With my spring break plans in flux, and the desert still too warm for any significant peak bagging, I opted to knock out a couple of peaks on the Lower Peaks Committee list. I made the drive up to Chino Hills State Park to do a loop that would have me pass over Gilman Peak and San Juan Hill. Starting from the Rimcrest Trailhead, I began my clockwise trek heading down toward Telegraph Canyon. The morning was cool, and the plants that encroached onto the trail were still damp with the morning dew. Soon, the legs of my pants, and my shoes, were soaked.
Once I reached Telegraph Canyon, I hiked in solitude until I reached the Gilman Peak Trail. I then began the climb toward my first summit. Some wildflowers dotted the hillside, but it was mostly black mustard, which is actually an invasive plant. The summit of Gilman Peak soon came into view, and I found the California Highway Marker atop it. A snowcapped Mt. Baldy loomed to my north, making for a lovely sight. After a quick snack, I followed the North Ridge Trail for a bit before dropping back down. A shaded rest area could be seen, along with an informational kiosk. I mixed up my electrolytes before beginning the climb up out of the canyon and onto San Juan Hill.
Once on the South Ridge Trail, I made the short climb to the summit of San Juan Hill. Here I found the reference marker and the concrete summit marker from 1896. Again, I enjoyed the clear views from the summit before heading back to the car. I began passing others out enjoying the trail. Soon, I spotted the trailhead where I started, and my loop was done. This loop was 9.7 miles with a total gain of 1412 feet, and I covered it in 3:34.
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.