Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – March 5, 2018

Photo: Otay Valley Regional Park

Hello Hikers!

I hope everyone enjoyed finally getting some rain and snow. It looks like things should be pretty dry for this week.

The Solana Beach City Council has approved plans to build hiking trail and other amenities at the Harbaugh Seaside Trails preserve just south of San Elijo Lagoon. The site is small, just 3.4 acres, but will connect with the Coastal Rail Trail and other trails. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

Improvements are coming to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, including removing non-native eucalyptus trees and weeds and restoring the area with native plants, and enhancing trails to improve durability and protect against erosion.

There have been new reports of a creeper along the Walker Preserve Trail in Santee. Several women have reported a man following or watching them with his hands down his pants. Anyone who has witnessed such an incident is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 619-956-4000.

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Have a good week!

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

5 miles, Dog Friendly, Peaks, Ramona, Trail Write-Ups

Mount Woodson (Potato Chip Rock) via Highway 67


Mount Woodson has become an extremely popular hiking destination due to the famous Potato Chip Rock – a fragile looking granite shard which, from the right angle, can look like its extending into nothingness, making for some creative photo opportunities. On warm weekends, you will likely encounter throngs of hikers making their way up the popular summit via one of two main routes: up the western flank of the mountain via Lake Poway, or this shorter, easier approach up the eastern side of the mountain starting from Highway 67. There is a less-traveled, quieter route that also starts near Highway 67 and traverses the northern flank of the mountain – the Fry Koegel Trail. We combined the fire road and the Fry-Koegel Trail for an enjoyable 5.6 mile loop. Continue reading Mount Woodson (Potato Chip Rock) via Highway 67 →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – February 26, 2018

Photo: Big Laguna/PCT Loop

Hello Hikers!

The big news this week is that winter has finally come to San Diego! It looks like the cooler temps should be sticking around, and we’ll be getting more rain tomorrow and hopefully more snow in the mountains as well! More precipitation may be on its way later in the week as well.

The Coast News reports that the Escondido Creek Conservancy is working to repair an illegal mountain bike trail found on private property in Harmony Heights, near the San Marcos/Escondido border. The trail runs about one mile, across both Conservancy land and another owner’s land. The San Diego Mountain Bike Association is helping to assess and repair the damage. There will be a work day on March 4th to help restore the damaged area, if you would like to help call (760) 471-9354 or email Nathan Serrato at Nathan@escondidocreek.org.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!

Photo: View from the Canyon Oak and Desert View Loop in William Heise County Park

5 miles, Dog Friendly, Escondido, Lakes, North County, Trail Write-Ups

Equine Incline Loop/Mount Israel (Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve)

The Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is a popular spot for both hikers and mountain bikers. The Way Up Trail, the main path into the Reserve, is a busy, well traveled trail. Once at the top of the Way Up Trail, however, one can choose from a number of destinations. The Equine Incline Trail on the west side of the reservoir is one of the quieter sections of the Reserve. This loop can also lead you to the Elfin Forest Overlook point – also known as Mount Israel. Continue reading Equine Incline Loop/Mount Israel (Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve) →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – February 19, 2018

View from the top of Garnet PeakPhoto: Garnet Peak

Hello Hikers!

It looks like winter may have finally arrived. The forecast is calling for much cooler temperatures starting today, and possibly even some precipitation towards the end of the week.

Happy President’s Day! Hopefully you have the day off work and are able to get out and hit the trails. Remember, today is a fee-free day for National Forest Lands, so no Adventure Pass is required. Check out some of the many great hikes in the Cleveland National Forest to take advantage of the day!

San Diego County public health officials have reported finding ticks infected with tularemia, or “rabbit fever,” in the Lopez Canyon area. Tularemia is potentially fatal but can be treated with antibiotics if diagnosed early. Hikers should always take precautions against ticks, including using insect repellent, staying on the trail, wearing light colored clothing, and performing a thorough inspection for ticks after every hike.

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Have a good week!

Photo: Cactus Hill Viewpoint

Dog Friendly, Lakes, North County, Poway, Trail Write-Ups, Under 5 miles

Lake Poway Loop


Most hikers know Lake Poway as the starting point for the famous Potato Chip Rock (Mount Woodson) hike, but there are some other adventures to be had there. If you want to enjoy the scenic views and rugged landscape that surrounds Lake Poway but avoid the Mount Woodson crowds, this loop around the lake is a good choice. There is little shade and some steep hills, so an early start during warm weather is advised. Continue reading Lake Poway Loop →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – February 12, 2018

Photo: Oasis Spring

Hello Hikers!

Looks like we’re finally in store for some rain! Enjoy it while it’s here.

Don’t forget next Monday, February 19th, is President’s Day. This will be a free entrance day for Forest Service lands (so no Adventure Pass needed). It will NOT be free for National Parks like it has been in past years.

The Ramona Chamber of Commerce has announced the Ramona Hiking Challenge. To complete the challenge, do the following six hikes in Ramona: Mount Woodson (via highway 67), Barnett Ranch Preserve, Ramona Grasslands Preserve, Dos Picos Park (Eagles Crest Trail), Mount Gower Open Space Preserve, and Santa Ysabel Preserve West. Then submit the registration form with the dates you completed each hike by the end of May 2018 to be entered to win a backpack filled with hiking gear and gifts from local Ramona businesses. Participants are also encouraged to share photos of your hikes on the Chamber’s Facebook and Instagram pages using the hashtag #RamonaHikingChallenge.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!

Photo: Dust Devil Nature Trail

Coast to Crest Trail, Dog Friendly, Escondido, North County, San Dieguito River, Trail Write-Ups, Under 5 miles

Old Coach to Raptor Ridge


This segment of the Coast to Crest trail through San Pasqual Valley picks up where our last hike, from Mule Hill to the Old Coach connector trail, left off. This segment starts off almost perfectly flat as it continues along the San Dieguito River, then ascends to the Raptor Ridge Viewpoint where you have fantastic views of the San Pasqual Valley below. As you can guess from the name, it is an excellent spot to view hawks soaring by as they hunt. Continue reading Old Coach to Raptor Ridge →

Weekly Update

This Week in San Diego Hiking – February 5, 2018

Photo: Piedras Pintadas Trail

Hello Hikers!

Apparently this summer weather is just going to keep going, so stock up on the sunscreen!

We have President’s Day coming up this month on February 19th. This will be a free entrance day for Forest Service lands (so no Adventure Pass needed). It will NOT be free for National Parks like it has been in past years.

Mission Trails Regional Park put out a warning on their Facebook Page yesterday – there has been a recent rash in car break-ins, particularly at the Jackson Drive parking lot and along Father Junipero Road. Its NEVER a good idea to leave anything that looks valuable in your car, and its particularly risky to do so while you’re hiking since thieves know you’ll be gone awhile. Wear a backpack and carry your wallet, phone, and other items with you. If you must leave things in your car, stow them out of sight (preferably in the trunk) before you get to the trailhead – thieves may be watching to see where you stash stuff. If you see anything suspicious at Mission Trails, you are asked to report it immediately to the Visitor’s Center at 619-668-3281 and the Police Department at 619-531-2000.

CBS8 reports that a foul, sewage-like smell at Lindo Lake is being investigated by the County Parks and Recreation Department, but so far there has been no identification of the source.

Here’s the latest outdoor and fitness deals from Amazon:

Have a good week!

Photo: West Mesa Loop (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)

6-10 miles, Coast to Crest Trail, Dog Friendly, Escondido, North County, San Dieguito River, Trail Write-Ups

Mule Hill Trail to Old Coach

History buffs will enjoy this easy hike along the Coast to Crest Trail which passes Mule Hill, site of an historic battle in 1846. A number of interpretive signs along the trail tell the story of a group of US soldiers surrounded by enemies after the Battle of San Pasqual. In addition to Mule Hill, the trail passes the Sikes Adobe Farmstead, one of the area’s oldest adobe homes. Continue reading Mule Hill Trail to Old Coach →

Hiking trails in and around San Diego County