As America awaited the results of the election, I needed to take a break and get in a hike. With our first bit of winter weather due for the weekend, I opted to do one early Friday morning. I decided to hike one of my two remaining Coast to Crest Challenge hikes. I opted to hike the Santa Ysabel Loop on the Santa Ysabel East Preserve. This was going to be a 4.2-mile lollipop hike. As a bonus, I could pick up breakfast afterward at Farmhouse 78.
When I pulled up to the trailhead, two cars were already parked. While the skies had some clouds scattered about, the temperatures were perfect. I had hiked some of this preserve during the last Coast to Crest Challenge, and this section had some trails I would pass en route to other adventures.
The trail starts gently before making its way up the hill to the junction. Some beautiful signs pointed to the trail route. As I worked my way up, one of the other hikers passed me, and headed back down.
Later, I encountered a second set of hikers. We chatted a bit as they were also working on the Challenge. I gave them my readout of the three I had done. They then set off, planning to grab some sandwiches from Dudley’s Bakery for their breakfast.
The trail was lovely, nice and wide, with some very beautiful scenery. I reached the selfie spot next to a nice set of picnic tables. I can see returning for a stroll with some friends to enjoy this hike.
With the photo taken, I cruised back down the trail, passing a couple more hikers along the way. Once back at the car, I tossed my gear in and made the short drive to the restaurant. I ordered some biscuits and gravy to go, as I needed to join in some work calls. With that, I only have to hike Boden Canyon to complete this year’s Coast to Crest Challenge.
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.