#WalkWithMe in Daley Canyon

Yesterday, I hiked this 11 mile track in the foothills above San Bernardino. It was built in the 1850s by industrious Mormon pioneer, Edward Daley.

Later Ed Daley and his sons built another road into the hills called the “Daley Road.” It started at the head of what is now Del Rosa Avenue. At the crest there is a monument where it crosses into the old Blue Jay Canyon, which was the headwaters of what is now Lake Arrowhead. The road, formerly serving the Talmadge and La Prais saw mills, will always remain a monument to the resolution and perseverance of Edward Daley. It afforded more convenience in those saw mills to expedite the supply of lumber in the ever-increasing needs for material with which to build the new city. http://sbcsentinel.com/2016/07/edward-b-daley/

I prefer to begin this trek up a short distance on Hwy 330, and get dropped off at the Fire Station. There is a short section of pavement leading straight down to City Creek.

Then the climb begins! It is about 4 miles to the summit, gaining about 1600 feet. The disintegrating road follows City Creek's sharp ravine, crossing twice more before the grade gathers intensity.

View of Harrison Mtn from Mile 1

Ahead, the trail navigates the alluvial fan towards the Arrowhead/Rim-O'-The-World Hwy 18

I love old growth chaparral! The white thorn thickets are as tall as trees. It was a perfect day yesterday with highs around 70F. Hotter than that, and this biome is unbearable to hike through.

The north facing slopes are a welcoming shade oasis, especially at this spot with its riparian woodland fed by a tiny intermittent stream.

Live Oaks create a dappled tunnel of cool shade.

I call this trail "where the wild things are" because I never fail to see tons of spoor from mountain lions, foxes and coyotes, and...
Bears!

This game trail has some big, heavy footprints.

I had never before seen another human being this far into the canyon, but on this occasion, my dog startled four motorcyclists resting at the stream crossing. They told me they actually saw our local big cat on the other side of the ridge! I am so happy to hear that she is alive and well.

I'm calling this point of the trail "Litterbox Summit". It is a literal cougar poopstorm.

View of Harrison Mtn and San Bernardino Peak

At last, my loyal hound and I hit the ridge-hugging high road and were treated to some glorious views.

View of the trail cutting through the chaparral along City Creek's ravine

Looking south across the San Bernardino valley

San Bernardino Peak and San Gorgonio

View to the west

A live oak tree with the sun in her eye

A manzanita branch tied itself into a lover's knot

The going on the south face gets a little weird here, because landslides have caused big whoops of scree with a narrow motorcycle track cut into them. We have to forgive this road, it's only been about 160 years since Daley engineered it for mule teams!

Next, there is one more push to crest a conifer knoll, then we raced down the ridgeline into the vicinity of Arrowhead Springs.

Sticky with sap

Downhill all the way from here!

Here, you can see the alternative route that just heads straight down to Arrowhead Springs, skipping the climb up to all those big views. It is blocked at the end by private property, though.

View of the San Gabriel Mountains and a glimpse of historic Arrowhead Springs.

Arrowhead Springs has a fascinating history. It was once a hot springs and health spa for the wealthy of Los Angeles. Later, it was the headquarters for Campus Crusade for Christ. It was also the location of Joint Terroism Task Force exercises that occurred just in time for the 2015 San Bernardino Massacre. And now, it has returned to its original owners, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. They have big plans to develop it. Read more details on Wikipedia: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrowhead_Springs,_San_Bernardino,_California

Arrowhead Springs

For the final couple of miles, Brisket and I half-jogged our way down the road as it rounded grassy bluffs and descended into the residential neighborhood. The grasslands are not very impressive this time of year, but soon they will be covered in new green grass, and blanketed with wildflowers.

I sincerely hope that the leadership of San Manuel does their best to preserve as much of this canyon's wild nature as possible....in between the new golf course and polo club, that is! Sigh.....Perhaps they will at least have the clout to knock Nestle off the spring water teat they have been stealing from us for decades. https://www.desertsun.com/story/news/environment/2017/08/31/arrowhead-bottled-water-really-spring-water-without-flowing-springs-near-wells-san-bernardino-nation/612307001/

Thank you so much for joining me on my hike through the emerald canyons of my local National Forest!

Love,Cat
@creationofcare