Escape Heat, Hustle To The Cool Clear Air In California Mountains

Hike out of the crowds and onto a lonely mountaintop. (Mt. Baldy/Facebook)

When the hustle and bustle gets too much down below, Californians head to the hills. And, the state’s ski and snowboard resorts shift into summer gear to provide the thrills, adventures and just plain relaxation that they are looking for.

SnoCountry.com took a look around the Golden Bear State and found examples of the many summer activities that have become standard fare in the Sierra and around the West.

Want to get the family into the woods? Check out Camp High Sierra at Mammoth. The campground has rustic cabins, and spots for tenting or RV-ing – plus myriad of activities including table tennis

Never-ever and novice mountain bike riders can find a comfort zone at Northstar. The resort has group and private lessons for all skill levels. And, a two-day women-only weekend of instruction and riding.

“Summer camp” takes on new meaning at Sugar Bowl. Educators, environmental scientists, world-class mountaineers and guides share their expertise at four different age-group sessions.

Hiking in the mountains remains very popular in the West, and Mt. Baldy  gets you to the top. Ride the lift to 7,200 feet, then hit the trail to the 10,069-foot summit of Mt. Baldy – the highest point in the Angeles National Forest.

Many resorts have disc golf courses. One good one is at Mountain High where 27 holes of challenging Frisbee-throwing combines with a 2.5-mile through high country terrain.

Larger resorts have recently consolidated summer activities into a single “park.” Squaw Valley’s High Camp sits on the mountain, an aerial tramway ride away. Once there, choose from hiking, geo-coaching, swimming, roller blading and disc golf.

Ride up the gondola at Heavenly and a world of challenge, thrills and laughs opens up at Epic Discovery. Rope courses, mountain coasters, ziplines, tubing – even gemstone panning – await.

Anglers can find plenty of water in which to toss a line around Lake Tahoe. Some of the best are a trio of lakes near Kirkwood. Bait and fly-fishing spots can be found within a short drive and hike from the mountain.

Many visitors to the mountains simply want to hop on a chair and ride to the top for expansive views and time to relax away from the maddening crowds. Located within two hours’ drive of L.A., Big Bear and Snow Summit offer the simple pleasure of a chairlift ride in the cool summer breezes.