Sandokai (Mountain Way)
(see recent photos)

NOTICE: July-Sept walks are suspended due to the dangerously dry condition in the mountains. We will resume our monthly walks in October!

Walking in a natural forest cures many human ills. Forests, waterfalls, and streams offer a way to relax in natural surroundings; we can leave the stressful world of human affairs to experience the grander forces of nature.

In Japan, it is commonplace to come across a well-used handmade broom in the middle of a forest floor. The sight of one of those brooms touches one deeply. ths thought of some person was taking care of a remote corner of a forest is unusual in the US. In the States, signs of human presence take a different form: garbage, graffitti on rocks, and carvings in the tree bark are all common sights to the hiker. Aiko Institute's President Perry says,

Humans are humans whether they live in Japan or the States. I believe in education and so I wanted to bring to the States this reverence for things natural so that instead of merely using the natural resources for ourselves we can begin to develop a sense of gratitude and stewardship for things we value. This is the movement of Sandokai.

Sandokai has helped
--to re-seed barren parts of the Angeles National Forest by the casting of seed balls which are clay balls protecting a seed gathered from that forest. The seed will be protected until the conditions are right for its germination;
--to pick up trash left behind by others,
--to introduce new hikers to many trails;
--to raise the consciousness to the natural world outside our doors;
--to show nature’s recooperative qualites and how they can help us with stress

Common Walks and Activities:
Rancho Santa Ana Botanical Garden
Very easy mostly flat strolling areas with bathroom facilities and many benches. Sandokai goes here in months where the weather conditions restrict treks into Mt. Baldy.

Johnson’s Pasture
Mostly flat with an initial incline. No benches or restrooms.
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Wilderness Park (view photos)
A 5 mile well maintained circular trail from 1800 to 3000 feet. The park contains a variety of interesting vegetation because of the streams which flow out of the canyons and a variety of wildlife including 86 different species of birds. Restrooms and a bench are available at the head of the trail.

Thompson Creek Trail
This is an easy flat cement walk along Thompson creek. Restrooms, drinking fountains (even for dogs) and benches are available.

Evie Canyon Trail (view photos)
Initially along a stream, Evie canyon climbs up a valley side to the top of a foothill from which the communities of Claremont and LaVerne are visible.

Bear Mountain Trail (4,000 ft) (view photos)
A demanding trial with an initial incline. There is a small pond along this trail and in the right time of year you can see the clusters of red made by butterflies. No restrooms or benches once you leave the village of Mt. Baldy.

Ice House Canyon Trail (5,500 ft) (view photos)
A semi demanding trail on a well maintained path alongside a beautiful stream. Restrooms at the trainhead. Plenty of sitting available on large rocks along the stream.

San Antonio Waterfall Walk (7,000ft) (view photos)
A semi-demanding trail on a well maintained path to a waterfall. Outhouses at trailhead. There are large rocks to sit on in view of the waterfall. From this look out site, there is another short but unkept path along side the mountain to the base of the waterfall.

Movie Slope (6,500 ft)
Behind the Manker Flats campground there is a rocky plain at the bottom of a popular sledding site during the Winter months. An old skiing area it is called Movie Slope. It gets alot of traffic and alot of garbage. It is an excellent place to collect trash. This is a semi demanding hike as there are no trails and the gound underfoot is mostly rocks.

The Old Highway (view photos)