Home / Hiker’s Blog

Hiker's Blog

Abnormalities Linked to Inbreeding
News Release Date: September 9, 2020 THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.— A young male mountain lion with physical abnormalities – a kinked tail where the end is shaped like the letter “L” and only one descended testicle -- has been discovered in the Santa Monica Mountains, biologists with the National Park Service say.  This critical discovery represents the [...]

Hot-Weather Hiking Tips

Sunny days are perfect for lacing up your boots and heading out in search of an alpine lake, a mountain summit or a dramatic slot canyon. But, along with the sun can come intense heat, and if you don’t manage the combination of the two properly, your fun day can turn into a painful and […]

How to Clean a Hydration Bladder
You might be thinking, “how does something we fill with clean water ever need cleaning?” But bacteria and mold are resourceful little buggers, and will inevitably find their way into your CamelBak, Platypus or other brand of hydration reservoir. Your best defense is to clean your system regularly. It’s not hard to do, but the shapes are awkward [...]

How to Go Hiking in the Rain

Before you grumble about a gray forecast, it’s worth remembering that giant redwoods, colorful wildflowers and grandiose canyons were all made possible by the relentless pitter patter of a billion raindrops.

How to Clean Hiking Boots

Hiking boots are built to take muddy, gritty trails in stride. But that doesn’t mean it’s a great idea to toss your mucky companions in the closet and forget about them. Clean them faithfully and you’ll enjoy many years on the trail together. If you’re too tired immediately after a hike, then clean ’em the […]

Save 50% on this Hiking Tent – Offer expires May 30, 2019 at 11:59 PM PDT

I found this great deal on Amazon. Save 50% by using this link. Only $19.99 until May 30 Buy Now on Amazon Argus Le Camping Tent – Designed for the Backpacker Tent Material and Specification Dimensions: 78.7 x 59 x 43 inches Package Size: 23.5 x 5 x 4 inches Weight：3.85 lbs Persons: 2 Pole: 7.9 mm Fiberglass Canopy: 190T […]

How to Choose and Use Trekking Poles

To get the most out of trekking poles or a hiking staff, follow these steps: Single or double? You’ll start by choosing between a pair of trekking poles or a single hiking staff. Find the right length: You’re aiming for a 90-degree bend at your elbow when pole tips touch the ground. Choose features: Adjustability, foldability, shock absorption, […]

Mountain Lion Suffering From Skin Disease, May Be Linked to Poisons

National Park Service researchers recently re-captured the female mountain lion known as P-53 and treated her for mange, a parasitic disease of the hair and skin. Mange is generally rare in wild cats, however, it has been widespread in bobcats in the Santa Monica Mountains area since an epizootic started in 2002 caused extensive mortality […]

80th Anniversary Commemoration of Stagecoach Road Plaque Dedication

The March 17th event in Chatsworth marks the 80th anniversary of the Stagecoach Road plaque dedication.  There will be a re-dedication commemorating the event. Glenn Bailey from the Neighborhood Council is the emcee, and will introduce Councilman Greig Smith who will present a scroll to the Native Daughters, as will other politicians. There will be […]

Segments of the Backbone Trail Re-Open Four Months After Woolsey Fire

The Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council helped repair the Backbone Trail section along Kanan in Zuma Canyon. The many fire/post-fire rain damage related tasks included clearing the trail of any hazardous rocks or branches, reestablishing the trail pad by spreading any slough that fell from the hillside onto the trail, and finding large rocks/dirt to fill a very deep rut that was cutting directly across the trail.