Bayside Trail

For most visitors to the Cabrillo National Monument, they will head to the visitor’s center, then the statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, then eventually make the small climb to view the Old Lighthouse. But as you work your way up the paved road toward the lighthouse, there is a sign pointing indicating the start of the Bayside Trail.

This ‘peak’, is actually a reverse peak. Derek wanted something along our coast for the challenge, and this hike, although inverted fit the bill.

Once you reach the turn-off from the road, the trail turns to a wide rocky dirt path. A nice bench sits at the top, so that might be a welcome sight upon your return.

The trail works it is way down along the cliffside for 1.6 miles until it ends with a nice view of San Diego Bay. When you are done with the view, you get to hike back up the trail.

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.

Denk Tank Mountain

I did this peak after work again. Thankfully, I remembered all my gear this time. I opted to take the entire Switchback Trail to the summit.

While the skies were overcast, as June Gloom was in full force, flowers did line the sides of the trail.

Encountered a couple of mountain bikers working their way up, and a few other trail users during the entire trip.

I returned from the summit the same way as my first time at the peak.

Torrey Pines – Red Butte

This peak was added as a replacement for Peak 4156. Since I had to drop my daughter off at school for a very late start, I thought I would head over to Torrey Pines and get a quick hike in.

I found parking along the coast and headed south along the Coast Highway. The “trail” follows the road to the top of the bluffs. Tourists, joggers, and bikers were making their way up and down (not the bikers, new rules for them – one-way only now).

Leaving the western parking lot, I followed a well-maintained trail for a bit. Most will continue on down toward the beach or an overlook, but to reach Red Butte, you make a right turn. The trail passes through a nice short shaded section (this might be a precursor to a portion of Agua Tibia).

The butte is a small area, with a few folks atop it admiring the view. I snapped a few photos and head back down (that work thing…). I opted to take the other trail back, making it a small lollipop hike.

I wanted to go to the top of the Torrey Highland and photograph the benchmark, but that trail was closed for maintenance. Coming down the road, you are rewarded with some lovely views of the Los Penasquitos Marsh.

Black Mountain (via Service Road)

When I decided to reboot my 100 Peak Challenge, I figured I should start with the peak in my backyard, Black Mountain. Normally I hike it via the Nighthawk trail, but this time I decided to do it via the service road.

The road is mostly on the southwest side of the mountain, so I was glad to be doing it early in the morning before the became too warm. Once I reached the summit, Rancho Peñasquitos, Carmel Valley, and Del Mar lay before me.

I snapped a few photos and headed back down. Now to work out the details of this reboot. Now that I have a lot more knowledge about almost all of the hikes I need to do again, I am sure I can work out a smarter strategy for hiking them.

Santa Fe Valley Trail

The starting point for this hike is the same parking area that I used when I did the Del Dios Gorge hike for the previous year’s Coast To Crest Challenge. This time I was headed west through a portion of the Santa Fe valley.

The trail begins by following the edge of a private golf course, then ducks beneath a bridge that crosses the San Dieguito River.

After a while, I came to the first of a series of switchbacks that I would encounter. The trail dipped down into a small canyon before climbing up the second series of switchbacks that would take me toward the eventual selfie-spot.

From here I had a nice view of the valley. After taking the picture, I retrace my route and called it a day.

Denk Tank Mountain

Denk Tank Mountain is located in the Rancho La Costa Preserve and is a trek up switchbacks that offers panoramic views of the Batiquitos Lagoon, the Pacific Ocean, and the city of San Diego. I decided to summit this peak one Friday after work since the family was not going to be home and I work in Carlsbad. Well, the best-laid plans…I packed everything except for my hiking shoes. I opted to race home and fight the traffic back to the trailhead.

The trailhead is near the beginning of Corte Romero street, where you’ll see a wooden trail marker with a pouch for informational brochures.

The trail up Denk Tank mountain is a narrow single track that winds through the coastal sage scrub. There is a network of trails that criss-cross the mountainside, so depending on your mood, energy or time can make this hike fit your needs. I knew I was going to be fighting daylight and opted for the quickest route up.

Along the way, I did encounter a few mountain bikers enjoying the trails as well.

As you near the summit you will see a wood awning in the distance. Follow the trail straight toward the awnings to complete your hike to the summit of Denk Tank Mountain. At the top, you’ll find two benches and a picnic table where you can sit and relax in the shade. Additionally, there is a workstation for mountain bikers.

With light fading, I began my trek back down to the car. Soon, I was rewarded with a spectacular sunset.

I made my way down in no time, taking care in the dark with my footsteps, looking forward to tomorrow’s summits…

San Dieguito Lagoon Trail

While three of the hikes on this year’s San Dieguito River Foundation’s Coast to Crest Challenge have been peaks, this hike was a nice flat stroll along the end of the San Dieguito River as it empties into the Pacific Ocean.

After crossing under the 5, the trail headed due west until it reaches Jimmy Duarte blvd. after crossing over the River, I headed westward. Passing the newly opened Viewpoint Brewing, I reached the designated selfie spot.

This hike’s selfie spot is the viewing platform for the wetlands. I snapped my photo and headed back. Sadly I needed to be home for dinner, and could not stop off and sample some of their brews.

Mother Miguel Mountain

With the temperatures predicted to be high everywhere except near the coast, I decided this was the perfect time to drive down and summit Mother Miguel. The ascent began under a blanket of fog. It was thick enough that I had to assist a runner coming down the trail with some directions.

The trail quickly snakes its way up the mountain, and soon the fog burned off revealing a lovely view of the South Bay,

Once the switchbacks end, the trail turns northward toward the summit.

The summit is adorned with a POW/MIA flag in addition to the Stars and Stripes. The return down the mountain was uneventful.

Black Mountain (via Nighthawk Trail)

I can see this peak from my house. I have lost count of the number of times I have trekked to the top of this peak.

My two standard routes are either via the Nighthawk trail or via Miner’s Ridge. Either route is nice, both eventually intersect the access road to the summit. Miner’s Ridge is along the northeast side of the mountain so you can get some shade if you are hiking in the afternoon. The summit is home to a variety of communication towers, so the view is slightly obstructed. Regardless, it still offers a nice view of Carmel Valley and Del Mar to the west.