The parking lot was empty when we arrived. It was just after 7:30, and Ted and I were hoping that our early start would let us avoid some of the forecasted heat. We cruised down the wide trail/road, with the occasional cow or two off to the side.
After crossing the creek, we began the climb up toward Kanaka Flat. Once there, we turned north, then left the main trail and followed a well-used cow path that led us up to the ridge. The path faded into the grasses, but we pushed southward along the ridge. I found the rock pile again, and after double-checking our position on Peakbagger, we had reached the summit.
We snapped a few photos and then discussed our descent. Option 1: retrace our route. Option 2: follow a path down toward the east and rejoin the trail there. Option 3: Continue southward along the ridgeline until we rejoined the main trail. We chose option 3. We were soon back on the main trail and headed back to the trailhead. We met a few other folks heading out while we hustled back to the back. Along the way, we stopped and picked a few blackberries growing along the side of the trail. While some were tart, a couple were nice and ripe. Once back at the car, we tossed in our gear while a nearby horse trailer was being unloaded. The car said it was already 82°F! This longer loop was 6.7 miles, and we covered it in 2:25. Our total elevation gain was 912 feet.
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 both the Arizona-Winter and Arizona-Summer). 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.