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.

Category: blog | adventure | travel | california hikes

I have been spending some time in California and thought I would share some of my fun hikes in this beautiful state.

Olivenhain Reservoir viewed from Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve in Escondido, California

Elfin Forest | Escondido | CA

Hiking the Elfin Forest: A Day of Adventure and Nature Wonders

If you’re craving an adventure that blends nature’s beauty with a solid workout, hiking at Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is a must. On my most recent hike, I made my way up the Botanical Trail, transitioned to the Way Up Trail, looped toward the Lake Hodges Overlook, and then descended back down the Way Up Trail. Altogether, it’s a route that delivers steady elevation, wide-open views, and just enough challenge to feel earned.

Trust me—it’s a journey you’ll want to take.

Hiker lying on Potato Chip Rock on Mount Woodson in Poway, California

Mount Woodson | Poway | CA

Home of Potato Chip Rock

Some places become famous quietly. Others explode thanks to Instagram, hashtags, and gravity-defying photos. Potato Chip Rock is firmly in the second category.

Normally, I avoid viral trail spots like the plague. Between the wannabe influencers, endless selfies, and people blocking narrow trails for “just one more shot,” it can feel like more work than fun. But every once in a while, curiosity wins. And honestly? This one earned its hype.

Add in the fact that it’s a legit cardio workout, and suddenly I was in. So yes — I did take that photo on Potato Chip Rock. No, it never made it to Instagram.

View from North Fortuna Mountain overlooking Mission Trails Regional Park and the surrounding ridgelines

Mission Trails | San Diego | CA

Mission Trails Regional Park |
Five Peaks and a Story Years in the Making

It didn’t start out as anything more than a single hike.

On February 23, 2024, my sister Vicki and I went up Cowles Mountain—one of those San Diego classics that feels almost too easy to take for granted until you’re standing at the top, wind in your face, looking out at a city that suddenly feels smaller.

Eroded sandstone cliffs with layered textures along the Annie’s Canyon trail in San Elijo Lagoon, California

Annie’s Canyon | Encinitas | CA

A Coastal Slot Canyon Adventure

Welcome to a slice of Southern California’s coast where lagoon trails, sandstone walls, and ocean air all come together in one surprisingly compact hike.

Tucked between Solana Beach and Encinitas, Annie’s Canyon is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem the first time you visit — playful, a little adventurous, and full of contrast. In just a few miles, you’ll move from wide-open wetlands to narrow slot canyon walls, with the option to finish the day all the way out at Cardiff State Beach.

It’s the kind of hike that delivers variety at every turn, proving that you don’t need long miles or big elevation to have a memorable coastal adventure.

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