I pulled into Green Valley Campground and paid my $10 day-use fee. Since the Cuyamaca Endurance 100k was happening, I found parking near the entrance rather than closer to the trailhead, which was being used by the racers. I gathered my gear and set off. I was also trying on my new Ridge Merino hoodie for this hike.
I planned to hike to the Arroyo Seco Primitive Campground, then continue up to the ridge and back down to the trailhead. The hike to the campground follows the Arroyo Seco Fire road. The grade is pretty gentle, so if you have a heavy pack or this is your first overnight adventure, it won’t feel like you are summiting Mt. Everest.
The campground has three sites. Site 1 is back behind the water pump. This water is intended for horses traveling through this area, so please bring your own. Just past this spot, you will see signage to sites 2 and 3, as well as the horse corrals and the path to the pit toilets. Both sites 2 and 3 have picnic tables and enough room for a tent.
After my survey, I continued along the fire road for a bit. When I arrived at the Fox Trail junction, I noticed that the racers had stayed on the fire road, so I took the Fox Trail. This single-track trail worked its way up the slope. I was sweating a bit, as my new shirt was keeping me a bit too toasty. Once it really starts to cool off, it is going to be perfect. Once on the ridge, I turned eastward and followed the West Mesa Trail back down. Since I was going to pass right by Airplane Ridge, I had to hop off the trail and bag that peak again. Unfortunately, it appears that the register is no longer there.
Once back on the main trail, I kept motoring on. I debated making the side trip to the Airplane Monument, but decided to skip it and follow the Monument Trail instead. From time to time, I had some sweeping views off to the east. Soon, I found myself approaching the campground as I passed the amphitheater just before reaching the parking lot. It was a nice loop for my first fall hike of 2025. I logged it at 5.28 miles in 2:07 with a gain of 999 feet.
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.