On a semi-rainy afternoon, I, along with a few friends decided to head out to Elfin Forest and hike up to Mount Israel. Parking in the main lot for the reserve, we crossed over the stream and began climbing up the Way Up Trail.
Once we reach the overlook to the Olivenhain reservoir, we continued on west to the summit. The rains held off, but the cloudy mists still made for a damp, but refreshing hike.
We headed back down the trail to the car, dried off, and headed home. Only later did I learn I missed the turn to the actual summit.
I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. In addition, I have conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and Arizona-Winter). Beyond attempting the San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list a second time, I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.