Now that I have completed the 100 Peak Challenge, it was time to begin working on the remaining peaks on the Sierra Club-San Diego list. Thankfully, these two lists share a lot of the same peaks, so I only have 28 more peaks to climb. Fellow 100 Peak Challenge finisher Susie Kara is also working toward the same goal. So, we are teaming up to tackle them. Unlike the 100 Peak Challenge, the SD100 does not have a time limit. However, all of our remaining peaks are in Anza-Borrego, so we are racing against the heat.

We decided to tackle Split Mountain East and West. Located south of Ocotillo Wells, these two peaks would be two separate hikes. I pulled into the empty parking lot for Iron Mountain and waited for Susie to arrive. Soon thereafter, a few cars pulled in and hikers began their journey up to greet the sunrise from the summit. Susie pulled up and we set out on the all too familiar route to the desert.

The predawn glow began to fill the desert as we got closer to the turn-off from the 78. The full moon still hung over the western sky. We pulled over to the side of the road and took some photos of the beauty around us. After a pit stop at the bathrooms at the Ocotillo Wells Ranger Station, we began trying to connect with Matt Bennet who wanted to join us on our adventure. After some back-and-forth texting, we found where he was waiting and picked him up. We set off down Split Mountain road for about 6 miles to the Fish Creek Wash turnoff.

Campers were scattered along the route, which was a good sign in case the Subaru ran into trouble. The trailhead to Split Mountain East is the same as to the famous Wind Caves. We parked next to the sign for them. The trail quickly began climbing, so make sure you stretch first before heading out. While the sign says the caves are 1.0 miles away, they are actually about 1/2 miles away. We stopped and explored them briefly, but our goal lay a bit further and higher away.

As the other trip reports indicated, the use trail would fade in and out. For the most part, it was a matter of following the ridge ever upward.

As we neared the point where we knew we had to descend and cross the wash, we continued up the wrong ridge for a bit. Cross-checking our bearings, we backtracked a bit and found the correct route again.

Once we had finished dropping down the wash, we found a pool of water tucked beneath a dry waterfall. After a short break and discussion on our final push to the summit, we set off. Matt and Susie followed a gully up, while I trailed behind and found the use trail along the west side. We rejoined at the saddle and began the final bit to the summit.

We sat atop the peak taking in the views of the eastern Anza-Borrego. While there is no benchmark, we did find and sign the register. After finishing our snack, we headed back down. Like it usually happens, the trail was easier to spot for the descent.

As we made our way down, we would point out various peaks to our west to Matt. He recently moved out here, so we were showcasing some of Anza-Borrego’s finest for his future enjoyment.

We debated exploring the wind caves more, but the second peak was calling… Once back at the car, we took a nice lunch break before driving to the trailhead for Split Mountain West. We covered 4.3 miles with some 1,590 feet of elevation gain over 3:13 hours of active hiking time.

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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Since the weather had thwarted our attempt to summit Indianhead on Sunday, I began looking for alternative dates. Thankfully, Greg Gerlach was free on Thursday, so I decided to take a day off and go with him. As I drove out to Borrego Springs, I was greeted with another spectacular sunrise as I descended toward the desert floor. I had to pull over several times to take some photos. Too bad Ted Markus was unable to tag along, as he loves his sunrises and sunsets.

I paid my $10 day-use fee and parked at the Borrego Palm Canyon trailhead to await Greg’s arrival. While the forecast for the summit was 57°F, my car said it was a brisk 39°F. I slipped on my wool cap and some gloves and we headed up the Borrego Palm Canyon nature trail. About .2 miles in, I realized I forgot my hat in the car. I hustled back and grabbed and stuffed it into my pack. The first palm oasis was quickly reached, and we shed one of our layers as we had now warmed up enough. Now we were ready to begin the second section of the hike, the canyon itself. Pushing past the palms, we began working our way through the canyon. The sound of flowing water was such a pleasant sound in the desert.

There isn’t much of a trail at this point, so we tended to follow the footprints left in the sand. We would cross the stream numerous times as we snaked our way closer to our exit point. I recognized portions of the route from the unsuccessful attempt back in April. Besides the sounds of the water flows, the occasional croaks of frogs were heard. This was a good reminder that water is life.

As we drew nearer to the third palm oasis, the summit of Indianhead again came into view. As it towered over us, I knew the real hike was about to begin. Greg and I took a break beside some very large boulders before we began our climb out of the canyon onto the ridgeline. I had brought a side bottle of water but was feeling confident that I would not need it, so I cached it here. 

The climb out of the canyon was steep, in about .2 miles we gained some 500 feet of elevation. I was remembering all the trouble I had back in April on this section so this time Greg and I ascended in near tandem. Once on the ridgeline, we found a faint use trail that would guide us upward. The ridgeline would alternate between steeper bumps and then would ‘flatten’ for a brief bit. There were some portions that required care as we ascended, but nothing too difficult.

We soon reached the saddle before the rocky section of the ascent and took another break. As we sat marveling at the views, we tried to identify the peaks to the west. From here we had about a half-mile to the summit, but there was still some decent elevation gain to be had. I was still feeling great as we carefully worked our way up. As we neared the end of this section, we found a rock depression that was filled solid with ice. Soon, the actual summit came into view! I wasn’t quite sure how to feel. My 99th peak was right in front of me. We sat upon the summit and again soaked in the views laid out before us. We tossed back on a layer while I snapped my photos and Greg flipped through the register. So many familiar names filled its pages, to which I proudly added mine.

After enjoying my PB&J and some oranges, it was time to head back down. We were able to mostly follow our tracks back off the mountain. Finally, those big boulders and the third palm oasis came back into view. We carefully began our descent from the ridgeline. This was the worst part of the entire hike. It was steep, and the footing problematic. Once back on the canyon floor, I grabbed the bottle that I had left earlier and had a quick snack. Greg had taken a slightly different path down, and I actually beat him! 

The sun was just setting behind the canyon walls as we began our trek back through it. We cruised again through this beautiful scenery. After about 1.5 miles or so, we reached the first palm oasis. We stopped for a moment to address a hot spot on my foot, then set off for the last 1.5 miles. We were back at our cars just after 4 pm. My tracker said we had covered 8.2 miles, with 7:40 hours of active hiking time, and climbed over 3,000 feet. But more importantly for me, that was my #99 peak of #100PeakChallenge! Since it was still early, we both decided to skip grabbing a meal in town and opted to head home instead.

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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After summiting Piedras Grandes again, it was time to go climb Indian Hill. Since I drove to the trailhead differently, I was now on the west side of the tracks. That was fine, it just meant a little extra hiking, since I could not drive any closer. Much of the hike is either along the train tracks or the flat desert floor, so it was not much of an issue.

Changing shirts as the day was getting warmer, I quickly headed off. Technically you are not supposed to be on the tracks as they are considered private property, but I decided to be a rebel. The smell of the creosote on the railroad ties reminded me so much of my dad. We used to spend Sunday afternoons chasing trains up to the Tehachapi Loop.

Once I reached the Jeep road that heads west, I knew it was time to follow it. I think in a proper 4×4 you could keep driving well past the water tank at Dos Cabezas. I followed the road for a bit as Indian Hill finally showed itself from behind a very pyramid mountain standing alone on the desert floor. It looked so much smaller this time. I remember being intimidated the last time I was here. 

Indian Hill is certainly more bouldery than Piedras Grande, so I spent more time surveying possible routes. I picked one that looked like it would not require any excessive scrambling. I began working my way up the rocky slopes, again noting the improved confidence and strength. Before I knew I had reached the summit! 

The register was tucked next to the eggshell rock and had quite a few familiar names on its pages. I grabbed some photos and surveyed the road to the west. Two other benchmarks are out here that are on the San Diego 100 list, so I will be back probably in 2020.

I scrambled down from the summit and headed east toward the tracks. On the way out I spotted some trash along the rails, and upon my return, I grabbed it and carried it out. Back at the car, I took in the fact I have but three more peaks to climb and this challenge will be over. Now to drive back into San Diego and get the Friday special at my favorite taco shop!

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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With rain again in the forecast, I opted to take part of the day off and head out early to get in the last two desert hikes; Piedras Grandes and Indian Hill. Both are near Dos Cabezas just past the wind farm in Ocotillo. Since I was going solo this time, I needed to make sure I had my routes down. For Piedras Grandes, I saw some hikers had approached it from the south via a wash, then up to the summit. It was a bit longer in distance but it could be something new. In looking at the satellite imagery, there was also a road from the trailhead for this route. Researching it, I learned the now closed jeep road has signboards along the way exposing various points of interest and the history of the region. Sold!

I pulled into the trailhead just after 7:15 and gathered my gear. The sun had risen but it was still a tad cool, so I tossed on a slightly warmer layer for this hike, figuring I would change before the second one of the day.

Hiking on the Jeep trail made for a quick time. The signboards told bits and pieces of the significance of the area. I found the Yoni, or female fertility symbol, and the morteros. I missed the actual pictographs, but I did not look that hard. I plan to return and explore the area more when I am not chasing peaks.

At the road’s end I began the open desert crossing, I looped around a small peak and then down to the saddle at the base of Piedras Grandes. I picked a route and motored up, avoiding the cacti that covered the slopes.

In no time I reached the summit once again. This time this was almost natural for me. Another indication of my growth as a hiker. I signed the register and took my photos. For the descent I had two basic options; return the same way or follow the wash. Once I reached the saddle, I opted for the first wash. Except for one minor scramble around a dry waterfall, it was a pleasant route.

I even spotted boot prints on the ground. Soon I rejoined the jeep trail, and then back to the car. That was peak #96 of my #100PeakChallenge. Now to drive the 5 minutes to the trailhead for Indian Hill.

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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Since I wanted to be back in San Diego before my daughter headed back to Redlands, it meant a very early start. With the snow-capped mountains, I thought Grapevine Mountain would be a perfect choice. The car’s thermostat read 30 as I bundled up and began winding my way along the Pacific Crest Trail from the Scissors Crossing.

Just about two miles later, it was time to leave the well-cared-for trail and begin the cross-country climb. I spotted some footprints along a very faint use trail. The direction matched my previous route, so I decided to follow them. I weaved my way around the cacti as I pushed toward the top of the ridge. From there, Grapevine would finally come into view. 

I crossed over the connecting ridgeline to the summit. Found the register and the two reference marks and the main benchmark.

Since I needed to get back home, I did not stay too long on the summit. Retracing my route I found myself back on the PCT cruising back to the car. All told I covered about 6.5 miles in 3:10! So much faster than my first time up. That was peak #95 of my #100PeakChallenge.

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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The final summit of the day was to be Ghost Mountain. I had hoped to get this peak in after summiting Whale Peak, but that did not happen. I drove down the dirt road to the southern end of Little Blair Valley to the trailhead. As I pulled in, one couple was just finishing their hike, and another car was parked there as well. Given this was Thanksgiving Weekend, I expected some other folks on this trail, at least to the Marshall South Homestead.

Ghost Mountain is higher in the desert than my last two peaks and as the day was getting late, I tossed some of my warmer gear back on. I also packed another layer and my cap into my pack. The trail to the homestead is easy to follow and I made good time to it. The other hikers were here mulling about. We chatted some before I headed east toward the summit. 

This portion of the hike is like the childhood game of ‘the floor is lava’, but with cacti replacing the lava and rocks in place of the living room furniture. The summit is denoted by a large boulder, so spotting it is relatively easy. While no benchmark is here, there is an old ammo box placed by the Lower Peaks Committee. Someone had moved it to the actual top of the rock, so a small scramble was required to sign the register.

The sun would be setting soon, so again I did not stay too long before working my way back down. The snow on the mountains was certainly a wonderful sight. Back at the car, I packed my gear away and headed toward the Scissors Crossing, stopping at the store in Shelter Valley for a soda and a candy bar. The road was open toward Warner Springs, as I did not want to deal with the insanity that Julian would likely be. I wished Ted was with me, as the snow-capped mountains around Ranchita were equally stunning, but since I was driving I could not get any photos. That was peak #94 of my #100PeakChallenge!

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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After taking a short break after summiting Red Hill, I turned onto West Dolomite Road to head out to the trailhead for Mine Peak. Like Mt. Tule, I drove further than last time. While two 4x4s were at the trailhead, I did not want to drive the Subaru up the last bit of the road. I chatted with them as they enjoyed their lunch before heading out.

Following the road some more, a use trail was spotted leading up. I did not recall one the last time I hiked this peak. I was probably not skilled enough to spot it. 

Once over the steep climb, I continued eastward for a bit, before turning northward for the summit. Upon reaching it, I signed the register and photographed the vistas. The benchmark is not a standard one, so it is easy to spot.

I knew I had a 45-minute drive to the next trailhead, so I headed back down the peak. The family had left, so I explored the mine some before continuing my adventures. Peak #93 was done!

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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The second peak of the day was also going to be the longest hike at just under 3 miles round trip. I pulled into the parking area right off the S2. Switching from the warmer gear into something cooler, I set off across the desert floor. I was curious to see what this hike felt like versus the other time I did it. 

Once across the wash, I picked a ridge and began climbing. The route is mostly free of cactus and with almost no navigational issues. I soon found myself making the final push to the summit plateau. I could tell the difference in my skills and legs as I made my way to the southern end of the plateau where I remembered the register is placed.

After signing it and grabbing my photos, I headed back down. I was very tempted to drop all the way down and return via the wash but felt since I was racing the clock, I should not go exploring. Next time…

The descent took a little care, as there were a lot of loose rocks to contend with. Once back at the car, peak #92 was complete. Mine Benchmark, the next peak was just a few minutes up the road.

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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The hope was to summit four different peaks today; Mt. Tule, Red Hill, Mine Benchmark, and Ghost Mountain. With the recent storm, the surrounding mountains were covered in snow, and I knew I might have issues along the 8. So, I actually left a little later than usual to allow the roads to be clear. Even so, I still saw a car on its side, most probably due to the road conditions.

First up was Mt. Tule out by McCain Valley, near Boulevard. Instead of parking where I did last time, I turned onto MV052 and continued a bit further. I figured 15 minutes couldn’t hurt since I had a full dance card. It was cold enough for ice to form a thin layer on the puddles in the road. A light dusting of snow appeared to be atop Mt. Tule as well. Grabbing my warmer gear, I set off. At the road’s end, I spotted a use trail to the southern edge of the turnaround. This trail quickly led me up to the northern peaklet. As I got closer, more and more snow was on the ground. A familiar crunch sounded under my boots as I began working to the southernmost peak.

What a wonderful way to start the day, atop a snow-capped peak and some incredible views. I signed the register and found the two reference marks, but had no luck finding the main mark. 

With three more peaks to attempt, I did not have time to dawdle. Retracing my snowprints, I found the use trail again and made my way down. #91 was in the bag!

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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