I would recommend the Cedar Ridge loop if you are looking for a moderate day hike. The elevation gain is steady but not too steep and the views at the top are worth the effort. You should plan for about four hours round trip with a rest at the summit. Make sure to bring plenty of water and some snacks because there are no facilities along the way. The trail is well marked but I would still grab a map at the trailhead just in case. Early morning is the best time to go to avoid the heat and find parking. Let me know if you want more details on the route or gear suggestions. I would also suggest bringing a light jacket because the temperature drops noticeably once you get above the tree line. The switchbacks near the top can be a bit rocky so sturdy footwear makes a big difference. Overall it is a rewarding hike with beautiful scenery throughout.

I have been experimenting with sourdough starter maintenance and found that feeding it once a day with equal parts flour and water keeps it happy. If you store it in the refrigerator you can extend that to once a week. The key is to discard half before each feeding to keep the colony healthy. I use a mix of bread flour and whole wheat for a more complex flavor. The hydration level around seventy five percent gives a nice open crumb without being too sticky to handle. Cold proofing overnight in the fridge adds a lot of depth to the final loaf. Try scoring the top with a sharp blade right before baking to get that nice oven spring. I have been baking about two loaves per week and the results keep getting better. Let me know if you want me to share the full recipe with measurements.