Since we had President’s Day off, we had planned to hike Granite Mountain, but its snow-capped summit had other ideas.
Opted to bag some peaks on the San Diego 100 list instead. First up was Ode Benchmark. Near the visitor center, this peak was a quick walk across the desert floor then up along the ridgeline.
The mountains all around us were dusted in snow. I pointed out various peaks, some summited, some still to do.
We found the benchmark with no trouble. The register was ruined, and I forgot the spare I usually carry. We had to shed a few layers, as Ted and I had dressed for a much higher summit.
After touring the visitor center, we made the short drive to the Hellhole Canyon trailhead. Our next target was going to be Ted Benchmark.
I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!
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 both the Arizona-Winter and Arizona-Summer). I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.
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