The Santa Ysabel County Preserve is currently divided into two separate parcels known as Santa Ysabel West and Santa Ysabel East. While land is being acquired to connect the two parcels, for the time being the two still stand apart. We had previously explored all of the Santa Ysabel West Trails, and part of the larger Santa Ysabel East Preserve. We’d been waiting for cooler weather and a long weekend to take on the more ambitious end-to-end exploration of Santa Ysabel East. Today was the day. Continue reading Santa Ysabel East Preserve
Hiking San Diego County’s Holiday Gift Guide
If you’re looking for gift ideas for the San Diego Hiker on your list this year, look no further. We’ve put together a list of some our favorite gear, books, and other useful items to help you find something to delight the hiker in your life this holiday season.
Forest Adventure Pass – $5.00 – $30.00
If you want to get your hiker something you know she can use, consider buying her a Forest Adventure Pass. Many popular trailheads in the Southern California National Forests require an Adventure Pass to be displayed in your car while parked at the trailhead. You can buy a daily pass good for one day for $5, or a pass good for the entire year for $30. The fees from these passes help conserve and protect our natural resources and enhance recreation opportunities by providing funds for trailhead services. Passes can be purchased at most major outdoor and sporting goods stores like Adventure 16, Big 5, or REI, or can be purchased online.
Coast to Cactus: The Canyoneer Trail Guide to San Diego Outdoors – $29.95
Coast to Cactus is a wonderful combination hiking guide and field guide. Written by the San Diego Natural History Museum Canyoneers, this tome features over 240 hikes throughout San Diego County. In addition to details of the trail, each write-up includes a mini lesson on some of the plants, animals, or other natural features that can be found on each hike. The book is full of beautiful color photos and easy to read maps, and has a wide variety of hikes included. Coast to Cactus deserves a spot on every San Diego Hiker’s bookshelf!
Colter Co. Bandanas with Benefits – $14.00
The trusty bandana has long been a staple in the prepared hiker’s kit. From first aid to hygiene to sun protection, there are dozens of uses for this small square cloth. Colter Co. has now added yet another reason to carry a bandana with you on the trail with their “Bandanas with Benefits.” They have cleverly improved upon the traditional bandana by printing fun and useful information on them. The glow-in-the dark Stargazer Bandana shows a constellation star chart with helpful directional information. The Know Your Knots bandana visually demonstrates 16 essential knots. Check out these and their other unique bandanas over at www.colterusa.com. Hiking San Diego County readers can get 20% off with the special promo code HIKINGSD.
Darn Tough Hiking Socks – Starting at $17.00
While socks may be considered a lame gift in some circles, hikers are a different breed. A good pair of hiking socks can mean the difference between a fantastic day on the trail or a grueling, blister-riddled death march. Darn Tough Hiking Socks are made in the USA with real Merino Wool to combat odor and provide superior comfort and durability. Their socks are available in a wide variety of thicknesses for different seasons, and come in fun colors and patterns. The best part is their Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee – if you manage to put a hole in these socks just mail them back and they will replace them, for free… forever.
Camelbak Hydration Pack – Price Varies
Hydration packs are a must for all but the shortest of hikes. Say goodbye to cumbersome water bottles and enjoy the convenience and comfort of the hydration bladder. Camelbak has a huge variety of different packs, with reservoirs of anywhere from 1 to 3 liter capacities. We’ve been through several different brands of hydration packs, and found that we prefer Camelbaks for their comfort, reliability, and features. If you’re looking to buy a Camelbak for hiking, I recommend going all the way and getting one with a 3 liter reservoir. This offers you the maximum flexibility – you have the 3 liter capacity for longer hikes, and if you’re going on a shorter hike and don’t need 3 liters, just don’t fill it up all the way. I carry the Camelbak Fourteener 20 (pictured above), but there are dozens of different sizes and styles to choose from. Staying hydrated on the trail is essential, especially in dry San Diego, so make sure your hiker is prepared with a durable hydration pack!
Garmin eTrex Handheld GPS – $109.99 – $299.99
While many people rely on their cell phones to track their position and distance while hiking, the reliability and durability of a handheld GPS is a much better choice when you want accurate data. We’ve been using a Garmin eTrex 30 for years, and have been thoroughly impressed by how well it has held up to the miles of abuse we have subjected it to. The newer Garmin eTrex 30X has an upgraded display for improved readability in sunlight, a 3-axis electronic compass and altimeter to show your heading and pinpoint your altitude while on the trail, and runs off of 2 AA batteries. Help your hiker track their miles and find their way with one of Garmin’s handheld GPS devices.
This Week in San Diego Hiking – November 28, 2016
Photo: The Pacific Crest Trail in Mount Laguna
Hello Hikers!
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and had the opportunity to get outside for a hike or four. I’m happy to see more rain and even some snow up in the mountains, hopefully we’ll have a lot more of that this winter. It looks like the current round of precipitation should be moving out Monday and we’ll have clear skies after that. Remember to always check the forecast before you head out, as things can change quickly!
With snow up in the Mount Laguna area this weekend, I thought it would be a good time to re-share this video from the County regarding driving safety and parking considerations in case you head up there for a hike or some snow adventures. Also remember you may need an Adventure Pass (available at Big 5, REI, or the Mount Laguna Store) depending on where you end up parking.
Residents in Poway have started a petition to save a section of open space near Twin Peaks. The land is privately owned by a developer who has recently begun seeking approval to build 10 homes over 80 acres on the western slope of Twin Peaks. The proposed project would include 58 acres of designated open space.
The San Diego City Council has approved $1.8 million to purchase an 80 acre parcel of open space near Rancho Penasquitos. This acquisition, adjacent to Black Mountain Open Space Preserve, is a step towards the City’s goal of completing a connected system of preserved open space in the northern part of the city.
The San Diego River Park Foundation (SDRPF) is currently raising funds to acquire and preserve a 40 acre parcel of land near Temescal Creek. From the SDRPF’s web site: If we can buy the property, we can remove the threat of a road, and turn the existing dirt road into a trail for hikers, bikers and equestrians. We can also protect the incredible wildlife in the Valley. Recently bobcat cubs, fox kits, deer fawn and more have been documented in the Valley. They have until December 16th to raise about $4000 more. Please head over to their web page for more information on the property and to donate if you can. You can also help by sharing their page and helping to spread the word.
Next Sunday head on out to William Heise County Park for a guided hike. Join Ranger Dave for an easy-to-moderate hike on the beautiful Fern Trail. Our final destination will be the bubbling waters of Cedar Creek where sights and sounds of nature dominate the surroundings. This hike will cover approximately 1 mile. Bring water, wear hiking shoes and dress in layers. Start at the ranger station. Inclement weather will cancel this event. Visit the San Diego County Parks and Recreation Program Guide for more information, or check out our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.
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Have a good week!
Photo: Lake Jennings
La Cima Trail/Soapstone Loop
“La Cima” means “the top” or “the summit” in Spanish. While this hike doesn’t involve summiting any peaks, it still has some fantastic scenery to enjoy as it passes from the edge of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to neighboring Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and back again. Continue reading La Cima Trail/Soapstone Loop
This Week in San Diego Hiking – November 21, 2016
Photo: Corte Madera Mountain
Hello Hikers!
That wet stuff falling from the sky is called rain, just in case you’ve forgotten. It looks like should clear out tomorrow, and then we will have 100% perfect hiking conditions for the rest of the week. Hooray!
I hope you are fortunate enough to have Thursday and Friday off this week for Thanksgiving, because there’s a lot going on. Once again this year, there is a big push in the outdoor community to eschew the Black Friday phenomenon and “Opt Outside” for “Green Friday.” (There, I think I got all the requisite catch phrases in!) Here’s what you need to know:
- San Diego County Parks and Recreation is waiving Day Use Fees at all county parks and preserves on Friday. They’ve got 10 different activities including hikes, volunteer projects, and animal encounters planned at various county locations on Friday. Check out the schedule.
- California State Parks is offering a limited number of free passes to state parks for Friday. You need to reserve and print your pass ahead of time, and some locations (including Palomar State Park and Torrey Pines) are already sold out, but for the moment there are still available passes for Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and several of the local state beaches, Head on over to www.greenfriday.org to get your pass ASAP.
- There is a Naturalist Hike scheduled for 8 am Thursday at Daley Ranch. Join Naturalist Lee Dezan on a slow-paced 4 mile hike lasting 3-4 hours. Routing: RH Road, Sage, Mallard, Diamondback, Coyote Run, East Ridge and Creek Crossing. Recommend a wide brimmed hat and treaded footwear. Water on the preserve may be limited so bring at least 1 liter. Binoculars are always handy as we usually see many birds. Dog friendly hike (leashed). Free parking in the La Honda lot. RAIN NEVER CANCELS. Vist the City of Escondido’s web site for more information.
- Many more hikes are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday – visit our Events Page for the full list!
And the freebies don’t end this weekend! Anza-Borrego Foundation is sponsoring free day-use admission to Borrego Palm Canyon one weekend per month from now through March 2017. Head on over their website for more information and to get your pass. Free passes are limited, so be sure to reserve in advance. This trail is part of the 5 Hikes for 50 Years Challenge, so make sure to get a selfie!
The National Park Service has announced 10 fee-free days for 2017, so mark your calendars.
Last week Congress unanimously passed the National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act. “The act would expand the number of trails that could be maintained by requiring a national strategy to maximize the use of volunteers and partners while addressing liability concerns that restrict outside groups and individuals working on the trails.”
Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:
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I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Viejas Mountain
The rugged, triangular peak of Viejas Mountain rises just north of Interstate 8 in Alpine. The trail up the western flank of the mountain is a steep and no-nonsense affair through thick chaparral brush with zero shade. This is not a hike for hot summer days, but makes for a fantastic early morning workout or winter excursion. The climb is steep, but the unobstructed views along the trail and 360 degree vantage from the summit makes the effort more than worthwhile. Continue reading Viejas Mountain
This Week in San Diego Hiking – November 14, 2016
Photo: Lopez Canyon
Hello Hikers!
Well this has been some crazy hot weather for November. The good news is that a low pressure trough should be moving in tomorrow, bringing cooler temperatures. Maybe now we can start fall?
Next Sunday head on over the Santa Ysabel County Preserve East for a Back Country Autumn Hike. Hike “over the river and through the woods” in search of fall colors while enjoying the brisk mountain air! This 7-mile hike, led by a ranger, will take you around the unique and beautiful Kanaka Loop Trail. Meet at the Farmer Staging Area. Inclement weather will cancel this event. Visit the San Diego County Parks and Recreation Program Guide for more information, or check out our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.
Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:
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Have a good week!
Photo: Morena Butte
South Clevenger Canyon
As highway 78 winds through the San Pasqual Valley, the tall slopes Clevenger Canyon Open Space Park loom above. The Park is bisected by the highway, and separate trail heads provide access to trails on either side. We had hiked the North Clevenger Canyon trail over a year ago, and we decided it was high time to get back and finish the job by hiking South Clevenger Canyon. The two trails offer similar terrain and views, and both are enjoyable hikes. The South Clevenger trail splits at the half mile point, with one fork going east and one going west. Our intention was to hike both forks, but if you’re looking for a shorter hike you could certainly just do one. Of the two, I found the eastern fork a little more scenic and interesting. Continue reading South Clevenger Canyon
This Week in San Diego Hiking – November 7, 2016
Photo: Pictographs Trail in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Hello Hikers!
I hope everyone was able to use their extra hour to get some more trail time in this weekend. It looks like things are going to warm up a bit this week.
Next Saturday, celebrate Veteran’s Day by joining the County Parks Warrior Challenge at El Capitan Open Space Preserve. County Parks is hosting a Veterans Day Warrior Hike – designed to “wow” and challenge local heroes and their families. Come to hike or support your military! Choose from 3 adventures: an easy 1-mile jaunt to the ridge for a beautiful view of eastern San Diego. This hike is 2 miles round-trip, and is open to all ages. Skilled hikers can continue on to the next peak located roughly 3 miles in, for a total of 6 miles, round-trip. This hike is best suited for teens and adults in good shape. The final warrior-level trek is not for the faint of heart or ability; warriors will hike 10 – 12 miles, traversing multiple inclines and declines with several hundred feet of elevation gain and loss. Check out the County Parks and Recreation Program Guide for more information, or visit our Events Page to find even more upcoming hikes and events.
The Anza Borrego Foundation is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, and in honor of this milestone they are inviting hikers to participate in the 5 Hikes for 50 Years challenge! Complete the following 5 hikes and take a selfie at an easily identifiable location unique to that hike before June 1, 2017, and you will receive a signed certificate and commemorative 50th Anniversary sticker:
- Borrego Palm Canyon Nature Trail
- The Slot
- Pictograph Trail, with optional Smuggler Canyon Overlook Extension
- Calcite Mine
- Mountain Palm Springs Loop, with optional Torote Bowl Extension
Visit the ABF’s 5 Hikes For 50 Years web page for more information.
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Have a good week!
Photo: Corte Madera Mountain
Desert View Nature Trail
The Desert View Nature Trail is a short interpretive trail that begins and ends at the Burnt Rancheria Campground in Mount Laguna. The trail overlaps a small segment of the Pacific Crest Trail, and as it name implies, provides some nice views of the Anza-Borrego Desert. In addition to the views, a printed trail guide is available that provides educational descriptions about numbered exhibits that can be found along the trail.
Since this was a rather short trail, we made a day of hitting several of the shorter interpretive trails in the area. After hiking the Wooded Hill Nature Trail and the Kwaaymii Trail, we headed over to the Burnt Rancheria Campground to finish up with the Desert View Nature Trail. From the Day Use parking lot, we set off east along a paved walkway through a canopy of Black Oaks.
We quickly came upon the campground amphitheater.
We followed the path as it wrapped around to the right. As we approached some bathrooms, we spotted a wooden sign that read “Desert View Trail” pointing us to the left, and we dutifully followed.
We made our way along the trail through the campground, admiring the golden orange leaves of the transitioning Black Oak trees.
We crossed a couple of roads and finally came to the outer edge of the campground, where we found a “Y” junction and a “Desert View Trail” sign in the middle of the two paths. Having absolutely no indication of whether we should turn right or left, we decided to head down the path on the right and see what happened. We later came to find that both paths eventually connect, so pick whichever route you like.
We followed the right fork for a short ways before it bent to the left, taking us towards the PCT. We came upon a pair of benches, strategically placed to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Around .45 miles our trail converged with the PCT, and we started up a small hill.
It was perfect hiking weather, sunny, but not too hot, and a gentle breeze kept us comfortable.
To the right, we had a fantastic view of La Posta Creek Valley.
The surrounding foliage was a beautiful mix of chaparral, oaks, and pine trees.
As we continued away from the sloping canyonside, the density of the trees increased.
At 1.1 miles we came upon a working drinking fountain, or “water drinker” as the accompanying plaque called it. Nearby, an unmarked path on the left appeared to lead back towards the campground. We continued straight.
As we started climbing uphill again, we spotted a small gopher snake hanging out on the trail ahead of us. He posed nicely for some photographs, and we then gently encouraged him off the trail so he’d have the safety of better camouflage in the surrounding grass.
As we continued up the hill, we began to get some of the promised desert views.
We were also able to spot the white orb of the Laguna Observatory in the north.
Around 1.4 miles, we came upon a “Y” junction where the Desert View Trail split off from the PCT. We turned left to start making our way back towards the campground.
We found a lovely log bench under a shady oak tree. This would be a great out of the way spot to relax for a little while.
The trail wound through more oak and pine forest.
Before long we met a paved road in the campground, and the end of the trail.
The trail ended a fair distance from our starting point, with no real indication of how to get back to the campground entrance. We basically just kept going right until we found ourselves back at the day use parking area. Based on the map it looks like it would be quicker to turn left at the end of the trail and from there follow the road the entrance. It’s a beautiful campground though, so whichever way you go it will be an enjoyable walk.
Directions:
From I-8 east take the Sunrise Highway exit and turn left onto Sunrise Highway (S1). Follow Sunrise Highway for approximately 9.5 miles to the Burnt Rancheria Campground on your right. Turn left at the fee station and follow the road a short ways to the day use parking area on your right. Park in one of the marked “Adventure Pass” parking spots. map
| Total Distance: | 1.7 miles |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Total Ascent: | 222 feet |
| Dog Friendly?: | Leashed dogs allowed |
| Bike Friendly?: | Bikes not allowed |
| Facilities: | Water and restrooms at campground |
| Fees/Permits: | Adventure Pass required |
For more information, visit:
Laguna Mountain Recreation Area Map
View route or download GPX from CalTopo