Eagle Peak

In late May 2024, Forest Service officials renamed this trailhead, Cha’chaany Hamuk, which translates roughly to “three sisters” in the Kumeyaay language. Plus, there is a new parking lot, restrooms and a helicopter landing area for fire and rescue crews.

Somehow I convinced Ted, Dave, and Jeremey to tag along for this hike out to some of the best views of all of San Diego. This peak shares the same trailhead as Three Sisters and was recently expanded. Since there was no water flowing at the falls, the crowds were light. We set off west along the old dirt road, We quickly reached the top of a small rise where a cluster of Engelmann oaks stood. I knew this would be our almost back-to-the-car indicator.

The trail began descending again, and the turnoff to Three Sisters was to our left, but our destination was straight ahead. The trail turned from a simple road into a single-track trail. As the trail began its climb to the summit, it would tease us with false summits. But before long we found ourselves at the rocky peak. As we stood top, taking in the promised views, we found the register and two benchmarks.

After a bit, we began our return to the car, as we passed the junction to Three Sisters, we began to see more folks headed down to the dry falls. All in all, the four of us enjoyed another one of Chris’ crazy adventures.

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.

Airplane Ridge

My final peak for the day was Airplane Ridge, further along, the West Mesa trail. The trail worked its southward. Cuyamaca Peak loomed over me to the west. The trail was mostly empty as the peaceful quiet surrounded me. I crossed the dry Japacha creek and began to slowly gain some elevation. As I neared the sharp right to begin the climb toward Airplane Ridge, I made the short detour to see the monument for which the ridge is named.

On December 7, 1922, a twin-seat model biplane carrying Col. F.C. Marshall and Lt. C.L. Webber crashed into a ridge near Cuyamaca Peak. Despite extensive searches, the wreckage and pilots’ remains weren’t discovered until May the following year.

After pausing for a bit, I continued on as the day was getting warmer and still had the summit and return trek to the car. I worked my way up the ridgeline until I found a reasonable spot to leave the trail and reach the high point itself.

I rested under the shade of a tree, enjoying the sweeping views to the south. With my third peak bagged, I begin the 3 miles back to my car. Toward the end of the hike, my IBT began to tighten, making it a bit uncomfortable.

Arrowmaker Ridge

Update: Have been informed that this peak is now off-limits. It lies within the Pilcha (West Mesa) Cultural Preserve, and since there is no trail it should not be accessed. The replacement peak is now Paradise Mountain.

From the West Mesa parking turnout, I crossed the highway and passed through a gate onto the West Mesa Fire Road. After about a half-mile along the fire road, I reached the junction with the Fern Flat Fire Road. I knew from researching the route to this summit, that I wanted to continue south through a meadow and approach it from the south side. The growth appeared to be thinner based on the satellite imagery I reviewed.

This strategy proved to be correct, as I found the high point. I took my summit-selfie and headed back down and onto the fire road to bag the third summit of the day, Airplane Ridge.

Middle Peak

This was the first of a three-peak day. I arrived at the trailhead just as the sun was beginning to rise.

As I followed the fire road up toward the peak, I spotted several deer enjoying some meadow grasses.

Once covered in pine and oak trees, Middle Peak, like the rest of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, was hit hard by the 2003 Cedar Fire. As the summit loomed, the lack of trees did offer some sweeping views. With the trees gone, much of the mountain is now covered in ceanothus, and the charred remains of blackened trees line the slopes. Near the summit, I began looking for any routes through the thickets to the true summit. I worked my way partially toward the summit but eventually decided to call it.

In part, I knew there was no view to be had, and I had two more summits planned for the day and began back down the fire road to the car.

Eagle Rock

It took a bit to recover from my summit of San Jacinto, so I opted for an easier peak to ease back into it. My friend Dave was able to tag along as we headed out toward Warner Springs to the trailhead. For the first mile or so of the hike, we were swarmed by bugs. Once we left the shadier portion of the trail, they faded away. I now carry bug netting in my pack for these cases.

The trail follows some gentle hills as it makes its way out to Eagle Rock. Although not a peak of any true merit. The rocks naturally look like an eagle with its wings spread about to take flight.

After a bit of a rest and snack, we head back down the trail (dreading the last bit and the bugs), and finally to the car. A well-earned lunch as had a Burger Bench.

Boucher Hill

This was a nice simple hike with my wife and daughter. Although you can drive to the lookout tower, we decided to start from the parking lot before the turnoff to Doane Valley. The trail works its way up gently through the forest before reaching the fire lookout tower.

The tower was manned this day, so we had a lovely chat with the volunteer. Visiting a lookout tower reminded me so much of my childhood, as we would often head to the high Sierras near my parent’s cabin, stopping off at Tobias Peak to visit, and sometimes make the hike out to Baker Point as well.

Afterward, we continued the loop towards Scott’s Cabin. We passed through the still green meadows, and towering pines.

Cuyamaca Peak (via Service Road)

The distinctive shape of the Cuyamaca is hard to miss from San Diego looking eastwards toward the mountains. Cuyamaca is the second highest peak in San Diego County and is one that is easily summited. My good friend James decided to tag along for this adventure. Although the temperatures were pleasant, the lack of trees from the Cedar fire, over a decade ago, does make this hike a bit toasty.

The trail basically follows the service road to the summit. Starting from the Paso Picacho Campground (fee required), the paved road works its way steadily toward the summit. You do pass through one small remaining section of pines as you approach the summit. It is interesting seeing how the forest is slowly recovering from the fire.

Once at the summit, you are rewarded with some of the best views in all of San Diego. On a good clear day, you can see for about 100 miles. For me also being a NASA geek, finding the NASA Goddard marker was cool.

After a snack and long rest, we head down from the summit and down the Burnt Pine trail toward to Japacha Peak, which lies just south of Cuyamaca.

This took us through some more of the remaining pine forest, as we descended to the next summit. Once we approach the turnoff to the proper summit, it was clear that James’ decision to wear shorts would ensure that his poor legs would be torn up by the scrub. I worked my way partially toward the summit but turned back once I did not see a clear route. With more experience under my belt, I may return to this summit and do it properly.

Once we declared the attempt complete, we headed back along the trail to the service road and back down to the campground. The day was heating up and the lack of shade did make for a hot one.

Volcan Mountain

The San Diego River Park had scheduled a hike for later in the morning that I had signed up for, but I saw the forecast and decided to go earlier and beat the heat. The climb to the summit was nice, except for the shady parts. That is when the gnats would become bothersome under the incense cedar.

Toward the summit, the ruins of the cabin still stood, and I learned that this was a potential site for the observatory (Palomar won).

Only saw three other hikers along the entire trek. I did encounter a dog along the trail. Finally got close enough to grab its collar and call the owner. Turns out he wanders the trail and region all the time. When I returned to my car, the scheduled hike was getting organized. One of the volunteers was getting ready to cart up some water partway up the trail. I chatted a bit and gave them a current trail summary.

This summit is the ‘starting’ point for the 2017 Crest to Coast Challenge. Although I only summited one peak, it was a twofer.

Oakzanita Peak

A perfect way to kick off the Fourth of July weekend! I convinced my friend Dave to tag along for this one. Unlike when Derek summited this peak, there was not a lick of snow to be had ;).

The trail works its way northward for a bit before turning east at the East Mesa Fire Road. You are on the road just for a short bit before veering off. The trail wraps around Oakzinta peak and approaches from the south and east.

The views from the summit we lovely, except we did have some flying ants bothering us, so we did not stay too long.

Garnet Mountain

Our second summit of the day. This summit is just a short walk from Kwaaymii Point. Ben came along the trail with me but opted not to venture through the brush to the summit.

The winds had picked up and it was fun feeling them race up from the desert floor. There is no benchmark here, but a register can is tucked in the rocks.