During the month of September, I hiked 75.4 miles and gained 14,350â of elevation. I hiked 15 times this month, spending approximately 39 hours on the trails. My average hike was 5 miles with 957 feet of elevation gain.
Some of the highlights of the month included some great hikes in Maui and Kauai. Some of them were with Kelly, and some were done solo. All were great, except for that damn Powerline Trail. I also enjoyed a couple of great summit experiences at Tahquitz Peak and Reyes Peak to close out the last remnants of high altitude summer hiking for the year. In addition, I explored some great local hikes and went back home and enjoyed a few new hikes with an old favorite feel.
Hereâs the breakdown of what I did:
9/3: Wainapanapa S.P, Kahanu Botanical Garden, Keanae Arboretum, (Road to Hana) 1.5
9/3: Pipiwai Trail, 4
9/6: Powerline Trail, 6
9/7: Kalalau Trail, 8
9/10: Pihea/Alakaâi Swamp, 8
9/12: Penasquitos Canyon, East, 5
9/16: Batiquitos Lagoon, 3.2
9/17: Guajome Regional Park, 3.3
9/19: Tahquitz Peak, 8.2
9/20: Rancho La Costa Reserve, 4.4
9/24: Double Peak, 5
9/26: Reyes Peak/Haddock Mountain, 9.2
9/27: Paramount Ranch, 3.9
9/27: Calabasas Peak, 3.6
9/27: Ladyface Mountain, 2
Coming up in October, I am looking forward to one of my most ambitious hiking months of the year. Not only will Fall color come into full swing this month in the low and high elevations, cooler weather will mean a return to the desert and a return to some of the lower elevation favorites that Iâve avoided due to heat. I intend to visit Mineral King for the first time and enjoy a good mix of peaks, lakes, and aspens that are beginning to turn for the Fall. Iâll also visit Julian in late October and include some auxiliary roaming in Cuyamaca and Anza-Borrego State Parks. I hope to finally tackle Mt. San Bernadino before it becomes too cold to hit the high elevations. Finally, Iâll continue to explore the local hikes in North County in the hopes of fully cataloging the options here.
Should be a great month!
scott turner hikes 