Invited my good friend Mark Better to join me in hiking Del Dios Gorge before work. This hike is one of the five hikes that make up the San Dieguito River Conservancy’s 2024-2025 Coast to Crest Challenge. This hike was previously included in the 2017-2018 challenge. We pulled into the parking lot and gathered our gear. I was hoping for some marine layer to cool things off for a bit, but none was to be had. As we reached the trailhead, three other hikers were just finishing up their hike. After a quick greeting, we set off.
The trail is pretty mellow, with a few small climbs along the way, and one nice bridge crossing. Mark and I caught up with each other as we made our way to Rattlesnake Viewpoint. We took a short break and took in the view of the Lake Hodges dam and then used the viewfinder to locate some points of interest. The day was warming up, and the hike has almost no shade, so we hustled back the way we came. Once back at the car, where the thermometer read just over 90°F, we enjoyed the air-conditioning as we drove home.
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.