Camping on Corte Madera

When I awoke and saw that it had rained overnight, I wondered what the conditions at Corte Madera might be like. I checked the forecast, and it remained as before: a high in the mid-60s, a forecasted low in the mid-40s, and a light breeze. After lunch with Rick to discuss an upcoming trip, we tossed my gear in the car and set off under still cloudy skies. I needed a wilderness permit, so I stopped at the Ranger Station in Alpine and picked one up. The Ranger had never heard of anyone camping back there, so I filled her in on the details from my last trip. With my permit in hand, I drove out to the trailhead. As I neared the Laguna Crest, the clouds stopped, and a warm sun shone down. Once at the parking area, I quickly shouldered my pack and set off. I cruised along the road to the turn-off to the Espinoza trail and began working my way up toward the Espinoza saddle. As I neared the saddle, I could see the clouds covering it. Once there, the views to the west were completely socked in. I hoped that the campsite would be above them. I turned onto the road and headed toward the next junction. Thankfully, I quickly did rise above the cloud layer, and the sun once again shone down.

I climbed up the steep trail, testing out the grip of my new shoes and enjoying their lightness with every step. Unlike last time, where I needed to stop at one of the overlooks, I felt great and pushed on. The manzanita is beginning to encroach on the trail, so long pants and long-sleeved shirts are highly recommended. Corte Madera finally came into view, sitting above a blanket of clouds below. I cruised over to the same campsite I used before. Since I was filming this trek, I set up my camera and recorded a time-lapse of setting up.

Once set up, I hiked the 0.1 miles over to the summit. After enjoying the view and reflecting on recent events, I headed back to camp. Initially, I had hoped to sleep without the rain fly, but some fog rolled in, and I reluctantly added it. I cooked my dinner as the sun sank beneath the clouds. Retreating to my tent, I listened to some podcasts for a while. The fog had retreated, and the stars shone in the moonless night sky. I spent some time taking photos, adjusting various settings on the iPhone’s camera, and taking advantage of having a tripod.

I woke before sunrise and made a cup of coffee, which I enjoyed in the tent. I headed back over to the summit to watch the actual sunrise. There was a peace in my heart and a sense of comfort as its rays spread across the vista before me. Returning back to camp, I finished packing up and headed out. The return went quickly, as a warm breakfast was waiting for me in Alpine. One of the questions I had was how much water I would consume during this overnight. I carried out 4.25 liters and only used about 2.25 liters. If I had made a proper breakfast, then I probably would have been closer to using 3 liters. I also drank a liter before leaving, so that reduced my water usage as well. With that, only two more peaks to climb to finish the 2025 San Diego Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge.

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.

Completing the CRHT

When blisters forced me to end my thru-hike of the California Riding and Hiking Trail in Joshua Tree, I began thinking of options to complete the last 11 miles. Initially, in mid-March, I had planned to hike the Eagle Rock Loop in Arkansas in conjunction with my grand-niece’s 3rd birthday. Unfortunately, my sister’s condition worsened, and she was placed on hospice. So, I decided to reschedule that backpacking trek until the fall. That also meant that I would have the time to spend the two days I needed to finish off the CRHT. We flew back to Little Rock for the birthday, but my sister took an unexpected turn and passed away late Saturday evening. My wife and I arrived home in San Diego very late on Monday. When it was just a visit, just the party and time with family, I penciled in doing the CRHT on the Wednesday and Thursday after we returned. I talked it over with Anita, and she said I should still go. Some time alone out in the wilderness will be good for you, plus Mindy always loved my adventures. It let her “get out” when she no longer could. So, on Tuesday, I assembled my gear and was ready to set out for some healing time on the trail.

My plan was straightforward: Start from the North Entrance Trailhead, hike to the Geology Road Trailhead, then make a U-turn and hike back to the car. The drive out was pretty uneventful. This time, I made sure I had my hiking shoes. Actually, two pairs of hiking shoes. After the blisters for the first attempt and an issue during my hike in Borrego Palm Canyon, I decided to switch to Altra Lone Peak 9’s. This hike would be their maiden voyage on my feet. I did bring my Merrell Moab 2’s just in case I found that I did not like the new shoes, I might be able to return to the car and switch my footwear. I planned two water caches; the first was two 1-liter bottles at the Arch Rock Trailhead (1 liter for the hike out and the other for the hike back), and the second cache was at the Geology Road Trailhead, where I left one 1-liter bottle. Like before, I carried two 1-liter bottles on the sides of my pack and a .75-liter bottle in my shoulder pouch.

I parked at the trailhead and gathered my gear. The weather was perfect, with just a light breeze. I brought my tripod again, this time hoping for more filming along the way. The trail heads mostly southward and gently gains in elevation. After just 6 miles, I spotted Belle Campground and made a slight detour. I used the pit toilet and found an empty picnic table to sit at and enjoy my lunch. After some tuna, oranges, and a Kit-Kat bar, I set off toward the Arch Rock Trailhead. There, I picked up one of the water bottles and slipped it into my pack.

The trail now turned eastward. As my shoes crunched on the desert floor, my thoughts turned to my sister. My mom had given her up for adoption before I was even born (11 years to be exact), and I did not learn of her existence until 2000 (by accident). Finally, in 2018, we discovered one another and had seven wonderful years together. Soon, I spotted the recommended campsite and found a perfect spot to pitch my tent. After setting up camp, I looked at the time and was feeling good, so I changed my plans. Initially, I had planned to hike out to Geology Road to pick up the water cache in the morning and hike the 11+ miles back to the car. Instead, I decided to go ahead and hike over, get the liter, and hike back, making it closer to the original plan in February. I left the trekking poles behind as they were holding up my tent and headed out. It was so weird to hike without them, I didn’t know what to do with my hands… Soon, I saw the glint of sunlight on a windshield and knew the trailhead was close. I reached it in no time and gathered my water. I reflected on the difference—the last time I was here hiking, my feet had blisters, and I was completely defeated. This time, while my heart was filled with sadness from the loss of my sister, the rest of me felt great, including the feet in the new shoes.

Once back at camp, I relaxed in the chair I brought and watched the sun sink lower over the horizon. I made dinner and soon crawled into my tent to drift off to sleep. Initially, there was to be a SpaceX launch out of Vandenberg around 11, but I had a cell signal and learned that the launch had been delayed, so I deleted that alarm from my phone. During the night, I did wake up and try for some photographs of the incredibly starry night I was sleeping under. I really need to find some good tutorials of how to adjust the settings to get better night photography.

I woke around 6, before the sunrise. As I packed up, I kept an eye out toward the east to capture the first rays of the rising sun. After a quick breakfast of oatmeal and a cup of coffee, I was ready to head out. While yesterday was fairly easy, today was even easier as it was almost all downhill. I spent more time reflecting on my sister, letting this journey be a part of my grieving and healing process. Some formal events were planned, but I needed time for myself. I picked up my remaining bottle and kept on cruising. I again made a bio-break at Belle Campground and dumped my trash. I passed a few folks starting their journey as I drew nearer to the end of mine. Once back at the camp, I was happy to have hiked the entire trail, and while not all in one go, it was still a continuous footpath. After a stop at the Visitor Center for some stickers and a patch, I enjoyed a good burger and a well-earned beer in Joshua Tree. As for the shoes, they worked pretty well, although I did develop one blister. I suspect it might be my pace again. For both legs of the hike, I held just over 21-minute miles, which is really fast. I think if I just went slower, my feet would be fine. The final stats were 23.3 miles in 9:27 and 1,700 feet of gain.

Oakzanita Loop

My good friend Becca is going to be hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail in May and wanted to start upping her hiking miles. I offered some options for her and she decided that doing the Oakzanita Loop sounded just right. Ted Markus joined us as well for this adventure. It was a brisk 44 degrees when we arrived at the parking area. Once geared up, and a group selfie taken in front of the trailhead sign, we set off along the Lower Descanso Creek Trail. The trail was still a little damp from the showers we received on Friday, but thankfully not muddy. The creek was still dry, making the stream crossings trivial.

Once we reached the East Mesa Fire Road, we took it around the bend to then join the Upper Descanso Creek Trail. Now the trail would begin to noticeably gain elevation. Partway up, we stopped to shed our respective layers. We had yet to see or hear another soul, despite there being a few cars at the trailhead. I wondered if they were backpacking out at Granite Springs? The trail reached the Oakzanita Peak Trail which would take us up to the summit.

Soon, I passed the two hitching rails and then found myself on the summit. As I waited for Becca and Ted to arrive, I got my camera ready to capture their arrival. We had a quick snack and soaked in the views. As I pointed out various peaks in the distance, another hiker briefly joined us but hustled off to make it to the all-you-can-eat pancake fundraiser at the Descanso town hall.

We finished our snacks and cruised back to the junction with the Upper Descanso Creek Trail and the Oakzanita Peak Trail. Everyone was feeling good, so we opted to continue along the Oakzanita Peak Trail until it connected with East Mesa Fire Road. This portion of the trail is pretty mellow, and we all chatted away, sharing updates about our various children.

Back on the fire road, we motored back until the junction with the Lower Descanso Creek trail. We kept a good pace and soon we began to see evidence that the trailhead was close. Back at the car, we stopped our various tracking devices and noted the slight difference in recorded mileage (I logged 7.5 miles, while Becca logged 7.6 miles and Ted logged 7.7 miles). It was a good training hike for Becca, her longest to date. We opted to skip the traditional post-hike food and drink, as we would probably be overeating while watching the “big game”.

Hiking Big Rock to Cowles Mountain

I decided to hike up Cowles Mountain via the Big Rock Trail. Believe it or not, I have actually never taken this route up Cowles as I generally take the Baker Way route when I care to climb this peak. I pulled into street parking and gathered my gear. It was still a bit chilly and the first part of the ascent would be on the northern slopes of the mountain. The trail passed by the dog park and the empty paddleball courts. Then the trail split, and the left fork climbed a short hill, while the right path skirted it. Off in the distance stood the communication towers next to the summit of Cowles Mountain.

The trail crossed a dry creek before beginning its real climb and I cruised along the fairly well maintained path. As the trail worked its way upward, I was afforded some nice views to the north – Woodson, Iron mountain and El Cajon Mountain were all standing tall.

I soon came to the junction with the Mesa Trail but stayed on the Big Rock Trail. Once it reached the service road, the warmth of the sun was enough to have me shed the light fleece I had been wearing. I had a short flat stretch before the road began its fairly steep climb to the summit, as it is designed for trucks and not hikers. As I reached the summit I took a moment to soak in the views. It was a very clear day, and standing atop the highest point in the City of San Diego offered up some nice vistas. After snapping a few photos, I extended the length of my trekking poles to assist with the steep descent and headed back down.

The return went quickly, and I gave friendly nods to others as they made their way up. As I neared the paddleball courts, they were now filled with players. I collapsed my poles and turned off my tracker. It recorded the trip as 4.8 miles in 1:56 (including the time at the summit).

Hiking Volcan Mountain

After hiking up Woodson Mountain earlier in the day, I drove out to Volcan Mountain to cross my second peak off the 2025 Six Pack of Peaks Challenge. As I turned on the Farmers Road, I could see this trail was going to be busy. However, just as I neared the actual trailhead, a car left, and I was able to grab a parking spot right at the start. The day had warmed some, but there was a slight breeze. I decided to leave the fleece behind, as I wasn’t planning on hanging out at the summit for any real length of time.

The legs still felt good after my 5 miles up Woodson, and I motored along the trail. I decided to skip taking the 5 Oaks Trail, just save a little distance this time. New Year’s greetings were exchanged as returning hikers passed me. Soon, the summit and its navigation tower came into view. Some hikers were enjoying their well-earned snack at the picnic bench, while I snapped another summit badge photo. I stopped by the benchmark and chatted with two other hikers before heading back down from the summit.

More and more folks, many with their dogs (did I miss the “bring your dog to Volcan Mountain” memo?) were working their way toward the top. I kept cruising down the trail, and as Farmers Road came back into view, there were a lot more cars parked along it. Back at the car, I changed into a dry shirt and headed home. I made a quick stop at Don’s Market for a cold soda before making the rest of the drive. As I passed the trailhead for Woodson Mountain, the side of the highway was now completely jam packed with cars. I could only imagine the line to climb onto the ‘Chip’. It was a great way to kick off 2025, with hopefully a lot more adventures to come.

New Year’s Day on Woodson Mountain

I decided to kick off 2025 by tackling Woodson Mountain. Driving to the Fry-Koegel trailhead, I was surprised at the lack of cars parked along Hwy. 67, especially as the Iron Mountain parking lot was packed when I drove past. It was a bit chilly, and much of the hike is on the northern side of the mountain (aka in the shade), so I slipped on a light fleece. I knew I would warm up as I began my climb, but I thought it was still just a tad too cold to not have on an extra layer. This route is now my preferred route to ascend Woodson Mountain. As I passed the houses at the beginning, the smell of a fire in a fireplace filled the air, along with the scent of bacon….

I did start to heat up, so I shed that fleece, and motored on up the trail. After joining the Poway Trail, I drew closer to the summit. I could see a modest crowd milling around the Potato Chip, snapping their photos. I stopped for a short break, snapped a photo with this year’s Six Pack of Peaks badge in front of the iconic landmark, then left the crowd behind. I made a quick stop at the true summit (I did not scale the boulder) before beginning the steep descent on the paved service road. I remembered to bring the rubber tips for my trekking poles, in order to protect their metal tips.

As I cruised down, scores of folks were huffing and puffing their way up. Several had the look of “how did I get talked into this?” on their faces. Once at the bottom, I returned to the car, tossed in my gear and headed off to Volcan Mountain for my second summit of the day!

Hiking the Glider Port Loop

I decided to wrap up 2024 with another hike around Black Mountain. There were a few cars in the parking lot for Miner’s Ridge when I pulled in. My general plan was to take the Miner’s Ridge trail, then connect over to the Glider Port Trail and loop back to the start. As I cruised along the trail, I spent some time reflecting on the year, but those are my thoughts… When I reached the junction with the trail that would take me to the summit, I decided to go ahead and take it. The legs still felt good as I climbed the rocky path upward. Once at the summit, I snapped a couple of photos and headed back down.

I made the quick side trip to summit Peak 1376, because why not? I then continued hiking down toward the Glider Port itself. Living nearby, we see parasailers soar around the skies. Leaving the launching area behind, I headed to the Lilac Canyon Trail and followed it back to the Miner’s Ridge Trailhead. A nice loop to cap off 2024! To kick off 2025, I am thinking of a two-fer; Woodson Mountain, followed by Volcan Mountain if my legs feel good.

Hiking Ladder Canyon

Since we had camped at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree National Park, it was a relatively short drive down to the trailhead to Ladder Canyon. I have wanted to do this trail for some time, but it is an almost three-hour drive from San Diego. We pulled into the parking lot for the hike and gathered our gear. It was warm, but not hot, as we set off up the canyon.

After about 0.4 miles the trail splits, and we decided to follow the standard route of doing the “lollipop” in a clockwise fashion. Ben squirmed through the small cave and up a small ladder, while I took the bypass. From there we ascend, and in one spot descend, a variety of metal ladders that have been placed. Our route took us through the canyon which at times was just a narrow slot.

After about 0.6 miles in this canyon, we climbed out of it and onto a ridge. Taking in the views of the Mecca Hills, we followed the ridge northward for a mile. We took a short break at the top of the hill before dropping down to the canyon we would follow to return to the trailhead.

This canyon was nice and wide with walls that were ever-changing in their geology. Some looked like a scene from Indiana Jones…

As we neared the junction, we had two more ladders to descend. These took a little care, as there was some downclimbing before you reached the ladders. In fact, one had a rope to assist (although it was actually placed there to help those hiking the loop in a clockwise direction). I simply slid down the smooth rock, while Ben opted to use the rope.

Soon we were back at the junction. While the day was warm, which we felt up on the exposed ridge, usually the high canyon walls gave us some nice shade. Both of our stomachs were starting to growl, so once back at the car we headed into Mecca for a well-earned lunch. A fun adventure that I was glad to have shared with my son.

Climbing Gasp Benchmark

With Ted watching the Army-Navy game, I decided to join Rick & Andrea on their hike out to Gasp Benchmark. I offered to drive again, and we met in the pre-dawn at the park-and-ride near my house. I drove us out to McCain Valley and then made the turn onto the rough dirt road toward Sacotone Overlook. This is the same road that will take you to the trailhead for Mt. Tule. It has always been a bit rough, but it has deteriorated quite a bit. It was almost as adventurous as the drive to the trailhead to Groan Benchmark (just without the rocks).

I parked in my usual spot, and we gathered our gear and set off down the road. It was crisp, but we knew it would warm up quickly. We cruised down toward Redondo Springs, chatting about recent hikes. This hike is inverted, so we mostly go down to the peak, and then get to climb back up to the car.

The miles passed quickly, and soon we were on the rocky ridge working our way carefully toward the benchmark. Unlike last time, the winds were calm. We weaved our way across the steep and rocky terrain toward the summit.

Once at the summit, we hung out a bit, had a snack, and snapped some photos. We did not locate the register. We did find a Six Moon design sun umbrella sitting on a rock. I packed it out, so if you recently climbed Gasp Benchmark and left one behind, let me know.

We began our return to the car, climbing back up the rocky ridge, onto the dirt road, and finally back to the car. We enjoyed a nice lunch at Mike Hess Brewery in Alpine before returning to San Diego.

Exploring Rattlesnake Benchmark

I was in need of some time on the trails and wanted something with a bit of solitude. Looking over my options, I settled on a hike to the top of Rattlesnake Benchmark. I pulled into the parking lot for the Sunrise Trailhead and gathered my gear. It was cool and a tad windy, so I donned my light fleece before heading out, although my belly was full from some biscuits and gravy from Janet’s Montana Café. A couple of cars were parked there, probably supporting someone who was section hiking the PCT, as it runs just on the other side of the road. I passed by several horse corrals before reaching a water cistern. Turning south, I passed through a golden meadow dotted with buckwheat. My route would mostly follow a very old jeep trail before heading briefly cross-country to the summit.

The trail would vary from an old road to snaking through some manzanita. I had a recent track loaded as reference and from time to time I would double check that I was still on the route. Off to my right, Cuyamaca and Cush-Pi stood proudly, and Rattlesnake Valley was to my left. I could see Sunrise Highway across the small valley as well. The trail worked its way up and down the ridgeline, and I fixed a few cairns along the way at a couple of junctions.

After passing a dry pond, which if you look at the satellite view on your favorite mapping app, shows water, I knew I was nearing my cross-country portion. The brush was low and I cruised through it toward the benchmark. A metal pole stood near the mark and the register can was tucked safely nearby. I soaked in the views for a bit and explored some of the nearby rock formations before heading back. I made good time to the summit, but I did need to get back into town to address some work items.

The return was even quicker than my ascent. The route seemed even easier to follow, and before I knew it, the solar-powered water pump tower was coming into view. Cross another peak off the Borrego Benchmark Club list for me!