Re: directions

I usually go to Bowen for security, but Jobe is correct about Bradford Ridge. You park on the side of Hiway 173 at the bridge and head in. It is really a nice hike through the transition between the chaparral and the pinon pine environments. The last 1/2 mile is confusing for the first time visitor. If you go left you stay on the regular trail and are about 1/3 of mile above the springs. If you accidentally take the Family Canyon trail, bring your hiking sticks for the descent since its mostly scree and very steep for a short while. The bonus is you get to visit the canyon Manson lived in for a year. If your interested then bring the sticks. Otherwise follow the creek down until you are on the crest and bear left at the couple of junctions. I know Jobe came in this winter. It saves the crossing but is really a work out going out. If you think the 250 feet on the last hill to Bowen is a hard climb then the first 600 feet of the Bowen would be a killer. Also, it isn't all up hill. The trail visits a couple of shallow valleys between the parking lot so expect some up hill heading down and some downhill (with added elevation) going back.