Camp St Nicholas has been providing a safe, friendly and beautiful camping experience in the…read moremountains above Frazier Park, CA for sixty years. I have been camping here since the 1970's and still enjoy sessions either summer or winter today. Over the years, the camp has gone through several renovations, adding a beautiful chapel and upgrading the pool and game room behind the pool. The camp staff are pleasant, always willing to help and accommodate special dietary or scheduling needs, and strive to make every booking a complete success. All the services of the facility are available for a single booking fee which is based upon nights and meals.

If you are looking for a snow camp for large groups of 100 or more then this is the place. It's a…read moresort of mom and pop operation with many cabins, each with showers, sinks, toilet stalls and heaters. The cabins are really clean and have bunk beds galore that squeak a little but are sleepable. The main lodge is great for meals and they have a ton of games for the kids. They even have a stage for the kids to do skits. The camp is on the north side of a mountain above 6000 ft so the snow stays around for a while. This year we went up there and had a blast making sled runs and snow men as well as many snow forts/igloos. The food was decent camp food and they really cater to kids offering healthy kid friendly options. It was my son's first real time in the snow and it was quality father son time that I'll never forget. Thanks so much Camp St Nicholas for a great winter camp experience.

Camp AREV = Where Heaven Meets the Mountains…read more A few years ago, our church went to Camp AREV -- and to this day, it's still one of the most powerful, refreshing, and unforgettable retreats we've ever experienced. Nestled in the mountains with crisp air, towering trees, and stunning views, it's the perfect place to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with God, community, and purpose. Worship under the stars? Check. Deep conversations by the fire? Yup. Epic games, trails, and the kind of laughter that bonds you for life? Absolutely. The facilities were clean, the food was solid, and the staff made us feel right at home -- organized, welcoming, and full of heart. This place isn't just a camp -- it's a sacred space where lives are changed. Whether you're planning a youth camp, leadership retreat, or all-church getaway, Camp AREV delivers a mountain-top experience that sticks with you long after you've left. Can't wait to go back. #ChurchCampVibes #CampAREV #FaithFamilyFirepits

I think its fine! I love camping and i know its messy but a little too much dirt. that wont stop me…read morefrom going, though! 4.7 stars

My 10 year old came home from camp crying…read more She cried off and on for a few days. She was crying because she didn't want to leave. She was changed. She was empowered. She fell in love with the space, the people and the way of life. She now wants wooden bunk beds in her room... "like the ones at camp". She wants to call helping get ready for dinner OTRS. She is talking about food waste after our meals. She is singing all the camp songs. She is telling us all the stories. She wanted to stay there and "get ready in the morning with other girls and talk about their day, have fun choices of how she wanted to spend her afternoon, be brave and try new things, make friends, and learn about God." She grew up this week...she knows it and we know it. I am grateful for sacred spaces, like El Camino Pines, that provide space and community for us to get away, grow up and be changed. My 10 year old came home crying from camp. The same way I did when I was her age. After I went to camp, I was never the same again.

My family and I have been going to this camp since I was a little kid. The hey staff is always…read moregreat the facilities have been recently upgraded and tons of hiking and exploring for the kids to do. Highly recommend if you're looking for a good adventure. There is camping up top and cabins down below.

Incredibly overgrown trail with lots of history. It's hard to believe so many people have reviewed…read moreit since I've never seen a person past the 1st ford. Tough, scenic, true wilderness, and very close to LA.

LOLLYPOP, LOLLYPOP, OOH LOLLY, LOLLY, LOLLY LOLLYPOP!!!!…read more BACKGROUND: Amid the arid-looking mountains north of Castaic Lake, Castaic Creek flows the better part of the year through a sinuous gorge flanked by picturesque sandstone outcrops. The creek is perfect for wading - shallow, slow-moving, and warmed by the sun. Fish Canyon Narrows: In the trench-like confines of middle Fish Canyon, aridity and moisture stand side by side, separated by a matter of a few yards. Mountain mahogany, manzanita and other drought-resistant shrubs cling to the walls, while a shallow stream gurgles merrily past a line of oaks, sycamores, willows, and cottonwoods. It is almost as if a little slice of the Pacific Northwest was transplanted to Southern California. STATS: Distance: 8 miles Elevation Gain: less than 1000ft ESSENTIALS: At least 2 liters of water Know your limits Comfy hiking shoes with good lugs Layered Clothing High protein food/snacks Electrolytes Camera Hat (optional) Sunscreen Trek poles (optional) OUR ROUTE: From the parking area me and The Crew headed down an asphalt road which took us to the first canyon. In this first canyon there is a trail in some portions and not so much in other parts. There were a few spots of some minor boulder hopping and very short climbs. If there is any water it could be avoidable. At the end of this canyon is where we encountered overgrown trails, as well as no trail at all as we started our ascent to the loop trail. This section is less than an 1/8 of a mile and brought us to the middle portion of the route. The area does not get much use which can make the trail overgrown and difficult to find in some areas. In this area we had a rather continuous climb as we headed over to Wind Caves. The next portion was where it got interesting. A short portion of bushwhacking and an interesting canyon down climb got us back down and completed our looped route. The scenery is amid arid-looking mountains north of Castaic Lake, Castaic Creek flows the better part of the year through a sinuous gorge flanked by picturesque sandstone outcrops. The creek is perfect for wading - shallow, slow-moving, and warmed by the sun. Fish Canyon Narrows: In the trench-like confines of middle Fish Canyon, aridity and moisture stand side by side, separated by a matter of a few yards. Mountain mahogany, manzanita and other drought-resistant shrubs cling to the walls, while a shallow stream gurgles merrily past a line of oaks, sycamores, willows, and cottonwoods. It is almost as if a little slice of the Pacific Northwest was transplanted to Southern California. DISCLAIMER: Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a fireman can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up. Review 80 Yelp 100+ Challenge 2015

The Enchanted Forest Trail is one of the closest trailheads to the center of Pine Mountain Club,…read moreand one that was marked on both Google Maps and on the map of hiking trails provided by the Pine Mountain Inn (5*). With such an inviting name, my friend and I wanted to be sure to check it out. Arriving in Pine Mountain Club on a Friday afternoon in April, we decided to save a longer trail for Saturday and visit the Enchanted Forest Trail with about 1.5 hours remaining before sundown. The trailhead is very simple to find. From there, the trail was not difficult to follow until it brought us to a rocky dry watercourse on the mountain. We had read that the track might get lost, but most of the reviews on AllTrails saying that were from winter. We had followed the path pretty easily until the watercourse, but at that point we lost it. We considered scrambling up the rocky gorge but that seemed wrong. At that moment, we heard voices echoing in the canyon, and that directed my attention over across the watercourse into the underbrush. We realized we could cross the gulch and find the trail on the other side. Locating the path, we soon passed the people coming down from the trail's end. We asked how it was, and they said "it gets steep and rocky." It had already been like that, so we wondered how much steeper and more rocky it might be. After going on for another 5-7 minutes, we arrived at an area on the path that felt like it was vibrating with energy. Neither of us is particularly spiritual but this place, where a large redwood had fallen with a tremendous, splintered split across its trunk and where someone had placed a stone cairn, felt inexplicably mysterious. (See my pic. The place where the trunk splits is taller than the height of a person.) The sun had just dipped behind the ridgeline, and we decided this would be where we would stop. It's an out-and-back trail, so why not make this our back point? On the way down the trail, I started to get tinnitus in my right ear. This isn't something that has happened to me in recent memory. Maybe because the area is so quiet, I could hear a ringing in my ears. But then, out of nowhere, a tree started dropping its leaves on the path to our left. No wind blew, nothing discernible changed. Leaves just started dropping. We thanked the forest for hosting us, and made our way down the path--without urgency, but expeditiously. Whatever's enchanting this forest was probably having a good time. We did too. Just be ready for a hint of the chills as you hike along.

I like this trail, it lives up to its name and is very much like walking through a movie forest…read more Trees split in half, old rock slides, echo-y mountains give this trail such a good and on edge vibe. Unfortunately we had to head back early because the ground was too frozen to walk on without some sort of special ice gear.

I camped here with a group of friends and we had a lot of fun. I'm so glad the lower campground was…read morefull for someone's birthday party because Middle Lion was much nicer and had better spots. Middle Lion's a small area and the sites are first come first serve.. so we were happy we got a good one. We had a delicious bbq, big campfire, and met some other fellow campers who were very cool. Nice neighbors all around! The bathroom was really gross but that's camping, right? At least there was a bathroom. The ranger at the park was really sweet and helpful. This place wasn't as amazing as camping somewhere like Avenue of the Giants.. but it was a lot of fun with friends. Dog friendly campground but keep them on a leash. A bobcat had been spotted walking around earlier that day- the ranger warned everyone about him and said to keep pets close. It was fun walking along the creek, which was completely dried up in August. We got our $5 Adventure Pass at a nearby visitor's center. The ranger *did* check when we were there.. so you should probably have one.

Based on what we SAW, I give this place two stars. We were not even able to get a spot because it…read morewas packed... well what do you expect with only 8 or 9 sites in the camp! While well kept, spaced nicely, and in a quaint area, and had bathrooms/fire pits/ tables; it is just too small to realistically expect to get a spot on a weekend in the spring, summer, or even early fall. With only a hand full of campgrounds in the area, its no wonder they all fill up fast. No reservations makes it even more of a bummer when you're faced with the possibility of either going home, or roughing it out on a trail. The latter is what we ended up doing since both Middle Lion and Rose Campgrounds were absolutely packed. While its a nice site, beware of it being full on a weekend!

Associated with the huge, beautiful, undivided Rancho Tejón, undivided since the time when…read moreCalifornia was under Mexico's control. I highly recommend you visit should you come across the rare opportunity to do so.

Mmmmm, nature! We…read morehad a group hike to the flower fields. Lupine...have you ever seen anything as beautiful as the color purple? Poppies...field of buttercups flying in the wind. Then other varieties of wildflowers...clean air, some trodden paths, helpful docents. All in all, great day exploring Tejon Ranch. They have tours of their massive properties periodically. Last year, it was free. This year, $5. But we had no guide...: (

An incredible space for young people to find out who they are and what they're here to do. We are…read moreso grateful for this "school!" My 10 year old son started at RTS a year ago after several years at a public school in the county. He was so anxious at the public school: most of the kids there would run out the gate at 3pm wanting to get out of there, with my son being very upset if I was even a few minutes late. His clothes were frayed at the wrist and knees from him chewing anxiously on them, he was labeled the class clown because he was always trying to lighten the mood. Most of the "teachers" kept asking if he had ADHD or another learning disability. We knew that he did not, and so decided to try changing his environment. We started in January (so glad that we were able to start mid-year) and the dramatic difference in his happiness, behavior, sense of connection and community has been VAST. It's such a testament to the incredibly thoughtful space Natasha and Jim Bailey have co-created. The kids can choose what they do each day, with climbing trees or chatting with friends being a perfectly valid activity (there's so much learning in everything.) My son is building things, mastering design and 3D printing, playing 3 instruments without any lessons (and no urging to practice), has created his own small business and is learning entrepreneurialism and team management. All at the age of 10. (What was he learning in the other school? How to survive the day and do what other people told him to do...) The Rock Tree Sky model (or Sudbury model, the first democratic school) isn't for everyone, but we've found it more appropriate in preparing our son for life during this modern time than traditional school was. If you have any doubts or concerns about this model, a great book I was recommended was Peter Gray's Free To Learn. Note that there are no formal lessons, no strictly age-segmented classrooms (amazing), and no "teachers" only "mentors". There are rules of conduct and there are offerings each day that kids can choose from: cooking, carpentry, sewing, gardening, pottery etc. but most of them choose their own adventure each day. Isn't that what we're all doing? Isn't that what life is about?! I can only speak with the utmost respect for this learning environment and warm community. I know that the kids here are destined for brilliant things, with so many supportive people gently guiding and cheering them along the way. Ps. You can apply to the Summit program via OUSD, which is a homeschool program integrated into RTS, which also subsidizes some of the tuition and offers a more traditional classroom experience for a couple of hours a week. It's incredibly affordable compared to other private schools here, but again - it's not for everyone. If your family values self-directed learning (and living), we highly recommend RTS!

Jim Bailey and Natasha Efross put together this amazing school that both my 9 & 11 year olds…read moreattend. "Self Directed Education" and that's exactly what it is. The school sits in 2 beautiful locations in upper Ojai and your finding space for your little one may prove to be slightly difficult, so I highly recommend that you get on that wait list STAT. The teachers/mentors are the very best of the best and the kids are amazing. This is one of those schools that your child will never want to leave. I honestly don't have the ability to write all that needs to be said so I will leave it to you to go and give it a visit. Oh, their logo happens to be pretty damn beautiful too. 5 stars.