Out to Hans Benchmark

While Rick and Ted continued their ascent toward Kay Benchmark, Andrea and I opted to make the short hike over to Hans Benchmark. This minor peak is on the Borrego Benchmark Club list and had been on my radar for some time, but I had never found the time to hike it. This was the perfect opportunity to cross it off my list. We parked at a small turnout and headed east. I had a few saved tracks to this summit, so I used them as a guide. We worked our way eastward until the summit came into view. We found a register and the benchmark without issue.

Retracing our route, we soon found ourselves back at the car. We picked up some trash along the way and disposed of it properly. We then headed back to the Borrego Visitor Center to continue waiting for Rick and Ted to return. The jaunt out to Hans was 1.23 miles, and took 59:13, and had 143 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!

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.

Exploring Torrey Pines State Park

I felt like having a coastal adventure this afternoon, so I decided to hike through Torrey Pines State Park. I found parking along the coast and headed into the park. It was another perfect fall day in San Diego—the sun was shining, and the temperatures were pleasant. I cruised up the trail next to the road until I reached the Guy Fleming Trail, which I had not done in quite a while. I forgot that some of the best views in the park are actually from this trail. I sent a happy birthday message to my niece in Arkansas from one of the side viewpoints before rejoining the main road.

From there, I headed onto Red Butte to summit one of the “peaks” of the park. I had checked the tides on the way in, and high tide was not for several more hours, so I opted to hike down to the beach and take it back to the car. I actually had never done that before. I took the side trail to Yucca Point, double-checking the beach below before fully committing to the route.

I cruised along the firm sand northward back toward my car. Evidence from some rockfalls still sits next to the bluffs—a reminder not to stray too close to them. The entire hike was 3.8 miles in 1:20 and had 354 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!

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

Adventures in Mt. Rainer National Park

Our first hike in Mount Rainier National Park was the 0.4-mile Twin Firs Loop Trail. Sadly, the namesake firs are gone, but we had a nice stroll through some old-growth forest.

After a quick stop at the visitor center in Longmire, we took a nice saunter along the Trail of the Shadows. There we saw some mineral springs and an old cabin.

We then made a short stop at Christine Falls to admire both the falls and the bridge that spans the narrow Van Trump Creek canyon. Next on our journey to Paradise was Narada Falls. This required hiking down about 200 feet of elevation to really get a good view of the cascading water.

Once we reached Paradise (aka Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center), we found some parking and set off on another hike, this time along the Nisqually Vista Trail. While the entire trail is paved, the 1.2-mile loop gave us some great views of the mountain. Once done with the loop, we took a connector trail to the visitor center. We both were getting hungry, so we first checked out the offerings at the Tatoosh Cafe in the Paradise Inn, but nothing struck our fancy. The main dining room was not open, so that option was out. So, we strolled back to the grab-and-go place in the visitor center.

After our lunch, I got my Junior Ranger badge. While the air quality wasn’t great, I still wanted to get in a more strenuous hike. I grabbed a KN95 mask and set off up the Skyline Trail while Anita stayed and relaxed at the visitor center. While initially paved, the trail wasted no time in gaining some elevation. Thankfully, the grade eased, and I cruised along. The views of Rainier were stunning, with the various glaciers scattered about its face. At Glacier Vista, I marveled at the waterfall spilling off Wilson Glacier.

Since I had made good time, I continued along the Skyline Trail to Panorama Point. There, my views turned southward. I could see the haze hanging in the air, and was again thankful to have my mask on. I debated doing the whole Skyline Loop, but opted to mostly retrace my ascent but take an alternative route to climb Alta Vista. I continued down to the visitor center and found Anita comfortably sitting inside. I bought a few small souvenirs and we headed out.

Although we had some delays due to road construction, we stopped at Reflection Lake for one last stroll. I knew the air quality would mean that hiking up to Pinnacle Saddle would not afford the views of the mountain that I would want, so with that, we headed out of the park and checked into our hotel.

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!

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

Returning up Van Dam Peak

Continuing to push toward Ted Markus to complete the 100 Peak Challenge, I suggested we hit a couple of local peaks after work. Our first peak was Van Dam Peak, a small peak near the I-15 and CA-56. This peak is very popular with mountain bikers, so climbing this peak during off-hours is a safer call. We parked next to the school and started our ascent. We could see how the trail has been enhanced for mountain bikers; built-up turns and jumps being the most obvious.

Soon we found ourselves at the summit, took a few quick photos, and hustled back down as we wanted to grab one more peak before meeting our wives for dinner. The hike was 1.37 miles long, which we did in 37 minutes, and had an elevation gain of 350 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!

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

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!

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

National Trails Day – Penasquitos Canyon

Originally, the National Trails Day hike was going to be in Tecolote Canyon, but construction work on the sewer line that runs through the canyon prevented me from hosting it there. So, I moved the hike to Los Peñasquitos Canyon, but from the west end. Between the overcast weather we had been having and this last-minute location change, I expected a low turnout. As Ted and I waited, two hikers arrived to join us on our hike to the waterfall and back. Rick and Andrea missed the email and went to Tecolote Canyon, along with one other participant.

We passed under the road and hiked along the south side of the canyon until we reached the Sycamore Crossing. From there, we continued west until we reached the waterfall. While just past 9 am, it was busy. Once we were done enjoying the view, we retraced our route, but continued westward until the Wagon Wheel Crossing. One thing to be said about the west end of Peñasquitos Canyon is that the bridges are cooler. Before too long, we were back at the car. Our two hikers took some 52 Hike Challenge swag and some beverages from Athletic Brewing. Rick and Andrea had driven up to this trailhead and parked next to me. I left some swag on their car, but they arrived from their hike about 5 minutes later. After chatting for a bit, I headed out, as I was driving to Kingman, Arizona, to kick off my Arizona Summer Six Pack of Peaks Challenge.

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!

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

Along the Ouachita Trail

After having breakfast with my brother’s two children, Ben and I set off to take a stroll along a trail at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. I really wanted to see the eastern terminus of the Ouachita Trail, and figured it might be a nice trail to saunter on for a bit. FYI: The Ouachita National Recreation Trail (OT) is a 223-mile hiking trail that stretches from Talimena State Park in Oklahoma to Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Arkansas. I am thinking I might want to attempt it one day, as it does not have permitting issues that the John Muir Trail has.

We drove out to the parking lot and set off. The area had some rain the night before, so the ground was wet and we had to be mindful of our footing from time to time. We did not go that far along the Ouachita Trail before the trail had some flowing water on it. We took that as a sign to turn back, plus my sister’s daughter and her husband were now up and ready for us to come over. We retraced our route, following those helpful blazes back to the car. While I did pick up an Ouachita Trail patch the day before, we did not walk enough for it to count. 😉

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!

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

Return to Dictionary Hill

I had originally hiked Dictionary Hill as one of the hikes that we included in Urban Trail: San Diego. Not long thereafter, Derek modified the 100 Peak Challenge to swap out Tooth Rock with Dictionary Hill due to access issues. Since I am working on completing that challenge a second time, I set off to climb it again. Joining me on my hike was my son, who recently moved back to San Diego after living in Scottsdale. We set off under partly overcast skies, the typical marine layer.

We cruised along the easier start of the hike, then made the left-hand turn to begin the climb. Ben plodded his way up the steep slope and, once he reached the next junction, decided to save his energy, as tomorrow was his first day at his new job. I continued quickly on to the summit, made a lap around it, and rejoined Ben for the return to the car. On our way down, we caught sight of some vintage warplanes flying overhead. The stats for my hike were 2.2 miles, in 55 minutes with 500 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!

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

Exploring the Santa Rosa Plateau

I decided to explore a bit more of the Santa Rosa Plateau and hike out to see the vernal pool and the Rancho Santa Rosa Historic Area. There was only one car in the parking lot when I pulled in. I paid my $6 use fee and set off along the trail. The grasses were still green, and clumps of poppies could be seen scattered about. The flowers were still closed, awaiting the morning light to open them up. Hopefully, on my return, I can get a good photo or two.

The large vernal pool was about 0.6 miles due east of the trailhead. A boardwalk allows you to walk closer to the actual vernal pool. In the distance, I spotted two herons. I left the vernal pool and headed down to the Moreno and Machado Adobes, the two oldest standing structures in Riverside County. The trails are very well maintained, with each junction well-signed, and from time to time, benches were placed so you could sit and enjoy the view.

Once there, I strolled around the grounds and looked at the outside of the buildings for a bit. I had an 11 am meeting I needed to attend back in San Diego, so I headed back to the car. Instead of taking the Vernal Pool Trail back, I opted to take the Transpreserve Trail back to the car. Along the way, I spotted a balloon off in the grass, so I carefully left the trail and picked it up.

Soon, I could see the trailhead, and as I had hoped, the poppies had started to open up. I snapped a few photos and headed home. The entire hike was 3.65 miles and had 339 feet of elevation. There are some more trails around the preserve that I’ll try to explore soon.

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!

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

Strolling through the Saguaros

After spending the evening looking up at the night sky atop Kitt Peak, I still got up early enough to get in a morning hike out in Saguaro National Park. I drove out to the Broadway Gate Trailhead and saw that this was a popular one, as cars lined both sides of the road. After finding a spot, I grabbed my gear and headed to the trailhead. Three different trails share this trailhead, so the popularity makes sense. A volunteer was standing at the junction, so I checked in with him about my route, and he wished me happy hiking. My plan was to link together a collection of trails to total about 5 miles. I headed southward along the Cactus Forest trail, passing the occasional fellow hiker. The trail junctions are well marked, so I was only pulling out my phone to take a photo.

I then turned eastward onto the Cholla Trail, which would take me to the Squeeze Pen Trail. Along the way, I spotted a good-sized road runner. Unfortunately, my hands were full and I could not get a photo before it ran away. At the junction with the Squeeze Pen Trail, I began hiking northward. Here, some of the saguaro were flowering, so that was a delightful sight to see.

Once I reached the Pink Hill Trail, I joined it and started heading west. I followed the small spur to the top of the hill. After taking in the view of the wide, flat desert, I rejoined the Pink Hill Trail. It crossed a few washes, but soon it connected with the Shantz Trail, which brought me back to the starting point. I let the volunteer know about the flowering saguaro along the Squeeze Pen Trail, then headed back to the car. My loop covered 5.24 miles with 180 feet of gain in 1:41. I headed over to the visitor center to pick up my Junior Ranger badge and another “I Hiked for Health” pin!

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!

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