That is Interstate 8. I think the bridge you're referring to was further downstream. We came across the remains of the foundations of what looked like an old US 80 bridge.
2016 Adventure Series 52 Hike Challenge
- Thread starter BorregoWrangler
- Start date
That is Interstate 8. I think the bridge you're referring to was further downstream. We came across the remains of the foundations of what looked like an old US 80 bridge.
#27 PCT: Buckman Springs to Lake Morena
10 miles | +1000'
From Cottonwood Creek, the trail here briefly parallels Buckman Springs Road before crossing under a bridge and ascending a chaparral slope. From April through July, this arid landscape comes alive with wildflowers.
A series of switchbacks climb the ridge around mossy boulders, leaving the road behind. Large granite outcroppings along the way offer an idea spot to stop and admire the landscape. Distance views of Hauser Mountain and Lake Morena come and go around every bend.
Soon, the route drops into a shaded oak ravine and and crosses several Jeep roads. After passing through a metal gate, the isolation of this pleasant trail begins to fade. Houses line this stretch of the PCT, which leads to the shoreline of beautiful Lake Morena.
10 miles | +1000'
From Cottonwood Creek, the trail here briefly parallels Buckman Springs Road before crossing under a bridge and ascending a chaparral slope. From April through July, this arid landscape comes alive with wildflowers.
A series of switchbacks climb the ridge around mossy boulders, leaving the road behind. Large granite outcroppings along the way offer an idea spot to stop and admire the landscape. Distance views of Hauser Mountain and Lake Morena come and go around every bend.
Soon, the route drops into a shaded oak ravine and and crosses several Jeep roads. After passing through a metal gate, the isolation of this pleasant trail begins to fade. Houses line this stretch of the PCT, which leads to the shoreline of beautiful Lake Morena.
Last edited:
#28 & 29 Coyote Canyon Backpacking Adventure
27 miles | +430' -3200'
While I've explored this area of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park extensively with my Jeep, hiking down the length of Coyote Canyon has been on my list for a while now. This was truly a memorable adventure, with mud stomping, water crossings, and cactus dodging in abundance.
Coyote Canyon is the primary path of Coyote Creek, a meandering 35-mile monument to Anza-Borrego history and Mountain Cahuilla civilization. It offers challenges to backpackers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and 4-wheel drive enthusiasts, and opportunities for day-hikers to get away from well-travelled roads.
Coyote Canyon can be approached from Borrego Springs in the south and Anza in the north. The Coyote Canyon Jeep Trail is closed to all from June to October, allowing the local Peninsular Bighorn Sheep free access to the water in the creek. The jeep trail ends at Middle Willows at the north end of Collins Valley. From here north it is mountain bikers, hikers, and horsemen only, all the way to the Terwilliger Valley in Anza.
In the 1770's, Juan Bautista de Anza led two expeditions across the desert to the California coast. One was to explore the route, the other was to bring over 200 people and 1,000 head of cattle to colonize San Francisco. The Anza expeditions left the desert and its hardships at Nance Canyon, which was where our trek began.
Lower Willows is a two-mile slot of dense green foliage along the banks of Coyote Creek. It fills a meandering narrow slot between the mountains west of Anza-Borrego (Bucksnort Mountain, Hot Springs Mountain, San Ysidro Mountain) and the Santa Rosa Mounains. Access is on foot or on horseback. All others must traverse two creek crossings and a difficult bypass road.
This is a hike with many rewards, not the least of which is being able to walk in the cool waters of Coyote Creek on a hot day. Feel free to walk barefoot. The deep mud can pull sandals right off your feet. Shoes will get wet. Wear shorts or hiking pants that convert to shorts. Protect your camera and any other fragile possessions in case you slip and fall in the water.
Middle Willows, at the north end of Collins Valley, is a place where the waters of Coyote Creek rise to the surface, and the greenery is dense, particularly willows. Wild and remote would be good words to describe Upper Willows and its environs. This area is miles from just about anyplace, and when it rains or snows and the roads develop bumps and washouts, they tend to stay bumpy and washed out.
27 miles | +430' -3200'
While I've explored this area of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park extensively with my Jeep, hiking down the length of Coyote Canyon has been on my list for a while now. This was truly a memorable adventure, with mud stomping, water crossings, and cactus dodging in abundance.
Coyote Canyon is the primary path of Coyote Creek, a meandering 35-mile monument to Anza-Borrego history and Mountain Cahuilla civilization. It offers challenges to backpackers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and 4-wheel drive enthusiasts, and opportunities for day-hikers to get away from well-travelled roads.
Coyote Canyon can be approached from Borrego Springs in the south and Anza in the north. The Coyote Canyon Jeep Trail is closed to all from June to October, allowing the local Peninsular Bighorn Sheep free access to the water in the creek. The jeep trail ends at Middle Willows at the north end of Collins Valley. From here north it is mountain bikers, hikers, and horsemen only, all the way to the Terwilliger Valley in Anza.
In the 1770's, Juan Bautista de Anza led two expeditions across the desert to the California coast. One was to explore the route, the other was to bring over 200 people and 1,000 head of cattle to colonize San Francisco. The Anza expeditions left the desert and its hardships at Nance Canyon, which was where our trek began.
Lower Willows is a two-mile slot of dense green foliage along the banks of Coyote Creek. It fills a meandering narrow slot between the mountains west of Anza-Borrego (Bucksnort Mountain, Hot Springs Mountain, San Ysidro Mountain) and the Santa Rosa Mounains. Access is on foot or on horseback. All others must traverse two creek crossings and a difficult bypass road.
This is a hike with many rewards, not the least of which is being able to walk in the cool waters of Coyote Creek on a hot day. Feel free to walk barefoot. The deep mud can pull sandals right off your feet. Shoes will get wet. Wear shorts or hiking pants that convert to shorts. Protect your camera and any other fragile possessions in case you slip and fall in the water.
Middle Willows, at the north end of Collins Valley, is a place where the waters of Coyote Creek rise to the surface, and the greenery is dense, particularly willows. Wild and remote would be good words to describe Upper Willows and its environs. This area is miles from just about anyplace, and when it rains or snows and the roads develop bumps and washouts, they tend to stay bumpy and washed out.
Last edited:
#30 Crucifixion Thorn Natural Area
1.25 miles
The Crucifixion Thorn Natural Area is an interesting place to view desert plants and wildflowers. Located southwest of the Yuha Desert on Highway 98 in Imperial County, this fenced area has excellent stands of crucifixion thorn, ironwood, palo verde, ocotillo, mesquite, and creosote. Spring is usually the best time of year to visit the area. When nature provides sufficient winter rains, an abundance of wildflowers and blooms from a variety of desert plants can be seen.
Also known as corona de Cristo, the crucifixion thorn (Castela emoryi) is the highlight of the area. Although fairly common in other southwest desert basins (Arizona and Mexico), crucifixion thorn is rare in California. This stand is one of a few in southwest Imperial County. The name crucifixion thorn comes from the resemblance of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during his trial and crucifixion.
In spring, small pink flowers can be found on the thorny branches of the crucifixion thorn. Fruits also grow, and are usually scarlet in color. The fruits can stay on the plant for years and it is usually possible to identify each season's fruit clusters by the degree of weathering. As the fruit ages, it turns black and brown. The older fruit is often mistaken for parasitic growth or the result of disease.
The flat terrain of the area offers easy hiking. There are no facilities in the area, so visitors should bring their own water.
1.25 miles
The Crucifixion Thorn Natural Area is an interesting place to view desert plants and wildflowers. Located southwest of the Yuha Desert on Highway 98 in Imperial County, this fenced area has excellent stands of crucifixion thorn, ironwood, palo verde, ocotillo, mesquite, and creosote. Spring is usually the best time of year to visit the area. When nature provides sufficient winter rains, an abundance of wildflowers and blooms from a variety of desert plants can be seen.
Also known as corona de Cristo, the crucifixion thorn (Castela emoryi) is the highlight of the area. Although fairly common in other southwest desert basins (Arizona and Mexico), crucifixion thorn is rare in California. This stand is one of a few in southwest Imperial County. The name crucifixion thorn comes from the resemblance of the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during his trial and crucifixion.
In spring, small pink flowers can be found on the thorny branches of the crucifixion thorn. Fruits also grow, and are usually scarlet in color. The fruits can stay on the plant for years and it is usually possible to identify each season's fruit clusters by the degree of weathering. As the fruit ages, it turns black and brown. The older fruit is often mistaken for parasitic growth or the result of disease.
The flat terrain of the area offers easy hiking. There are no facilities in the area, so visitors should bring their own water.
#31 Cowles Mountain
3 miles | +1000'
3 miles | +1000'
#32 Morena Butte
10.25 miles | +1500'
The uniqueness of Morena Butte is in the dramatic divide of the different landscapes. You first weave past Lake Morena along the Pacific Crest Trail, through rock fields and chaparral slopes, then along a pleasant meadow with scattered oaks and pines. As you approach the summits, the well-marked trail disappears, making the rocky climb one of adventure and reward. The climb over rocky ridges and tight passageways offers spectacular views of Lake Morena and Hauser Canyon. This hike also has the bonus of offering a loop, instead of just a there-and-back route. This trek is best in the spring and early summer, when wildflowers are on display.
10.25 miles | +1500'
The uniqueness of Morena Butte is in the dramatic divide of the different landscapes. You first weave past Lake Morena along the Pacific Crest Trail, through rock fields and chaparral slopes, then along a pleasant meadow with scattered oaks and pines. As you approach the summits, the well-marked trail disappears, making the rocky climb one of adventure and reward. The climb over rocky ridges and tight passageways offers spectacular views of Lake Morena and Hauser Canyon. This hike also has the bonus of offering a loop, instead of just a there-and-back route. This trek is best in the spring and early summer, when wildflowers are on display.
Thank you!
#33 Los Peñasquitos Lagoon
3.75 miles | +160'
Los Peñasquitos Lagoon, one of San Diego County’s largest coastal wetlands, spreads far and wide in Sorrento Valley, between La Jolla and Torrey Pines. Nearly all of this marshy area belongs to Torrey Pines State Reserve. The marsh trail skirts the southern edge of the wetlands for 1.5 to 2 miles, depending on how muddy you're willing to get.
Los Peñasquitos Lagoon is one of the known breeding grounds in California of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus.
Deer are found in the marsh area, and often carry ticks that are left behind on vegetation that can brush against hikers, whereupon the ticks are often inadvertently transferred to hikers. A warning sign along the Marsh Trail reminds hikers that rattlesnakes are also found in the marsh area.
Although mountain lions (Felis concolor) are now rare in the Torrey Pines and Los Peñasquitos Lagoon area, likely as a result of habitat fragmentation, mountain lion tracks and scat were reported between Interstate 5's bridge and Los Peñasquitos Lagoon in 2000 by the Conservation Biology Institute in Encinitas.
3.75 miles | +160'
Los Peñasquitos Lagoon, one of San Diego County’s largest coastal wetlands, spreads far and wide in Sorrento Valley, between La Jolla and Torrey Pines. Nearly all of this marshy area belongs to Torrey Pines State Reserve. The marsh trail skirts the southern edge of the wetlands for 1.5 to 2 miles, depending on how muddy you're willing to get.
Los Peñasquitos Lagoon is one of the known breeding grounds in California of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile virus.
Deer are found in the marsh area, and often carry ticks that are left behind on vegetation that can brush against hikers, whereupon the ticks are often inadvertently transferred to hikers. A warning sign along the Marsh Trail reminds hikers that rattlesnakes are also found in the marsh area.
Although mountain lions (Felis concolor) are now rare in the Torrey Pines and Los Peñasquitos Lagoon area, likely as a result of habitat fragmentation, mountain lion tracks and scat were reported between Interstate 5's bridge and Los Peñasquitos Lagoon in 2000 by the Conservation Biology Institute in Encinitas.
#34 McGinty Mountain
5.5 miles | +1200'
McGinty Mountain is considerably less popular than some of the county’s more well-known peaks, like Cowles Mountain, Iron Mountain, and Mount Woodson. This can only be due to its comparatively remote location, because it is a beautiful and challenging hike with some amazing views.
The trail and surrounding area are managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and is part of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. McGinty is home to several rare species of plants such as Deheasa beargrass and San Diego thornmint that grow in the area’s unique gabbro soil. There are also old mines scattered about the area.
5.5 miles | +1200'
McGinty Mountain is considerably less popular than some of the county’s more well-known peaks, like Cowles Mountain, Iron Mountain, and Mount Woodson. This can only be due to its comparatively remote location, because it is a beautiful and challenging hike with some amazing views.
The trail and surrounding area are managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and is part of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. McGinty is home to several rare species of plants such as Deheasa beargrass and San Diego thornmint that grow in the area’s unique gabbro soil. There are also old mines scattered about the area.
#35 Kwaay Paay Peak
2.5 miles | +900'
The shortest and steepest hike in Mission Trails Regional Park. Flanked by steep walls on all sides but one, this summit stands quite aloof from all else around it. The peak offers a unique vantage for tracing the lower San Diego River's course and seeing how it's flow carved the granite walls of Mission Gorge.
2.5 miles | +900'
The shortest and steepest hike in Mission Trails Regional Park. Flanked by steep walls on all sides but one, this summit stands quite aloof from all else around it. The peak offers a unique vantage for tracing the lower San Diego River's course and seeing how it's flow carved the granite walls of Mission Gorge.
#36 Jacumba Peak
5.5 miles | +800'
Jacumba Peak sits at an elevation of 3363' just north of Jacumba Hot Springs. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 3655th highest mountain in California. The U.S. Border Patrol have used the summit as a lookout point.
Jacumba Hot Springs is a small town in southeastern San Diego County. The town’s name was recently changed to attract visitors to the Jacumba Hot Springs Spa. Previously, is was just Jacumba. This town is chiefly notable for its hot springs and spa, and a large nudist resort. A massacre that occurred in 1880 has been largely forgotten. The town has a population of about 550. It is located 70 miles east of San Diego on Old Highway 80 about 5 miles west of the Imperial County line and ¼ mile from the US/Mexican border. Jacumba lies at 2800′ in a large valley, most of which is in Mexico. A stout metal fence runs along the border just south of town.
For years I've enjoyed off roading and quail hunting in the surrounds hills of this area. The valley just below the peak was previously accessible to the public, but in recent years the landowner has kept the gate locked. This makes for a somewhat awkward, but more enjoyable cross country approach to the peak.
5.5 miles | +800'
Jacumba Peak sits at an elevation of 3363' just north of Jacumba Hot Springs. Based on peakery data, it ranks as the 3655th highest mountain in California. The U.S. Border Patrol have used the summit as a lookout point.
Jacumba Hot Springs is a small town in southeastern San Diego County. The town’s name was recently changed to attract visitors to the Jacumba Hot Springs Spa. Previously, is was just Jacumba. This town is chiefly notable for its hot springs and spa, and a large nudist resort. A massacre that occurred in 1880 has been largely forgotten. The town has a population of about 550. It is located 70 miles east of San Diego on Old Highway 80 about 5 miles west of the Imperial County line and ¼ mile from the US/Mexican border. Jacumba lies at 2800′ in a large valley, most of which is in Mexico. A stout metal fence runs along the border just south of town.
For years I've enjoyed off roading and quail hunting in the surrounds hills of this area. The valley just below the peak was previously accessible to the public, but in recent years the landowner has kept the gate locked. This makes for a somewhat awkward, but more enjoyable cross country approach to the peak.
#37 Crest Canyon & Torrey Pines State Reserve Extension
7.25 miles | +750'
Crest Canyon Open Space Park Preserve is a wonderland of steep, orange sandstone cliffs and slopes dense with fragrant coastal sage scrub and southern maritime chaparral.
Lying between Del Mar and Del Mar Hills, Crest Canyon is carpeted with California buckwheat, bush sunflower, lemonadeberry, prickly-pear cactus, the bayonet-like yucca, and toyon, also known as California holly, the tree for which Hollywood was named.
The plant community includes two endangered species. The magnificent Torrey pine grows only on our North Coast and on Santa Rosa Island off Ventura. The tiny, delicate succulent, Dudleya brevifolia, produces star-like, cream-colored blossoms with bright yellow-green centers touched with red, like flecks of blood.
At orange dawn and dusk, the canyon is alive with birds and rabbits. The canyon provides a home for the threatened California gnatcatcher and for the California quail and the California towhee. The canyon is a stopover on the Pacific Flyway for migrating birds from faraway places.
Crest Canyon originally was included in the plan for Torrey Pines State Reserve but was omitted because of concerns about cost. The canyon was badly eroded by increased runoff from the development of the Del Mar Hills neighborhood in the late 1960s. Crest Canyon was saved from development in the 1970s by local activists who persuaded Del Mar and San Diego to buy and restore the land for public use.
Most San Diego residents can probably tell you where to find the rare Torrey Pine, whether or not they realize the tree’s uniqueness. That’s because the well-known Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve between La Jolla and Del Mar offers beautiful ocean vistas, secluded hiking, and, of course, plenty of opportunities to see Torrey pine trees in their natural habitat. Slightly less famous, but equally worthwhile, is the Torrey Pines State Reserve Extension, located just across Los Peñasquitos Lagoon from the main reserve. These less-traveled extension trails offer spectacular pine specimens as well as a rich collection of other coastal sage scrub and chaparral plant life.
While a stroll through either the main reserve or the extension may convince you that the magnificent Torrey pine is relatively abundant, it grows nowhere else in the world except a thin strip of coastline south of Del Mar and a tiny fragment on Santa Rosa Island of the Channel Islands. With only a few thousand individuals in the wild, the Torrey pine is considered rare, threatened, and endangered by the California Native Plant Society. It is a perfect example of why San Diego is globally known as a “biodiversity hotspot,” a region with very high numbers of plant and animal species, particularly endemics, or species that occur nowhere else.
The dry, sandy soils favored by the Torrey pine are also preferred by a variety of other San Diego natives. This coastal sage scrub habitat is rich with wildflowers, various shrubs, and, as the name suggests, sage. Both white and black sage can be found here, as well as the unrelated (except in smell) California or coastal sagebrush. California poppy and sunflower bloom here in late winter/early spring, with many additional wildflowers blooming in the spring months.
7.25 miles | +750'
Crest Canyon Open Space Park Preserve is a wonderland of steep, orange sandstone cliffs and slopes dense with fragrant coastal sage scrub and southern maritime chaparral.
Lying between Del Mar and Del Mar Hills, Crest Canyon is carpeted with California buckwheat, bush sunflower, lemonadeberry, prickly-pear cactus, the bayonet-like yucca, and toyon, also known as California holly, the tree for which Hollywood was named.
The plant community includes two endangered species. The magnificent Torrey pine grows only on our North Coast and on Santa Rosa Island off Ventura. The tiny, delicate succulent, Dudleya brevifolia, produces star-like, cream-colored blossoms with bright yellow-green centers touched with red, like flecks of blood.
At orange dawn and dusk, the canyon is alive with birds and rabbits. The canyon provides a home for the threatened California gnatcatcher and for the California quail and the California towhee. The canyon is a stopover on the Pacific Flyway for migrating birds from faraway places.
Crest Canyon originally was included in the plan for Torrey Pines State Reserve but was omitted because of concerns about cost. The canyon was badly eroded by increased runoff from the development of the Del Mar Hills neighborhood in the late 1960s. Crest Canyon was saved from development in the 1970s by local activists who persuaded Del Mar and San Diego to buy and restore the land for public use.
Most San Diego residents can probably tell you where to find the rare Torrey Pine, whether or not they realize the tree’s uniqueness. That’s because the well-known Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve between La Jolla and Del Mar offers beautiful ocean vistas, secluded hiking, and, of course, plenty of opportunities to see Torrey pine trees in their natural habitat. Slightly less famous, but equally worthwhile, is the Torrey Pines State Reserve Extension, located just across Los Peñasquitos Lagoon from the main reserve. These less-traveled extension trails offer spectacular pine specimens as well as a rich collection of other coastal sage scrub and chaparral plant life.
While a stroll through either the main reserve or the extension may convince you that the magnificent Torrey pine is relatively abundant, it grows nowhere else in the world except a thin strip of coastline south of Del Mar and a tiny fragment on Santa Rosa Island of the Channel Islands. With only a few thousand individuals in the wild, the Torrey pine is considered rare, threatened, and endangered by the California Native Plant Society. It is a perfect example of why San Diego is globally known as a “biodiversity hotspot,” a region with very high numbers of plant and animal species, particularly endemics, or species that occur nowhere else.
The dry, sandy soils favored by the Torrey pine are also preferred by a variety of other San Diego natives. This coastal sage scrub habitat is rich with wildflowers, various shrubs, and, as the name suggests, sage. Both white and black sage can be found here, as well as the unrelated (except in smell) California or coastal sagebrush. California poppy and sunflower bloom here in late winter/early spring, with many additional wildflowers blooming in the spring months.
Last edited:
#38 Blue Angels Peak
6.75 miles | +1300'
Blue Angels Peak is the highest point in Imperial County. It's located in the very southwest corner of the county, less than 300 yards north of the United States-Mexico border. The peak also lies just west and adjacent to the Jacumba Wilderness Area, so designated as part of the California Desert Protection Act of 1994. A broad range, the Jacumbas are really a series of almost parallel ridges separating valleys, with each ridge successively lower than the next, forming a great staircase descending eastward into the Colorado Desert. South of the border these same mountains stretch about 100 miles into Mexico, where they are known as the Sierra Juarez.
The terrain is rocky, dry, and desolate, a classic southern California desert landscape, with outstanding views in all directions.
Blue Angels Peak might be climbed more often by illegal immigrants using it as a lookout point to avoid the US Border Patrol, than by citizens of the United States. It's original name was Smuggler's Peak (which is inscribed on one of the three USG markers found near the summit), testifying to this.
International Boundary Marker 231, a ten-foot steel obelisk, is located just south and a little west of the peak. These markers are numbered consecutively along the border from #1 at the Gulf of Mexico shoreline east of Brownsville-Matamoros to #258 at the Pacific Ocean.
The peak was named in honor of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, which is based at a nearby naval air facility in El Centro.
6.75 miles | +1300'
Blue Angels Peak is the highest point in Imperial County. It's located in the very southwest corner of the county, less than 300 yards north of the United States-Mexico border. The peak also lies just west and adjacent to the Jacumba Wilderness Area, so designated as part of the California Desert Protection Act of 1994. A broad range, the Jacumbas are really a series of almost parallel ridges separating valleys, with each ridge successively lower than the next, forming a great staircase descending eastward into the Colorado Desert. South of the border these same mountains stretch about 100 miles into Mexico, where they are known as the Sierra Juarez.
The terrain is rocky, dry, and desolate, a classic southern California desert landscape, with outstanding views in all directions.
Blue Angels Peak might be climbed more often by illegal immigrants using it as a lookout point to avoid the US Border Patrol, than by citizens of the United States. It's original name was Smuggler's Peak (which is inscribed on one of the three USG markers found near the summit), testifying to this.
International Boundary Marker 231, a ten-foot steel obelisk, is located just south and a little west of the peak. These markers are numbered consecutively along the border from #1 at the Gulf of Mexico shoreline east of Brownsville-Matamoros to #258 at the Pacific Ocean.
The peak was named in honor of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, which is based at a nearby naval air facility in El Centro.
#39 Long Valley Peak
5 miles | +1600'
Scenes from hiking Long Valley Peak. There isn't much info on this peak but it's easily seen from Interstate 8 near Pine Valley. It appeared to be a massive mountain capped with granite and surrounded by brush. There are several routes which lead to the summit of this seemingly seldom visited peak.
5 miles | +1600'
Scenes from hiking Long Valley Peak. There isn't much info on this peak but it's easily seen from Interstate 8 near Pine Valley. It appeared to be a massive mountain capped with granite and surrounded by brush. There are several routes which lead to the summit of this seemingly seldom visited peak.
#40 San Elijo Lagoon
8.25 miles | +360'
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve forms where Escondido and La Orilla Creeks meet the Pacific Ocean. Whether you are a runner, hiker, birder, equestrian, photographer or painter - the lagoon provides natural solace and recreation. Trails connect wetland habitats of coastal strand, salt marsh, freshwater/brackish marsh, riparian scrub, coastal sage scrub, and mixed chaparral.
The 979-acre reserve is home to more than 700 species of plants and animals, many rare and endangered. While birds are the most prominent wildlife, species of mammals, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates also depend on the lagoon.
Annie’s Canyon Trail, once prone to vandalism, was recently restored. It is now open to visitors capable of hiking steep switchbacks leading to awe-inspiring views. It is named Annie’s Canyon Trail in honor of a conservancy supporter, Annie, a 30-year resident of Solana Beach. It is her desire to expand and restore wild areas for nature and for people.
8.25 miles | +360'
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve forms where Escondido and La Orilla Creeks meet the Pacific Ocean. Whether you are a runner, hiker, birder, equestrian, photographer or painter - the lagoon provides natural solace and recreation. Trails connect wetland habitats of coastal strand, salt marsh, freshwater/brackish marsh, riparian scrub, coastal sage scrub, and mixed chaparral.
The 979-acre reserve is home to more than 700 species of plants and animals, many rare and endangered. While birds are the most prominent wildlife, species of mammals, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates also depend on the lagoon.
Annie’s Canyon Trail, once prone to vandalism, was recently restored. It is now open to visitors capable of hiking steep switchbacks leading to awe-inspiring views. It is named Annie’s Canyon Trail in honor of a conservancy supporter, Annie, a 30-year resident of Solana Beach. It is her desire to expand and restore wild areas for nature and for people.
#41 Pioneer Mail Trailhead to Kwaaymii Point via PCT
1.5 miles | +150'
This short hike along the Laguna Mountains offers views into Anza-Borrego, bounded by rugged mountains, nearly 4000 feet below. You can start at either end along the clearly marked Pacific Crest Trail, from the Pioneer Mail Picnic Area or the Kwaaymii Point parking area, making or an easy 1 mile round trip. The trail makes its way between granite walls on the west and vast desert on the east, skirting the rim of Cottonwood Canyon. Before 1975, this broad path was part of the old Sunrise Highway. Remains of retaining walls hint at the old road's existence.
1.5 miles | +150'
This short hike along the Laguna Mountains offers views into Anza-Borrego, bounded by rugged mountains, nearly 4000 feet below. You can start at either end along the clearly marked Pacific Crest Trail, from the Pioneer Mail Picnic Area or the Kwaaymii Point parking area, making or an easy 1 mile round trip. The trail makes its way between granite walls on the west and vast desert on the east, skirting the rim of Cottonwood Canyon. Before 1975, this broad path was part of the old Sunrise Highway. Remains of retaining walls hint at the old road's existence.
Some of them are, yes. There's quite a community of hikers on Instagram that I've had the pleasure of meeting up with. Other than that I get out with a few friends and family members but most of my hikes are solo outings.
#42 Kitchen Creek to Fred Canyon via PCT
8.75 miles | +1000'
Another adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail! Working away at completing the entire route in San Diego County. Starting at Kitchen Creek Road, this hike offers its best views along the initial climb, which overlooks Cameron Valley. A gradual ascent passes chaparral slopes lined, in season, with wildflowers.
Jutting from the hills like massive crystal formations are rust colored gneissic rocks. Several of these rocky platforms offer ideal points for taking in the view, which spans from the Mexican border to the valley below. On this day I could see a massive smoke cloud from a fire that appeared to be burning in Mexico.
The trail continues to climb, finally leveling off around 4300 feet. After dipping into a small oak grove containing a nice backcountry campsite, crossing a normally dry creek bed, the trail ascends on the west side of Fred Canyon. The final climb, past thick chamise shrubs, concludes at Fred Canyon Road, 0.6 miles from Cibbets Flat Campground.
After retracing my steps back to where I parked, I crossed Kitchen Creek Road and made my way south along the PCT for another mile to where a user trail branches off towards Kitchen Creek Falls. While the Creek was dry, I could see areas where the water level rises over polished stone that would provide tranquil swimming holes in the Spring. A number of bats flying overhead kept me company on my way back to the trailhead... along with what sounded like a female mountain lion calling in the distance.
8.75 miles | +1000'
Another adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail! Working away at completing the entire route in San Diego County. Starting at Kitchen Creek Road, this hike offers its best views along the initial climb, which overlooks Cameron Valley. A gradual ascent passes chaparral slopes lined, in season, with wildflowers.
Jutting from the hills like massive crystal formations are rust colored gneissic rocks. Several of these rocky platforms offer ideal points for taking in the view, which spans from the Mexican border to the valley below. On this day I could see a massive smoke cloud from a fire that appeared to be burning in Mexico.
The trail continues to climb, finally leveling off around 4300 feet. After dipping into a small oak grove containing a nice backcountry campsite, crossing a normally dry creek bed, the trail ascends on the west side of Fred Canyon. The final climb, past thick chamise shrubs, concludes at Fred Canyon Road, 0.6 miles from Cibbets Flat Campground.
After retracing my steps back to where I parked, I crossed Kitchen Creek Road and made my way south along the PCT for another mile to where a user trail branches off towards Kitchen Creek Falls. While the Creek was dry, I could see areas where the water level rises over polished stone that would provide tranquil swimming holes in the Spring. A number of bats flying overhead kept me company on my way back to the trailhead... along with what sounded like a female mountain lion calling in the distance.
#43 Cowles Mountain
3.75 miles | +900'
I wasn't planning on hiking during this heat wave but my sister wanted to get out early to summit Cowles Mountain. By the time we reached the peak it was already starting to heat up.
At the summit I was able to point out to her all the other peaks off in the distance that I've hiked. Beside all the other folks out on San Diego's most popular trail, we saw rabbits, squirrels, humming birds, and a covey of quail that came right up to us as we sat in the shade.
I told her that if she wants to see more wildlife and less people, then we'll need to hike the four other peaks around Mission Trails Regional Park... but perhaps on a cooler day.
3.75 miles | +900'
I wasn't planning on hiking during this heat wave but my sister wanted to get out early to summit Cowles Mountain. By the time we reached the peak it was already starting to heat up.
At the summit I was able to point out to her all the other peaks off in the distance that I've hiked. Beside all the other folks out on San Diego's most popular trail, we saw rabbits, squirrels, humming birds, and a covey of quail that came right up to us as we sat in the shade.
I told her that if she wants to see more wildlife and less people, then we'll need to hike the four other peaks around Mission Trails Regional Park... but perhaps on a cooler day.
Last edited: