When I was a kid growing up in Southern California during the late 70s and 80s, I had the opportunity to see and experience the early days of high performance surfing. Surfers on short boards were carving up the waves and redefining the sport with powerful bottom turns, lightning fast cutbacks and ver…
Need an Adventure? Try Hiking 107 Miles Around Glacier Peak in 35 Hours
Adventurers, fast hikers, and ultra runners all have at least one thing in common; the desire to constantly push their bodies and minds to new limits. From Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s historic ascent up Mount Everest in 1953, to Joe McConaughy’s recent record-breakin…
Are You Suffering from Nature Deficiency Disorder? Try Nature Rx.
Nature Deficiency Disorder (NDD) is characterized by severe and chronic feelings of emptiness, mental and physical fatigue, and a general lack of interest in going outside for anything more than a Starbucks Sexagintuple Vanilla Bean Mocha Frappuccino.
NDD is most prevalent in adu…
Snake Bite Treatment and Prevention when You’re on the Trail
For those of us who enjoy heading out into the wilderness, snake encounters are a fact of life. The good news is that the chance of being bitten by a venomous snake is very low, while the likelihood of surviving a bite is extremely high. According to the CDC, “It has been estimated that 7,000–8,000 p…
Pyles Peak Hike -There is Life Beyond Cowles Mountain
Distance: 6 miles | Hiking time: 3 hours | Difficulty: 7/10 | More info.
If you’re looking for a great way to beat the crowds of Cowles Mountain while enjoying similar views, and you don’t mind adding a few miles to your trip to do it, head on over to Pyles Peak. The extra mileage isn’t that demandin…
This 12 Question Wilderness Survival Quiz Could Save Your Life – Part 2/2
In my last article, “This Wilderness Survival Quiz Just Might Save Your Life – Part 1/2“, I laid out four of the most basic principles of wilderness survival. I also put my knowledge to the test by taking this grueling 12 question quiz to find out exactly how prepared …
This 12 Question Wilderness Survival Quiz Could Save Your Life – Part 1/2
When it comes to wilderness survival, there are a few very basic rules to keep in mind that will keep you alive long enough to get found or get to safety.
Here’s a fun, quick quiz you can take to find out how prepared you are to survive should you find yourself lost or injured in the wilderness.…
Mt. Woodson Trail & Potato Chip Rock – San Diego’s Most Recognizable Hiking Destination
Distance: 7.25 miles | Hiking time: 4.5 hours | Difficulty: 7/10 | More info.
Potato Chip Rock is a big part of the reason that people are able to motivate themselves to continue the challenging hike up Mt. Woodson Trail. The trail to the summit of Mt. Woodson keeps you working, but rewards you along the …
Bernardo Mountain Trail – An Easy-going Hike with a View of Beautiful Lake Hodges
Distance: 7.2 miles | Hiking time: 3.5 hours | Difficulty: 6/10 | More info.
The hike up Bernardo Mountain is challenging enough to keep you working, but not so challenging that you can’t take in the views along the way. The trail leads up the mountain from a beautiful green valley to the summit, wher…
Iron Mountain “Short” Trail – A Big Hike with Big Rewards.
Distance: 6.4 miles | Hiking time: 3.5 hours | Difficulty: 6/10 | More info.
When it comes to views of the local mountains, the view from the summit of Iron Mountain in San Diego is as good as it gets. The family friendly hike begins in Poway off hwy 67, just a few short miles from another favorite hike of mi…