Hikebytes

HIDDEN ROCK POOLS | San Antonio Creek 2.2-Mile Off-Trail Discovery

There’s something special about finding a place that doesn’t come with a trail sign.

During this summer heat wave, we headed into the San Gabriel Mountains along San Antonio Creek to explore an off-trail stretch we had been wanting to map.

We spent the day following the creek, scrambling our way through the canyon and discovering some incredible deep rock pools and swimming holes along the way.

We mapped out approximately 2.2 miles of our route, taking you past some of the best and deepest pools we found.

And this is important: this is NOT a trail.

It’s an off-trail route that we personally explored, documented and mapped through HikeBytes. We’re sharing the route we actually followed so you can see the same places we discovered along the way.

At HikeBytes.com, you can get everything we put together for this adventure, including:

• Driving directions
• Google Earth 3D satellite map
• GPS coordinates
• Custom Click & Go navigation
• The exact route we followed
• Photos of the rock pools and other hotspots
• Information to help you know what you’re getting into before you go

This is what HikeBytes is all about for us.

Getting off the beaten path. Finding something different. Exploring it ourselves. Then mapping it so other adventurers can experience it too.

If you’re looking for a way to escape the heat and discover something beyond the usual trails, San Antonio Creek is one of the unique adventures we’ve been exploring.

Just remember—off-trail means conditions can change, and this isn’t a maintained hiking trail. Know your abilities, check conditions, and be prepared.

Unlock Adventure — with more BYTES.
www.hikebytes.com

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1 week ago | [YT] | 52

Hikebytes

New Laguna Beach Blog with Vital Beach Access Information and Local Insider Tips!
Link Below or Copy / Paste into Google Search.

Hike Bytes has been scouting Laguna Beach our whole lives, and now we are sharing our local knowledge to help you experience Laguna like a local. Includes best snorkeling coves, secret access points and how to find exclusive beaches. Countless hours of research and our feet walking it all out for you, saving you time and making your travels convenient.

www.hikebytes.com/post/laguna-beach-snorkeling-gui…

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1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 28

Hikebytes

JOIN THE SEARCH — LAGUNA BEACH HAS A LOT MORE TO EXPLORE THAN YOU THINK.

We’ve been spending a lot of time scouting the Laguna Beach coastline, and we’re discovering just how many coves, reefs, access points and little snorkeling spots are packed into this stretch of coast.

And we’re not just visiting them… we’re mapping them.

As HikeBytes Insiders, you’ll have access to our growing collection of Adventures, and adding them Weekly!

Including coves and snorkeling spots as we continue scouting them out and adding the information you actually need to find them.

That includes places like:

Crescent Bay • Fisherman’s Cove • Diver’s Cove • Heisler Park • Moss Cove • Ruby Street • Woods Cove • Treasure Island • Goff Cove • Christmas Cove • Goth Island • Middle Man’s Cove and many more.

For the spots we scout, we’re putting together the details that can make the difference between knowing a place exists and actually finding it:

📍 Exact cove waypoints
📍 GPS coordinates
🚗 Driving directions
🅿️ Parking information
🥾 Coastal access points
🌊 Snorkeling locations
🗺️ Maps and Google Earth information
📸 Photos and visual references
🤿 What we find underwater
⏰ Tide and seasonal information
⚠️ Access challenges and things to watch for

Everything in one place.

HikeBytes.com
Unlock adventure-with more Bytes

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2 weeks ago | [YT] | 14

Hikebytes

🌊 CATALINA ISLAND IS RIGHT IN OUR BACKYARD!

If you’re in Los Angeles or Orange County, one of the most incredible snorkeling and diving adventures is just a couple of hours away.

We recently scouted Lover’s Cove and the Dive Park at the Casino on Catalina Island—and the underwater scenery is absolutely beautiful. With the island helping block the ocean swells, these areas can offer calmer water, minimal waves, clear visibility, and surprisingly warm water compared with many mainland beaches.

And the best part? You don’t have to travel far to feel like you’ve escaped somewhere completely different. 🐠🌴

We even searched for ways to save money on the trip, including Groupon weekday deals, so you can spend less and explore more.

Through HikeBytes Insider Adventure Packs, we’ve done the scouting for you and provide the tools to help you find these locations—including Google Earth maps, access points, coordinates, route information, and insider tips.

And Catalina is just the beginning.

We’re constantly searching for secluded and off-the-beaten-path adventures—hidden canyons, waterfalls, emerald pools, caves, oases, and places most people simply drive right past.

🔎 Become an Insider. Join the search. Find your next adventure.

Unlock Adventure. More Bytes. More Adventure.

Explore HikeBytes Adventure Packs at hikebytes.com

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3 weeks ago | [YT] | 32

Hikebytes

This HEAT wave is ridiculous! 🥵 Anyone else getting sick of it like me?

When it’s just too hot for the trails, I always head to the beach and go snorkeling! 🌊🤿

HikeBytes has tons of snorkeling ideas and places to explore on YouTube. Watch video after video in our Snorkel Laguna Beach playlist and discover some incredible local spots.

👉 Or head over to hikebytes.com to join the search and become a HikeBytes Insider!

Insiders get our Google Earth location maps, including parking, access points, and the best reefs to snorkel in Laguna Beach & Corona del Mar.

Never snorkeled before? Check out our “Learn How to Snorkel” video filmed at Pirates Cove—a sheltered reef protected by the jetties and a great beginner spot!

When the trails get too hot… hit the water! 🌊🤿
Explore more with HikeBytes—one BYTE at a time.

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1 month ago | [YT] | 25

Hikebytes

Ever WONDER Where the BEST Snorkeling coves are in Laguna Beach, CA ? 🏖️ 🌊 NEW ADVENTURE PACK: LAGUNA BEACH SNORKELING 🤿

We just added a brand-new Laguna Beach Snorkeling Adventure Pack to HikeBytes Insider!

If you’ve ever wanted to explore Laguna’s underwater world, this pack gives you the information you need to plan your own adventure — including reef and cove locations, coordinates, parking areas, access points and more.

We’ve also created YouTube videos to help you see the locations and the underwater experience before you go. 🐠🌊

The key to a great snorkeling day? Small surf, light wind and calm ocean conditions. When everything lines up, Laguna Beach can be an incredible place to explore.

Our Adventure Packs are designed to take you beyond simply watching an adventure and give you the information to go experience it yourself.

🔎 Curious about HikeBytes Insider? Visit hikebytes.com through the link in our bio. You can explore some of the free Adventure Packs on the site and see what we’re building.

🎥 And be sure to check out our Laguna Beach Snorkeling playlist on YouTube for the full experience.

Explore more — with more Bytes. 🌊

#HikeBytes #LagunaBeach #LagunaBeachSnorkeling #snorkeling California

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1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 32

Hikebytes

There comes a point in life when you realize the adventure isn’t just about where you’re going… it’s about whether you’re willing to keep going.

At 59, I’m more aware than ever that time isn’t something we get back. And this adventure to Mount Thielsen and Cottonwood Creek Falls was a reminder of that.

Getting there was anything but easy.

A narrow 9-mile dirt road that barely fit the car. Brush scraping the doors and undercarriage. A parking spot where we nearly got stuck. The uncertainty of weather. And a route that offered no easy way in — or easy way out.

There were plenty of moments when turning around would have been the easier choice.

But we kept going.

After all the waiting, planning, obstacles and doubt, we finally made it.

And when we saw what was waiting for us, it was beyond anything we had imagined.

Sometimes the places that mean the most are the ones you have to fight the hardest to reach.

Getting older hasn’t made me want less adventure.

If anything, it’s made me realize I want to chase the dreams that are still out there — while I can.

This one was worth every step.

Don’t wait forever to do the things you’ve always dreamed about.

🎥 The full adventure premieres today at 8:00 AM on YouTube.

Watch it on HikeBytes YouTube and come see if we actually make it to Mount Thielsen and Cottonwood Creek Falls.

#HikeBytes #MountThielsen #CottonwoodCreekFalls #CentralOregon #OregonAdventures #AdventureTravel #ExploreMore #ChaseTheAdventure

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1 month ago | [YT] | 28

Hikebytes

The hype is real… and Stoddard Canyon Falls delivers. 💦

We explored beyond the main event and documented our route to the Upper Stoddard Canyon Falls, including the impressive 40-foot waterfall. We mapped the adventure from start to finish to create the first available AllTrails route line for this section, making it easier for others to follow and explore.

But Stoddard Canyon is more than just one waterfall. We spent the day scouting the surrounding area, discovering new sections, and preparing more trail lines that we’ll be sharing next week.

If you’re looking for an adventure that goes beyond the crowded viewpoint, this area has so much more to offer. 🌿🥾

Explore more with HikeBytes — one adventure at a time.

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1 month ago | [YT] | 57

Hikebytes

What if I told you one of the most beautiful swimming adventures in the San Gabriel Mountains is hiding just off the main trail… and most hikers walk right past it?

That’s exactly what inspired us to leave the beaten path and spend the day scouting secluded rock pools, hidden cascades, and crystal-clear swim holes along the East Fork of the San Gabriel River.

After hours of exploring, we created a 4.3-mile out-and-back adventure complete with custom mapping, route guidance, and GPS coordinates where needed to help you safely find these incredible spots. The best part? We floated sections of the river on the way back, turning the hike into one unforgettable summer adventure.

🎥 Watch our newest YouTube video: “10 Hidden Rock Pools Hikers Walk Right By”

🥾 Want the complete route with our custom trail, waypoints, and insider navigation?
Visit www.hikebytes.com (that’s HikeBytes with BYTES!) and check out our latest HikeBytes Insider Adventure Pack.

Adventure starts where the main trail ends. 🌿💦

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1 month ago | [YT] | 23

Hikebytes

We scouted a hidden escape in the San Gabriel Mountains…

While exploring the East Fork near the Bridge to Nowhere, we discovered secluded rock pools, crystal-clear water, and off-trail spots most hikers walk right past.

We mapped the route with custom waypoints, AllTrails navigation, and Google Earth 3D satellite views so you can experience the adventure safely.

🎥 Watch the full adventure from our latest upload

What’s your favorite hidden swimming hole or off-trail discovery?

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1 month ago | [YT] | 71