At the end of April, I did a 9.5 miles loop hike in the San Mateo Wilderness near Lake Elsinore. It was a cool overcast day. My favorite part of the hike was about a 2 mile section in the oak lined canyon bottom.

We stopped at the gnarly oak to enjoy a snack under its protection. I wandered around it’s limbs exploring various photographic compositions. The tree took on different characters from various angles. What creatures do you see in its twisted limbs?

As we continued up toward San Mateo Peak, I zoomed in on some interesting boulders in the chaparral.

If you want to see a few more from this hike, click here.