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: …
October Summary
Sierra View in the Inyo MountainsDuring the month of October, I hiked 112.8 miles and gained 19,410’ of elevation, making this the second time I have hiked more than 100 miles in a month this year. I took 20 separate hikes this month, spending approximately 49:25 hours on the trails. My average hike was 5.9 …
Trabuco Canyon-Horsethief Loop
Trabuco Canyon is the major drainage of the Santa Ana Mountains north of Los Pinos Ridge/Highway 74. The canyon and lollypoop loop created by climbing the West Horsethief Trail, merging with Main Divide Road, and coming back down the extension of Trabuco Canyon Trail features some of the best variety on any hike in Southern …
Stanley Peak
Stanley Peak is the high point of Daley Ranch, which also makes it one of the highest points in Escondido. There are many ways to the top, but this route travels up the Caballo Trail from the parking lot near the Escondido Humane Society. There might be good views here, but I didn't get any …
Inaja Memorial Trail
This brief trail memorializing fire fighters who died fighting the 1956 Inaja Fire scrambles around a rocky, chaparral studded promontory that offers good views of the San Diego River Canyon, Santa Ysabel Valley, and the Volcan Mountains.Distance: .5 MilesElevation Gained: 100'Difficulty: EastTime: 20 minutesCritters: NoneGet there like this.Details:The Grand Canyon of the San Diego River?Next …
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