Bedford Peak Trail

What a better way to spend the day after another earthquake in California than go for a hike in the mountains?! I know what you are going to say, "Why didn't you go hiking DURING the earthquake?" Well, apparently, it's not that easy to predict when it's going to happen, hence the hike happens the day after.

All jokes aside, yesterday there was another earthquake, stronger that on July 4th. I certainly felt it this time, and Kitty crouched unsure of why the apartment is trembling. While I did not feel any aftershocks, they are happening, just on a smaller scale in my area, and because of that hiking is not to be canceled.

Bedford Peak Trail is one of the more popular trails in Silverado, CA, a quaint town with 25 mi/hr speed limit. It's rated as moderate due to elevation gain of over 2,000 ft and 7.5 miles in length round trip. There is a small parking lot right across from the visitor center (5-6 cars at most), some street parking and another parking lot at the trail head. Adventure Pass or America The Beautiful pass is required, although I highly doubt that anyone from the park services comes here to ticket people, it is indeed quite remote.

There is a small stream crossing on the way to the trail head. I found it rather cute!

This is as much water as I saw on this hike. The elevation gain starts slowly and is hidden in several switchbacks along the mountain. The trail is narrow and overgrown, so pants are preferable (well, I wore something close to that).

It gets really beautiful fast. After the first half a mile I could already see the open view of the mountains still somewhat hidden in the shade in the early morning (yep, I had to get up at 5 am yet again...). The sooner you start, the more comfortable you shall be on a hot day.

Wildflowers are still plentiful, even with no rain for weeks. It's incredible how nature thrives with so little water.

As I reached the top, the trail continued along the ridge offering almost 360 views.

Bedford Peak itself was merely a sign, not very impressive, but a hike towards it is quite breathtaking.

The descent, as always, was rather pleasant, although I had to use my head net again because of the insects buzzing around and landing wherever the heck they wanted. No more of that!