With the heat wave still blanketing the area, I took a look at some other options during my spring break. I decided, why not make the long off-road drive along Main Divide Road near Santiago Peak, and climb some of the Lower Peak Committee summits that sit nearby? Doing this adventure on a weekday should also reduce the issue of encountering a lot of traffic on the road. I made my way up Silverado Canyon, avoiding some pretty good-sized potholes. Silverado Creek was still flowing nicely, and the hillsides were still lush and green. Soon, the road turned to dirt, and it was time to really break in my new off-road tires. The road really isn’t that bad. There were some rockier sections from time to time, but no major ruts or obstacles to be concerned about.
I reached the junction where Maple Spring Road finally meets Main Divide. Usually, I head south on Main Divide to park and climb Santiago Peak and Modejska Peak, but today my plan was to head north to climb three new peaks. From the junction, I drove about 2.4 miles north to a safe turnout and parked. This was going to be a short but steep climb to the top of Bald Peak. I followed an old firebreak up the peak where a small wooden sign denoted the summit. I enjoyed the views for a bit before carefully making my way back to the car.
I drove about another 3.1 miles to the base of Beauty Peak. Again, finding a safe spot to pull off, I grabbed just my poles and headed up another steep slope. A similar wooden sign greeted me as I reached the summit. A lizard sat on top of it, reminding me of the plastic dinosaurs along the way to San Mateo Peak. I saw that the trail continued north, and after taking a quick look, I decided to make a short loop. This was mostly to avoid descending that steep, loose section. Pleased with my choice, I was soon back at the car and ready to hit the final peak. I could feel the heat of the day rising.
I drove another 5 miles up and down along the ridge. I passed a couple of nice overlanding camp spots before reaching my final peak, Pleasant Peak. A communication relay tower complex sits next to the actual peak. I parked and crossed over the gate, and followed the road up and around toward the towers. There may or may not have been a sign at the second gate indicating No Trespassing. Pleasant Peak lies east of the communication towers, and a use trail led me to the summit. A similar summit sign stood atop this peak as well. To the north, fading snow sat on Mt. Baldy and San Gorgonino. I made my way back down, skipping the road and taking the shorter firebreak option. Once back in the car, I changed out of my sweaty hiking shirt. I am sure the temperatures were in the 90s by this time. I then made the long drive back along Main Divide, then down to the Maple Springs Trailhead. Along the way, I met a few other off-roaders making their way up. I now have 28 peaks climbed on the Lower Peaks Committee list. One of my 2026 goals is to climb 40 peaks on the list. If we can get some normal spring weather, I think I can do it.
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.