous 
Elevation Change: 1,700 feet 
Time of Year Best: late fall, winter, spring, no shade

Fun hike. No shade. No crowds. Easy to lose the trail. Register/log at the top. There were only a dozen or so entries from all of 2013. There was an entry in the log from Iron Hiker who had climbed McKinley the day before. 
Saw some mule deer. It's nice knowing you aren't the only option for lion food.

 

Onyx Peak near Big Bear Lake

On the road to Big Bear from Redlands on highway 38, you must pass through Onyx Summit, at 8,443, this road is the highest paved through road in all of southern California. At Onyx Summit, there is a turn off to the east of the highway for a dirt road 1N01 that leads to Onyx Peak (9,113). However, the road is usually gated about 1 mile from the peak. Park here and walk the 2 miles round trip for an easy hike. There is about 300 feet of elevation gain.

Location: eastern part of the San Bernardino National Forest near Big Bear
Distance: 2 miles round-trip
Difficulty: moderate to easy
Elevation Change: 300 feet
Time of Year Best: any
Recommended Map: National Geographic TOPO! Weekend Explorer 3D (Los Angeles, Los Padres, San Bernardino National Forest)

Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park

Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park

Vernal Falls Mist

Vernal Falls from Mist Trail

Vernal Falls in Yosemite National Park reigns majestic as a mighty awe of God's handiwork. Approaching the falls via the Mist Trail the sound booms deafening. Approaching the falls the mist rains steady and the sight demands pause. Prepare to get wet and walk steady as the trail travails into the mist.                

Location: eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park
Distance: 3 miles round-trip
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Elevation Change: 1,000 feet
Time of Year Best: May
Recommended Map: Yosemite SW - Yosemite Valley & Wawona - Trails Illustrated Map # 306