After not getting out over the weekend, I really wanted to spend some time on the trail. Since one of my 2026 goals was to reach the halfway point on the Lower Peaks Committee list, I decided to try to knock off two more. The drive up to the trailhead was uneventful, with just a quick stop for breakfast and gas from Costco. The gate was open on Warm Spring Truck Trail (Forest Road 1N12), so I could go up to the junction with the Morton Ridge Trail. I found a spot to park, gathered my gear, and set off. The air was cool, almost cold, from the storm that had passed through. My route took me up a well-graded road to the Morton Peak Lookout Tower. While the lookout tower is closed, a sign on it says they hope to restore it and reopen it for visitor use. Low clouds diminished some of the views, and I did not linger before setting off for my second summit of the day, Cram Peak.
This peak sits off to the west along a descending ridgeline. I found the use trail and set off. This use trail has not seen much traffic and can become a bit overgrown from time to time. The grasses were still wet, so soon my shoes and lower pants were soaked. What was either an old firebreak or an actual road would also appear as I continued hiking along. Whatever it had been, it had been modified with what could best be described as moguls, which made for a lot of zig-zagging. Soon, the peak was finally ahead of me. Some of the clouds had burned off, so I could now see some of the lightly snow-capped mountains around me. This area suffered some damage from the Line Fire back in 2024, and burnt pages from the register lay scattered about. After a few photos and a snack, I set off to begin my climb back up toward Morton Peak.
The return went fairly well. Some wildflowers were still blooming, adding some color to the scenery. My podcast kept me entertained, and before too long, I was back on the service road. Along the way down, I passed two other hikers making their way up the road. Once back at the car, I set off to find some lunch. Since I was near Redlands, I picked up some cookies from my daughter’s favorite bakery, Cookie Co., to freeze and bring with me when I visit her in late May. The entire hike was 7.5 miles, with 1,458 feet of gain, and I took 3:39.
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, available now!
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.