EISPIRATEN

got out for a hike to celebrate my 30th birthday. I've posted the TR here: http://pasadenahiker.wordpress.com/2011 ... ion-point/

I basically checked out Las Flores Canyon and then went up Echo, Sam Merrill to IP, and down Castle, back to Lake. Castle Canyon Trail is a bit messed up right now with several downed trees. Whats up with that? And does anyone know the name of that little lizard in the last photo?

Hey, Matt... hate to be picky, but the snake in your pics is a California Striped Racer (aka Chaparral Whipsnake) The lizard is a Southern Alligator Lizard.

You're totally right, Mike. Thanks for the correction!

That eroded trail above the water tower (just) follows the ridge route. The fun stuff is following the creek trail up the gulch. http://www.lagoldmines.com/index.php?page=916662.txt

Gorgeous shots of the lizard and snake!

Thanks Davantalus. I have to get in there and explore those mines sometime soon. Have you done the ridge route up that mountain before?

MattCav wrote: ↑Thanks Davantalus. I have to get in there and explore those mines sometime soon. Have you done the ridge route up that mountain before?

Haha. I once got about halfway up the hill and realized it wasn't heading up to echo. But to answer your question, nope!

I recently headed up the canyon following the river and old piping coming down the hill. I wanted to see what's further up and/or top out the canyon if possible at some point. There's a point where I reached a little climb that looks like it could be another mine but that didn't work out and I didn't get further.

Good dyke photos.

Thanks Dav. I'll have to go further up next time.