Lawson Peak

The final summits for 2017 were the duo of Lawson and Gaskill peaks. Ted and I drove out past Jamul to the trailhead just off Lyons Valley Road.

The trail follows Carvacre Road for about 1.9 miles, gaining about 1,000 feet of elevation. The road is somewhat rutted, so you do have to watch your footing some. The peak is not initially visible, but will soon loom before you as the road works it way up.

As we drew closer to the peak, we passed a massive granite outcropping near the junction with Wisecraver road. Here is where the real effort begins to reach the summit. A nice trail begins the steep ascent through the brush and boulders until we reached the base of the real challenge of Lawson peak.

Circling around to the north-west side, we found the 20-foot high chute that we needed to climb. We carefully tested the rope and work our way up into the cave at the top.

We worked our way through the small cave to arrive near the summit.

From there, we scrambled to the top.

There we were rewarded with sweeping views, Gaskill to the north, Lyons peak to the south.

I checked in with the family and my daughter was feeling under the weather, so I needed to head home. So, Gaskill was going to have to wait for another day. We carefully worked ourselves back down the chute and back to the main road. Soon we were back at the car, with time to shower and rest up before our New Years’ Eve celebrations.

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 both the Arizona-Winter and Arizona-Summer). 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.

Sycuan Peak

After three peaks the day before, I opted to just grab a shorter peak on Sunday. Sycuan Peak fits that bill perfectly. Ted and I made the drive out to the trailhead. I was thankful to have some extra eyes, as there wasn’t much parking on the road and the trailhead was easy to miss. Once we began up the trail, we did see the sign for the ecological preserve.

The trail immediately started climbing steeply. Portions of the trail were quite rutted as well continued our ascent, but soon we found ourselves scrambling over the rocks to reach the summit.

I don’t think there was a register, but we did find the benchmark. After a short rest, we headed back down to the car.

Ramona Benchmark

The trailhead to the Ramona Benchmark looks like a dirt path in a vacant lot between houses. After a couple of minutes of hiking, you will come to the entrance sign to Simon County Park.

From there, I followed the wide trail leading up to the grassy ridge that is Ramona Peak. Soon, you will begin your ascent to the ridgeline. Once at the top you can follow the trail to the north end of the ridgeline.

Once there you can sit and enjoy the views from the bench. There is no benchmark to be found nor the register. Looking around you can be thankful that this section of Ramona was not developed. This would be a summit that I would not want to do in the summer.

Corte Madera

Known as the Half Dome of San Diego, this was a fun hike with Dave and Ted in tow. Located in the Pine Mountain Wilderness, we found one of the few parking spots and began our hike along a dirt road under the shade of coast live oaks. Once we reached the Espinosa trail, we began to slowly climb up toward the saddle between Los Pinos Mountain and Corte Madera.

Turning northward, we passed near the summit of Coulter Peak, working our way through the chaparral along a single-use trail. Eventually, the trail reaches the summit of Corte Madera.

We took a nice break, enjoying some snacks and the view. Corte Madera’s dramatic south face plays host to a number of nesting birds of prey, including falcons, hawks, and golden eagles. These birds tend to nest during the late fall, winter, and early spring months. Cleveland National Forest has introduced seasonal closures along the mountain’s sheer cliff. We did not spot anything flying while we rested.

Returning back to the saddle, we considered adding in the extra miles and elevation to Los Pinos Lookout. But, we were tired and decided to save it for another day.

Rock Mountain

UPDATE:

Rock Mountain Preserve is currently CLOSED until further notice due to erosion and unsafe trail conditions.

This short hike is tucked away past Fallbrook. I summited it after bagging Monserate Mountain which is not too far away. The trailhead is well marked and has room for about 5-6 cars.

The trail itself is a bit beat up, with some serious rutting in some sections. One of the more interesting sights on this trail is the two abandoned (and spray-painted) cars. It is not quite clear how they even got there.

As you near the summit, the trail becomes quite steep, and the final push to the top weaves you through some boulders. Once you are there you are rewarded with a nice view.

Monserate Mountain

This peak is near Fallbrook, just past where the 15 and 76 meet. The first time I attempted this summit, I turned back due to the heat. Although I started from the trailhead at 8 am, the thermometer was about 85°. The forecast had predicted for the heatwave to break overnight. They were wrong. About halfway up, I could feel the effects and opted to turn back. I grew up a Bakersfield and know how dangerous heat can be.

I return the following weekend and began hiking up the trail. This time the weather was mild and slightly overcast.

I opted to do the full loop, rather than a simple up and back. The trail itself is a wide fire road and is popular with the locals looking for exercise. The backside of the loop had few people on the trail. With the nearby housing that is being built nearby, I expect this trail will become more popular. The summit has had its benchmark replaced.

Clevenger Canyon-San Pasqual South Trail

Just past the San Diego Safari Park, are the trailheads to San Pasqual North and South. These trails are also referred to as Clevenger Canyon North and South. The south trail is the more visited trail of the two, in part for its views of the San Pasqual Valley and the famous chairs near the summit.

The day started off with a slight mishap, went I went to grab my water bladder, it had leaked! I apparently did not close it fully, so I headed back into Escondido and bought some water at the nearest store, and high-tailed it back to the trailhead. It was August and it was going to get hot.

The trail works its way up the south side of the canyon, making a series of switchbacks until it starts to turn eastward. I crossed over a dry stream before working my way up another section of minor switchbacks. Finally, the chairs came into view!

Initially, you might wonder how much effort it would have taken to haul these two chairs up here, the material for the foundation and the stairs. Then you look to the east and see the house and private road…

The view from the chairs gives you a commanding view of the San Pasqual Valley. After soaking in the vista, I decided to follow the trail onto the north point.

I thought that the end of the trail was the destination for the 100 Peak Challenge. As I learned to use CalTopo and PeakBagger.com, I discovered the peak that I was supposed to have summited was a bump off to the south before the chairs.

Clevenger Canyon-San Pasqual North Trail

Just past the San Diego Safari Park, are the trailheads to San Pasqual North and South. These trails are also referred to as Clevenger Canyon North and South. This trail descends down from the road past some granite boulders to Santa Ysabel Creek, which can either be a dry, sandy creek bed, a series of puddles, or a raging torrent depending on recent precipitation or lack thereof.

From the trailhead to the creek, you will see a fair amount of trash and graffiti. But once you begin the actual climb to the summit, these will fade away. The trail is not heavily trafficked so it can be slightly overgrown as you make your way up the switchbacks to the summit. Once there, you are rewarded with a nice view of the valley.

Del Dios Gorge

One of the five hikes that make up this year’s Coast to Crest Challenge is a hike along the Del Dios Gorge to the Rattlesnake Viewpoint. I never knew there was a trail along the gorge. Usually, I am paying attention to the winding road. I pulled into the parking area bright and early as I had an event later in the morning.

The trail follows the San Dieguito River east toward the Lake Hodges dam. The river was flowing as I crossed over it. There is always something special about a bridge.

Soon I was at the end of the trail. There was a nice interactive art piece. It provides a viewport toward the dam. I snapped my required photo and enjoyed the morning sun in the fog.

I cruised back to the car one hike closer to finishing this Challenge!

Van Dam Peak

Another short hike that is perfect for an after-work excursion. This peak sits near the end of the 56 freeway and the 15 in Poway. The trailhead I started from was at the end of a cul-de-sac. Passing through some houses, I could imagine the adventures the neighborhood kids would have in this open space (or the mischief ).

The trail quickly rises up to the ridgeline. I opted to head north to the principle summit and the graffitied slab. The sounds of the freeway’s afternoon traffic were muted, but still noticeable. That was offset but the crunch of dirt under my hiking boots. After enjoying the view, I headed back toward the car, making a detour to the south summit.