If you have ever driven south on Hwy. 163 through Balboa Park, you’ve probably noticed some trails on the west side of the highway. Well, it turns out that trail is part of the Bridle Loop Trail, so I decided to make this my next hike. Starting from the southwest corner of Balboa Park, I headed north along the sidewalk until I reached the Juniper Stairs (thanks to the California Conservation Corps), which took me down to the trail that runs along Hwy. 163. The trail finally stopped paralleling the freeway and climbed back up near the Marston House. I cruised along the sidewalk, past the playground, and the bocce ball courts, and soon I was back at the car. Apart from the noise near Hwy. 163, this was a nice loop.
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.