With my restarting of the 100 Peak Challenge, I needed to summit Bernardo Mountain again. Since it is so close to my home, I wanted to do this peak after work. Ted was available to tag along, so off we went.
As we crossed over the David Kreitzer Lake Hodges Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge, the water shimmered beneath us. Around us, the hills were still green.
The wide trail wraps around toward the west, crossing a small stream along the way. On this portion of the trail, you will encounter mountain bikers and other folks using the trail.
Soon after the stream crossing, you will reach the turnoff for the trail to the summit.
The trail begins its climb up the mountain from the north side. After a few steeper sections, you reach the summit. Here you are rewarded with some sweeping views of Lake Hodges.
We cruised back down, keeping an eye out for snakes along the way. The sun was just setting behind the hills to the west as we crossed back over the lake.
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.