The starting point for this hike is the same parking area that I used when I did the Del Dios Gorge hike for the previous year’s Coast To Crest Challenge. This time I was headed west through a portion of the Santa Fe valley.
The trail begins by following the edge of a private golf course, then ducks beneath a bridge that crosses the San Dieguito River.
After a while, I came to the first of a series of switchbacks that I would encounter. The trail dipped down into a small canyon before climbing up the second series of switchbacks that would take me toward the eventual selfie-spot.
From here I had a nice view of the valley. After taking the picture, I retrace my route and called it a day.
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.