Another pleasant surprise in doing the San Diego County Parks’ Tour Our Trails was Wilderness Gardens County Preserve. I had driven past it several times returning back from some adventure in the desert. I pulled into the parking lot, paid my fee, and set off to explore it. Most of the trail is flat and follows the San Luis Rey River (dry at the time), but I decided to add in a short climb to the overlook. This park is closed during August, so be aware of that.
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.