sharing my love for philanthropy, cooking, and adventure

Sunrise illuminating the summit glacier on Mount Kilimanjaro, with ice formations in the foreground and a sea of clouds in the background.

Month: January 2026

View from Three Peaks Loop in Menifee, California showing rolling green hills, ridgelines, and surrounding valley

Three Peaks Loop | Menifee | CA

The Area & Why This Hike

Set between Lake ElsinoreTemecula, and Menifee, this stretch of Southern California feels like a pocket of open space wedged neatly between growing communities. These low, rugged peaks rise out of the valley almost unexpectedly, creating a small network of trails that offer big views without committing to a full mountain day. It’s the kind of place where you can park, start climbing almost immediately, and still feel removed from the surrounding development.

Sandstone cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in La Jolla, California

Torrey Pines | La Jolla | CA

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

A Coastal Gem That Never Gets Old

Some places never lose their magic — no matter how many times you return. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of those rare spots. Perched above the Pacific in La Jolla, it’s a dramatic mix of rugged cliffs, rare pine trees, and golden beaches that somehow feels wild and refined at the same time.

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