A loop through Arroyo Seco

I pulled into Green Valley Campground and paid my $10 day-use fee. Since the Cuyamaca Endurance 100k was happening, I found parking near the entrance rather than closer to the trailhead, which was being used by the racers. I gathered my gear and set off. I was also trying on my new Ridge Merino hoodie for this hike.

I planned to hike to the Arroyo Seco Primitive Campground, then continue up to the ridge and back down to the trailhead. The hike to the campground follows the Arroyo Seco Fire road. The grade is pretty gentle, so if you have a heavy pack or this is your first overnight adventure, it won’t feel like you are summiting Mt. Everest.

The campground has three sites. Site 1 is back behind the water pump. This water is intended for horses traveling through this area, so please bring your own. Just past this spot, you will see signage to sites 2 and 3, as well as the horse corrals and the path to the pit toilets. Both sites 2 and 3 have picnic tables and enough room for a tent.

After my survey, I continued along the fire road for a bit. When I arrived at the Fox Trail junction, I noticed that the racers had stayed on the fire road, so I took the Fox Trail. This single-track trail worked its way up the slope. I was sweating a bit, as my new shirt was keeping me a bit too toasty. Once it really starts to cool off, it is going to be perfect. Once on the ridge, I turned eastward and followed the West Mesa Trail back down. Since I was going to pass right by Airplane Ridge, I had to hop off the trail and bag that peak again. Unfortunately, it appears that the register is no longer there.

Once back on the main trail, I kept motoring on. I debated making the side trip to the Airplane Monument, but decided to skip it and follow the Monument Trail instead. From time to time, I had some sweeping views off to the east. Soon, I found myself approaching the campground as I passed the amphitheater just before reaching the parking lot. It was a nice loop for my first fall hike of 2025. I logged it at 5.28 miles in 2:07 with a gain of 999 feet.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

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). I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.

Bushwhacking to Middle Peak

Ted & I decided to work on another one of his remaining San Diego Sierra Club peaks. We had a few to choose from, but in the end, opted to go up Middle Peak. We arrived just after 8 am at the Trout Pond parking area, gathered our gear, and set off down Milk Ranch Road. There was a closure order posted for a portion of the trail, but I did not think we would pass by it. We turned right onto the Middle Peak Fire Road and began working our way toward the summit. We did pass the equipment that was being used for the restoration work, but being Saturday, they sat idle. As we neared the top, I began looking for the cairn that would indicate where to leave the fire road and begin the slog through the brush to the summit. I found it and we set off.

I remembered how much I hated this portion of the ascent. We slowly pushed past the overgrowth, trying to spot any cairns, either referring to my past track or just guessing for a bit. We climbed across slowly rotting trees, and as it had recently rained, they were a tad slippery. I can see why this peak was removed from the 100 Peak Challenge. Unless some maintenance is done for this portion, in a few years, it will become impassable. We pushed forward and reached the summit.

There was a register and a summit sign. The mediocre views I remembered from last time were gone, as the brush had grown over my head. After a quick snack and some water, we beat our way back down to the road. Instead of retracing our route, we continued on the fire road until it reached the Black Oak Trail. We followed it down to Milk Ranch Road, then eventually back to the car. It had warmed up, so we were glad to be done. Just 18 to go for Ted. The stats for the hike were: 6.2 miles, in 3:02, with an elevation gain of 1,197 feet.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Miscaluation in the Agua Tibia Wilderness…

With a nice weather forecast, I decided to tackle both Agua Tibia and Eagle Crag. I have hiked them before, Agua Tibia from Dripping Springs Campground and Eagle Crag from Cutca Valley Trail. I pulled into the hiker parking area at Dripping Springs just before 5:30. I put on my Osprey Talon for its inaugural hike. While I liked the Osprey Hikelite, I really missed having hip pockets. It was worth a bit more pack weight for the convenience. I finished my pre-hike water and set off. It was cool under the cloudless, starry sky. My headlamp guided me through the 4/10 mile walk through the campground. I went to sign the hike log, but none was to be had. The plan was to hike up to Agua Tibia, then continue on to Crosby Saddle. Depending on how I was feeling, I would push on to Eagle Crag. This was going to be a marathon hike.

The trail was in great shape, and even with just my headlamp to guide me, I cruised along. Slowly, the predawn light began to fill the eastern sky, and the outline of San Jacinto began to take form. I pushed on, heading ever upward. I reached the log that Ted and I took our breaks on the last time I hiked this trail. I paused for a quick snack, but kept on going, as I was feeling good. I reached the junction with the Palomar-McGee trail and continued onto it. Before too long, I began looking for the cairn that marked the turn off to the summit of Agua Tibia. From there I weaved my way along the use trail until I reached the summit. Here I took a nice break in the shade and enjoyed some well-earned snacks. I found the register, the benchmark, and two reference marks. For fun, I scrambled to the top of the summit block.

With that peak now checked off, it was time to hike into the unknown. From the trip reports I had read, the quality of the trail degrades past the Agua Tibia turnoff. The question was how bad? It was 2 miles down to Crosby Saddle, so off I went. Earlier, a trail runner had passed, and since I did not see him again, I had to assume that the trail was passable in some form.

The trail was certainly being overgrown, and I had to push the overgrowth away from time to time. None of it would be at the level of bushwhacking, yet. There were quite a few downed trees across the trail as well. Many I could step up and over, a few had me crawling under, and one required a bit of climbing to pass. From time to time, I could see Eagle Crag off to my south. I reached Crosby Saddle around when I expected to. However, I was not certain I would return through those last two miles on my return. I might gamble and take the Wild Horse Peak Trail back. But now it was time to push on toward my second peak, Eagle Crag.

The trail was a bit more overgrown at first and also had some downed trees. A few times, I just trusted my trail guts and pushed through the manzanita. When the brush wasn’t a problem, the trail was nice and wide, which let me cruise along nicely. However, flies became enough of a nuisance that I broke out the bug net. The day had warmed up some, but it was still pleasant, and I did have a modest amount of shade as well. Soon, I was standing in front of the cairn that marks the turn for the ascent to Eagle Crag. This is an incredibly steep scramble and one I was not looking forward to making again. I carefully worked my way up, each step was carefully placed as I slowly picked my route. There were a few more cairns, but I lost them. I tried to follow my best judgment through the terrain. A branch tore my sleeve, and my wrist was also bleeding as I bushwhacked through. Finally, I made it into more navigable terrain and worked my way closer. I found the cairns again and could see the crag! I zigzagged through the low manzanita bushes until I reached it. I slipped off my pack and found some shade to rest. I ate my lunch, drank some electrolytes, and ate some more. While I had bagged my second peak, I still had to hike out. I snapped some photos. I brought my tripod to photograph myself on the crag. I didn’t frame it right, and I cut off my head. Don’t ask why I didn’t check it before leaving.

As happens so often, the trail becomes easier to see on the descent, and I avoided all that nasty brush working my way down. The trail did vanish, so I worked my way into the gully and followed back to the trail. For those using this trip report as a guide, try to use my down route for your ascent. I had 1.5 liters of water left and about 12 miles of hiking. I was a bit worried about that fact.

Once back at the saddle, I had to decide which route to take. The return via Agua Tibia was shorter, but it had that less-than-pleasant section to deal with. Going past Wild Horse Peak was longer, but it seemed to look easier on the map. I opted for Wild Horse. Why not do a full survey of all the trails?

The trail was a tad overgrown, and my bug net would get caught from time to time, but nothing too bad. My low water supply worried me, however. I called my wife and asked if my son could meet me on the trail with some water. I had about 6 miles to go and a 1/2 liter left. The trail was mostly downhill, although I did have one climb that forced me to drink a bit more. I ate a few Mike & Ike’s from time to time to keep my energy up. I finished my dried apricots and jerky as well. I miscalculated my water, but no need to bonk by not keeping fueled.

With just under two miles to the junction, I began to keep an eye out for Ben. Judging my pace, what I estimated his driving time, then his hiking time, I should be seeing him soon. I spotted him at the top of a small climb and told him to wait. He was a welcome sight. I drink about a liter and a Gatorade. The sun was getting low, so we set off. We made our way back down the trail. Ben pointed out where he had to gamble to With just under two miles to the junction, I began to keep an eye out for Ben. Judging my pace, what I estimated his driving time, then his hiking time, I should be seeing him soon. I spotted him at the top of a small climb and told him to wait. He was a welcome sight. I drink about a liter of water and a Gatorade. The sun was getting low, so we set off. We made our way back down the trail. Ben pointed out where he had to gamble to reach me. I told him to take the Dripping Springs trail toward Crosby Saddle. I forgot that the junction sign points differently. Glad he chose the right one. We reached the end of the trail and made the walk through the campground. When we reached our cars, he made sure I was truly ok.

He then headed home, as he had a big event he was overseeing the next morning. I changed my shirt and shoes and drank the cold water I had in the car. I grabbed a burger on the way home and drank a large Coke. Other than my water error, I actually felt pretty good. Tired and a bit sore, but almost 24 miles (plus 0.8 miles in the campground) with 4,700+ feet of elevation gain might do that. The next day, I measured exactly what I had left, a whopping 4 oz. For the last two miles. Did I need to call for help? Maybe, maybe not. I would have been very miserable for those last couple of miles for sure. It was wise to put my ego aside and ask for it. I am certainly going to be adding a bit more water for any future harder hikes. The final stats for this near-marathon were 23.8 miles, in 13:11 with a healthy 4,708 feet of gain.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

A “berry” good time at Kanaka Flats

The parking lot was empty when we arrived. It was just after 7:30, and Ted and I were hoping that our early start would let us avoid some of the forecasted heat. We cruised down the wide trail/road, with the occasional cow or two off to the side.

After crossing the creek, we began the climb up toward Kanaka Flat. Once there, we turned north, then left the main trail and followed a well-used cow path that led us up to the ridge. The path faded into the grasses, but we pushed southward along the ridge. I found the rock pile again, and after double-checking our position on Peakbagger, we had reached the summit.

We snapped a few photos and then discussed our descent. Option 1: retrace our route. Option 2: follow a path down toward the east and rejoin the trail there. Option 3: Continue southward along the ridgeline until we rejoined the main trail. We chose option 3. We were soon back on the main trail and headed back to the trailhead. We met a few other folks heading out while we hustled back to the back. Along the way, we stopped and picked a few blackberries growing along the side of the trail. While some were tart, a couple were nice and ripe. Once back at the car, we tossed in our gear while a nearby horse trailer was being unloaded. The car said it was already 82°F! This longer loop was 6.7 miles, and we covered it in 2:25. Our total elevation gain was 912 feet.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Back to Wooded Hill

After our adventure on Monument Peak, we made the short drive to the Wooded Hill Trailhead. I was just here about two weeks ago on one of Larry Edmond’s Hike of the Month. Unlike the 10+ miles we did that day, today was just a simple loop up to the summit and back. The parking area was almost completely full, probably with mountain bikers enjoying the trail. We cruised along the trail and quickly found ourselves at the summit. I scrambled up the summit block first, then Becca gave it a go. There really aren’t views from this summit, as the name “wooded hill” is quite correct.

On our return, we meet 3 bikers taking a breather, and a short time later another making her way up. Before too long, we were back at the car, and our morning of peak bagging drew to a close. Our loop through Wooded Hill was 1.4 miles and took us 46:47.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

A “Monument”-al hike

After helping Ted knock out a few peaks on his 100 Peak Challenge list, it was time to help Becca with a couple. First up was Monument Peak out in the Laguna Mountains. She had never been out there, so the drive up Sunrise Highway was fun. We pulled into the empty parking area and headed out. We sauntered along the trail until it reached the Big Laguna Trail and took it a short distance until we turned northward on the PCT. It was long past the “season” for northbound hikers, but it is still fun to think of all those hikers and their stories passing through. Our time on the PCT was short, and we turned onto the trail that would take us up to Monument Peak. It was certainly a bit overgrown, and I would not recommend wearing shorts.

The communications towers came into view, and we soon were strolling up the road to the summit. Becca kept gazing at the vast green forests to the west as we approached the summit. Then at the summit, she turned to the east and was completely blown away by the sweeping view of the desert! I mean, really taken aback by that view. It is quite something, and I understand the grandeur of it all. After snapping some photos, we began our descent.

I missed the slightly overgrown junction just after we left the road and we found ourselves headed toward a small knob to the south of Monument Peak. OnX Backcountry showed a trail of some sort leading down from the summit back to the PCT, so I was game to trek on. Plus, we were talking about 1/2 mile of “adventure”, so I had no worries about a little exploration. We followed a use trail to the top of this unnamed knoll and again enjoyed a nice view. I found the descent trail and began a slightly steeper route back to the PCT. Along the way, we met two hikers working their way up. Turned out they missed the turn to Monument Peak earlier, and when they saw us descending, they decided to head up. After chatting a bit, we parted ways. This was Becca’s first time doing some light bushwhacking. I let her know to just wait, as there is some more type-2 fun to be had on other peaks. Once back on the PCT, we cruised back to the car. Our adventure was 3.4 miles, and we did it in 2:04 with 537 feet of gain.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Returning to Glen’s View

My friend Becca needed a short hike to help break in some new shoes, and since she has got the peak-bagging bug, I suggested a couple of options. We settled on hiking up to Glen’s View in William Heise County Park. Ted also tagged along, as he also needed this peak in his effort to complete the 100 Peak Challenge. A good friend had a 60th birthday party the night before, so we left at a more reasonable hour than usual. We pulled into the parking lot for the trailhead, passing all sorts of campers enjoying their time outside. Grabbing our gear under slightly overcast skies, we set off along the Nature Trail.

We cruised along, making our way to the first junction, where we took a right turn and continued our climb. Before too long, we reached the short spur trail to Glen’s View. A family was enjoying the view when we arrived, but they soon headed back down, so we had the summit to ourselves. We played “Can Chris name the summits?” Yes, he can.

Our discussions now turned to an important matter: lunch. As we made our way down, we enjoyed the wildflowers that still lined the sides of the trail. When we reached the junction with the Canyon Oak trail, Becca’s shoes were still feeling good, so we opted to add on a bit more trail time. A few other campers and their dogs passed us along the way. I showed Ted and Becca the “Observatory”, two sloped benches that allow you to lean back and enjoy the night sky. Shortly thereafter, we returned to the campground and back to our starting point. Tossing our gear back into the car, we began our drive home. Dudley’s won out for our lunch spot. Unfortunately, as we approached Mt. Woodson, the highway was closed due to a fatality, so we had to take an alternate route home. All told, we hiked 3.3 miles, with 633 feet of gain.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Backpacking Barker Valley

After the closure of the Palomar Divide Truck Trail a couple of weeks ago, which forced me to pivot to backpacking Noble Canyon instead, I secured a new overnight permit for Barker Valley. The road had reopened, so that hurdle was no longer in front of me. However, we had some unseasonably warm weather forecast for the start of my trip. Since I was not planning on starting until mid-afternoon and most of the 3 or so mile hike would be descending from the trailhead to Barker Valley, I was overly worried. I made the very familiar drive through Ramona and then Santa Ysabel. After a quick stop for gas at the tribal gas station, I passed on through Warner Springs until I reached the turn-off onto the Palomar Divide Truck Trail. After 8 miles of driving, I reached the trailhead and pulled into a spot off to the side of the road. It was warm, but a nice breeze helped it feel less oppressive. I read over the trailhead kiosk, which I had seen numerous times on my drives up to Palomar High Point, before setting off down the trail.

The trail gently worked its way down, following the contours of the mountain. Sweeping views of Lake Henshaw to the south, and both the Observatories and the Lookout Tower to the north. The trail was slightly overgrown in spots, but nothing too bad. I might return with some clippers to do some trail maintenance, if I felt like making the drive up again. Wildflowers still lined the trail from time to time. Footprints could be seen in the sandy sections of the trail, so it does see some traffic occasionally. About a mile in, a rock arrow pointed the way. This area had a couple of nice campsites on either side of the trail.

After about 1.8 miles, another large rock arrow pointed the way for the trail, which now made a sharp left turn, leaving the ridgeline it had been following. On several maps, a trail is shown continuing along the ridge line, but it appears that it is becoming overgrown. The trail was also starting to become a bit more rocky, so a little more care was needed with my footing as I worked my way down toward the valley. The overgrowth also increased a bit, but nothing a quick push of a trekking pole could not handle. Soon, I found myself in the valley and near the West Fork of the San Luis Rey River. Now I needed to find a campsite and access to water. I carried enough to get me to the campsite and back if things did not work out, but not enough for dinner and breakfast. I passed one campsite, which might have worked, but continued along the trail that paralleled the stream, looking for other camping options as well as water. I came upon a nice campsite near a very large downed oak tree. I had a choice between under the shade of an oak tree or on the open dirt. I brought my REI QuarterDome, so I could lie inside the mesh walls and enjoy the night sky, so the choice of where to pitch my tent was obvious.

I dropped my pack, grabbed my CNOC water bag, and set off to find water to filter. At first, I found a large pool of water with bits of algae floating on top of it. No worse than what I have seen used by those on the Arizona Trail, but I decided to keep exploring before settling on this as my water source. Soon, I heard the sounds of flowing water and made my way back to the edge of the stream. I placed my bag into the gently flowing stream and had 3 liters in a matter of moments. I trekked the 0.3 miles back to the campsite and began to set up camp. As the sun was beginning to set, the mosquitoes were starting to come out in force. I had my bug net, but I forgot to bring any repellent, so I retreated to my tent (killing the few that had snuck inside). I relaxed, staring at the trees around me and the dance of the bugs on the tent’s mesh. I figured this was good practice for my Yosemite backpacking trip. After the sun had set, I ventured out of the tent and made my dinner.

I listened to my audiobook while I enjoyed a freeze-dried lasagna and waited for the stars to come out. Once it was dark enough, I again worked on some astro-photography before turning in. It actually became quite chilly, and I was glad to have my warmer quilt with me. I woke up around 5:30 and made a cup of hot coffee. It was a bit nippy, so I checked my Govee thermo-hygrometer, and it said it was 31°F! Being in a valley meant the cold air had settled here overnight, hence the temperature difference between the summit forecast and my location. I boiled some more water for my oatmeal and began packing up. Around 6:30, I was ready to head back up the trail.

The climb back to the trailhead went fairly smoothly, I only stopped to remove my fleece and adjust my socks. After about 1:30, I again reached the metal gate, and my backpacking adventure in Barker Valley was over. I tossed my gear into the Outback, changed into a clean shirt, and decided to drive on up the High Point. The road became a bit rougher, and I drove the last 5 miles to the summit. The road to the trailhead is doable in most cars (just drive slow and keep your eyes open), but after the trailhead, I would only recommend something a bit more off-road-friendly (like my Outback). Near the summit, I could see the results of the controlled burn that had been performed recently. The tower was staffed, so I was able to drive all the way to the top. I wandered around the summit, snapping a few photos. It was too windy to have a discussion with the two rangers staffing the tower, so I set off back down the road and home.

The final stats for this adventure were 6.9 miles with 1055 feet of gain (most of it on the way back). My descent time was 1:30 (with some filming time included), and 1:27 for the ascent (less time filming). The video of the trip will be on my YouTube channel soon, so go there and like and subscribe!

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Bushwhacking the Oriflamme Mountains

After not being able to backpack Sitton Peak the day before due to the parking issue at San Juan Trailhead, I opted to hike the Oriflammes in the Laguna Mountains instead. I made the all-too-familiar drive through Ramona and Julian and parked at the small turnout next to the Lucky 5 Ranch. This would be my third time on some portion of this trail, twice before when I climbed Roost Benchmark, and the previous summit of Oriflamme Mountain. The truck trail appeared to have been recently graded, and I wondered what the rest of the route would be like. I did recall a few good-sized ruts, so not something I would take my Subaru down.

Soon, I passed the junction with the PCT. We are near the end of the NOBO season, but it was still early in the morning, and I doubted I would encounter any thru-hikers yet. I continued working my way down. The car thermometer read 41° F when I left, but I knew it would be warming up, and I would have almost no shade. The ruts were still there, but a Jeep would be fine. In fact, I think some of the tire tracks I saw were from one.

Some wildflowers dotted the sides of the trail. Soon, I reached the point where I would leave the truck trail and climb through the chaparral to the summit. A cairn marked the exit, which had not been there when I first climbed this peak. I weaved my way through the brush without too much difficulty. Soon, I found myself on the summit. It was a nice, clear day, so I had some sweeping views of the desert to my east. If there is a register located here, I did not find it. I knew that there was no benchmark, so after a few photos, I set off to climb Oriflamme Mountain North Peak. I did not attempt it the last time I was here due to time constraints, but now I had the time. North Peak is one of the peaks on the original San Diego Peak Club list, which is the “mother” list for both the San Diego Sierra Club list and the 100 Peak challenge list. While I could have followed the brush-covered ridgeline down to the North Peak, I opted to descend back to the road, follow it to a spot, and climb it from there. Once I reached a point close to a straight line to the summit, I scanned for an entry point into the chaparral. I found one and began weaving my way through the scrub. Initially, it was a bit bothersome, but I quickly found a fairly clear route and was atop the summit with less trouble than the primary Oriflamme. Here, I did find a register and added my name to the list of those who had stood atop this peak. I could see Roost Benchmark off to the north, but I did not bring enough water to continue on.

I made my way back down to the truck trail with no major issues. Now the “fun” would begin, as this is an inverted hike, meaning I now had to make the climb up to the trailhead. I slipped on my AirPods, listened to the season finale of “It’s Story Time with Wil Wheaton,” and started back up. Along the way, about 30 members of the Laguna Mountain Hot Shots were making their way down to do some fire prevention work. I thanked them for their efforts. Soon, the climb came to an end, and I tossed my gear into the car. I took the 8 home, since by the time I got back into town, it would be lunchtime and I could swing by Mi Ranchito and grab a well-earned burrito. With that second ascent of Oriflamme, I need just four more peaks to finish the 100 Peak Challenge a second time. The final stats were 6.0 miles, with 1,156 feet of gain in 2:54.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!

Overnight in Noble Canyon

My original plan was to backpack Barker Valley near Palomar; however, about an hour before I was set to drive out, I decided to check the status of the road to the actual trailhead, and it was closed! According to the Forest Service website, the Palomar Divide Trail was closed, meaning I could not get to the trailhead. Not to let a fully packed backpack go to waste, I considered some alternatives; Sitton Peak, Arroyo Seco, and Noble Canyon were options that quickly came to mind. I did not have the ability to quickly get an overnight permit for Sitton, so it was out of the running. Arroyo Seco was possible, but Noble Canyon was closer to the overnight I had planned for Barker Valley. After stopping at the ranger station in Alpine to pick up my permit, I drove on up to the Penny Pines trailhead. I gathered my gear, hung my Adventure Pass (not sure I needed to, but better safe than sorry), and walked through the gate onto the trail. Around the picnic table, 6 PCT thru-hikers were chilling in the shade. We chatted a bit and I learned two were from New Zealand, two from the Netherlands, and two were Americans. I shared some local trail knowledge before wishing them all luck on their journey and set off down my trail to the west. I cruised along, glad to be doing this hike on a weekday and not being worried about getting run over by mountain bikers. Some clouds hung in the air, offering some shade from time to time. Off to the north, I could spy Garnet Peak and Pine Mountain as I worked my way toward Noble Canyon proper.

At about 3.5 miles in, I passed a nice campsite under a large oak tree. I didn’t have any planned camping spot, so I was playing it all by ear. I kept working my way down the canyon, and soon, flowing water could be heard. I came to another campsite, this one larger, but the ground was not nearly as flat as the first one, so I passed on it. After about 5 miles, I threw in the towel and turned back; that first campsite (32.885492° -116.499558°) was going to be my home for the evening.

I set up camp quickly as the sun was starting to dip behind the hill to the west. After dinner, I retreated into my tent to listen to my audiobook before turning in around “hiker midnight“. The nearly full moon shone through the benches and made an interesting pattern on my tent.

I remembered to bring the new pillow this time, and it worked well. I still need to add a bit more loft, but that was to be expected. Around 5:30, I woke up and crawled out of my tent. According to my thermometer, it was about 40°F. I made a cup of coffee and began to break camp. I decided not to have breakfast here, but to head back to Mt. Laguna to hopefully enjoy some tales from PCTers and have a hot meal at the Pine House Café. I made good time back to the car, even doing some filming along the way. At the trailhead, I chatted with some local day hikers getting ready to make a loop up to Garnet Peak. Once their friends pulled in, I said farewell and set off for breakfast. The Kind bar was enough for those 3 miles, but I now needed a real meal. The Café was closed when I arrived, and a few PCTers were milling about, waiting for it to open. Normally, they are closed on Thursday, but the owner decided to open anyway. I shared a table with a gentleman who has hiked the PCT multiple times. We had a fantastic chat over coffee and our meal. The common thread was “taking advantage of the time you have”. With our stomachs full, we bid goodbye, he continued walking northward and I drove back home. I am going to need to find the time to hike Noble Canyon from the other trailhead and see if there are campsites in that section.

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. I am the co-author of Urban Trails:San Diego, coming in Spring 2026!