Piedras Grandes

Earlier in the month, I had driven out to Anza Borrego to summit a pair of peaks, Indian Hill and Piedras Grandes.  Unfortunately, I misread my route to Indian Hill and about halfway up a rocky ravine, I decided it too much and headed back to the car. I was not in the mood to attempt Piedras Grandes and drove home.

This time, I reached out to Hahn Asoy, one of the two 2017 finishers of the 100 Peak Challenge, if she would assist with my route finding. She gladly said yes, so back out to Dos Cabezas!

We opted to summit Piedras Grandes first since it is shorter of the two. We headed southwest across the desert floor until we reached the base of the peak. From there we picked our way up, past the rocks and cacti.

Quickly we found ourselves at the summit, looking across the desert, and the windmills near Ocotillo.

After a short rest, we headed back down and returned to the car before heading off for the second peak of the day.


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. 

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