High Sierra Topix

Happy New Year 2010!
I was able to get out again this year and hike on New Year's day with some good friends of mine in the Santa Monica Mountains. It was a WONDERFUL day to hike and was glad to keep up this tradition of hiking on the first day of the new year!
We started at the Backbone trailhead just off Yerba Buena Rd. with only 1 car in the parking lot! This was going to be a loop trip of about 6.5 miles. Here are a couple of pictures from our adventure:

panorama from the top of Sandstone Peak (3,111 ft.)

Echo Cliffs


Balance Rock and Split Rock





I attempted to climb Boney Peak but could only get to this point of the rock. I'm sure there must be an easier way up to the top but didn't want to battle the chaparral any longer!

We also had some other outstanding views from the top of Sandstone Peak:


A great view of the Channel Islands today!




All in all it was a great day to hike in SoCal!
The rest of the pictures are here: http://drhabes.smugmug.com/Backpacking/ ... 1931_7bDF8

Thank Drhabes for the TR and pictures.
Echo Cliffs is a pretty popular rock climbing place, and if I remember correctly there
was an injury to a climber back in late 2009.

I was lucky enough to move to Independence this fall, but the Santa Monica Mountains in winter and early spring are insanely gorgeous, and if I was not caring for my husband 24/7, I would be back every few weeks to hike those lush green trails. Zuma and Newton Canyons, and Circle X must once again resemble Oregon.