A Sunny Start at Big Laguna Lake

Overlook

Last weekend, we headed up to the Laguna Mountains for a morning hike on the Big Laguna Lake via Sunset Trail. The 4.2-mile route offered a moderate workout, just enough to feel accomplished while still leaving room to enjoy the scenery. With the sun shining and the air crisp, it was a beautiful December morning to be outdoors.

Trail View

Golden Light Through the Pines

Overlook

From the start, the trail welcomed us with tall pines and soft sunlight filtering through the branches. The forest felt calm and spacious, and the higher elevation added a refreshing chill to the air. It was one of those mornings where every step felt easy and unhurried.

Trail View

Acorn Woodpeckers Stealing the Show

Acorn Woodpecker

Acorn Woodpeckers were everywhere along the trail. Their calls echoed through the trees as they darted back and forth, many of them busy tending to their granary holes. Watching their constant activity added energy and personality to the forest.

Overlook

Chickadees and Bushtits in Motion

Mountain Chickadee

Mountain Chickadees flitted through the branches, their soft calls following us along the trail.

Trail View

Nearby, a group of Bushtits moved together through the brush, hopping quickly from twig to twig. Their coordinated movement made them easy to spot and fun to observe.

Bushtit

A Striking Woodpecker Encounter

Hairy Woodpecker

A Hairy Woodpecker caught our attention as it worked carefully along a tree trunk. Its steady tapping briefly filled the quiet forest, giving us a great look at its foraging technique before it disappeared deeper into the trees.

Overlook

Colorful Finches and Forest Floor Activity

Purple Finch

We also spotted a few female Purple Finches perched calmly among the branches, their subtle coloring blending nicely with the winter scenery.

Overlook

On the ground below, a group of Dark-eyed Juncos hopped around the trail edges, busy and curious as they searched for food.

Dark-eyed Junco

Nuthatches, Jays, and a Glimpse of the Sky

White-breasted Nuthatch

White-breasted Nuthatches were plentiful, moving headfirst down tree trunks and calling out loudly.

California Scrub-jay

We also saw a California Scrub-jay, bold and alert, hopping between trees and watching our progress. Looking up, we were treated to the sight of a Turkey Vulture gliding effortlessly overhead, circling slowly on rising air currents.

Turkey Vulture

Life Around the Lake

American Wigeon

As we reached Big Laguna Lake, the scene shifted from forest to water. Many ducks rested and swam on the calm surface, including a standout American Wigeon whose distinctive markings made it easy to recognize. The stillness of the lake contrasted nicely with the busy forest behind us.

Trail View

A Perfect December Morning

Overlook

By the time we finished the loop, we felt refreshed and grateful for such a peaceful, wildlife-filled hike.

Trail View

The mix of sunshine, mountain scenery, and memorable bird sightings made the Big Laguna Lake via Sunset Trail a wonderful way to spend a December morning together.

Trail View