Fire in Angeles National Forest, CA

Smoke rises over the San Gabriel Mountains, from a new wildfire, as seen today from Claremont, CA.

Sunset over the San Gabriel Mountains

Mount Baldy with Snow

Mount Baldy, in the San Gabriel range of mountains, after a snow storm.

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, Irwindale, CA

Against a backdrop that features views of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale, CA offers beach and picnic areas, playgrounds, bike paths, fishing and wildlife viewing.

Above: a snow-capped Mount Baldy.

Station Fire from La Crescenta, CA

The Station Fire as seen last night from La Crescenta, CA.

Mount Baldy, CA

Above: the chair lift that travels up Mount Baldy in the San Gabriel Mountains.  Mount Baldy is about one hour east of Los Angeles, and the area provides great mountain vistas, rustic inns and restaurants, hiking, camping, mountain biking and skiing.

Many wildflowers still in bloom along the way.

Above and below: yucca plants in full bloom.

 

Above:  an example of a Native American dwelling.

Below: an example of a dwelling built during the Gold Rush.

Above:  the San Antonio River valley.

Above and below:  San Antonio Falls, a 1/2 mile hike from the main road.

 

Above: a mountain biker starting the ride down Mount Baldy.

Above:  the hiking trail on Mount Baldy.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, CA Wildflowers 2009

On 86 acres in Claremont, CA, and in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is the largest botanic garden dedicated to California native plants.  The Wildflower Show and Festival took place this weekend.