Black Mountain Open Space Park Miner's Ridge Loop - San Diego, California

Two days ago I hiked the Miner's Ridge Loop at Black Mountain Open Space Park. I really like this trail. It took me approximately an hour to hike the loop. There is quite a bit of uphill climbing on this one, especially on the first half. The second half is mostly downhill. This particular day I didn't see a single other person from the time I parked to the time I left. Parking is free. Here are some pictures from the park:

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park - California

Yesterday I went to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. It was a really neat place. The park reminded me a lot of Joshua Tree National Park which I went to a few years ago. Joshua Tree National Park is only a few hours away from Anza-Borrego so the similarities are not surprising. Here are some pictures from the hike:

Me at a rock overhang along the Palm Canyon Trail at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Looking down from Montezuma Valley Rd. into the valley where Borrego Springs and part of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are located.

Looking up from Montezuma Valley Rd. to the mountains along the road.

Looking from a trail near the visitors center at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Grinding stone along trail by visitor center at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Ocotillo in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park along the Palm Canyon Trail. 

Possibly Nevada ephedra? Located along Palm Canyon Trail at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Barrel Cactus

Rock formation.

Crack in a large rock.

Large rock with a small sign saying: "Amphibilite" (commonly spelled Amphibolite).

Some scrap metal near a stream along Palm Canyon Trail.

Palm grove on Palm Canyon Trail at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Waterfall on Palm Canyon Trail at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Looking out from a palm grove on Palm Canyon Trail.

Looking down into the valley beneath Montezuma Valley Dr. after hiking at Anza Borrego Desert State Park.