In April, I hope to hike all 5 sections of this year’s Coast to Crest Challenge in a single day. I have hiked all the sections before, except for a portion in San Pasqual Valley. So, this morning’s goal was to scout this section before that attempt. I drove out to the trailhead under low clouds and parked in the empty lot. I gathered my gear, had one last drink of coffee, and set off along the trail. It passes by a collection of orchards and farmland as it works its way to the west. Quite a few benches dotted the trail, offering places to rest. Some workers were out tending the sod farm as the trail turned southward. Once it reached Bandy Canyon Road, the route again turned west.
Here, I followed the road for some time, with a portion passing the Verger Dairy and some farm workers’ homes before returning to a more protected trail. A lovely bridge crossed over the dry Santa Maria Creek. I continued on until I reached the Ysabel Creek Road Staging Area and turned back. I had hiked that portion of the trail a few years back and did not need to scout it again. I retraced my route, enjoying one of my podcasts, and soon was back at the car. It was a pleasant 5.5-mile jaunt.
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.