Gary Valle's Photography on the Run

Downed Trees, Washouts, and Debris Flows on the Three Points Loop Around Mt. Waterman

Gary Valle — Mon, 18 May 2026 06:00:58 +0000

The run from Three Points started out innocently enough. I descended the trail on the restroom side of the parking lot and crossed Hwy 2, temporarily following the PCT. The trail switchbacked up the hill to a junction near a large Coulter pine. At the junction, I ignored the left turn onto the PCT and … Continue reading Downed Trees, Washouts, and Debris Flows on the Three Points Loop Around Mt. Waterman →

Red Box – Bear Canyon – Switzer’s Loop After the Eaton Fire Closure

Gary Valle — Mon, 11 May 2026 05:50:40 +0000

Bear Canyon wasn’t burned in the Eaton Fire, but was included in the Forest Service Closure Order. It reopened in January of this year (2026). I’ve been curious to check on the condition of the Bear Canyon Trail — not only from lack of access and use, but because of the heavy rain in the … Continue reading Red Box – Bear Canyon – Switzer’s Loop After the Eaton Fire Closure →

Looking for Humboldt Lilies, But Finding Vultures

Gary Valle — Thu, 07 May 2026 06:36:11 +0000

There’s a run in Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve (Ahmanson Ranch) I refer to as the “Humboldt Lily Run.” I call it that because it’s the only place I’ve found Humboldt lilies (Lilium humboldtii ssp. ocellatum) blooming in the Preserve. May is a little early for the lilies to be blooming there. But … Continue reading Looking for Humboldt Lilies, But Finding Vultures →

Above the Clouds on Josephine Peak and Strawberry Peak

Gary Valle — Mon, 04 May 2026 05:40:18 +0000

The fog was thick on Angeles Forest Highway, and I was relieved to reach the small parking area at Clear Creek Station. The dirt turnout near the junction of Angeles Forest and Angeles Crest Highways was empty at 5:45 am, but would soon fill with eager hikers, runners, and riders. I was repeating an adventure … Continue reading Above the Clouds on Josephine Peak and Strawberry Peak →

The Ups and Downs of the Angeles Crest 100 Mile Run

Gary Valle — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:30:38 +0000

First published on June 30, 2015. Updated April 28, 2026. This information is preliminary and may contain errors. See the AC100 website for official information and details. First run in 1986, the AC100 is one of the original five 100-mile U.S. endurance races. It has endured fires, floods, the Covid-19 pandemic, and changing trail restrictions. … Continue reading The Ups and Downs of the Angeles Crest 100 Mile Run →

Morning Fog – Malibu Creek State Park

Gary Valle — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 06:24:57 +0000

The title photograph, Morning Fog – Malibu Creek State Park, was taken just before sunrise from the Cistern Trail, at the start of a trail run I call the “Bulldog Loop Plus.” The “Plus” is for the extra elevation gain and mileage that results from starting the run at the Cistern Trail, instead of the … Continue reading Morning Fog – Malibu Creek State Park →