After summiting Gold Mountain, I drove down the 38 to the Onyx Peak parking area. Two cars were parked when I arrived, and I assumed that they were more hunters. This was another road hike to the summit, so I had few concerns. I walked around the gate and started along the road. My route would head north for about 1.5 miles and, along the way, cross the PCT. The road was in great shape and had a relatively gentle grade.
The road then curved southward, and along the way I met two hikers returning from the summit. We chatted a bit before going our separate ways. I felt the effects of my poor sleep and doubted a three-peak was in the cards for the day. The communication towers loomed before me as I reached the broad summit. I headed toward the higher cluster and found a benchmark, register, and a summit sign. After addressing a slight hot spot, I had a few snacks and some electrolytes. I wandered around some of the other towers, looking for good views before heading back down. Although my car was only about 0.6 miles west as the crow flies, it would have been a steep cross-country descent. I opted to just stay on the road and finish another podcast. Once back at the car, I changed into a dry shirt and drove home. All in all, a great two days of peak bagging. This hike was 6.1 miles with an elevation gain of 609 feet, and took me 2:31.
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.