This was a nice simple hike with my wife and daughter. Although you can drive to the lookout tower, we decided to start from the parking lot before the turnoff to Doane Valley. The trail works its way up gently through the forest before reaching the fire lookout tower.
The tower was manned this day, so we had a lovely chat with the volunteer. Visiting a lookout tower reminded me so much of my childhood, as we would often head to the high Sierras near my parent’s cabin, stopping off at Tobias Peak to visit, and sometimes make the hike out to Baker Point as well.
Afterward, we continued the loop towards Scott’s Cabin. We passed through the still green meadows, and towering pines.
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.
The distinctive shape of the Cuyamaca is hard to miss from San Diego looking eastwards toward the mountains. Cuyamaca is the second highest peak in San Diego County and is one that is easily summited. My good friend James decided to tag along for this adventure. Although the temperatures were pleasant, the lack of trees from the Cedar fire, over a decade ago, does make this hike a bit toasty.
The trail basically follows the service road to the summit. Starting from the Paso Picacho Campground (fee required), the paved road works its way steadily toward the summit. You do pass through one small remaining section of pines as you approach the summit. It is interesting seeing how the forest is slowly recovering from the fire.
Once at the summit, you are rewarded with some of the best views in all of San Diego. On a good clear day, you can see for about 100 miles. For me also being a NASA geek, finding the NASA Goddard marker was cool.
After a snack and long rest, we head down from the summit and down the Burnt Pine trail toward to Japacha Peak, which lies just south of Cuyamaca.
This took us through some more of the remaining pine forest, as we descended to the next summit. Once we approach the turnoff to the proper summit, it was clear that James’ decision to wear shorts would ensure that his poor legs would be torn up by the scrub. I worked my way partially toward the summit but turned back once I did not see a clear route. With more experience under my belt, I may return to this summit and do it properly.
Once we declared the attempt complete, we headed back along the trail to the service road and back down to the campground. The day was heating up and the lack of shade did make for a hot one.
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.
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.
The San Diego River Park had scheduled a hike for later in the morning that I had signed up for, but I saw the forecast and decided to go earlier and beat the heat. The climb to the summit was nice, except for the shady parts. That is when the gnats would become bothersome under the incense cedar.
Toward the summit, the ruins of the cabin still stood, and I learned that this was a potential site for the observatory (Palomar won).
Only saw three other hikers along the entire trek. I did encounter a dog along the trail. Finally got close enough to grab its collar and call the owner. Turns out he wanders the trail and region all the time. When I returned to my car, the scheduled hike was getting organized. One of the volunteers was getting ready to cart up some water partway up the trail. I chatted a bit and gave them a current trail summary.
This summit is the ‘starting’ point for the 2017 Crest to Coast Challenge. Although I only summited one peak, it was a twofer.
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.
A perfect way to kick off the Fourth of July weekend! I convinced my friend Dave to tag along for this one. Unlike when Derek summited this peak, there was not a lick of snow to be had ;).
The trail works its way northward for a bit before turning east at the East Mesa Fire Road. You are on the road just for a short bit before veering off. The trail wraps around Oakzinta peak and approaches from the south and east.
The views from the summit we lovely, except we did have some flying ants bothering us, so we did not stay too long.
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.
Our second summit of the day. This summit is just a short walk from Kwaaymii Point. Ben came along the trail with me but opted not to venture through the brush to the summit.
The winds had picked up and it was fun feeling them race up from the desert floor. There is no benchmark here, but a register can is tucked in the rocks.
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.
This was another two summit day. First up was a hike out to Pine Mountain. My son Ben agreed to tag along. We head out toward the summit, talking about his new role on the USY Board, what his last summer at Camp Ramah would be like, and his final two years of high school. All in all, some nice father-son time.
The actual summit is not easily reachable, so we settled for the trail junction as our ‘summit’.
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.
My second summit of the day (Monument Peak was the first). Just up the road from the Monument Peak Trailhead is the trailhead to Garnet Peak. If you are looking for a longer hiking day, you could hike between them.
The trailhead is denoted by a metal pole, then heads off across a lovely forest meadow. After a bit, you will intersect with the PCT. It is here that the climb will begin in earnest.
The trail works its way up the east and then north side of the peak, all the while your lungs remind you that you are not a sea level.
Once at the summit, you are rewarded with a sweeping view of Anza-Borrego.
On the way back I saw some 20 hikers making their way northward on the PCT for a day hike. We chatted for a bit and then went our separate ways.
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.
This was the first of two summits this day (the other being Garnet Peak). Starting from Sunrise Highway, I quickly noted that the rains from the winter had left the trail a tad overgrown as a made my way across the forest floor. The trail then joins with the PCT for a bit, before breaking off to the summit and the communication towers.
The views from the Lagunas are always so impressive. The expanse of Anza-Borrego is stunning. I found the marker and began to head back to the car.
You might notice on the map, a rouge section of red. Remember, how I said the grasses were a bit high, and the trail was a touch overgrown? Well, I missed the turn and was following the slightly more used trail. I decided to double back and return along the same route. Mostly since I did not want to walk along the road to the car.
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.
