Hiking: Eaton Canyon

Trailed an old favorite—Eaton Canyon. The 3.5 miles round trip trail is best suited for those who enjoy agility training as it includes crossing back and forth over a stream, and hurdling over rocks and logs. I absolutely love it! The only downfall is the crowd. If you’re a fast walker or athletic at minimum, start your hike early (between 6am-8:30am) otherwise you run the risk of getting stuck behind slower or inexperienced trekkers. 

Also, wear the appropriate shoes. It’s best to wear hiking or trail running shoes with enough traction to keep you from slipping off rocks. Bonus if your shoes are waterproof! 

As for any additional essentials, it’s always a good idea to carry  a bottle of water, and to apply sunblock and bug spray before you head out on the trail. 

For those with any previous or current leg injuries, not in good health, or have poor balance, I would avoid this hike as you wouldn’t want to further injure yourself. However, if you’re athletic and have a brave heart to take on the challenge, then by all means! Enjoy! 

We Love Our Public Lands: How You Can Help

"Today, the President announced his plan to dramatically reduce the size of two national monuments in Utah—Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante. This is the largest rollback of protected lands in American history. The decision also undermines the integrity of the Antiquities Act, which 16 presidents from both parties have used to designate and protect national monuments over the last 111 years."  --REI, American retail and outdoor recreation services corporation.




On December 4, 2017, our United States President spoke of his plan to drastically reduce the size of two national monuments located in Utah.  The decision followed Administration’s four-month review (April 2017 to August 2017) of 27 national monuments designated during the last two decades.




During this time of review, more than 2.8 million Americans submitted comments to fight for protection of these monuments. The voices were snubbed by administration and the decision was made, and took away 2 million acres of public land. A decision that has caused extensive outrage amongst all Americans who love the outdoors and appreciate it's beauty, including what it does for the welfare of people and the ecosystem. Large outdoor supplier and clothing store, REI has created a full page dedicated to helping those interested in voicing their concerns to our administration. To learn more, go here.


I am personally heart broken to hear what our admin would do to such precious places that millions of Americans call home. It's time to fight back so that our children and their children can continue on a legacy of God's beauty.


Show your colors and place this image on your social media platforms with the hashtag #UnitedOutside

Trip to Yosemite

"The world is big 

and I just want to have a good look at it before it gets dark." - John Muir 

...Because nature needs no words, I'm just going to show you pictures of my trip last weekend to Yosemite, Bass Lake and Raymond. Please enjoy. 

(All photos by @shoesdogsandchocolate)

Yosemite is the most beautiful park I've had the pleasure of visiting and the pictures only show a sliver of its majestic meadows, waterfalls and rock formations. If you've never been I suggest you do. Just once. Find Your Park! 

Visit: https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm 

Take a hike! (or two)

Need some thing to do this weekend? Try one of these two hiking trails located in the always beautiful and sunny, Southern California. 

The first trail is Eaton Canyon, a three an a half (3.5) mile hike round trip, located in Pasadena. You may bring your dog but a leash is required. 

The trail starts out smooth with minor hills to warm your legs up, but as the hike progresses, so does the amount of natural barriers. I wouldn't recommend bringing small children or babies in a carrier as the hike intensifies rather quickly. 

Measuring your agility is also important, as If it's below medium to high, I would sit this one out. 

Streams and rock gather throughout the hike, causing slippery foundations to cross through. If you can manage leaping through water, you'll enjoy the trail. 

Be sure to wear comfortable and stable hiking boots, as regular shoes may cause you to slip and potentially hurt yourself. 

A few hikers had to limp back to the parking lot due to busted knees and elbow scrapes. Not a great way to start your weekend. 

Nature will wow you on this trail, and if you can make it to the top, the waterfall at the end will make your accomplishments worth the journey. 

For more information on Eaton Canyon and trails, visit ECNCA.ORG 

The next trail is Claremont loop, a five mile (5.0) round trip, extra steep, curvy nature trail in the San Bernardino mountains. 

I will caution you, although this is a man-made trail, it is deeply nestled in the wilderness; a home to mountain lions, mule deer, snakes and much more. 

When you first start on the trail you'll have two options: left for a medium hike, right for a more strenuous one. Of course, we chose the right. 

Many people showed up to hike this trail: some beginners, others, well-seasoned professionals, runners, bicyclist  and fun-going nature lovers. Pets are welcome with an on-leash policy. 

Second pre-caution. Be courtesy of your pet's stamina, weight and age. Bring plenty of water for you and your pet and be prepared to carry your pet down the mountain if they should get hurt. We saw a few dogs struggle on this hike, one collapsed and another injured himself. Be mindful of your pet as they can't communicate properly. Assessing their needs are important on a trail like this.

Continuing up the mountain you'll find a few rest points to rejuvenate weary legs. 

I took full advantage of these.

That's not to say I didn't push through the tough terrain, because I did, and if you are looking for a great booty workout, this hike is for you. 

The views are also beautiful and the air is crisp. 

When hiking a long trail such as this one, it's easy to get lost in thought, but try not to as you'll need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Especially as you may come face to face with an animal.  

If you should come face to face with an animal, stand your ground but also be respectful of their turf. We stood tall and still. The main deer walked towards us to evaluate his own concern and our response. Once he saw that we were of no harm to him, two more deer walked towards us and down the side of the mountain away from us, which cleared our path to continue on. 

Amazing but a little scary. So again, as mentioned before, be well aware of your surroundings, watch out for your pets, yourself, and respect the wilderness and I guarantee you'll enjoy this hike. 

For more information visit, Claremont Wilderness Park

Happy trails to you!