My final peak of the day was Indian Mountain. In retrospect, I should have done this one first, as it is the lowest of the three and the most exposed. I parked at the Indian Vista parking area, refilled my water bottles, tossed a cold Coke into my pack, and set off. The route would be about 99% along the Indian Mountain Truck Trail, then a short, brushy use trail to the summit. This hike is also a V hike, as I would descend from the trailhead down to a saddle before climbing up toward the summit. I had read that this road was a bit more difficult, so I opted not to test my Outback on it. As I made my way down, I began to second-guess myself. It sure would have been nice to just drive up this road on my return rather than hike it under the sun. Then, I got to the first interesting section of the road. I looked at it and thought, “with a little care, I think I could navigate that”. Later, I hiked past a few more “spicy” sections of the road and resigned myself to the fact that, without a spotter to guide me, I would have had a bit of an issue. Nothing was too complex, but solo, and with the Outback’s long wheelbase, the drive could push the car past its limits.
Once I reached the saddle, I began the climb toward the summit. During the descent, what you think is the peak isn’t, as it sits behind it. After about 3 miles, I needed a break from the heat and the climb, so I stopped in the shade. I looked at the map and didn’t have much further to go, and without much elevation either. Once I felt ready, I pushed on. I passed a couple of tall pines that offered plenty of shade. Given how little I had enjoyed so far, I noted them in case the actual summit didn’t have a place to relax. I found the use trail to the summit and wove my way through the chaparral. I climbed some of the summit block, but like Castle Rocks, I did not scramble to the true top. I was right about the lack of shade here, and after a few photos, headed back to those pine trees for a lunch break.
A little breeze helped me cool off as I drank my electrolytes and the Coke I brought. Now recharged, I set off back to the trailhead. Once at the saddle, I took a deep breath and began a measured pace up the road. I grabbed some trash that was beside the road and stuffed it into my pack. Thankfully, before long, I heard cars on the highway and knew the hike was almost over. Back at the car, I grabbed another cold Coke and quickly drank it. The entire hike was 5.8 miles, had an elevation gain of 1,165 feet, and it took me 2:23 (not counting my lunch break). I then drove back into Idyllwild to visit with some friends. Sadly, one was under the weather, so I had a burger and beer at the Idyllwild Brewpub before driving home.
I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I co-authored 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. I’ve also conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and both the Arizona-Winter and Arizona-Summer).
I look forward to exploring new summits and adventures across the Southwest.