Purpose of the site

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 "1,000 Hikes in So Cal". 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!

Saturday, October 8, 2022

#146 Sierra Peak

Looking toward the mountain top.


Southern California Map
Driving Map.
Overall Hiking Totals:
Hiking Map.
Parking coordinates: 33.85012°N, -117.6537°W.
Summary
The hike to Sierra Peak is long, no matter where the starting point is.  There are two routes that are along dirt roads, which makes it ideal for visiting via mountain bike. However, if a mountain bike can do it, so can a hiker.  The hike I completed started on the Santa Ana River Bike Trail in Corona. 
Views from Grassy Peak.
It did seem kind of awkward whenever bike riders passed by in this more than one mile segment of the hike.  It eventually breaks off to the south and passes under the 91 Freeway, where it eventually turns into a dirt road.  The hike passes through a little known section of  Chino Hills State Park, where I briefly visited Grassy Peak.
On the summit of Grassy Peak.
Grassy Peak was a minor victory, with much more gradual climbing to follow.  It quickly leaves Chino Hills State Park and enters Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve. to a high point on the ridge, known as Mini Moab Peak. 
Mini Moab Peak
A slight off trail led me to the high point.  I picked up Leonard Road from there and proceeded toward Sierra Peak.  It officially enters Cleveland National Forest along the way.  On top are numerous radio towers and good views. 
Approaching Sierra Peak.
After eating my sandwich, I headed down the same way.  I could have taken the Pipeline Trail down to form a loop, but I remember it being steep and rather hard on the knees, so I bypassed it and opted for more mileage (it only would have saved about 1.5 miles).
On the summit.
However, since the return the way I came was a gradual downhill, it was more of a long pleasant stroll than taxing, due to the mileage.
Summit benchmark.
Still, It felt rather awkward on the bike path in the remaining stages of the hike, but it was nice to look back up at the mountain as I walked beneath it, realizing that I had conquered it. Also there was no true reason to feel awkward, since I wasn't one of the bike riders on an easy flat ride, I actually did something on the day!
Video:
Simulated Hike:

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#146 Sierra Peak

Looking toward the mountain top. Southern California Map Driving Map. Overall Hiking Totals: Hiking Map. Google Maps Trailhead Link Parking ...