With another big adventure coming up soon, I did not want to tackle anything significant but still wanted to hit the trail. With the recently launched Cuyamaca Trail Trekker Challenge, hiking up to Airplane Monument seemed like a perfect option. I drove up to Green Valley Falls and paid my $10 day use fee. A sign on the kiosk informed visitors that the falls were bone dry. I then drove down to the trailhead and gathered my gear. The trail passed the small amphitheater as it began its climb. It had been warm the past few days, so I was actually hiking in shorts to keep a touch cooler, even in this early morning.
This trail linked up with the West Mesa Trail and continued to climb. From time to time, I could peer past the vegetation and gaze at the East Mesa and even the highway.
As I drew near the monument, trail signs guided me first to the right, then a short distance later to the left. Down a small connector trail sits the mounted V-12 engine from a twin-seat Army DeHaviland DH4B model biplane that crashed back in 1921. Both U.S. Army pilot First Lieutenant Charles F. Webber and U.S. Cavalry Colonel Francis C. Marshall lost their lives when, in the fog, coupled with a failing engine, they were unable to clear the mountain. This memorial was erected in their memory.
I moved the wooden Airplane Ridge High Point sign off to the side to take my photos. I considered relocating it to the actual high point, which is actually about ½ mile up Airplane Ridge. But since I was wearing shorts and I didn’t want to venture off trail to reach the proper spot, I left it behind. After a few photos and a moment of reflection, I headed back down the trail. I briefly entertained the idea of also doing Oakzanita Peak, which is on the challenge, but the day was heating up. Soon I was back at the car and heading to REI to get some fuel for my upcoming backpacking trip. The final stats for this jaunt were 3.6 miles in 1:20, with 802 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.