We headed into the local mountains on Sunday for a nice easy day of hiking in the Los Padres National Forest. We did a short 8 mile hike to Mt. Pinos and Sawmill Mountain. We did these peaks in May of this year and at that time we also added Grouse Mountain which completed the 3-2-1 challenge. (Check out mymountainchamber.com for info. on the challenge.) It's a lovely area to explore. This time around the weather was much warmer then the last when it was cool and cloudy. I got to see some butterflies and the highlight of my day, a horned lizard. He blended in so well with his surroundings that I could barely see him when looking through my camera lens. After reaching Sawmill Mountain and taking in the views from there, we decided to head back before the day got too hot. This was a nice hike to ease us back into it after an incredible 3 days spent in the Eastern Sierra.
One of the Blues. Not sure which species.
Yarrow.
We took a walk along one of the side trails to catch the views before heading to the summit of Mt. Pinos.
Horned Lizard. I was very excited to see one of these guys!
Rabbitbrush is starting to bloom
Boisduval's blue
Rock cairns on Mt. Pinos.
Nice views along the Vincent Tumamait Trail.
Views from on top of Sawmill Mountain.
Prayer flags.
Coronis Fritillary.
Leaving Sawmill to head back before it got too hot.
Going back up to Mt. Pinos.
Looking back at Sawmill, where we came from.
Painted Lady.
Coronis Fritillary.
