Hello and welcome, I’m Chris Griffith, aka SDPeakbagger. I started this site to chronicle my attempt to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Since then it has grown to log my other hiking adventures, mostly around other hiking challenges. While not a collection of turn-by-turn guides, my trip reports and photos should give you a good sense of the hike and the route you can follow. See you at the summit!
Recent Hikes
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Knott Grove Trail
I parked at the Canyonside Community Park near the first ball field, grabbed my gear, and set off. Crossing over Black Mountain Road, I passed over Penasquitos Creek, flowing nicely after a recent rain storm. I turned into the driveway to the Canyonside Equestrian Center to connect with the trail. It was undergoing some maintenance,…
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Presido Park Loop
I felt like exploring Presidio Park a bit more, so I convinced the wife and daughter to tag along (the dog needed no convincing to go on a walk). Being a Sunday, we knew parking might be an issue, so we used the lot at the CalTrans building. We wandered through the newly opened Iipay…
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Juniper Canyon
When I reached my car after hiking Switzer Canyon, it was about 11:30, and Grand Ole BBQ didn’t open until noon. I decided to explore Juniper Canyon which was just a few minutes away. The trail headed south, past some lovely wildflowers and along the dry creek bed. Signs pointed out the distance to the…
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Switzer Canyon
Since the rains were holding off, I decided to squeeze in another hike after the Bridle Loop Trail. I drove through Balboa Park to the eastern side and parked near the trailhead for Switzer Canyon. I dropped down into the canyon and headed east. The trail was a mix of dirt and river rock. After…
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Bridle Loop Trail
If you have ever driven south on Hwy. 163 through Balboa Park, you’ve probably noticed some trails on the west side of the highway. Well, it turns out that trail is part of the Bridle Loop Trail, so I decided to make this my next hike. Starting from the southwest corner of Balboa Park, I…
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Otay River Valley Trail
Only a couple of cars were in the parking lot when I pulled in just after 8 am. The forecast was calling for a slightly warmer day, and I knew I was not going to have a lot of shade along the trail, so an earlier start was in order. I grabbed my gear and…
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Rancho Mission Canyon
After enjoying a nice biscuit I picked up from Rise, I grabbed gear and set off up Middle Rancho Mission Canyon. The trail was nice, with a few wildflowers here and there, and the sound of flowing water from time to time. Soon the trail made its short climb up to Cabaret Street. Two workers…
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Chollas Radio System Open Space
A couple blocks away from where I parked for Emerald Hills East, was the Chollas Radio System Open Space, so I decided to make the short drive over and explore it. This trailhead is located at the end of Zircon Street, and I found a spot in front of one of the homes. The trail…
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Emerald Hills
After exploring Chollas Lake, I decided to explore nearby Emerald Hill Canyon. The parking lot at the Emerald Hills Neighborhood Park was almost empty and red wooden stairs led the way down the hillside. From there, the trail was actually paved, although it could use some plant maintenance, as the brush was starting to become…
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Chollas Lake
Decided to explore Chollas Lake in the morning. The parking lot was surprisingly full as I pulled into one of the last open spots. I grabbed my gear and headed down to the edge of the lake. I followed the lakeshore for a bit until a side trail called my name. The trail was nicely…