This bench on top of Calabasas Peak is one of several new benches “with a view” I’ve run across lately. Here’s another one at Ahmanson Ranch (Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve).
Category Archives: nature
Clearing Clouds, Santa Monica Mountains
Clearing clouds along the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains from Bulldog Mtwy fire road. The photograph was taken on a recent run of a variation of the Bulldog Loop.
Some related posts:
– Turning California Sycamore Along Malibu Creek
– Reagan Ranch at Sunrise
Turning California Sycamore Along Malibu Creek
Multihued leaves of a turning California sycamore near the seasonal bridge on Malibu Creek. The photograph was taken on a recent run of a variation of the Bulldog Loop.
Related post: Reagan Ranch at Sunrise
California Black Walnut Along the Phantom Trail
A California black walnut lends a little Fall color to the chaparral on the Phantom Trail in Malibu Creek State Park.
From a run of the Phantom Loop, starting at the Cistern Trailhead on Mulholland Highway. Here’s an interactive 3D-terrain view of the 7-mile route.
Some related posts:
– Spring Fever Running the Phantom Loop in Malibu Creek State Park
– Ladyface Via the Phantom Trail and Heartbreak Ridge
– Bulldog Loop Plus the Phantom Loop
Predawn View From Mt. Wilson Before the Start of the ANFTR 25K
The Angeles National Forest Trail Race starts and ends on top of Mt. Wilson. This was the view south over Pasadena and the Los Angeles Basin from the mountain-top parking lot, about an hour and a half before sunrise and the start of the race.
Related post: The Angeles National Forest (Mt. Disappointment) Trail Race Returns
The Angeles National Forest (Mt. Disappointment) Trail Race Returns
Even in Southern California the weather can be a little fickle. Just two weeks ago, heat had been one of my concerns for the No Name 50K. During that race the temperature reached into the mid-80s. Heat definitely wasn’t an issue for this morning’s race on Mt. Wilson. Several days out one computer model had forecast sleet and a temperature of 32°F! Instead, at the start of the race runners were treated to a spectacular sunrise and a temperature of around 40°F.
After a five year hiatus, the Angeles National Forest (Mt. Disappointment) Trail Race is back. Started in 2005 by R.D. Gary Hilliard, this was the 14th running of the highly regarded event. Today we ran the 25K course, but in 2025 a 25K and 50K will be offered.
Whatever the distance, a hallmark of any ANFTR/Mt. Disappointment courses is that it starts and ends on top of Mt. Wilson (5739′). While not particularly high, the altitude is just high enough to take the edge off a runner’s performance. Many a runner has underestimated the difficulty of the final five-mile climb from West Fork to the top of Mt. Wilson — especially on a hot day in July or August.
My race went well, and I left enough in the tank to enjoy the climb up the Kenyon Devore Trail!
Thank you Gary and Pam for your dedication, passion, and the hours and hours of work required to put on a quality event! And thanks also to all the volunteers, runners, and others that support the race.
Here’s a high-resolution, interactive, 3D-terrain view of the ANFTR/Mt. Disappointment 25K course.
All the results from 2005 to 2024 are available on UltraSignup.
Next year, Jakob Herrmann will be taking over the reins of the event. The race is on Saturday, September 27, 2025, and registration for the 25K and 50K is already open.
Some related posts:
– A Morning Thunderstorm, Debris-Covered Trail, Fast-Paced Fire Road, and Tough Climb on the ANFTR 25K Course!
– Another Scorching Angeles National Forest/Mt. Disappointment Trail Race