October on Cerro Alto

Hot day -- Scorching Hot 

October 10th  hot day on Cerro Alto , so Sierra and I hiked late 

Sierra modeled for me once again so I could post on my face book

I hope you enjoy " October Moon "

Sunset view from Cerro Alto Summit

 

Jan 19 , 20014

 

Cerro Alto is located in the Los Padres Forest east of Morro Bay Ca.

 

Hiking late in the evening has some rewards as can be seen in the above photo . the sunsets are often spectacular . However the trail

after dark is difficult to hike .

Last night it was very still and quiet !

It is with these conditions that one often finds peace .



Cerro Alto

in December 2013

 

 

 

Cerro Alto located in San Luis Obispo Co. of Calif. Highway 41 near Atascadero .

 

Just a couple of photos to share evening hiking experience on the west ridge of Cerro Alto

 

 

Please remember to take a flashlight and warm clothing with you at this time of the year as it gets dark and very cold  early at this time of the year !



Cerro Alto Summit

 

below looking  west toward Cambria

looking south west toward cloud covered Morro Bay

taking a photo of San Luis Obispo

 

Cerro Alto , my daily hike , I frequently meet hikers new to this mountain that tell me they were not able to hike to the summit because it was more difficult than they understood it to be . Often these hikers have read that the mountain is a moderate hike .  To these folks I advise the hike is moderate in some sections and strenuous in most sections . It has been my experience that most visiting hikers take from 1 1/2 hours to 2 3/4 hours to summit . These hikers are of all ages . Their route to the top is via the canyon trail located at the far end of the parking lot and this the longest and easy trail . This distance is 3 miles.

 

My advice to the hiker new to this mountain or new to hiking  is --- start out slowly and rest frequently , take plenty of water and a jacket to warm yourself at the top . The last mile is difficult so slow down and rest as often as necessary and you will make it to the top . Accept the fact that many folks need more than 1 and 1/2 hours to summit . be patient and the 360 degree view at the top is a great reward ! For photos of the views from the top , search my archived posts.They include Morro Bay , SLO , coast line , Junipero Serra and Bear mountains covered with snow ,and Mount Whitney .

Happy trails .

 

fore info e-mail me at

 joeramirez@charter.net

 

 

Hiking and living the dream

 

The photo above is the summit of Cerro Alto located in the Las Padres National forest near my home of Atascadero Ca. I never tire of looking down from a mountain top and I have noticed that my dog Serra loves doing the same .

Frequently I observe other hikers enjoying the view from the top and I love photographing them while they are living the dream . I often wonder  , what is it that they are thinking when they look down from the mountain ?

 

I feel elevated to a higher conscious .

 

 

 

Taking photos seems to be a common reaction to the view from the top but I think it is the feeling one gets just by observing the view and a photo can not duplicate this moment .

 

Above is my son Luis living the dream from a high ledge in the Grand Canyon and I can tell that he too is feeling a lifted spirit when looking at the vistas from high mountain trails  !

 

 

 

The young lady above , I had the pleasure of visiting with . Her name is Maggie and it was her first time to summit and enjoy this view . The excitement in her eyes and her in voice was a treasure to enjoy !

 

 

The clouds below the summit turn golden at sunset .

 

Morning views are also special .

 

Above I enjoy a morning view from Rinconida trail .

 

 

Oh ! The sunsets are always so special !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 



 

Cerro Alto Therapy For The Soul

Cerro Alto , a daily hike for myself and often I take a route less often traveled . The lonely quite trail very often offers me a better place to think and meditate . I often wonder if other hikers feel as I do about seeking a quiet place to hike . Fortunately I sometimes do meet such people while hiking and this month of January I have been so lucky . Pictured here is such a person , her name is Lisa and she is here visiting from Seattle . She has in a short period of time hiked several of our local mountains and often taken the less traveled trail . She is strong , confident and most of all seems to have a positive outlook on life .!

I have also recently met a young man on the trail who was visiting our area and has found the mountain an inspirational place . His name is Adam . I enjoyed a short hike and conversation with him and learned he is a writer . This morning I am reading a book he wrote and am finding it very interesting as his adventures often parallel some of my past adventures ! The name of his book is " Where Angels Deserve To Die " I find reading his book very much like conversing with him on the trail. I only wish I had shot a photo of him to share .

For those of you not familiar with Cerro Alto , it is located between Morro Bay and Atascadero Ca. The trail seen here is a fire road , seldom traveled , just below the peak and south of same .

Cerro Alto New Year Celebration

What better way to start the year ?? Four generations at the top ! Thats me at the top and my Great Grand son Noah up front , grandson Mark Anthony on my left and grandpa Mark ( my son in law ) in red.
Happy New Year !!

Note Cerro Alto is located between Morro bay and Atascadero Ca. , elevation is 2600 ft , the hike is 1600 ft and 3 miles up . My great grand son is 7 years old !
Good Job Noah !!

Cerro Alto Christmas

Cerro Alto
Located between Morro Bay and Atascadero was bright and sunny this Christmas day . Many visirors enjoyed the views and the weather at the top . A great day for hiking !!

Hiking Christmas Artist

Thought I would try something new and post my yearly Christmas card . For those of you who don't know me , painting is a passion and each year I make my Christmas art and make my own cards . The original is a oil on canvas 16x20 ,

I think I will start posting some more art that reflects this hiker's mood in his travels .

Double click image to better enjoy same.

Cerro Alto family life

12-20-11 , on Cerro Alto mountain located on hwy 41 between Morro Bay and Atascadero Ca
on a steep climb , the bridge trail , I met this young family , mom dad and two children . It warms my heart to see young folks enjoying the wilderness and sharing with such small kids . This family hiked three
miles , gained 700 ft of elevation and the little girl hiked all the way !!
I later met them in the park lot and judging from their truck and equipment , i am sure this is a way of life for them .I hope to see them again on the trail !!

Cerro Alto Challenge

Cerro Alto mountain located between
Atascadero and Morro Bay Cal in the Los padres National Forrest with a 1600 ft elevation gain is my daily hike . I never tire of the variety of visual pleasure I get from this wilderness .
At times it is the landscape or wildlife I love photographing .
And often it is the people on the mountain I love photographing .
Today I enjoyed photographing Sara Gorman , a young runner . I have hiked with her twice and
I admire her strength and her love for the wilderness. She loves running. And as you can see , she does it well . A few weeks ago I hiked 15 miles with her in the Pozo area and found her to be a to be an exceptionally strong young lady !

I hope that you enjoy this experience as much as I loved photographing it .

The bottom line is there is a beautiful experience for all on Cerro Alto

Keep on hiking !

Cerro Alto

This is Ty.
He climbed Cerro Alto today.
He looked a little tired .
A few more hikes on this mountain will help !

Hope you enjoy the composition.

hiker and his dog

7-14-10
Had a beautiful hike today , following a couple fo new friends .