Atop Little Cahullia Mountain

Little Cahuilla Mountain’s trailhead sits at a junction for several roads, so I made sure to park carefully. As I set off, I quickly discovered that this trail was quite different from the one I was just on. It was clearly less traveled, and I would have to take care with my navigation. The trail was a bit overgrown, but not to the point of true bushwhacking. Cairns dotted the trail from time to time, and I repaired a few along the way. My route would take me up and down several minor bumps, which gave me some lovely views as I scanned the brush for the trail to continue.

Soon, the steep final push to the summit started. I made it through the manzanita and red shanks and popped out to see the rocky summit before me. I scrambled over the rocks and sat under the shade of a lone tree. A register sat tucked in the rocks. I enjoyed a snack and the vistas. After the break, I began the slog back to the car. Once back at the car, I returned to the trail to collect a pair of jeans and an abandoned backpack. The hike up Little Cahuilla Mountain was 2.47 miles and took 2:01.

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 Cahuilla Mountain

Today’s adventure was to summit a pair of peaks near Anza, Cahuilla Mountain, and Little Cahuilla Mountain. As I drove Forest Road 6S22 to the first trailhead, I was glad to be in my Outback; while not technical, the road was rougher than the one up to nearby Thomas Mountain a few days ago. I found the wide turnout and gathered my gear. These two hikes would be a perfect way to burn off some of the excellent Thanksgiving meal I had the day before. The trail was in great shape, and I found myself cruising along. As it wound its way up the mountain, I would have views of Thomas Mountain to my east and both San Gorgonio and San Jacinto to my north. After a while, the chaparral faded, and oaks and pines began to appear. The oaks had started to change color, so the contrast between their leaves and the pines made for a fantastic fall hike.

Before too long, I was at the summit. A wooden sign is affixed to two metal poles, and an ammo box serves as the register. I took a short phone break to help my wife find an old photo of my son sitting on my father’s lap aboard the train in Old Poway Park. With that task done, it was time to head back down. Views off to the west now appeared from time to time, as the crunch of leaves sounded under my boots.

The trail is in excellent condition, so I flew back down to the car. I tossed my gear in and set off to make the short drive to the trailhead for Little Cahuilla Mountain. The entire hike was 6.0 miles and took me 2:36.

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.

Thomas Mountain Loop

The drive up to Tool Box Springs Campground was uneventful, but I would not recommend opening a carbonated beverage for a bit upon arrival. There was one other camper here, and I found a relatively level spot to call camp for the night. There were still fire restrictions in place, so no campfire to pass the time. I brought up some BBQ from The Rib Shack in Fallbrook for dinner, which I ate under the fading light. I crawled into the car and watched one of my lectures for my Business of ORE course. Once it was truly dark, I spent some time photographing the night sky.

The night was not terribly cold; the low was just about 44°F. I awoke to the sun shining into my back window and then quickly made a cup of coffee and ate some oatmeal. The goal today was to climb Thomas Mountain and then on over to Little Thomas Mountain. The trailhead was directly next to the campground, so once I had broken down my sleeping kit, I set off. The trail used to be an old road that had long since been closed. I cruised along, rewarded with some great views from time to time. I would periodically check my progress, and before long, the summit came into view. A lone communications tower stands there, as well as the remains of a fire lookout tower.

This is also one of the yellow post campsites on Thomas Mountain, and I could have spent the night here instead. After a few photos, I headed north to another yellow post site, then down a use trail that followed the ridgeline. That trail connected with the main road, which I continued to follow northward toward Little Thomas Mountain. While this summit is not an official yellow post site, one certainly could also camp here. The day had warmed, so I shed my fleece and began my return.

Instead of completely retracing my route, I opted to take the road back to the campground. That would give me a chance to see some of the other yellow post sites. Snow-capped San Jacinto loomed to the north, and San Gorgonio would appear behind it from time to time. Sites 6-8 were empty, but each looked great for an overnight. The only advantage of staying at Tool Box Springs Campground is that there is a pit toilet. At site 8, a rope swing hung from a limb, and I had to stop and enjoy some time on it.

Before too long, the campground came back into view. A faint smell of a campfire filled the air. That other camper had a prohibited fire the night before and another in the morning as I left, and they had since departed the site. After stowing my pack, I walked over to the site to find a still glowing log in the fire ring. I returned with 2 gallons of water and drenched the embers out properly. The drive down the mountain and eventually home went quickly, even on the day before Thanksgiving. The loop covered 5.99 miles in 2:21 with 1,108 feet of gain. This also crossed another peak of the Hundred Peak Section list for me, with just 49 to go.

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.

Atop Mount Russell

Since I owed Leslie Adams a scone from The Crafted Scone, we decided to meet up near Mount Russell in Riverside. This peak is on the Lower Peak Committee list, and it was the perfect opportunity to do a nice hike and catch up. We parked at a small turnout before the main entrance to the Lake Perris State Recreation Area. Leslie brought her dogs, Navi and Raven, along to enjoy the trail as well. Our route would have us work our way east to the base of the mountain, slightly gaining some elevation along the way. Navi and Raven would stop and enjoy the smells as we drew nearer. After a brief wrong turn, which I have edited out of the track below, the climb began.

The ascent was steep, and once it reached the ridgeline, Leslie opted to turn back. While it would ease up for a bit, there were still some steep sections ahead. She carefully headed back down the trail, and I hustled onward. The trail did ease somewhat, but now I had vistas to enjoy as I pushed on. The trail was easy to follow, and at two junctions, signs for a recent or upcoming trail race pointed the way. After dropping down from the false summit, I turned onto the trail to the true summit. Once at the top, I was rewarded with some clear views of the Inland Empire. The snow-capped mountains to the north and east were stunning.

After snapping a few photos, I started my descent, knowing Leslie would want the promised scone. I caught up with her about ½ mile from the trailhead. She had been collecting some trash along the trail, and the dogs were enjoying their time on the trail as well. Back at the car, I broke out some chairs, and under the shade of a willow, we enjoyed our well-earned scones and caught up even more. I logged the hike at 4.87 miles in 2:22 with 1,290 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.

A visit up Ode Benchmark

Aiming to arrive at the gate opening for the parking lot at the Anza-Borrego Visitor Center meant an early start from San Diego. As a reward, Ted caught some fantastic shots of the sunrise as we made our way down toward the desert floor. Although the ranger was 15 minutes late opening the gate, Rick and Andrea had been delayed by an accident on the 76, so it did not matter.

We paid our day-use fees and used the facilities before heading across the desert floor to ascend the ridge that would take us over Ode Benchmark and then onto Kay Benchmark. I had done this climb back in April, so I led the way.

We worked our way up the ridge to Ode Benchmark, our first milestone. There we signed the register, snapped some photos, and had a quick snack. Andrea was feeling the effects of poor sleep and was struggling a bit, but we decided to keep pushing on up the ridge.

We descended a bit from Ode Benchmark, then climbed over a minor bump. I commented that instead of climbing back over these on our return, we should hop off the ridge and follow the wash back to the start. It was there we encountered a trail runner out getting a few miles in before returning to the nearby campground to make breakfast for his family. We parted ways and kept slogging up the steep slope. After ascending a steeper section, I waited for the three of them to join me. It was clear that Andrea wasn’t going to have the energy to continue this climb. Rick and Ted pushed on, and I headed to Andrea to escort her safely back down. While she was disappointed, she agreed that this was the smartest choice. When we reached the spot where I had left the ridge the last time, we opted to stay on the ridge and make the two small climbs. Before too long, we were off the ridge and back at our cars. Since everyone had cell service, we texted our status to Rick and Ted. While the climb up Kay Benchmark might have been too much, Andrea was up for an alternative hike while we waited. So, we made the short drive to hike out to Hans Benchmark.

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.

Up atop Viejas Mountain

With Ted away at his youngest son’s “Family Weekend”, I went out with Becca to help her slowly work through her 100 peaks. We had some time constraints, so we settled on Viejas Mountain. I picked her up bright and early; thankfully, we got an extra hour of sleep due to the time change. As we drove to the trailhead, we caught up on our recent adventures — her trip to Seattle to visit her best friend and my attendance at the California Outdoor Recreation Partnership meeting in Carmel Valley. Approaching the trailhead, various signs warned of trespassing on private property and the threat of towing. I pulled up my OnX app and confirmed that the trailhead and the trail were in Cleveland National Forest land. I later learned that the issue is around the road itself. The property owner maintains the road that cuts through the CNF section, and that is the source of the conflict. After the government shutdown ends, I plan to ask CNF about the issue.

Becca remarked, “How would you know there is a trail here?” I said, “Research on doing the various hiking challenges,” and we set off up the rocky trail. The trail scales the west face of the mountain, working its way upward at a steady but steep grade. The trail wasn’t too rutted, but still as rocky as I remembered. The upside of this time was that the skies were clear and the rocks weren’t slick.

When we reached the ridgeline, a fellow hiker and her two dogs were returning from the summit. We chatted a bit about the signs at the trailhead, and she said she had spoken to CNF about it, and they weren’t going to tow. She headed back down, and we continued along the ridgeline to the summit.

At the summit, we posed for a few photos, and I looked again for the actual benchmark. The last time I was here, it was half-covered by the wind shelter. This time, I could not locate it at all. Since we needed to be mindful of the time, we did not linger and began our return. Becca had never learned that you should extend your trekking pole length on a descent, and realized how much adding just a touch of length really helped. Finally, the car came back into view, and our adventure was drawing to a close. Back at the car, we were glad we started early, as the day had warmed up. This hike offers no shade except when the sun is behind the mountain. I recorded us hiking 2.9 miles with 1,455 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 Garland Ranch

After crossing the Carmel River, we passed a nice visitor center as we got our bearings. Four of us headed along the trail with Scott Ammons from the Catalina Conservancy as our guide. We made a left turn toward the Maple Canyon trail and began our climb. Fallen leaves were scattered along the trail, and poison oak lined it as well, as the trail kept working its way up the ridge.

We chatted about various things as we passed numerous trail junctions. This preserve has a nice collection of trails, so we had to be mindful of our route. Unfortunately, we did not have the time to climb all the way to the ridge, so we followed the hillside to a nice meadow and took a short break.

Now we began our return down toward the trailhead. Along the way, we passed a seasonal waterfall. Unfortunately, it was dry, but it must be quite the sight when flowing. Soon we were back along the side of the creek, making our way back toward the visitor center and the trailhead. It was a pleasant 3.7-mile hike with a healthy 666 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.

Second breakfast on Cerro Alto

After a fairly restful sleep, except for the owls hooting around 3 am, I ate some oatmeal while I broke camp. In this instance, “breaking camp” mostly meant deflating the air mattress. I brewed a cup of coffee and made sure I had everything squared away before heading out for the next adventure, hiking Cerro Alto Peak. This was another peak on the Lower Peaks Committee list, and given how far away it is from San Diego, it was one I wanted to get on this trip. Before leaving Los Osos, I stopped at Carlock’s Bakery for a nice cinnamon roll and some milk. I have been listening to The Lord of the Rings, so why not get a second breakfast? I made the short drive to the campground and paid my $10 day-use fee. The campground sits along a narrow ravine, with campsites scattered on either side. The day-use area is at the end of the road. Pit toilets and water are available, so I topped off my water bottles before heading out.

There are two trailheads you can take to the summit: the Canyon Trail, which is almost next to the day-use area, or the Bridge Trail, which is about 30 yards back down the road. I opted to take the Bridge Trail up. After crossing the bridge, the trail steadily worked its way upwards. The trail was mainly in the shade from the mountainside, but I was comfortable in just my sun-hoodie (my fleece was in my pack if needed). The hills had started to turn green again after a recent rainstorm, and from time to time, Morro Rock could be seen off to the west.

Signs marked each junction, so navigation wasn’t an issue, except for one spot. OnX showed one trail as the recommended route, but a clear trail marker pointed to the other trail. I opted to listen to the marker. The trail started to get a bit rockier, but nothing too bothersome, as it still climbed at a comfortable grade. Finally, I came to one final junction; the sign said 0.25 miles to the summit. Once at the summit, I took in the sweeping views. Unlike yesterday’s summit, today I was rewarded with clear views all around. Morro Bay and its famous rock stood almost directly to my west. I slipped off my pack and enjoyed that cinnamon roll and milk. After my snack, it was time to head back down.

I had made good time, so I opted to take the longer Canyon Trail back to the car. Along the way, I met several groups of hikers working their way to the summit. This trail had some lovely shade, and without the effort of climbing, I almost started to get a chill. A few sections were steep, in contrast with what I thought was an almost steady grade on the other trail. I crossed over the lightly flowing creek and, before too long, found myself back at the day-use area. It was a nice way to start the day.

The loop was 4.63 miles, and I did it in 1:58, with a gain of 1,640 feet. That was my 19th LPC peak, just 68 to go!

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.

Into the fog atop Valencia Peak

I was headed to the 4th annual California Outdoor Recreation Partnership Basecamp in Carmel, CA. With the drive being so long, I decided to break it up by stopping in Montana de Oro. I had hoped to stop by the Channel Islands Visitor Center to get my passport stamp and patch, but the government shutdown put that plan on hold. I made good time, had lunch in San Luis Obispo —a tri-tip sandwich, of course —and then made the short drive toward Los Osos. Since I had a virtual meeting with one of my professors, I hung out near the library for the call. Once that was over, I headed into the park to hike up Valencia Peak. I skipped this summit when I was here for the Central Coast Six Pack of Peaks challenge, and since it is on the Lower Peak Committee list, I still wanted to climb it. Rather than take the same trail I used on my hike out to Alan Peak, I opted for the Badger Trail.

Clouds hung low, and I knew I was not going to be rewarded with a summit view, but that was ok. The scent of the eucalyptus trees mingled with the salt air as I made my way up from the parking area. After a short climb, one of the three primitive campsites was off to my left. The trail continued gently toward the peak, following the contours of the terrain as it climbed. Soon, it joined the trail I had used out to Alan Peak. I stayed on it for a bit, until I reached another junction. Here, a sign pointed the way toward the summit.

The trail began to make its climb in earnest, and switchbacks from time to time helped ease the effort. While there were still clouds, I had some lovely views of the coast and the Pacific Ocean. The uplift of the rocks is very clear throughout this section, making it a bit hard to hike across, so take some care if you do this climb. After crossing along a short ridge, the final push to the summit began and before too long, I stood atop it. A picnic table sat there, and on a clear day, the views must be something.

I wandered about the summit for a bit, looking for a benchmark or register, but no luck. I retraced my route back from the mountain, greeting other hikers as they made their way up. As I neared the campsite again, I wandered over to the picnic table and food locker. What a campsite, with a wide open vista onto the Pacific Ocean! I would like to consider this spot next time I visit.

Back at the car, I tossed in my pack and poles, then walked across the road to stroll down to the bluff and enjoy some of the ocean views a bit closer before heading to my campsite for the night. I bought some firewood from the camphost, and quickly set up my site. It took a bit to get the fire going, but it eventually lit. As I ate my dinner under the glow of the crackling fire, I reflected on the events that had led me here and the new journey I was on. The hike up Valencia Peak was 4.05 miles, in 1:42 with 1,257 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.

Atop Guatay Mountain

Looking at Ted’s remaining peaks on the 100 Peak Challenge, we settled on Guatay Mountain. We pulled into the Pine Valley Creek Trailhead, and as we stepped out of the car, we were greeted by the cold. I quickly slipped my fleece on, and Ted debated his layering strategy. Once we were settled, we headed toward the trailhead. After passing through the gate, we followed the trail westward. A few bits of poison oak lined the trail, but it was all avoidable. By the time we reached the left turn at the metal barrier, it was time to shed our layers. The trail now began climbing in earnest and was as rutted as I remembered.

Once at the ridgeline, we again turned westward along the trail and started to hear gunshots off to the south. I assume they were hunting doves or other fowl, given the season and time of day.

The trail continued climbing over several false summits and had some steep rocky sections, just like I remembered. Soon, the real summit came into view, and we were atop it. The day had warmed up nicely, and the skies were clear. Familiar mountains stood all around us. I signed the register, and we snapped photos with the summit sign before heading back down. The descent went quickly, and soon we were back at the car. It was still too early to stop at McKinley’s in Alpine, so we opted to hit Board & Brew in Scripps Ranch. Ted now has 18 remaining peaks for the challenge. With a little luck, maybe by Spring 2026, he can complete it! The hike was 5.7 miles in 2:47, and a nice gain of 1,711 feet. Happily, we were 25 minutes faster than my last time.

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.

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