My second peak of the day was going to be Temescal Peak, another on the Lower Peak Committee list. I parked at the end of the Marvin Braude Mulholland Gateway Park, topped off my water, and set off. The trail soon met up with Mulholland Drive, which I took for a bit before I turned on the Temescal Fire Road. I cruised along until I reached “The Hub”, which had a nice shaded bench, some information about the complex geology of the region, and a porta-potty. Several trails branch off from here, hence the name.
Off in the distance, I could see my destination. I continued on the fire road until I reached the Backbone Trail, which took me almost to the summit. I took in the views; the May Grey had begun to burn off, but not quite enough to see the Pacific. After a quick snack, I headed back, as I was dreaming of a nice pastrami sandwich for lunch.
Along the way, I did take a moment to explore the Cathedral Rocks before a break under that shade structure. Before too long, I was back at my car. Now for that sandwich… The hike was 6.7 in 2:20, with 721 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, 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. 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.