This blog will detail 1,000 video hikes in Southern California. By Southern California, I am drawing a line from San Luis Obispo to the Nevada Border. Anything south of that line will be declared "Southern California". In a way, it is a personal challenge to do so many hikes. Mainly, however, it is my way of showcasing how many hiking opportunities there really are right in our own geographic back yard. As a blog, it serves as a companion piece to my Youtube channel "Mike On The Trail". It is also a work in progress, as I don't actually have 1,000 edited videos completed. This will take effort for quite some time before it is declared done. Even then, there will still be more out there. Here's to hiking and all the positive effects it has had on my life...and possibly yours!
The Michael D. Antonovich Trail in Covina is actually a unique trail in Southern California. Unique in the sense that the trail is about 90% shaded. There are other shaded trails, but not as consistent as this one is. The trailhead is at an overlook above the canyon. It is noisy and busy since it is right next to the freeway and parking is limited. The trail descends into the canyon along a stretch that is entirely without shade, but that changes on a dime.
A scenic creek crossing.
Once in the canyon, the trail descends along a creek underneath heavy shade. Along the way there are several creek crossings, but not as big as the first one. Many visitors often turn around here and miss out on the rest of the hike. A well chosen rock hop can get you across, but either way, it is worth the risk of getting your feet wet in order to explore the canyon.
A shaded canyon experience.
The trail continues on the floor of the canyon in the small canyon bordered by various neighborhoods. In the fairly recent past, this area served as a dumping ground for unwanted appliances, tires, graffiti, or simply trash. However, in recent years, this has been cleaned up, making this a must visit hike for So Cal hikers.
One of many creek crossings.
Within the canyon, there are other access points to park in order to begin at different starting points. Because of that, the trail passes through these parking lots to continue through the canyon. This cuts into the solitude a bit, but the separation from the ongoing scenery is only temporary. The hike essentially ends at a red building across from the flowing creek. Naturally, it is possible to continue through the canyon by walking in the creek. However, this makes a great turnaround point while maintaining dry shoes. Heading back allows you to enjoy the scenery all over again, and while actually missing the direct sunlight (maybe just a little bit) along the way.
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