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.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I co-authored 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. I’ve also conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and both the Arizona-Winter and Arizona-Summer).

I look forward to exploring new summits and adventures across the Southwest.

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.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I co-authored Urban Trails: San Diego, available now!

I look forward to exploring new summits and adventures across the Southwest.

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…

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I co-authored Urban Trails: San Diego, available now!

I look forward to exploring new summits and adventures across the Southwest.

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.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I co-authored Urban Trails: San Diego, available now!

I look forward to exploring new summits and adventures across the Southwest.

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.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I co-authored Urban Trails: San Diego, available now!

I look forward to exploring new summits and adventures across the Southwest.

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.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I co-authored Urban Trails: San Diego, available now!

I look forward to exploring new summits and adventures across the Southwest.