San Bernardino Mountains

Yesterday, we drove about 2 hours north to the San Bernardino Mountains.  We wanted to get in at least one steep hike at higher elevation before our Sierra backpack.  We weren't disappointed!  Our trail head was adjacent to San Gorgonio Mountain, which stands at 11, 489 feet, making it the tallest mountain in Southern California.

While picking up our trail permit at the ranger station, we saw this very large rattlesnake skin on the wall.  The snake measured 8 feet, 6 inches!

 



We started our hike up Momyer- Alger Creek trail at the 4,600 foot level.   This striking flower was growing out of rocks in the Mill Creek bed.

The trail, for the most part, was relentlessly steep.  We climbed three to four thousand feet and hiked about 9 to 10 miles round trip.

As we climbed out of the oak forests, we started seeing some huge incense cedar trees.

This is lovely Alger Creek.  There is a campsite here, and a ranger told us that a bear was seen here a few days ago.

Next to the creek were western columbines.

Climbing higher above Alger Creek, we entered a burn area from a fire in May, 2011.  It was amazing to see such a beautiful rebirth of wildflowers.  California fuchsia, here.

 

Cirrus clouds trailing long wisps of ice crystal hair.

 

These are seriously rugged mountains.  We saw only one couple all day until we neared the bottom near the end of our hike - amazing for being so close to such a huge population.

 

A contrast in color; a contrast in death and birth.

 

Prickly poppies.

 

Flowers.

 

 

How are you still standing?

 





Hey, Sarah, someone placed this rock at the base of the trail sign!

 

Crossing Mill Creek near the trail head.  You get the feeling that this creek can really roar during a flash flood. 

Doesn't this boulder look like a giant fish?

 

We stopped at the first town, Mentone, for grub.  This was part of the mural overlooking us while we ate in the patio.  The artist seemed to misunderstand female anatomy, but did a good job on a pelican and a toucan.

 

Local flavor!  The beer, rice, and beans were just what we needed to soothe our tired bodies.  Adios!