Since I could not easily link up with Sara to hike more of the PCT with her, I decided to go peak bagging instead. I decided to try to knock out some summits on the Hundred Peak Section list just north of Paradise Valley Café. I parked the car at the side of the road, slipped on my fleece as it was a bit cold, grabbed my gear, and headed off. The route took me past a few lovely homes before heading into the wilderness. The trail was easy to follow as it worked its way eastward. The peak of the day was to be Gold Hill. While not on the list, I decided to climb it anyway. At the junction, there was a very detailed sign telling “a brief history of mining ‘round these parts”. As I made my way up, I found some of the old foundations of various buildings. Once at the summit, I soaked in the view, especially of Thomas Mountain to my west. I returned to the junction and continued following an old 4×4 road up the mountain toward Butterfly Peak.
Along the way, I passed a gated mine shaft and another informational sign, this time about bats! My route now began climbing in earnest, but the views were lovely. Soon, I came to another mine shaft. This one was a vertical shaft that had been filled with mining items. After surveying it a bit, I continued up toward the saddle. Once there, I turned northward toward Butterfly Peak. I actually turned too soon, but did find another mine shaft, and this one was completely exposed. I pushed on up, picking my route through the brush and rocks. The peak came into view, and the final effort to the summit. Once there, I slipped off my pack and soaked in the views. I found the register and signed in under two of my friends who were here last year. I turned my gaze to the east and Ken Point, my next possible summit. First, I had to bushwhack my way down to the old road. Once there, I started toward it, but the cross-country adventure to the summit and the descent left me less than motivated to push on, so I turned back.
I crossed back over the saddle and down the trail. When I reached the information sign for Gold Hill, I headed southward toward Rock Point. I spied the cairn for the trail to its summit. In addition to the cairns, colored ribbons also help mark the route. Once at this summit, I found some shade and enjoyed my lunch. Off to the north, I could see San Jacinto, and from my vantage point, it was completely devoid of snow. I am sure Sara will appreciate this when she hikes over it.
Once back on the main trail, I began following those ribbons, as they matched the route I had been using. Unfortunately, I found myself at a gate reading “private property”. Oops! I had followed a trail leading me to the edge of Paradise Ranch. A counselor was nearby, and I asked if I might pass through and she kindly let me. Turns out those ribbons were theirs and not from a trail race. This facility is a wilderness camp for kids in Riverside County. This is why I am not including the actual track, as I don’t want anyone to accidentally make the same error. Once back at the car, I changed into a dry shirt and made the short drive to Paradise Valley Café for a second lunch. My adventure covered 9.26 miles in 6:56, with a total gain of 2,465 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, 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. 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.
