During the month of November, I hiked 82.7 Miles and gained 10,700' of elevation. I spent 32.5 hours on the trails, and I burned approximately 12,000 calories doing so. My average hike was 6.36 miles long with an average gain of 823'.I hiked through bone-dry deserts and through rain-soaked canyons. I hiked in forests, summitted …
The Forest Trail
The Forest Trail is the hidden gem of Malibu Creek State Park. This .5 mile trail branching off of Crags road feature dense stands of bay, oak, and willow, as well as some planted coast redwoods from which the trail gets its name.Taken from the Grasslands Trail, the south bank of Century Lake is a …
Tenaja Canyon
Tenaja Canyon is one of the tributaries of San Mateo Creek, which drains the watershed of the San Mateo wilderness at the confluence of Orange, Riverside, and San Diego Canyon. This pristine landscape of hills and rich canyons is a surprising wilderness in the midst of the most heavily developed parts of the United States.Distance: …
Palomar Mountain State Park, Soggy Edition
Stepping out of the car into the damp, crisp air and shady forest at Palomar Mountain State Park after hours of desert was like waking up from one dream into an entirely new one. I can't think of a starker contrast from warm, dry, and desolate to cold, damp, and thriving. Here is evidence of …
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Split Mountain
This spectacularly varied hike in Anza-Borrego State Park's east end features a wealth of geological oddities, echoing canyons, and sweeping vistas. Including Fish Creek Wash, Wind Caves, Elephant Knees, and the gorge that "splits" the mountain, this popular off-road destination also makes for great hiking and camping.Distance: 12.5 MilesElevation Gained: 700'Difficulty: Moderately StrenuousTime: 5:15Critters: NoneGet …
PCT-Desert View-Laguna Loop
With all of the trails crisscrossing the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area, the possibilities for loops both small and large and seemingly endless. This loop takes advantage of a 3.5 mile stretch of the PCT and includes segments of trail through Laguna Meadow and Agua Dulce Creek. This varied and rewarding loop is slightly more strenuous …
West Mesa Loop
On Cuyamaca Peak's southern slopes, a gently rolling meadow overlooks the Laguna Mountains on one end and San Diego on the other. In addition to the views, a hiker might find gently swaying grasses, fluttering oak leaves, a reborn pine forest, and, during fall, a striking mixture of fall colors.Distance: 7.2 MilesElevation Gained: 1,200'Difficulty: ModerateTime: …
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