For of us who spend way tooooo much time on Peakbagger.com, one of the tabs on the mobile app is Nearby Peaks. During this period of staying local, I have been browsing this list for peaks that I have not yet summited. Today’s adventure would take me to “The Flags of RB”. You have probably seen these three flags on the peaks to the west of the 15 near Rancho Bernardo road.
I headed out along the service road for the power lines, which would connect me with the trail to the summits. The early morning fog had burned off here, but could still be seen around me. As I made my way up the trail, the occasional sound of a dove cooing could be heard.
I reached the first flag atop Peak 1190. This flag was securely mounted its pole. Snapping a few pictures I headed off, as I knew we had another warm day ahead of us.
Down the trail and across the saddle I went. The trail is well defined, so no issues with that. The next flag is atop Peak 1163.
Grabbing a few photos, I was off to Peak 1001 and the final flag. This one had a surprise, an empty wine bottle. I left it.
Retracing my route, I soon found myself back at the car, having done 3.15 miles. A nice way to start the day and cross off three more of those ‘near-bys’.
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.
Hello and congratulation’s on your peaks
I live in the community directly west of the hill with the flags. We call it 3-flags. Its a great hike up to the top with views of the ocean, San Clemente/Cornado islands up to San Jacinto and Palomar, and east to Cuyamaca mountains on clear days. The trail is a little rocky and its steep coming from RB road up to the first flag. My neighbors and I have been flying the flags for awhile until a few years ago when a group from 4S Ranch began replacing them on Jan1 and July4. Apparently, something has changed and they were not replaced on July 4 last. I’ve been looking for any contact information regarding the people/organization/effort to replace the flags without success.
Hum, is there a 4S Ranch community board? Do they have a local newsletter where you might ask that question? Good luck.