Road Trip Adventures Around SoCal

Can you believe it's already April Foothill Family?

With the beautiful Californian sun blossoming over us, we thought an appropriate blog topic would be "Road Trip Adventures Around SoCal" for you to get inspired to go enjoy the outdoors & all the beauty that Southern California has to offer. Are you in the mood for a quick drive or a weekend getaway? The Foothill Auto Service team has you covered with plans & a vehicle that's fully prepared to get you to all your destinations safely.

1. Angeles Crest Scenic Highway

Upwards of two hours from our shop, heading North of Los Angeles to the San Bernadino County Line, you will find yourself on a scenic desert highway, with stunning views of many mountains and valleys. This highway is the beginning of many extraordinary adventures. For travelers who haven't experienced the many natural wonders around Los Angeles, this is a perfect scenic route for you! The Angeles Crest Scenic Highway proves that nature's natural beauty can exist so close to the Los Angeles metropolis.

2. The Mojave Desert

Make this a weekend trip! The Mojave Desert is a spectacular 1.6 million acre national park & it's certainly going to keep one entertained on its many trails that take you through sand dunes, wildflower patches, and Joshua tree forests. Since this is a very decent drive away from us in Lake Forest, turn it into a camping weekend! The Mojave desert has two different campsites to choose from; view campground information here.

3. Palomar Mountain State Park

Located North of San Diego lies the deep forests and meadows of Palomar Mountain State Park; unlike the previous two desert-like terrains, you'll find yourself surrounded by many different types of trees & greenery. The California State Parks website describes the scenery as the following "Large pine, fir and cedar trees make the park one of the few areas in southern California with a Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere." There are multiple viewpoints available as well here, where you can gaze towards the ocean and the deserts since its average elevation is 5,000 feet above sea level. A great day trip or camping options are also available here!

4. Santa Rosa and the San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

Arising from the deserts floor, this national monument is roughly two hours from our shop & worth the short drive! You'll find scenic trails, palm oases & many wilderness areas surrounding this national monument. Some background- The Monument was established by an Act of Congress on October 24, 2000, "in order to preserve the nationally significant biological, cultural, recreational, geological, educational, and scientific values found in the Santa Rosa and the San Jacinto Mountains" (Public Law 106-351). There are multiple camping options available here; if you or someone you know is an equestrian, the Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground would be perfect!

5. Bridge to Nowhere (East Fork Trail)

An under a two-hour drive from Lake Forest, one can truly get a great hike on this ten-mile trail! Starting off in deep, rugged canyons, you work your way into the deeper wilderness after the first few miles. There are multiple river crossings and tree covering on this trail & don't be surprised if parts of the trail are washed away. The final destination on this hike is the impressive "Bridge to Nowhere." Since the rivers have changed so much since their original construction in the '30s, this bridge is all that remains.

Preparing Your Vehicle

We hope one of these five adventures appealed to you! Before heading out for a long weekend adventure or drive, make sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape to get you to your beautiful destination safely. Our team put together a quick list of vehicle services so you can double-check that you're good to go.

Let's Talk Tire Safety:

Every 5,000 miles, your tires need rotation, and sometimes more often than that, depending on the make of your vehicle and road conditions. If you are in the Lake Forest Area and need tire balance, repair, and rotation, be sure to visit the Foothill Auto Service family and discover what honesty in auto repair looks like.

Brakes:

Brakes are one of your vehicle's most critical safety features. Your vehicle's brake system is comprised of a series of mechanical parts, and the anti-lock or ABS part of your vehicle's brake system includes actuators, modulators, and other sensors that make up your ABS braking system. Over time, parts wear down and need service or replacement. Your auto mechanics at Foothill Auto Service are highly trained and can be trusted to inspect and ensure quality brake parts are correctly installed and in top condition before you get back out on the road.

Engine Light On?

Our ASE auto mechanics are highly trained and employ the latest in factory equipment to diagnose and repair your vehicle to specifications. Not only are we able to read and diagnose codes, but the auto mechanics at Foothill are trained to understand your entire vehicle system, which leads to expedited repairs without throwing needless parts at the issue.

We hope you enjoyed this April blog! Call us today or schedule an appointment today so we can take great care of you and your vehicle. You'll be glad you did!