Category Archives: Weekly Update

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – July 10, 2017

Photo: Del Mar Mesa Preserve

Hello Hikers!

I’m not a fan of the muggy weather, hopefully it should be drying out a little bit this week.

But I’ll take a little humidity over the 100+ desert temperatures volunteers had to endure during the recent Anza-Borrego Bighorn Sheep Count. KQED news has a great article on the event.

The San Diego Union Tribune reports that a stretch of the San Luis Rey River trail in Oceanside will be temporarily closed this fall to allow work removing sediment from the riverbed to improve water flow and mitigate flooding risks.

Next week, local leaders will meet to discuss possible solutions to the dangerous parking and pedestrian situation near the highway 67 entrance to Mount Woodson. The popularity of this trail has increased dramatically over the past few years, largely due to social media photos of the infamous Potato Chip Rock, leading to large numbers of people parking along Highway 67 and driving dangerously or running across the highway in that area.

The Balboa Park Conservancy and City of San Diego Department of Parks and Recreation have announced a joint initiative to  plant additional trees in Balboa Park. The new trees will help replace trees lost during the drought and will expand the diversity of trees in the park.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Rim Trail at Mission Trails

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – July 3, 2017

The final stretch to the top of Volcan MountainPhoto: Volcan Mountain

Hello Hikers!

I hope you’re getting a day or two off of work for the holiday so you can get some extra hiking in! If you’re still trying to figure out what to do for the 4th, consider a hike up Volcan Mountain to enjoy fireworks from the summit. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the many firework displays around San Diego County from Volcan Mountain summit. This hike is moderately strenuous with a elevation gain of 1,000 ft. and a round-trip distance of 5.5 miles. Dress in layers, wear hiking boots and bring snacks and plenty of water. On the hike up, learn about the area’s history and geography as you take in a coastal sunset while waiting for the fireworks to begin! Then, kick back and enjoy the show. Plan ahead; a fully charged flashlight will help guide you down the mountain in the moonlight. This event meets at the Hubbell gate. Visit the county news center for more information.

The San Dieguito River Park has announced that they are close to breaking ground on a new segment of the Coast to Crest Trail in Pamo Valley. This new segment will connect the Lower Santa Ysabel Truck Trail (from Boden Canyon to Pamo Road) and the Upper Santa Ysabel Truck Trail (Pamo Road to near Lake Sutherland), resulting in 12 contiguous miles of trail. The segment is expected to be open in 2018.

The San Diego Union Tribune has an article about a new exhibit opening at Leo Carillo Ranch. The display will include photos of life at the ranch, adobe bricks similar to those used to build the ranch houses, and a 13 minute film about Carillo and the ranch. You could just drive there to see the exhibit, but we recommend utilizing the nearby trail system for an enjoyable hike to the ranch.

NBC San Diego has an interview with the three hikers who were rescued after being stranded in Baja California while hiking the rugged Picacho Del Diablo. The group had fortunately left their itinerary with a family member who was able to promptly alert authorities when they did not check in as scheduled. Always let someone know your plans and when you are expected to return. The group also used a reflective emergency blanket to signal a search helicopter.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Wilderness Gardens Preserve

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – June 26, 2017

Photo: Scripps Coastal Reserve

Hello Hikers!

Are you tired of the heat yet? Looks like things should start cooling off on Tuesday so start making those hiking plans!

Three Sisters Falls and Cedar Creek Falls remain closed through today (Monday, June 26th) due to anticipated high heat. The San Diego Union Tribune has a good article about the numerous rescues that have been conducted over the past couple of weeks at both locations.

NBC San Diego has a story on a group of hikers who were stranded on the bluffs near Torrey Pines when their return route became blocked with water when the tide came in. Always remember to check the tide tables when hiking along the coast.

Inspired by the popular 5 Peaks Challenge at Mission Trails, the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy (SDRVC) has announced the Coast to Crest Trail Challenge! To complete the challenge, finish the five selected hikes between July 1, 2017, amd June 30, 2018 and take a selfie in each pre-designated location. Then submit your selfies to the SDRVC to receive a certificate and decal, as well as $10 in Adventure Bucks from Adventure 16 and a 20% off coupon for REI. You can do the hikes on your own, or join upcoming guided hikes with the SDRVC. The five hikes are: Volcan Mountain, San Dieguito Lagoon, Del Dios Gorge, Bernardo Mountain, and Clevenger Canyon South. Visit the SDRVC website for all the details!

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Have a good week!Photo: Oak Grove Loop and Visitor Center Loop at Mission Trails

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – June 19, 2017

The Bayside Trail at Cabrillo National MonumentPhoto: Bayside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone has been taking it easy during the heat. The Times of San Diego reports that there were 8 rescues at Three Sisters just on Saturday, two of which resulted in helicopter rides and one ambulance ride.

It looks like the warm weather will continue for at least the first half of the week. If you’d like to go hiking and avoid a helicopter rescue, I recommend going very early and finishing by 9 – 10am, or maybe hitting up one of the many great coastal hikes in San Diego.

The San Diego Union Tribune has a good article on the development progress of a hiking and bike path that winds around the San Dieguito Lagoon in Del Mar. When completed, the 2.5 mile trail will extend from Del Mar through the Torrey Pines Reserve.

The San Diego Reader has a good article on a recent forum meeting about the ongoing issues of sewage from Mexico plaguing the Tijuana River Valley.

The Reader also has a great article about local trail angels helping out on the Pacific Crest Trail.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Doane Valley Nature Trail at Palomar Mountain State Park

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – June 12, 2017

Photo: Wooded Hill Nature Trail

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone got out to enjoy the beautiful weekend. It looks temperatures will start to rise this week, so make sure you check the forecast and are properly prepared before you head out.

Good news for Mission Trail hikers – the Big Rock trails leading to Cowles Mountain have been reopened after being damaged in a recent wildfire.

Next Sunday, June 18th at 8am, join Ranger Andrew Miller for a West Sycamore Nature Walk at the West Sycamore section of Mission Trails Regional Park. This will be a 90 minute guided nature walk where we will discuss the animals & plant communities commonly found at West Sycamore. Please wear comfortable shoes, a hat and bring bottled water. If you have any questions please email Ranger Andrew Miller at milleraj@sandiego.gov. Visit the Mission Trails Events Calendar for more information.

There are some temporary trail closures in effect at San Elijo Lagoon. The closures are part of a project to improve and expand the trail system, including work on the North Coast Bike Trail. A map of affected trails is available here.

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Have a good week!
Photo: Iron Mountain via Ellie Lane

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – June 5, 2017

Photo: Lakeside Linkage Preserve

Hello Hikers!

Last Wednesday authorities recovered a body found along the popular Iron Mountain trail. The initial call reported a hiker in distress, but according to NBC San Diego’s video report, the body appeared to have been deceased for a while. The Medical Examiner is still determining the cause of death.

In happier news, Freckles, a horse that was lost in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park last weekend after throwing her rider was safely found and returned home.

The annual Anza Borrego bighorn sheep count will occur June 29th through July 1st. First-time counters must attend a mandatory orientation June 17th, and past participants are encouraged to attend as well. Unfortunately, the organization’s mailing list has been lost, so volunteers new and old should contact AB.Sheepcount@parks.ca.gov.

Get Outside San Diego is a great new resource for outdoor enthusiasts throughout San Diego County. This website helps users find parks in the county based on location, features, and available activities. Naturally, we’re a little partial to the “hiking trails” option, but there’s all kinds of great features to search by, so check it out.

Mission Trails Regional Park has closed the Big Rock Park and Big Rock Road trailheads due to the recent fire (click here for map). There’s no estimated opening date at this point, so plan on using the Mesa Road, Barker Way or Golfcrest trailheads if you want to climb Cowles Mountain.

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Have a good week!Photo: West Side Road

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – May 29, 2017

Photo: Dyar Spring/Juaquapin Loop (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)

Hello Hikers!

Happy Memorial Day! I hope you’re all enjoying your day off, and taking a moment to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

NBC 7 has an story about the work being done by the California Conservation Corps to repair trails at Torrey Pines State Reserve that were damaged by erosion during the extremely wet winter.

The County of San Diego Parks and Recreation Deparment has released their Summer 2017 Activity & Program Guide, full of guided hikes, star gazing events, and all sorts of other great activities.

East County Magazine reports on a proposal by SDG&E and SoCalGas to build a natural gas pipeline from Rainbow to Mission Valley. The initial proposal would route the pipeline through Miramar, however Miramar command wants to route the pipeline through Misision Trails Regional Park and Goodan Ranch instead. Public comments are being accepted through June 12th.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Sycuan Peak

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – May 22, 2017

Photo: Big Laguna Trail

Hello Hikers!

It appears that summer is upon us! I hope everyone has been taking precautions to stay safe during this little heat wave. As always, check the weather report before you head out, go early or late in hot weather, and carry plenty of water. Don’t be afraid to turn around early or just take a couple of days off when its really hot out, the trail isn’t going anywhere. The good news is it sounds like things should start cooling off through the week.

There’s a sizable wild fire burning in the Jamul/Dulzura area. The Gate fire began late Saturday morning and was up to 1500 acres by Sunday. You can check the CalFire web site for the current status of the fire.

With the wet winter, tick populations are on the rise. Visit the CDC website for a refresher course on proper tick removal.

The San Diego Union-Tribune has an interesting article about the problems facing trees throughout the county due to drought and insects, and what’s being done to counteract those threats.

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Have a good week!

Photo: PCT to Eagle Rock

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – May 15, 2017

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Photo: Hellhole Canyon Preserve

Hello Hikers!

I hope you all got out to enjoy the beautiful weekend, it looks like we might have a little bit of wet weather for the start of the week.

Next Sunday, May 21st, at 8am, join Ranger Andrew Miller for a West Sycamore Nature walk at the West Sycamore section of Mission Trails Regional Park. This will be a 90 minute guided nature walk where we will discuss the animals & plant communities commonly found at West Sycamore. Please wear comfortable shoes, a hat and bring bottled water. If you have any questions please email Ranger Andrew Miller at milleraj@sandiego.gov. Visit the Mission Trails Events Calendar for more information.

NBC 7 has an article about two women who were attacked by bees on the eastern side of Mission Trails last week, be careful if you’re hiking in that area.

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Have a good week!Photo: La Cima Trail/Soapstone Loop

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – May 8, 2017

Photo: Dyar Spring/Juaquapin Loop at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Hello Hikers!

I hope this unseasonable rain didn’t ruin your weekend hiking plans. Remember, some trails may be closed for a day or two while things dry out.

NBC 7 has a report about the shot hole borer beetle which is destroying thousands of trees in the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park. The beetle is not native to San Diego, and authorities believe it may have been inadvertently introduced via a wooden shipping container from Southeast Asia. Scientists are still studying the pest and trying to find ways to stop it from spreading. Some of the damaged trees appear to be growing back, and rangers are replanting 3 trees for every one that needs to be removed. Visitors can help by not removing any wood from the park so that the insect doesn’t spread further.

In happier news, KPBS has an article about the restoration of vernal pools in the Proctor Valley area.

Regular visitors to Lake Hodges may have heard of “Hodgee,” the Loch Ness Monster-like creature that allegedly resides in the reservoir. A wooden sculpture of Hodgee, carved out of a eucalyptus tree which needed to be removed, now graces the northern edge of the lake. The sculpture resides at the intersection of Lake Drive and Date Lane, right near the entrance to Del Dios Community Park. Next time you’re hiking that section of the Coast to Crest Trail, stop by for a look!

Don’t forget, next weekend is the start of the San Diego River Park Foundation’s 14th Annual River Days! There will be educational activities, hikes, bike rides, volunteer projects, bird walks, workshops and much more! Visit www.sdriverdays.org for a full schedule of events.

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Have a good week!

Photo: West Side Road