I've got a Mt. Baldy write-up coming once I find a few free minutes. In the meantime, I met a hiker named Kyle at the summit who happens to have a great blog providing a ton of resources and information about hiking in Angeles National Forest.If you have interest in hiking any of the trail …
Cucamonga Peak
Distance: 13.8 MilesElevation gained: 4,400'Difficulty: StrenuousTime: 6:45Critters: Manic chipmunksPros:- Beautiful mountain riparian environment at Icehouse Canyon- Unique views of the San Gabriels- Views of the Inland Empire (sort of)- Challenging and rewarding hikeCons:- Air pollution spoils the view of the Inland Empire and neighboring mountain ranges- Chapman Trail could have been left out- Having to …
Rookie Mistake
This is what I get for leaving my camera at home. I saw a sea of clouds over San Diego, with mountains poking out like islands. The was shining through sage blossoms as birds sang their songs. All I have to show for it are a few iPhone snaps.Lesson: Always, always, always bring your camera.Daley …
Mission Trails Regional Park – Cowles and Pyles Peak
Big Rock Trail - Barker Way - Pyles Peak TrailDistance: 8 milesElevation Gained: 1,500'Difficulty: Moderately StrenuousTime: 3:00:00Critters: Quail, Dog of the Day Winner, Dylan to MaltyPros:- Good views of downtown San Diego, Mission Bay, and the surrounding mountain rangesCons:- Overcast weather diminishes the pros- Very crowded on Cowles PeakDetails:Kelly is in the midst of a …
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Torrey Pines State Reserve Extension
Margaret Fleming Nature Trail A - Margaret Fleming Nature Trail - BDistance: 2.4 MilesElevation Gained: Â 500Difficulty: EasyTime: 1:00Critters: A showy lizard, quail, a rattlesnake, a swarm of beesPros:- Much of the beauty of the main reserve with none of the crowds.- Magnificent specimens of TorreysCons:- Too small!Details:This park is the cure for congestion at Torrey …
San Elijo Lagoon
San Elijo Lagoon Trail - Gemma Parks Nature TrailDistance: 2.2. MilesElevation gain: 50 feetDifficulty: EasyTime: 47 minutesCritters: Quail, egrets, ducksPros:- Easy access to a nice lagoon.Cons:- Too close to the freewayDetails:San Elijo Lagoon sits just south of its better groomed sister, Batiquitos. I hike Batiquitos once a week due to its proximity to my job, …
Palomar Mountain, Revisited
Boucher Hill Trail - Adams Trail - Cedar Trail - Doane Valley Nature Trail - Weir Trail - Upper French Valley Trail - Thunder Spring Trail - Chimney Flat Trail - Silvercrest TrailDistance: 8.8Elevation Gained: 1,200Difficulty: ModerateTime: 4:00Critters: Ravens, Hawks, Doves, Quail, Wild Turkeys Palomar Mountainhttp://www.everytrail.com/swf/widget.swfhttp://www.everytrail.com/trip/widgetimpression?trip_id=1568554Pros:- Best mountain scenery in San Diego County- Everything is …
The Best Hikes in San Diego
About one year ago, I posted this blog to showcase what I think are the best hikes in San Diego. Since then, I've experienced more and changed my mind a few times, thus necessitating some updates. This updated version features ten more hikes, ranked in a purely subjective way. You may consider this a resource …
Mt. San Jacinto
Marion Mountain Trail - Pacific Crest Trail - Summit Trail - Fuller Ridge TrailDistance: 13.3 MilesElevation Gained: 4,800'Difficulty: StrenuousTime: 8:55Critters: Deer, squirrels, chipmunks, an owlPros:- Epic mountain scenery- Epic views- Epic, epic, epicCons:- Trails were frequently lost due to heavy snowDetails:I've never climbed a mountain before. Sure, I've climbed peaks. I've chugged up huge slopes. …
Volcan Mountain
Volcan Mountain Fire Road - Five Oaks TrailDistance: 5.2Elevation Gained: 1,200'Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous Time: 2:00Critters: None to speak of Volcan Mountainhttp://www.everytrail.com/swf/widget.swfEveryTrail - Find the best Hiking near San Diego, Californiahttp://www.everytrail.com/trip/widgetimpression?trip_id=1551716Pros:- Great views of Julian, the desert, and East County- Beautiful oak woodlandsCons:- Jerry Schad did me dirtyDetails:Volcan Mountain is the high point of the mountains …
scott turner hikes 