desert, national park, mountains Kyle Hanson desert, national park, mountains Kyle Hanson

#203 Aguereberry Point

At 6,433 feet, Aguereberry Point is my favorite spot in Death Valley National Park. Endless views stretch for miles including the Panamint Range, Furnace Creek, Badwater and the massive valley floor itself. The point was named after Pete Aguereberry who came to America from France in 1890. He worked the famous Eureka Mine nearby from 1905 to 1945 and led visitors to this vista he named 'The Great View'. *4 wheel drive strongly recommended on this rough dirt road

 
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san diego, mountains, forest Kyle Hanson san diego, mountains, forest Kyle Hanson

#202 Julian

Julian is an historic mining town high in the Cuyamaca Mountains of San Diego. A.E. 'Fred' Coleman was a former slave prior to the Civil War and discovered gold here while passing through in 1869. News of the discovery traveled fast and 100's of prospectors arrived creating a tent city known as the Coleman Mining District. James Madison had other plans for the area when he brought apple trees which thrived in the alpine climate. Julian famously became the apple capital of the world and a slice of Julian Apple Pie can still be enjoyed today.  

 
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los angeles, national park, ocean, mountains, foothills, central coast Kyle Hanson los angeles, national park, ocean, mountains, foothills, central coast Kyle Hanson

#199 Charmlee Wilderness Park

Charmlee Wilderness Park is a beautiful coastal park in the Santa Monica Mountains. Beautiful trails wind through rolling hills with wildflower-filled meadows that offer stunning views of Malibu on sacred Chumash land. With the convergence of mountains and ocean, this is Southern California at its most iconic.

 
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desert, national park, mountains Kyle Hanson desert, national park, mountains Kyle Hanson

#197 Teutonia Peak

Teutonia Peak is an amazing trail in the heart of the Mojave National Preserve. This 3 mile round-trip hike to the top winds through the largest and densest Joshua Tree forest on Earth. Sweeping views of Mojave Desert terrain including the symmetrical Cima Dome soar for miles as this peak tops out at 5,755 feet.

 
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palm springs, mountains, desert, forest, state park Kyle Hanson palm springs, mountains, desert, forest, state park Kyle Hanson

#195 Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway rises 6,000 feet from the desert floor to the alpine forest through five diverse life zones. It is the largest rotating aerial tramway in the world. From the top to the bottom, the temperature can differ by up to 40 degrees making it the perfect escape during hot summers. On a clear day, the views stretch as far as 200 miles including Mount Charleston outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. Because of its engineering feat, it earned the nickname 'eight wonder of the world' when it opened in 1963.

 
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forest, mountains Kyle Hanson forest, mountains Kyle Hanson

#190 Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest high in the alpine of the White Mountains contains the Earth's oldest living species. Bristlecone pines grow from 9,800 to 11,000 feet above sea level and are believed to be up to 5,000 years old. The oldest tree is estimated at 5,065 years old and unmarked to protect from vandals who set fire to the visitor center and adjacent trees in 2008. Beautiful trails wind through this majestic grove and provide peaceful solitude.

 
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central valley, foothills, forest, mountains, museum, state park Kyle Hanson central valley, foothills, forest, mountains, museum, state park Kyle Hanson

#182 Fort Tejon State Historic Park

Fort Tejon State Historic Park was a United States Army military post established in 1854 to control and protect Native Americans in the area as well as control livestock. The Gold Rush brought about great conflict between miners and Natives. Land disputes began and Native Americans were forced to live on reservations. Efforts for the Civil War was needed out East so the army left after only 10 years. Restored exterior and interior buildings recreate the way of life here 150 years ago. Valley Oak Trees up to 400 years old are also part of the park property.

 
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