For most visitors to the Cabrillo National Monument, they will head to the visitor’s center, then the statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, then eventually make the small climb to view the Old Lighthouse. But as you work your way up the paved road toward the lighthouse, there is a sign pointing indicating the start of the Bayside Trail.
This ‘peak’, is actually a reverse peak. Derek wanted something along our coast for the challenge, and this hike, although inverted fit the bill.
Once you reach the turn-off from the road, the trail turns to a wide rocky dirt path. A nice bench sits at the top, so that might be a welcome sight upon your return.
The trail works it is way down along the cliffside for 1.6 miles until it ends with a nice view of San Diego Bay. When you are done with the view, you get to hike back up the trail.
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.