San Elijo Lagoon

After a visit to my dentist (no cavities), I stopped at San Elijo Lagoon and strolled around the lagoon and some of the trails there. The Visitor Center was closed due to Covid-19. But I have since been back when it was open and it is quite nice. For the more adventurous, you can hike down to the other side of the lagoon and explore Annie’s Canyon.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. 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 Arizona-Winter). Beyond attempting the San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list a second time, I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.

Los Penasquitos

Like Black Mountain, this trail is almost in my backyard. While I have hiked it numerous times, I respected the rules of the San Diego County Parks’ Tour Our Trails Challenge and hiked it again. I really did not feel like taking many photos beyond the required one at the waterfall. I will say, if you have never hiked it, please do so.

Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

Recently, the County of San Diego’s Parks and Recreation department created a Tour Our Trails challenge. They even printed “passport” books to log your hikes. Since I have been focused on two other challenges (San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peaks and the 2020-2021 Coast to Crest Challenge), I had not started on these hikes. The 15 hikes are grouped into three categories; easy, moderate, and hard. I needed to pick up something from a fellow hiker who lives in the South Bay, so I decided to do a quick stroll through part of the Sweetwater Summit Regional Park.

Each hike has a designated photo opp, and for this hike it was Morrison Pond. I pulled into the parking lot and grabbed my gear. Just then, four horseback riders were just returning from their ride. I set off along the trail to explore the park a bit before viewing the pond. I easily crossed the trickle of water that is the Sweetwater river and headed east for a while. Once I reached the junction with another trail, I headed back toward the pond.

Along the way, I passed a couple of families enjoying the trails. This is a great place to bring your little ones, as the trail is nice and flat. I circled around the pond, enjoying the view for a bit. I then returned to the car and finished my errand. I am looking forward to the other 14 hikes, especially the ones I have never done.

Torrey Pines State Park Extension

Ever since March, I have been exploring some of my local peaks. One peak, Torrey Pines State Park High Point (that’s a mouthful), has been on my list for a while. This ‘peak’ sits within the extension to the state park, and had been closed for some time due to Covid-19. The extension has several trailheads to start from, but I opted for the trailhead closest to the high point near the school, & set off along the Red Ridge Trail. It passes by several multi-million dollar homes before entering the state park. The trail was nice and flat, and as I made my way to the end, a few Torrey pines lined the trail. According to Peakbagger, the actual high point was located in a section that was beyond the roped off area. Close enough for me. The view from the end of this little trail was lovely. I had a sweeping view of the lagoon and Torrey Pines SP.

With the knee feeling good, I set off toward the D.A.R. viewpoint. I followed the trail down into the gully, then turned up to go back up another trail to climb up to the viewpoint. The sun was setting over the Pacific Ocean. While I could have done something closer to my house, I wanted to enjoy the sunset over the water.

I then began working my way back to the car, and decided to take an alternate route back. I wanted to take the Gully Trail, but I discovered it was closed. I debated returning the same way I had come, or loop back through the streets. Since I was close to the streets, I decided to take that route. As I returned to my car, the trailhead was filled with cars, some were probably folks I passed along the trails, but others were just sitting there enjoying a spectacular view.

Lusardi Creek

Decided to start this year’s Coast to Crest Challenge with the hike that is almost behind my house, the Lusardi Creek Trail. I have done this trail several times, but this time I decided to use the challenge’s start and finish spot off Camino Del Sur. I typically start from the Black Mountain Sports Park when hiking this trail. I hit the trail just before sunrise, critical since we are having yet another heatwave. I carefully crossed the flowing creek and headed east into the rising sun.

As I approached where I would leave the canyon, I pulled up the annotated AllTrails map. It had me ascending via the Lusardi Creek Trail. I could see a slightly less used trail branching off and I started down it, but after about 20 yards or so, it began to fade away. I returned to the junction and decided I must have misread my map. So, I headed along the other fork. After I felt I had traveled enough for any GPS issues, I rechecked my position, and I was not on the route that AllTrails was showing. I looked at the route, saw the terrain and topo lines, and ventured upward.

Working my way carefully upward, I am thinking I must have done something wrong. I knew I did not have far to go and I am comfortable traveling cross-country. I located the other trail and cruised down it to the selfie spot. Part of me thought about just walking the quarter mile back home and getting the car later, but I really wanted to see if I could find that missing trail from this side.

I worked my way back along the main trail, looking for any signs of a trail. Nope, there was nothing to be found, so I followed the service road I normally use back down into the canyon and eventually back to the car.

Once I was home, I started looking further into this. I knew something was amiss with the route. I pulled up the track again on my phone and on my computer. They were showing two different routes. Crazy! In chatting with Susie, who did it the day before, we discovered she also had AllTrails display the route up Lusardi Creek Trail. Never fear, it seems the issue has been corrected, but it is a good tale of doing your research before hitting the trails.

Annie’s Canyon

Nestled along the south side of San Elijo Lagoon is a small sandstone slot canyon, known as Annie’s Canyon. This short hike out to explore is perfect for a quick family outing. There are several possible routes to it; we opted to start from the North Rios trailhead and hike along the south shore of the lagoon. Those looking for a longer hike could start at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature center on the north side of the lagoon and hike over from there. A new bridge under the I-5 will also soon allow access to this hike as well.

We walked along the trail, enjoying the lagoon and its wildlife. We passed the junction that leads up to Holmwood Lane. Following the trail eastward for about 1/4 of a mile until we came to Annie’s Canyon. The route is a one-way counter-clockwise adventure through the narrow sandstone slot and up the metal ladders to the overlook. If you choose not to venture into the canyon, continue eastward then take the trail up to the viewpoint.

Those who squeeze through the canyon, are rewarded with a unique experience. For quite some time this canyon was closed to the public due to the tremendous amount of vandalism that occurred here. But through a lot of hard work and dedication, volunteers cleaned it up and the canyon was reopened to the public.

After climbing the ladders you will reach the viewpoint giving you a chance to look down into the canyon some. Once done taking in the views, head back down toward the lagoon and back to your trailhead.

Peak 590 & Miramar Benchmark

I had a nice walkabout this morning. Decided to keep it local and go visit some of the peaks that show up on Peakbagger’s Near By list. I parked near the Chili’s and headed down Cara Way.

Soon, the Los Peñasquitos Creek Arch Bridge came into view, and then the Cara Knott Crime Victim’s Memorial Oak Garden. I paused to reflect on all the names here before I continued on.

Leaving the road, the route became a single track as it works its way around the pumping station. The path followed Peñasquito creek for a bit before making its way to the top of Peak 590.

I gazed at Van Dam peak and tried to find less-traveled routes to the summits. I decided to make the trip a loop, so I took the east path down the hill. I soon found myself back at Scripps-Poway Parkway. Along the way, I did encounter a few mountain bikers, a couple of runners, and one hiker.

Next on the list was Miramar Benchmark, so I crossed under the 15 and entered Canyon Hills Open Space. I headed up the service road to the summit. It was straightforward forward walk up the wide dirt road. I meet two walkers along the way. As I neared the summit, the first of two picnic benches were found.

At the summit, some Aqueduct elements stood at the summit. I found one mark, but the real marks were not located.

I grabbed a few photos and headed down. All in all, a nice 5 miles.

Carmel Mountain Preserve

When the city of San Diego reopened some of the parks and open areas, I decided to explore Carmel Mountain Preserve. I had driven past it hundreds of times but never bothered to explore it.

As it turned there are three peaks within its borders; Carmel Mountain, Mesquite Benchmark, and Carmel Arête. My route would be a basic out and back. The entrance I picked as next to Ocean Air Rec Center. From here I climbed the small hill to the main mesa. The trail here was nice and wide, so I would be able to avoid anyone might encounter.

According to the topo map, the high point for Carmel Mountain was west of the trail. I hopped off the trail poking my way around the brush. Since this is a mesa, there really isn’t much of a view.

Next on the list was Mesquite Benchmark. Hoping I would be able to locate it, I passed by one of the vernal pools. Sadly, not many are left in the county. As I neared the location of the mark, I kept my eyes peeled.

There, just to the side of the trail partially under some brush was the benchmark! After not hiking over a month, it felt good to find one again.

My third target was Carmel Arête. The trail now became a single track, but since I had yet to encounter anyone, I was not worried. The trail dips down some before working its way across a narrow saddle. I stood atop it and snapped a few photos. I retraced my route, it was lovely to be back out on a trail.

Santa Monica Ridge, Low South Benchmark, Peak 557, and Sol Benchmark

With the stay local restrictions still in place, I decided to explore some of the local peaks listed in the Near By tab of Peakbagger: Santa Monica Ridge, Low South Benchmark, Peak 557, and Sol Benchmark. Since my knee was still not at 100%, these should be perfect to test it out. First up was Santa Monica Ridge, which is located in the Del Mar Mesa Preserve. Odds are I probably have been here, as this is one of my favorite ways to enter Los Peñasquitos Canyon. But for the sake of certainty, I decided to hike out to it.

The morning fog still hung over me as I quickly worked my way to the top of the bump. There is no cairn or other mark to denote it, so I took a screenshot of my location atop the mark and returned to my car. An older couple was just entering the trail, so I let them pass before passing through the gate.

Next on the list was Low South Benchmark, near Fairbanks Ranch. I drove by this every day coming home from work. I found a parking spot and headed up the trail. After a short stroll up the hill, I reached where the benchmark should be. And there, under the power line tower, it was.

Snapping the photo and headed back down, the sun was starting to burn off the fog as I headed for my third destination, Peak 557.

Parking on Artesian Road, I headed down the service road for the SD aqueduct. This peak would have some actual hiking involved, so I was looking forward to it after the two quickies earlier. Crossing the flowing stream, I left the service road behind and headed down the Del Sur Lusardi Connector Trail. Shortly I crossed back over the creak and started climbing up to the summit of peak 557. Some jumps had been added to the trail, so I kept my ears open for any mountain bikers. I did encounter a couple coming down the trail. Sadly they were not wearing any masks.

I found myself at the summit. There is nothing to denote it, so a photo would have to do. I decided to make it a loop of sorts. The fog had mostly lifted, and Black Mountain stood clearly to the southeast.

Soon I was passing the sheepherder’s trailer on my way back to the car. Yes, sheepherder. Their sheep used locally to control the grasses and wildfire danger.

The final summit of the day was Sol Benchmark. This little bump sits to the north of Bernardo Center Drive. I pulled off on Camino Crisalida. and parked. Crossing the oddly quiet road, I headed up the dirt service road. Eventually, this rutted road ends and transitions to overgrown singletrack. The trail drops down a ravine before climbing out of it and rejoining the service road. From here a trail leads to the summit. Once there I scoured the brush to see if I might find the Benchmark. But like the others, came up empty.

I decided to turn this hike into a loop. I worked my way down the hill toward the homes to the west. Unfortunately, there is not a trail connecting to the street. I followed a rain gutter for a while before pushing my way down to the street. With that, the ‘fun’ part was over and after about a quarter mile I was back at the car. Another near-by crossed off the list.

Mother Miguel Mountain

Since I had some personal commitments in the morning, a full day of hiking was not in the cards. But I still had a couple of hikes that I had classified as “in-town”. Ted Markus was free and we thought a sunset from atop Mother Miguel would be a perfect choice. We first stopped by A16 to collect our completion rewards for doing the 3-Peak Challenge. Continuing down to Chula Vista, we found parking right next to the trailhead. It was unseasonably warm, so we were both in shorts and short-sleeves as we headed onto the trail.

Recently the trail underwent some realignment and I was curious to see the changes. The trail now follows a switchback route rather than the brutal old direct route. The barbed wire serves as a barrier against using the old trail. The trail is in great shape. So much nicer than Cowles.

We reached the summit with about 30 minutes to kill before the actual sunset. The nearly full moon had risen to the east, and a stream of planes made their approach to the airport passed overhead.

Soon, the sun’s final glow was fading and it was time to begin our descent. Ted was enjoying using the camera on his iPhone 11 to capture the fading glow. Soon we found ourselves back at the car, and peak #80 was now in the bag!