Big Bear/Lake Arrowhead
The mountain areas of Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead are easily accessible
from anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area. I spent years living in the
area and I still teach and lead retreats there. Castle Rock in Boulder Bay
and Eye of God in Baldwin Lake are two of my favorite hikes.
It’s called Castle Rock because at the top is a rock that looks like a castle.
It also has seasonal mountain runoff in the spring. While this is a challeng-
ing hike, my four-year-old was able to complete it. Wear sturdy shoes as
it can get steep at some points. Be prepared and bring water and snacks.
Eye of God is on the sacred site of The People of the Pine in Baldwin Lake,
which is an unincorporated town located east of Big Bear. It is about a
mile-and-a-half from the main road. This area is supercharged with en-
ergy vibrations and has a majestic view of the entire valley. It is quite
splendid for meditation as well as picnics.
—Elizabeth Peregrina is a yoga teacher, Ayurvedic counselor,
and Reiki healer. @breathflowthrive
The Spirit of the Bristlecone Pine
The town of Bishop in Buttermilk County is a community within the
Eastern Sierras. It’s the gateway to a variety of wilderness trails including
hikes where you can tap into the spiritual experience of visiting walk the
world’s oldest trees: bristlecone pines. There is a four-and-a-half-mile hike
along Methuselah National Recreation Loop Trail in the Inyo National
Forest that allows you to meander among the 4,000-year-old trees. Bring
water and prepare for open vistas. For the 411, visit: bishopvisitor.com
According to avid climber and Mountain Studio Owner Julie Faber,
the area around Bishop is bar none one of the best places in California
to hike through forests that allow you to experience the full array of
fall colors. Plan ahead for walks that provide solitude, scenery, and flat
topped boulders where it’s really cool to practice yoga in the elements.BRISTLECONE PINES,
BISHOP, CA