Since I was ahead on my school assignments, I decided to go on a quick overnight in Barker Valley. I figured the water would still be flowing, and I could enjoy some solitude. After stopping at Kit Fox Outfitters for a new first aid kit, I drove out past Warner Springs. I turned on Palomar Divide Truck Trail and began the 8-mile drive up to the trailhead. Once at the trailhead, another car was already parked there. I did not expect to see that on a Wednesday afternoon. I tossed on my backpack and grabbed my hand clippers (I planned to do some trail maintenance on the way down), and set off. Given the recent heat waves, I kept an extra careful eye out for snakes. There have been several fatal incidents recently in Southern California, and I did not want to become a statistic. Sure enough, I did encounter a snake enjoying the warm afternoon sun on the trail. Thankfully, I spotted it well before it became an issue. I recognized it as a gopher snake and waited for it to slither back into the brush. As I continued down the trail, I kept thinking about that other backpacker and how they probably also picked this spot for some solitude. Once I reached the left turn that would take me off the ridge and descend into the valley, I decided to let them enjoy their time and began hiking back to the car. I reached out to some friends for options to which I might pivot. Maybe a small section of the PCT? Maybe Atáxam Mámta’ash Campground? The one issue I had was that I needed some more water. I had planned to filter almost all my water needs at the campsite, but I was going to need to find a faucet somewhere.
Back at the car, I tossed my gear in and drove back down. I had settled on spending the night at Atáxam Mámta’ash Campground, as that was the easiest option. I drove all the way back to Warner Springs and filled up my water bottles before turning back around to drive up to the campground. The road was nicely paved as it wound its way up from Warner Valley. I reached it just after sunset, and drove around inspecting the possible sites. Only one site was taken by a pair of smaller RVs. I found a nice site away from them with some clear level ground to pitch my tent.
I set up quickly and then turned to making dinner. I was trying another new meal, Farm to Summit’s Green Chilli Mac & Cheese. Not bad, but it does require 2 cups of water, so not one I would take if dry camping. I also brought a book I needed to read for one of my courses, and once done with dinner, I crawled into my tent and got to reading. The book is titled “Love Letter to the Earth” by Thich Nhat Hanh. I enjoyed it, as several of the book’s themes resonated with me. I then turned in for the night, with the quarter moon shining through the oaks that stood above me.
I slept fairly well, and I awoke around 6. I brewed some coffee and ate a bar. I decided to skip my oatmeal and treat myself to something from Dudley’s Bakery instead. I broke camp and tossed everything in the back of the Outback. I drove down the road, grabbing a few photos of the early morning vistas along the way. I had my second breakfast at Dudley’s and came home. While not the overnight I had initially planned, it was still a wonderful adventure, and I got to explore a new part of San Diego.
Note: Atáxam Mámta’ash Campground is closed from April 1 to May 31 for Arroyo Toad’s breeding season.
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.