
...to head into the canyons. This is the time of year I become an evangelist for our local fall colors. Again, Vermont it ain't. But it's close by, and barring a Santa Ana wind, the temps are comfortable. Sierra and I headed to the Trabuco Canyon trail last Sunday when we had the drizzle and low overcast. The moisture after a rain or drizzle saturates the colors and is the best time to go, particularly for photography.

Trabuco Canyon trail from the trailhead to the West Horsethief "Y" is an easy 3.5 mile out and back with less than an 800 feet total elevation gain. If you are looking for a bit longer hike, I suggest staying to the right at the "Y" which is the continuation of Trabuco Canyon trail and hiking it to Main Divide Road, an 8 mile out & back with a 2,000 foot elevation gain. Some like to do the loop back north and return via West Horsethief, but I prefer the scenery on the less-exposed TC trail.

This trail is considerably less crowded than Holy Jim trail, although you won't be alone on weekends generally. This is a terrific mountain biking trail and you are almost sure to see a few bikes no matter what time of day you hike. Be careful not to misjudge the amount of time to hike the full length as the days become short; it gets very dark in this canyon and difficult to hike if you forgot the flashlight.
