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Bedford Peak 2010-01-02

Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 9:37 am
by RichardK
We hiked Bedford Peak in the Santa Ana Mountains Saturday.

The unmarked trail begins off Maple Springs Road and is shown on topo maps as the Silverado Motorway.

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The last vehicle traffic here must have been 50 years ago. A couple of barriers and a downed tree prevent motorized access.
The road bed has not been maintained and is impassible in several spots anyway.

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This area has seen some geologic activity as evidenced by the bent rock layers.

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The day was pretty clear. As we got higher the views across Orange County and out to San Clemente and Catalina were great.

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Digital cameras don't cut through the haze that well. The eye sees more than the camera can capture. It does not show in the pictures, but we did get a glimpse of Santa Barbara Island 86 miles distant.

Modjeska and Santiago Peaks loomed to the south.

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The northern end of the Santa Anas.

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Near the top of Bedford Peak, we reach the Main Divide Road which is surprisingly well maintained.

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A sweeping view to the east shows Baldy, Gorgonio, and Jacinto.

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San Gorgonio with Lake Matthews.

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Re: Bedford Peak 2010-01-02

Posted: Sun Jan 03, 2010 8:44 pm
by hvydrt
Great report Richard. I enjoy that area. I still haven't made it over to Bald or Pleasant Peaks. One of these days......

The rock formation you photographed is the Bedford Canyon Formation

Re: Bedford Peak 2010-01-02

Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 4:45 pm
by Rumpled
I was nearby on Saturday as well.
I drove from Maple Springs up to Main Divide. From there I went south to Santiago Peak (skirting Modjeska) watched the sunset; and then conitinued on Main Divide all the way to Ortega.
I can assure you that not all of Main Divide is as in that picture! :D

An enjoyable day for me and the dogs exploring some of our backyard,

The views were incredible.
Spotted Islands of San Clemente, Cataalina and some other Northern Channel Islands whose name(s) I can't place geographically - maybe Saint Barbara.

Haven't downloaded my photos yet, but I tried to get some panos that took in the three saints in snow.

Did you see many mountain bikers? Motorway is pretty popular.

Re: Bedford Peak 2010-01-02

Posted: Mon Jan 04, 2010 7:32 pm
by RichardK
Rumpled - The Motorway had plenty of mountain bikes. The Main Divide had a bunch of dirt bike riders.