Today’s hike was going to summit two peaks out near Ranchita. Along with the two official peaks, two additional peaks were along our route. I had done some of this hike last week, but the main summit of White Benchmark did not happen. This time, with Ted tagging along, we headed north along the use trail near the fence defining the boundary of Anza-Borrego and the private property to the west. We passed through the shadow of Bonny as we drew closer to White. Up the ridgeline, we pushed upward.
Atop the peak, we found the benchmark with no trouble.
We enjoy the views. The Thimble and San Ysidro loomed over us, but those summits were for another day.
Looking back southward, Bonnie, Clyde, Chimney Rock, and Hut were spread out before us.
Off to the northeast, was Goat Benchmark (somewhere…).
Next along our route was Clyde. This peak was a simple scramble to the top. There is no register nor mark. But if you summit Bonny, you have to do Clyde ;).
From there we angled back toward the west to explore Chimney Rock. Neither of us are climbers, so we just marveled at this spire from its base. Ted did scramble to the top of the mound to the north of it. I stayed below for the photo op.
The use trail quickly led us to the foot of Bonny. Approaching it from the east, we rounded toward the south, there a small ledge provided the route to the summit proper.
A short hop was required to find the Benchmark proper.
Once we were ready we continued heading south. Our final target was Hut Benchmark. Unlike when I was out here the week before, the route to the Benchmark was a simple approach from the north side.
We then worked our way down through the slightly heavier brush back to the car. This was a fun day wandering from peak to peak. For anyone wanting to cut their teeth on a trail-less desert hike, this one is perfect.
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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