If you have driven the 15 near Lake Hodges, you probably have seen the white cross on a hill to the east. This is Battle Mountain, which got its name from a battle that was held at a mountain nearby called Mule Hill in 1846. Mule Hill/Starvation Mountain got its name after the battle when the soldiers ran out of food and had to kill some of the mules in order to eat.
The actual hike up, if you can call it that is a quick one but steep. Perfect for a workout… I had been saving it for the end of the year, but my plans changed so I decided to do it during a break from some chores…
The cross on top of the hill was built by Jack Templeton in his backyard. He lived below the trailhead and would frequent the hill regularly. Apart from the noise coming from the 15, the views are quite nice.
I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. In addition, I have conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and Arizona-Winter). Beyond attempting the San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list a second time, I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.