Tenaja Trail Hike

Yesterday, Saturday, we explored a new area, north and east of Carlsbad, a few miles outside of Temecula.  It was exciting to hike in a rugged natural area with few people.  It takes research, driving, and planning to do these kind of getaways.  Our trail was in the rugged Santa Ana Mountains of the Cleveland National Forest.

Our host was this coyote a couple miles from the trailhead.  He was intent on an animal burrow.

Gail somehow spotted this beautiful little butterfly as we started off.

A burl on this oak looked familiar!

This is the same tree, and it was totally hollow and supported by only a semi-circle of bark.  It was alive!

The upper slopes and ridges of the forest appeared like this - sandstone boulders, and chaparral. 

The sticky monkey flower here is much more colorful than in Northern California.

The ravines had tall California sycamores.  In the foreground is blue mountain lilac.

Most of the trail for the first 3 and a half miles was in shade where there was greenery and delicate flowers.

We had lunch by this pool in the creek.  

There were a number of California newts, and a California tree frog enjoying the clear water.

Can you find the frog?

Flower buds ready to open.

Yucca plant.

Flowers of the yucca plant.

We found some sunny deep "swimming holes" in the creek which were very tempting.

Another "swimming hole".

Our destination was the Tenaja Falls which would have been spectacular if there was more water flowing.

Another pretty wildflower to round off the trip.  We hiked 12.5 miles up and down two canyons - a great way of being outdoors and getting some exercise!