Hiking

Times photographer Bob Carey horns in on a favorite hike of substitute teacher Bob Girard, 45, as they escape into a slice of the Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains with spectacular views at every turn.

The Iva Bell (Fish Creek) Hot Springs are 13 miles into the backcountry from the Red’s Meadows resort behind Mammoth Mountain.

Retracing a favorite route, a father and son trudge their way to natural bliss.