2018 Hiking Adventures
You stand triumphant on a rocky peak and look at the whole world spread out below; and for a while, though still human, you are no longer merely human.
I’ll be sharing my hikes from around San Diego and (mostly) Southern California here. I’m looking forward to exploring new trails and revisiting some old favorites.
#1 Oak Canyon
3.5 miles | +300’
Oak Canyon, tucked into a relatively pristine corner of Mission Trails Regional Park just west of Santee, comes alive with a thin stream of gurgling water after seasonal rains. This area is popular with hikers and mountain bikers, though bikes are confined to dirt roads running along the canyon rim. Only hikers are allowed on the trail running through the most scenic, narrow section of the canyon.
#2 Kwaay Paay Peak
2.25 miles | +900’
Kwaay Paay Peak is a good alternative to Cowles Mountain for anyone who wants a good climb without a crowd. It is the fourth highest peak in Mission Trails Regional Park, at an elevation of 1194 feet. The name of the peak is from the local Kumeyaay Indian word referring to a leader, and a leader it is, in terms of its difficulty because of the vertical climb and elevation gain. The top of the peak is a large level area with many flat-topped rocks that allow one to rest and take in the panoramic view extending out to Miramar, Point Loma, and Coronado. Santee and La Mesa are below the peak.
You stand triumphant on a rocky peak and look at the whole world spread out below; and for a while, though still human, you are no longer merely human.
I’ll be sharing my hikes from around San Diego and (mostly) Southern California here. I’m looking forward to exploring new trails and revisiting some old favorites.
#1 Oak Canyon
3.5 miles | +300’
Oak Canyon, tucked into a relatively pristine corner of Mission Trails Regional Park just west of Santee, comes alive with a thin stream of gurgling water after seasonal rains. This area is popular with hikers and mountain bikers, though bikes are confined to dirt roads running along the canyon rim. Only hikers are allowed on the trail running through the most scenic, narrow section of the canyon.
#2 Kwaay Paay Peak
2.25 miles | +900’
Kwaay Paay Peak is a good alternative to Cowles Mountain for anyone who wants a good climb without a crowd. It is the fourth highest peak in Mission Trails Regional Park, at an elevation of 1194 feet. The name of the peak is from the local Kumeyaay Indian word referring to a leader, and a leader it is, in terms of its difficulty because of the vertical climb and elevation gain. The top of the peak is a large level area with many flat-topped rocks that allow one to rest and take in the panoramic view extending out to Miramar, Point Loma, and Coronado. Santee and La Mesa are below the peak.