A loop through Arroyo Seco

I pulled into Green Valley Campground and paid my $10 day-use fee. Since the Cuyamaca Endurance 100k was happening, I found parking near the entrance rather than closer to the trailhead, which was being used by the racers. I gathered my gear and set off. I was also trying on my new Ridge Merino hoodie for this hike.

I planned to hike to the Arroyo Seco Primitive Campground, then continue up to the ridge and back down to the trailhead. The hike to the campground follows the Arroyo Seco Fire road. The grade is pretty gentle, so if you have a heavy pack or this is your first overnight adventure, it won’t feel like you are summiting Mt. Everest.

The campground has three sites. Site 1 is back behind the water pump. This water is intended for horses traveling through this area, so please bring your own. Just past this spot, you will see signage to sites 2 and 3, as well as the horse corrals and the path to the pit toilets. Both sites 2 and 3 have picnic tables and enough room for a tent.

After my survey, I continued along the fire road for a bit. When I arrived at the Fox Trail junction, I noticed that the racers had stayed on the fire road, so I took the Fox Trail. This single-track trail worked its way up the slope. I was sweating a bit, as my new shirt was keeping me a bit too toasty. Once it really starts to cool off, it is going to be perfect. Once on the ridge, I turned eastward and followed the West Mesa Trail back down. Since I was going to pass right by Airplane Ridge, I had to hop off the trail and bag that peak again. Unfortunately, it appears that the register is no longer there.

Once back on the main trail, I kept motoring on. I debated making the side trip to the Airplane Monument, but decided to skip it and follow the Monument Trail instead. From time to time, I had some sweeping views off to the east. Soon, I found myself approaching the campground as I passed the amphitheater just before reaching the parking lot. It was a nice loop for my first fall hike of 2025. I logged it at 5.28 miles in 2:07 with a gain of 999 feet.

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.

Bushwhacking to Middle Peak

Ted & I decided to work on another one of his remaining San Diego Sierra Club peaks. We had a few to choose from, but in the end, opted to go up Middle Peak. We arrived just after 8 am at the Trout Pond parking area, gathered our gear, and set off down Milk Ranch Road. There was a closure order posted for a portion of the trail, but I did not think we would pass by it. We turned right onto the Middle Peak Fire Road and began working our way toward the summit. We did pass the equipment that was being used for the restoration work, but being Saturday, they sat idle. As we neared the top, I began looking for the cairn that would indicate where to leave the fire road and begin the slog through the brush to the summit. I found it and we set off.

I remembered how much I hated this portion of the ascent. We slowly pushed past the overgrowth, trying to spot any cairns, either referring to my past track or just guessing for a bit. We climbed across slowly rotting trees, and as it had recently rained, they were a tad slippery. I can see why this peak was removed from the 100 Peak Challenge. Unless some maintenance is done for this portion, in a few years, it will become impassable. We pushed forward and reached the summit.

There was a register and a summit sign. The mediocre views I remembered from last time were gone, as the brush had grown over my head. After a quick snack and some water, we beat our way back down to the road. Instead of retracing our route, we continued on the fire road until it reached the Black Oak Trail. We followed it down to Milk Ranch Road, then eventually back to the car. It had warmed up, so we were glad to be done. Just 18 to go for Ted. The stats for the hike were: 6.2 miles, in 3:02, with an elevation gain of 1,197 feet.

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!

Adventures in Mt. Rainer National Park

Our first hike in Mount Rainier National Park was the 0.4-mile Twin Firs Loop Trail. Sadly, the namesake firs are gone, but we had a nice stroll through some old-growth forest.

After a quick stop at the visitor center in Longmire, we took a nice saunter along the Trail of the Shadows. There we saw some mineral springs and an old cabin.

We then made a short stop at Christine Falls to admire both the falls and the bridge that spans the narrow Van Trump Creek canyon. Next on our journey to Paradise was Narada Falls. This required hiking down about 200 feet of elevation to really get a good view of the cascading water.

Once we reached Paradise (aka Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center), we found some parking and set off on another hike, this time along the Nisqually Vista Trail. While the entire trail is paved, the 1.2-mile loop gave us some great views of the mountain. Once done with the loop, we took a connector trail to the visitor center. We both were getting hungry, so we first checked out the offerings at the Tatoosh Cafe in the Paradise Inn, but nothing struck our fancy. The main dining room was not open, so that option was out. So, we strolled back to the grab-and-go place in the visitor center.

After our lunch, I got my Junior Ranger badge. While the air quality wasn’t great, I still wanted to get in a more strenuous hike. I grabbed a KN95 mask and set off up the Skyline Trail while Anita stayed and relaxed at the visitor center. While initially paved, the trail wasted no time in gaining some elevation. Thankfully, the grade eased, and I cruised along. The views of Rainier were stunning, with the various glaciers scattered about its face. At Glacier Vista, I marveled at the waterfall spilling off Wilson Glacier.

Since I had made good time, I continued along the Skyline Trail to Panorama Point. There, my views turned southward. I could see the haze hanging in the air, and was again thankful to have my mask on. I debated doing the whole Skyline Loop, but opted to mostly retrace my ascent but take an alternative route to climb Alta Vista. I continued down to the visitor center and found Anita comfortably sitting inside. I bought a few small souvenirs and we headed out.

Although we had some delays due to road construction, we stopped at Reflection Lake for one last stroll. I knew the air quality would mean that hiking up to Pinnacle Saddle would not afford the views of the mountain that I would want, so with that, we headed out of the park and checked into our hotel.

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!

Miscaluation in the Agua Tibia Wilderness…

With a nice weather forecast, I decided to tackle both Agua Tibia and Eagle Crag. I have hiked them before, Agua Tibia from Dripping Springs Campground and Eagle Crag from Cutca Valley Trail. I pulled into the hiker parking area at Dripping Springs just before 5:30. I put on my Osprey Talon for its inaugural hike. While I liked the Osprey Hikelite, I really missed having hip pockets. It was worth a bit more pack weight for the convenience. I finished my pre-hike water and set off. It was cool under the cloudless, starry sky. My headlamp guided me through the 4/10 mile walk through the campground. I went to sign the hike log, but none was to be had. The plan was to hike up to Agua Tibia, then continue on to Crosby Saddle. Depending on how I was feeling, I would push on to Eagle Crag. This was going to be a marathon hike.

The trail was in great shape, and even with just my headlamp to guide me, I cruised along. Slowly, the predawn light began to fill the eastern sky, and the outline of San Jacinto began to take form. I pushed on, heading ever upward. I reached the log that Ted and I took our breaks on the last time I hiked this trail. I paused for a quick snack, but kept on going, as I was feeling good. I reached the junction with the Palomar-McGee trail and continued onto it. Before too long, I began looking for the cairn that marked the turn off to the summit of Agua Tibia. From there I weaved my way along the use trail until I reached the summit. Here I took a nice break in the shade and enjoyed some well-earned snacks. I found the register, the benchmark, and two reference marks. For fun, I scrambled to the top of the summit block.

With that peak now checked off, it was time to hike into the unknown. From the trip reports I had read, the quality of the trail degrades past the Agua Tibia turnoff. The question was how bad? It was 2 miles down to Crosby Saddle, so off I went. Earlier, a trail runner had passed, and since I did not see him again, I had to assume that the trail was passable in some form.

The trail was certainly being overgrown, and I had to push the overgrowth away from time to time. None of it would be at the level of bushwhacking, yet. There were quite a few downed trees across the trail as well. Many I could step up and over, a few had me crawling under, and one required a bit of climbing to pass. From time to time, I could see Eagle Crag off to my south. I reached Crosby Saddle around when I expected to. However, I was not certain I would return through those last two miles on my return. I might gamble and take the Wild Horse Peak Trail back. But now it was time to push on toward my second peak, Eagle Crag.

The trail was a bit more overgrown at first and also had some downed trees. A few times, I just trusted my trail guts and pushed through the manzanita. When the brush wasn’t a problem, the trail was nice and wide, which let me cruise along nicely. However, flies became enough of a nuisance that I broke out the bug net. The day had warmed up some, but it was still pleasant, and I did have a modest amount of shade as well. Soon, I was standing in front of the cairn that marks the turn for the ascent to Eagle Crag. This is an incredibly steep scramble and one I was not looking forward to making again. I carefully worked my way up, each step was carefully placed as I slowly picked my route. There were a few more cairns, but I lost them. I tried to follow my best judgment through the terrain. A branch tore my sleeve, and my wrist was also bleeding as I bushwhacked through. Finally, I made it into more navigable terrain and worked my way closer. I found the cairns again and could see the crag! I zigzagged through the low manzanita bushes until I reached it. I slipped off my pack and found some shade to rest. I ate my lunch, drank some electrolytes, and ate some more. While I had bagged my second peak, I still had to hike out. I snapped some photos. I brought my tripod to photograph myself on the crag. I didn’t frame it right, and I cut off my head. Don’t ask why I didn’t check it before leaving.

As happens so often, the trail becomes easier to see on the descent, and I avoided all that nasty brush working my way down. The trail did vanish, so I worked my way into the gully and followed back to the trail. For those using this trip report as a guide, try to use my down route for your ascent. I had 1.5 liters of water left and about 12 miles of hiking. I was a bit worried about that fact.

Once back at the saddle, I had to decide which route to take. The return via Agua Tibia was shorter, but it had that less-than-pleasant section to deal with. Going past Wild Horse Peak was longer, but it seemed to look easier on the map. I opted for Wild Horse. Why not do a full survey of all the trails?

The trail was a tad overgrown, and my bug net would get caught from time to time, but nothing too bad. My low water supply worried me, however. I called my wife and asked if my son could meet me on the trail with some water. I had about 6 miles to go and a 1/2 liter left. The trail was mostly downhill, although I did have one climb that forced me to drink a bit more. I ate a few Mike & Ike’s from time to time to keep my energy up. I finished my dried apricots and jerky as well. I miscalculated my water, but no need to bonk by not keeping fueled.

With just under two miles to the junction, I began to keep an eye out for Ben. Judging my pace, what I estimated his driving time, then his hiking time, I should be seeing him soon. I spotted him at the top of a small climb and told him to wait. He was a welcome sight. I drink about a liter and a Gatorade. The sun was getting low, so we set off. We made our way back down the trail. Ben pointed out where he had to gamble to With just under two miles to the junction, I began to keep an eye out for Ben. Judging my pace, what I estimated his driving time, then his hiking time, I should be seeing him soon. I spotted him at the top of a small climb and told him to wait. He was a welcome sight. I drink about a liter of water and a Gatorade. The sun was getting low, so we set off. We made our way back down the trail. Ben pointed out where he had to gamble to reach me. I told him to take the Dripping Springs trail toward Crosby Saddle. I forgot that the junction sign points differently. Glad he chose the right one. We reached the end of the trail and made the walk through the campground. When we reached our cars, he made sure I was truly ok.

He then headed home, as he had a big event he was overseeing the next morning. I changed my shirt and shoes and drank the cold water I had in the car. I grabbed a burger on the way home and drank a large Coke. Other than my water error, I actually felt pretty good. Tired and a bit sore, but almost 24 miles (plus 0.8 miles in the campground) with 4,700+ feet of elevation gain might do that. The next day, I measured exactly what I had left, a whopping 4 oz. For the last two miles. Did I need to call for help? Maybe, maybe not. I would have been very miserable for those last couple of miles for sure. It was wise to put my ego aside and ask for it. I am certainly going to be adding a bit more water for any future harder hikes. The final stats for this near-marathon were 23.8 miles, in 13:11 with a healthy 4,708 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!

A “berry” good time at Kanaka Flats

The parking lot was empty when we arrived. It was just after 7:30, and Ted and I were hoping that our early start would let us avoid some of the forecasted heat. We cruised down the wide trail/road, with the occasional cow or two off to the side.

After crossing the creek, we began the climb up toward Kanaka Flat. Once there, we turned north, then left the main trail and followed a well-used cow path that led us up to the ridge. The path faded into the grasses, but we pushed southward along the ridge. I found the rock pile again, and after double-checking our position on Peakbagger, we had reached the summit.

We snapped a few photos and then discussed our descent. Option 1: retrace our route. Option 2: follow a path down toward the east and rejoin the trail there. Option 3: Continue southward along the ridgeline until we rejoined the main trail. We chose option 3. We were soon back on the main trail and headed back to the trailhead. We met a few other folks heading out while we hustled back to the back. Along the way, we stopped and picked a few blackberries growing along the side of the trail. While some were tart, a couple were nice and ripe. Once back at the car, we tossed in our gear while a nearby horse trailer was being unloaded. The car said it was already 82°F! This longer loop was 6.7 miles, and we covered it in 2:25. Our total elevation gain was 912 feet.

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!

Returning up Van Dam Peak

Continuing to push toward Ted Markus to complete the 100 Peak Challenge, I suggested we hit a couple of local peaks after work. Our first peak was Van Dam Peak, a small peak near the I-15 and CA-56. This peak is very popular with mountain bikers, so climbing this peak during off-hours is a safer call. We parked next to the school and started our ascent. We could see how the trail has been enhanced for mountain bikers; built-up turns and jumps being the most obvious.

Soon we found ourselves at the summit, took a few quick photos, and hustled back down as we wanted to grab one more peak before meeting our wives for dinner. The hike was 1.37 miles long, which we did in 37 minutes, and had an elevation gain of 350 feet.

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!

Climbing Bernardo Mountain

I met Becca at the Piedras Pintadas Trailhead for a hike up Bernardo Mountain. She had never climbed it, and since she only had a few hours, this seemed like a perfect choice. We finally had our first heat wave, so we agreed on an early start to try to beat the heat. The parking lot was empty when I arrived, and Becca arrived soon thereafter. We grabbed our gear and set off down the bike path, then across the bridge. The lake is still mostly dry, as work continues on the Lake Hodges Dam.

The summit was hidden under the marine layer as we turned off the main trail and onto the Bernardo Mountain Trail. A stream of trail runners came down the trail, and we let them pass. We continued along the trail, and mountain bikers would pass us from time to time, along with some other hikers and runners.

We reached the summit, and enjoyed it to ourselves for a bit, and took in the views, as the marine layer had burned off. Puffy clouds hung across the sky as we made our way back down from the summit. More and more hikers and bikers filled the trail, reminding me why I usually hike this peak during the weekdays. When we got back to the car, the temperature was in the mid-80s at 9:30 in the morning. I tracked the hike as 6.6 miles in length and did it in 2:59, and had 832 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!

Back atop Mount Elden

I awoke before dawn and quickly packed up my campsite. Today was going to be the final peak in my Arizona Summer Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge. I drove back down toward Flagstaff and pulled into the trailhead. Along the way, I caught a beautiful sunrise through the overcast skies. A few cars were in the lot when I pulled in. With the showers that hit Flagstaff yesterday, I was mindful of the skies as I set off. The trail started off mellow before really starting its climb to the summit. If you are familiar with the hike up Mt. Baden-Powell from Vincent Gap, you know that you get to enjoy a lot of switchbacks.

I climbed from one to another, enjoying the views of the east side of Flagstaff. Partway up, I started to feel a few sprinkles coming down. I stopped and stored my electronics in a ziplock bag in my pack and continued on. After a while, I pulled my phone back out to continue taking photos of the hike. Soon I was passing through more Aspens, and I knew the summit was drawing near. A hiker and his dog, who had run past me earlier, were making their way down. He congratulated me on having a strong hike. That made my day! This past year has been one of a lot of transformations, and the weight loss and its benefits have been so welcomed.

The lookout tower was now before me, and the wind was blowing at a good clip. I found some shelter behind a building and ate a quick snack. I grabbed some summit photos and began my descent, as visitors are not allowed up this tower. The descent went quickly, with my thoughts shifting to the long drive home. I passed a few other hikers making their way up the trail. Before too long, the switchbacks ended, and the end of the trail drew near. I did the 5.15-mile climb in 3:06, with a healthy 2,300 feet of gain. More meaningful was that I was 2 hours faster than last time. I am still processing that fact. Also, that peak completed the Arizona Summer Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge (and my 5th different challenge overall).

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!

Up O’Leary Peak

I awoke around dawn from my campsite next to Sunset Crater National Monument. Off to the north stood my destination for the day, O’Leary Peak. I made a nice breakfast over the camp stove before I gathered my gear to head out. Bonita Campground was just south of the service road that I would take to the summit. Rather than pack everything up to make the short drive out of my campsite and over to the actual trailhead, I simply hiked a bit cross-country. I did have to make a small scramble over an ancient lava flow, however. Once on the service road, I backtracked about 300 yards to the formal start of the trail, since I was filming this hike. And with that, I set off down the road. The first part of the hike was very mellow, as the road worked its way gently past the edge of the Bonita Lava Flow, then the boundary of Sunset Crater National Monument. At the base of the peak, the road began its climb. Thankfully, being a road, the grade was nothing dramatic.

I kept cruising along, with views of Sunset Crater to my south, Darton Dome to my east, O’Leary rising above me to the north, and mighty Humphreys Peak to my west. Partway up, I saw the dust cloud of a car driving up the road, and moved to the side to let it pass. This was the person who would be staffing the tower, making their way to the summit. I continued on climbing toward the summit. As I passed through the saddle between Darton Dome and O’Leary, I knew I was almost there.

Soon, the tower came into view, and I had reached the summit. I slipped off my pack and took a few photos from the summit. Shawn, who passed me earlier, invited me up the tower. I mentioned I had been in many towers before, so the “Fire Lookout Tower Intro Talk” wasn’t needed. We chatted about various things, including the Dragon Bravo Fire. He shared some video taken by his colleagues of the fire and the aftermath of the Lodge at the North Rim. After about 30 minutes, I said farewell and wished him an easy day. The return from the summit went quickly. From time to time, I would move a rock off to the side of the road to prevent an accidental flat tire. The entire hike was 9.91 miles with 2,032 feet of gain, and I had a moving time of 3:06. After cleaning up at the campsite, I drove into town to take care of some online chores and attend an orientation session for grad school. Just one more peak to climb to finish off the Arizona Summer Six Pack of Peaks Challenge!

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!

Return to Bear Mountain

I wanted to try to complete the Arizona Summer Six Pack of Peaks Challenge before I started grad school, and in case the Coconino Forest became closed (which has happened in the past). Unfortunately, I could not stay with my friends in Flagstaff, so I had to work out how I was going to string together the three remaining peaks. The plan was for me to drive to North Phoenix and stay in a hotel, then wake up very, very early to get to the trailhead for Bear Mountain in Sedona. It was still quite toasty there, so an almost sunrise start was called for. The drive over was uneventful, and I had a good night’s sleep in the hotel; however, 4 am still came way too early. I grabbed a shower, then breakfast from the nearby Waffle House, and hit the road. I had hiked this mountain about 4 years ago, so I was familiar enough with the effort and basic route. I had wanted to hike Wilson Mountain, but the length of it and the temperature did not seem to make a good pair. I pulled into the parking lot, and a few cars were already there. This is a shared parking area with Doe Mountain, so I wasn’t sure who might also be attempting Bear Mountain. I grabbed my pack and headed off. The early morning sun really showcased the red rocks around me.

After crossing three small drainages, the trail began its first ascent. I remembered the duality of this hike, gentle sections and sections of steep, cliff-face hiking. The first of those cliff-face sections soon appeared, and I could feel the difference between the years. While sweat still dripped from my head, I felt so much stronger. White blazes guided me along the trail, as much of it is on rock, so you are rarely going to see footprints in the dirt to help guide you. I remembered the rocky nature of this trail and thoughtfully brought the rubber tips for my poles. Those certainly helped throughout the hike.

The trail eased after the first cliff face, then up the next one. Bear Mountain was finally in view, as it is hidden from the parking lot. The trail worked its way around and continued the climb. Fay Canyon to the north came into view.

I pushed up the last section, and soon the End of Trail marker came into view. I found some shade under a nearby tree and took a break. I didn’t want to stay too long, as the day was getting hot and there was little shade on this hike. I snapped a few photos around the cairn and some panoramic shots of the views, then headed down.

It went quickly, although I did drift off the trail once or twice, but only for a couple of minutes. I had a sense I might have missed a blaze, and I was right. This is where all those trail miles pay off. Soon, I was starting to see the parking area, and I knew my hike would soon be complete. I logged the hike at 4.69 miles with 2,057 feet of gain in 3:06. On the way out of town, I grabbed a cold soda from McDonald’s and headed off to my next Arizona Adventure.

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!