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…

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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.

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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.

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