I is for Indian Canyon Trail: A Free to See #AtoZChallenge Post

 

A sign reads: Indian Canyon Trailhead Angeles National Forest

I'm living in southern California this year, and decided to use my exploration of the area as my focus for the #AtoZChallenge. I'm concentrating on free to see places, though I will include locations that require a parking fee. This is the ninth post in the series.

Springtime is a wonderful time to hike in southern California. After winter rains, the vegetation is green and the wildflowers are blooming. I recently joined my husband for a hike on the Indian Canyon Trail. Parking in the lot at the trailhead does require a pass. (National Parks pass is valid, for example.) The sign at the parking lot gives specifics, including the nearest place to purchase a pass. The hike itself is free. 

Another sign near the parking lot informed us that this trail was also part of the Pacific Crest Trail. We went about a mile before turning around and heading back, as we started the hike late in the day and wanted to return to the car before dark. 

Sign reads: "Pacific Crest Trail National Scenic Trail"

While I did take my hiking poles, I could have done this particular hike without them--although my husband told me that had we continued on, I would have appreciated having the poles. The section we hiked was pretty easy, though. 

A fairly smooth trail with a gentle incline

Several wildflowers and shrubs were in bloom.

Blue desert chia blooms along the edge of the trail

Golden yellow western wallflower blooming

A type of ceanothus covered in white blossoms

Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail, but I saw the remains of a car that had crashed down the mountainside. I took a photo, and my phone "helpfully" informed me that the vehicle was a Mediterranean cypress!

Apparently this is a Mediterranean cypress, though I would describe it as an upside-down car

The views of the area were spectacular, and the sunset just added to the beauty.

Panoramic view of the sun setting behind the mountains and John on the trail

The setting sun and the trail back to the parking lot

While there are interesting man-made things in this world to see, you just can't beat God's creations!