santa barbara, mountains, central coast Kyle Hanson santa barbara, mountains, central coast Kyle Hanson

#92 Nojoqui Falls

Nojoqui Falls is a beautiful waterfall in the Santa Ynez Mountains of Santa Barbara. Dropping 100 feet, the water flows over a sandstone wall covered in a wonderland of maidenhair ferns. Nojoqui Falls, pronounced 'no-ho-wee', is a hidden gem that not many people take the time to visit. *Unfortunately the trail to the falls is currently still closed from a December 2014 landslide, while the park remains open

 
Read More
national park, ocean, mountains, los angeles Kyle Hanson national park, ocean, mountains, los angeles Kyle Hanson

#86 Solstice Canyon

Solstice Canyon is a beautiful spot in the Santa Monica Mountains. A 2 mile round trip hike takes you into the canyon to the ruins of the Roberts Ranch House which was designed by Paul R. Williams, famous African American Architect in 1952. The house blended in with its natural surroundings and can be discovered by its blueprint foundation today. A nearby waterfall is also a highlight that can be seen flowing all year long.

 
Read More
sierra nevada, scenic drives, national park, mountains, forest Kyle Hanson sierra nevada, scenic drives, national park, mountains, forest Kyle Hanson

#85 Generals Highway

The Generals Highway is the scenic drive that connects Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. It is named after the two largest trees in the world, General Sherman & General Grant Sequoias. The road winds through giant sequoia groves and meadows in the Sierra Nevada and provides sweepings mountain vistas. Generals Highway was dedicated on June 23, 1935 and welcomed 669 cars with 2,488 people. Drive careful on this winding, narrow and steep scenic drive.

 
Read More
inland empire, mountains, forest Kyle Hanson inland empire, mountains, forest Kyle Hanson

#78 Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is a four season destination high up in the San Bernardino Mountains. With a population around 5,000 and an elevation of 6,752 feet, Big Bear is the perfect escape where fresh alpine air and recreation await. High up, yet surrounded by deep valleys below, Big Bear is also referred to as an 'Island in the Sky'.

Serrano Native Americans inhabited these mountains for thousands of years and called it 'Yuhaviat' which means 'Pine Place'. They lived alongside wild Grizzly Bears which covered California. The Gold Rush eventually caught up to the region and mining occurred here from 1860 to 1875. In the 1950's, Ski Resorts became the main draw leading Big Bear into the resort destination it is today.

 
Read More
san diego, mountains Kyle Hanson san diego, mountains Kyle Hanson

#70 Warner's Ranch

Warner's Ranch, high in the mountains of San Diego County, was a Pioneer Ranch built in 1849. It served as a stop for the famous Southern Emigrant and Butterfield Stage Trails that brought immigrants as well as mail into California during the California Gold Rush. It was an important stop because year round travel was possible due to lack of snow unlike other northern routes. For a time, it was the only trading post between New Mexico and Los Angeles. The Ranch House became a National Historic Landmark in 1961.

 
Read More
desert, national park, mountains Kyle Hanson desert, national park, mountains Kyle Hanson

#51 Ryan Mountain

Ryan Mountain is an essential hike in Joshua Tree National Park. 3 miles out and back will have you climbing over 1,000 feet making this a moderate hike. The trail gives sweeping views of the park and the Wonderland of Rocks that rise from the ground. You will feel as if you are on the crown of the Mojave Desert.

 
Read More
state park, ventura, ocean, mountains, central coast Kyle Hanson state park, ventura, ocean, mountains, central coast Kyle Hanson

#47 Point Mugu State Park

Point Mugu State Park is located in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. From the rugged mountains to the giant sand hill on the breezy coast, this park offers more than 70 miles of hiking trails. Boney Mountain State Wilderness Area is also located within the boundary of the park. Point Mugu is also known for Giant Mugu Rock which was formed when the land was cut through the mountains for the creation of the Pacific Coast Highway. This "Point" has been featured in numerous films and commercials.

 
Read More