March Summary

Anza-Borrego Desert from Monument Peak

During the month of March, I hiked 97.6 miles, gaining approximately 14,975′. I spent a total of 47 hours and 10 minutes on the trails, during which time I burned approximately 15,132 calories. Many of the hikes undertaken this month were done in preparation for hiking the Grand Canyon at the beginning of April. Many others were done simply because March is a fine time to be outside. Kyle was a companion on three of the biggest hikes, as we’re both training for the same goal.

Miner’s Lettuce

If I had to choose a top three favorite hikes this month, I would probably start with the “Superlative Laguna Trail,” due to the fun I had with Kyle, the fantastic scenery, and the quality of the day. Following up would most likely be the Palomar Loop, since Palomar is always up at the top and that day was particularly gorgeous. Rounding off, I’d say Sycamore Canyon, since I got a chance to hike with friends Sean and Taylor.

High grass beneath an Engelmann oak

Here are the hikes for the month:

3/1/2013  Torrey Pines Extension, 2.1

3/5/2013  Agua Tibia Loop, 20.8
3/9/2013  Engelmann Oak Loop, 5.1
3/11/2013 Danielsen Monument, 6.2
3/11/2013 Sycamore Canyon, 8.7
3/12/2013 Mt. Lowe,14.8
3/16/2013 Santa Rosa Plateau, 3.5
3/19/2013 Superlative Laguna Trail, 15.1
3/20/2013 Torrey Pines Extension, 2.1
3/22/2013 Beach Hike, 3.8
3/26/2013 Palomar Loop, 8
3/26/2013 Love Valley, 2.2
3/28/2013 Torrey Pines Reserve, 5.2

Mt. Baldy looming in the distance

Coming up in April, I have a backpacking trip across the Grand Canyon and back. This trip with Kyle will take me from rim to rim to rim, with stopovers and side-trips that include shady, cottonwood-lined creeks, waterfalls, rivers, and epic views. I’ll also enjoy the spring bloom in the middle elevations with a trip back to Kanaka Flat, hopefully with Kelly, an overnight camp-out at Paso Picacho campground at Cuyamaca State Park, and a journey to the remote summit of Palomar Mountain via Barker Valley.

Canyon Oak at Palomar Mountain

Finally, I’ll be attending a volunteer orientation to become a volunteer fire watcher at either the Boucher Hill lookout tower or the High Point lookout tower – possibly even both. This will cap off a great month of hiking. April always has the potential to be a great month of hiking, along with November in the mid elevations, June in the higher elevations, and February at the low elevations. I hope you get out on the trail.

Big Laguna Lake