This Week in San Diego Hiking – November 13, 2017

Photo: Dust Devil Nature Trail

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone was able to take advantage of the long weekend and excellent hiking weather to get your boots dirty.

With the end of Daylight Savings Time, note that gates at Mission Trails Regional Park will be closed and locked at 5pm, so make sure you are parked outside of the gates if you’re not sure you’ll be done by 5.

Rancho Santa Fe Review has an excellent article highlighting work being done by the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy to remove invasive plants along the river. Removing the invasive, non-native vegetation along the river bed allows native plants to get re-established and reduces fire risk.

If you haven’t yet completed the Coast to Crest Challenge, you still have plenty of time. The challenge, which runs through June, requires you to hike five specific trails along the Coast to Crest Trail and take selfies in designated spots. If you complete the challenge and submit your photo, you will receive a certificate and decal from the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Tijuana Estuary

This Week in San Diego Hiking – November 6, 2017

Photo: Crestridge Ecological Reserve

Hello Hikers!

I don’t know about you all, but I am really enjoying this cooler weather – it’s perfect for hiking!

This weekend, November 11 – 12, will be a fee free weekend in both National Parks and National Forests in honor of Veteran’s Day. You will not need an Adventure Pass in the areas that normally require one, and you can also visit Cabrillo National Monument for free.

Also on Saturday, November 11, the County of San Diego Parks and Recreation will be hosting their bi-annual Warrior Hike Challenge at El Capitan Open Space Preserve (El Cajon Mountain). Choose from three adventures:

  • Boot Camp: Easy/Moderate • Beginning Hikers • 1–2 Hours
  • Recon: Moderate • Skilled Hikers • 2–3 Hours
  • Warrior: Difficult • Expert Hikers • Up to 7 Hours

All ages are welcome and there is no cost to attend! For additional information, please visit sdparks.org/warriorhike.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park will begin charging a $10 fee for visitors parking at the Visitor’s Center on weekends (Friday – Sunday) and holidays.

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Photo: Rock Mountain

Stonewall Peak Loop (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)

Stonewall Peak is one of the most popular hikes in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, and with good reason. The trail is easily accessible, beginning just across the street from the park’s main campground, and it provides some amazing views. If you’re looking for a new twist on this popular hike, you can try this variation. After summiting, continue along the Stonewall Peak Trail as it descends the back side of the mountain to meet with the California Riding and Hiking Trail, then continue on the Cold Stream Trail to loop back to the start. This adds about 1 mile to the hike, but will offer significant solitude compared to the busy trail that leads up to the Peak. Continue reading Stonewall Peak Loop (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)

This Week in San Diego Hiking – October 30, 2017

The Weir at Palomar Mountain State ParkPhoto: Weir Trail at Palomar Mountain State Park

Hello Hikers!

I think fall might finally be here – cooler temperatures and maybe even a little bit of precipitation are in the forecast. It’s about time!

10 News reports that a hiker found a body near Upper Otay Lake on Sunday morning. The Sheriff’s Department is investigating.

Mark your calendars for Friday, November 10th, when author Shawnté Salabert will be at Adventure 16 in San Diego for a book signing and Q&A session for her newly released book Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California: Section Hiking from Campo to Tuolumne Meadows.

The National Park Service has proposed raising entrance fees on 17 of its most popular parks, including Yosemite, Sequoia/Kings Canyon, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, from $30 to $70 per vehicle. The NPS is accepting comments from the public on this proposal through November 23rd, you can submit comments here.

There are two more dates available for docent-led hikes through a normally closed section of Ramona Grasslands Preserve: November 4th and November 18th. Space is limited and advanced registration is required. Visit the San Diego County Parks and Recreation Page for more information.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Stonewall Creek and Soapstone Grade Loop

Oasis Spring


Oasis Spring was once a source of water for several camps and cabins in Mount Laguna, but is now an all but forgotten side trip off the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The Spring lies at the end of an old, overgrown road, which is slowly fades into an overgrown and unmaintained trail. The trail leads to a lush pocket of vegetation on the edge of the desert, and an old metal pump house is situated among the dense growth. Continue reading Oasis Spring

This Week in San Diego Hiking – October 23, 2017

Photo: Del Mar Mesa Preserve

Hello Hikers!

Apparently we are in the midst of yet ANOTHER Santa Ana pattern, with high winds, hot temperatures, and low humidity forecast through Wednesday. Fire risk is extremely high, so please be careful out there folks!

A woman was attacked and choked by a man on a trail in El Cajon on Saturday. The woman successfully fought of her attacker and escaped. The incident occurred on a hillside path near the the Starlight Mobile Home Park in unincorporated El Cajon. This appears to be a pretty heavily populated urban/suburban area and not an actual “hiking” trail, but it is a good reminder for us all to always be aware of our surroundings and stay alert.

This Saturday, October 28, REI San Diego will be hosting a Used Gear Swap from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm! It looks like all the vendor spots are full, but there is no registration or cost to browse and buy gear. They will also have live music, food vendors, and a Halloween costume contest–wear your best costume for a chance to win a $75 REI gift card.

The Sweetwater parking lot and adjoining trails in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park have been re-opened after last week’s Green Fire, however there may be some debris and downed trees so be careful. The fire was contained at only 8 acres, thanks to our awesome fire fighters!

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Photo: Dyar Spring/Juaquapin Trail Loop

Hosp Grove


Hosp Grove was established in 1908 as a business venture by F.P. Hosp, who hoped to profit by selling the wood from fast-growing eucalyptus trees for use in the railroads. Unfortunately for Hosp, eucalyptus wood turned out to be unsuitable for construction purposes, and much of the land was eventually sold for residential development. Hosp’s misfortune turned into a benefit for hikers however, when in 1986 the City of Carlsbad purchased the remaining 53 acres of the grove and turned it into a park with several miles of hiking trails. Continue reading Hosp Grove

This Week in San Diego Hiking – October 16, 2017

Photo: Santa Fe Valley Trail

Hello Hikers!

Well it appears that we’re going to have to wait a bit for cooler fall temperatures, with high pressure bringing hot weather and low humidity. It looks like things should begin slowly cooling off after today though.

Unfortunately, higher temperatures and low humidity mean increased fire danger. A small fire was reported Saturday afternoon in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The fire was located near the Sweetwater parking area. Fortunately, the fire only grew to about eight acres, and was 75% contained as of early Sunday morning.

The San Diego Reader has a fantastic article about the San Diego River Park Foundation’s efforts to document and photograph badgers living on their preserves near the headwaters of the San Diego River in Julian.

The Union-Tribune has an article reporting that Governor Jerry Brown has recently signed a bill that will provide $2.1 million to help in the effort to prevent sewage contamination flowing from Tijuana to San Diego via the Tijuana River.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Thunder Spring/Chimney Flats Loop – Palomar Mountain State Park

Rock Mountain


The Rock Mountain Preserve in Fallbrook is a small preserve just north of the Santa Margarita River hiking trail. Managed by the Fallbrook Land Conservancy, it is a short, rugged hike to a scenic outcropping of rocks overlooking the river valley. Sadly, there is a significant amount of graffiti around the summit area, but the impressive views and enjoyable rock scrambling more than make up for it. Continue reading Rock Mountain

This Week in San Diego Hiking – October 9, 2017

Photo: Engelmann Oak Loop at Daley Ranch

Hello Hikers!

Nothing says October like some Santa Anas! We’ve got a red flag warning for the mountains and adjoining foothills and valleys for the next couple of days as high winds and low humidity increase the fire danger. Stay safe out there!

Next Saturday, October 14th, head over to Oakoasis County Park for Haunted Trails and a Star Party from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm! The woods will come alive with creatures natural (and supernatural) so follow closely behind your spirit guide as they lead you through a creepy tunnel and haunted trail – if you dare! Then, meet real astronomers, looking at real stars, through beautiful telescopes. Sit back, look up and enjoy some delicious S’mores. It’s fun for the whole family and all ages are invited. There is no cost to attend. NOTE: Inclement weather will cancel this event. For more information, contact the park at 619-561-0580.

Next Sunday, October 15th, is the 7th Annual Palomar Apple Festival, from 11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. There will be arts & crafts, games for the kids, a pie-eating contest, free apple goodies, and chili & cornbread for $5. There will also be free admission to the park, making it a great time to check out the trails.

Progress continues in the county’s quest to establish a dedicated parking lot along Highway 67 for Mt. Woodson. The owner of an 84-acre parcel of land near the trailhead has indicated his interest in selling the land, and the county has decided to go forth with getting a formal appraisal for the land. The hope is that a designated parking lot will help alleviate the problem of numerous cars parking along the highway causing traffic issues and interfering with the nearby fire station.

Gear junkies mark your calendars for October 28th when REI San Diego will be holding a Used Gear Swap from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm! If you are interested in setting up a table to sell your stuff, you will need to register in advance (cost $10). If you just want to browse or buy gear, entrance is free and no registration is required.

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Have a good week!

Photo: San Dieguito Lagoon from the Dust Devil Nature Trail

Hiking trails in and around San Diego County