3 minute read
Southern California Rock Trails
Written by: Ashley Jimenez Illustrated by: Korah Robinson
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Hiking — a natural, adventurous cleanse for the mind, body and soul. For many college students, hiking is an escape from the stress within their everyday lives.
Whether one is seeking to hike for health purposes or to find peace and clarity, Southern California is home to a plethora of breathtaking hiking trails. From a beginner to an advanced hiker, from a with-the-sun riser to a sunset lover, SoCal has trails for everyone. Some of the most well-travelled and enjoyable hikes are Aztec Falls, Sunset Peak and Cucamonga Peak.
Aztec Falls (Easy)
Aztec Falls, located in San Bernardino, is a 1.3mile trail with more than 200 feet of gain and is most well-known for its waterfall and cliff jumping.
Anthony Maldonado, California Baptist University senior nursing major, says he enjoys hiking Aztec during the fall. Fascinated by the autumn colors, he makes his way to the waterfall where he reflects on life.
“Hiking has always been a good opportunity for me to find some clarity,” Maldonado says.
Maldonado says the soothing sounds of the creek and chirping birds ease his mind. Maldonado finds the trail to Aztec Falls to be the most relaxing in the evening when the sun is about to set. Maldonado says being surrounded by nature and away from the madness of the city is revitalizing for him.
Sunset Peak (Moderate)
Sunset Peak, located in the Los Angeles National Forest, is a 7.3-mile hike with more than 1,200 feet of gain with picture-perfect sunset scenery.
Ivan Castro, junior exercise science major, says Sunset Peak is named well because of the stunning light one can find around 4:30 p.m.
“I love golden hour,” Castro says. “I love the soft light and the ambiance of sunset.”
In addition to being surrounded by nature, photography is another reason why Castro says he enjoys sunset hiking adventures.
“What better way to explore and get some good (photos),” Castro says.
Castro says this narrow trail might be a challenge for some, but the gorgeous mountain views and the scenery at the peak are worth it.
“It gets tiring, and it’s scary at times, but other than that it’s worth the hike,” Castro says.
The feeling of accomplishment after the last step up the trail and the breathtaking sunset can make for the perfect relief after a long week of school. For those who thrive on a steady adrenaline rush, Sunset Peak is a hike worth adding to the bucket list.
Cucamonga Peak (Advanced)
An epic go-to trail for avid, experienced hikers is Cucamonga Peak, located in the San Gabriel Mountains. This tough, rocky 12-mile trail features more than 8,800 feet of gain, but the views rewarded to those who reach the peak are worth the challenge.
Ian McGarraugh, front desk and instruction manager at Sender One Climbing, says he was not the biggest hiking fan growing up but it has always been a part of his family. Cucamonga Peak is one of the many hikes McGarraugh enjoys.
“The Cucamonga wilderness is a really nice area, and the hike has many miles of continuous ridge line hiking,” McGarraugh says. “My parents used to reward me with candies for completing switchbacks on hikes when I was really young.”
McGarraugh rediscovered hiking during his teenage years. He says he likes to surround himself with nature and appreciates the time he gets to be alone with his thoughts.
“It really helped me to discover who I was at that time,” McGarraugh says. “Once you start to put miles of trail behind you, everything starts to blend in and life becomes so much simpler.”
Being present and enjoying what is in front of you is not easy when tests, homework and deadlines are weighing you down. Setting a goal to wake up early, sit at the top of a mountain and watch the world wake up or settle as the sun goes down can be just as rewarding as completing a semester.
