Recently, the County of San Diego’s Parks and Recreation department created a Tour Our Trails challenge. They even printed “passport” books to log your hikes. Since I have been focused on two other challenges (San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peaks and the 2020-2021 Coast to Crest Challenge), I had not started on these hikes. The 15 hikes are grouped into three categories; easy, moderate, and hard. I needed to pick up something from a fellow hiker who lives in the South Bay, so I decided to do a quick stroll through part of the Sweetwater Summit Regional Park.
Each hike has a designated photo opp, and for this hike it was Morrison Pond. I pulled into the parking lot and grabbed my gear. Just then, four horseback riders were just returning from their ride. I set off along the trail to explore the park a bit before viewing the pond. I easily crossed the trickle of water that is the Sweetwater river and headed east for a while. Once I reached the junction with another trail, I headed back toward the pond.
Along the way, I passed a couple of families enjoying the trails. This is a great place to bring your little ones, as the trail is nice and flat. I circled around the pond, enjoying the view for a bit. I then returned to the car and finished my errand. I am looking forward to the other 14 hikes, especially the ones I have never done.
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.