El Cajon Hike

Name- El Cajon Hike
Roundtrip - 11 miles
Elevation- 4000 ft total gain
Difficulty- Difficult

This is named the toughest hike in San Diego county. We decided to check it out :)

We had rain prediction and this was a blessing in disguise.

We have beautiful views throughout the journey. El capitan preserve is well maintained.

If you read reviews about this, everywhere they have mentioned about the ups and downs and they are not kidding!! As soon as you go up, you hit downhill and vice versa. This is not a straight climb to summit where you can relax on the way down.

Rain, it did! Although we were soaked, I would prefer this over the scorching heat in the summer. I cant imagine doing this in 80F as there is absolutely no shade.

This was the El Cajon summit. It was foggy and we could not see a thing. It was cold as hell and thanked ourselves for getting gloves and cap. Always carry your TEN ESSENTIALS!

This is the first time I climbed a peak where I saw the USGS seal :) Wohoo!

View from the summit overlooking the hiking trail.

 Wildflowers were blooming and the trail was an absolute delight.

Wild lavenders and the yellow flowers

 I like seeing the distinction between cloud and ground scenery. 

A look back and this is the gorgeous view :) :)
A giant of rocks, there is no way you can ignore him or not revere him! :)

Carry plenty of water, rain gear (depending on prediction), sunscreen and leave early to beat the heat. Also, the parking lot closes at 5PM.

HAPPY TRAILS!

Pipiwai Trail to Waimoku Falls

Trail- Pipiwai Trail
Location- Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii
Distance- 5 mile roundtrip
Difficulty rating- Does not matter, it is way too beautiful :)

This is the most beautiful trail with the unique Bamboo shoots. 

It is totally covered all the way with the terrain changing at every moment.

First overlook spot at 0.5 miles.

Trees, bridges, streams..you got everything you ask..

Pool ..oops, river...?

You have no idea till you encounter this. This part starts around 1.5 miles.  it was the most unique fantastic experience I have had. The thick Bamboo shoots, the rustling, the walkway..I have now words!

The Bamboo magic extends for almost a mile!

This is the endpoint, the climax! The beautiful Waimoku Falls! :) 

The 5 mile is so worth it! 

Happy Trails!

Iao Valley

Name: Iao Valley

Location: West Maui Mountains

Trail- Unpaved

When you are in Maui, you see two mountain ranges- West Maui mountains( Iao valley) and the Haleakala mountains.  It reminded me of the peaceful hermitages, with all the greenery, waterfalls and botanical gardens

The pristine waterfalls will make anyone's heart soar.

This is the Iao Needle. This reminded me of the place shown in the series "Lost". One of the most magical places.

There is an unpaved trail when you reach the top. If you make it through the slippery slopes, you have the most breathtaking views of the valley, which is not visible to others on the paved trail.

It can get pretty dangerous if it is rainy as there are no railings. You can continue on this trail for a long time. We returned back after 2.5 miles. The forest gets dense.

The tree on the way to the trail, this is probably the widest spot we ever faced.

As John Muir said,I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in!

Happy Trails!