After a chilly but manageable night, I made some oatmeal and a cup of hot coffee before breaking camp. Today’s adventure would be a multi-peak one. First up was Gold Mountain. As I drove back down toward the shoreline, ice had formed on some of the mud puddles. I passed a couple of trucks making their way up, most likely to head off into the forest for some deer hunting. The day before, I stopped by the Big Bear Discovery Center for any road beta they could offer. They said I wouldn’t have any issues getting as far as Dobie Mine along the 3N09. The road was rocky but without any obstacles. I passed a few parked trucks along the way, and at the junction with 3N61, about four vehicles were parked; I figured this was as good as any to park. I grabbed my gear and set off. I was glad to be following a road almost to the summit. The weather was almost perfect as I made my way along the road. I could have kept driving and seriously considered backtracking, but figured the exercise would be good for me.
I reached the junction with 3N69 and turned onto it. It was quite clear that only a true 4×4 could navigate this road. That’s where I actually began to gain elevation. I slipped on a podcast and pushed on to the summit. From time to time, I had sweeping views to the north. I noted some trash to pick up upon my descent. Soon, the road crested, and I made the short walk over to the actual summit.
The summit is a nice pile of rocks, which gave me some great views. I found the two reference marks and the benchmark, which was tucked in a small depression. I didn’t linger too long, as I wanted to get at least one more peak in. The descent went quickly, and before too long I was back at my car. Next up was Onyx Peak, about a 20-minute drive. The stats for this hike were 4.5 miles in 2:13 with an elevation gain of 930 feet.
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.