I had originally hiked Dictionary Hill as one of the hikes that we included in Urban Trail: San Diego. Not long thereafter, Derek modified the 100 Peak Challenge to swap out Tooth Rock with Dictionary Hill due to access issues. Since I am working on completing that challenge a second time, I set off to climb it again. Joining me on my hike was my son, who recently moved back to San Diego after living in Scottsdale. We set off under partly overcast skies, the typical marine layer.
We cruised along the easier start of the hike, then made the left-hand turn to begin the climb. Ben plodded his way up the steep slope and, once he reached the next junction, decided to save his energy, as tomorrow was his first day at his new job. I continued quickly on to the summit, made a lap around it, and rejoined Ben for the return to the car. On our way down, we caught sight of some vintage warplanes flying overhead. The stats for my hike were 2.2 miles, in 55 minutes with 500 feet of gain.
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.