Logging my peak bagging adventures…
Recently, I had a chance to chat with Doc from Hiker Trash Radio. We talked about my peak bagging adventures, the new book, and even my former passion for sea kayaking. You can listen to the two-part episode wherever you get your podcasts from!
Saturday was the County of San Diego Parks and Recreation’s 10th anniversary warrior challenge hike up El Cajon Mountain. Ted and I had done the same challenge on Memorial Day, and by repeating this hike for Veterans Day, we earned some additional patches and challenge coins! We found one of the last spots along the northbound Wildcat Canyon road and gathered our gear. At the trailhead, we signed in with the rangers, each grabbed our carabiner, a snack, and a photo together, then set off. The carabiners would be used to collect knots from each station along the route. Since we both had hiked this peak multiple times, we just threw it into cruise mode and motored along. We would pass fellow hikers from time to time, and even a couple already returning from the summit (we assumed they had timed their hike to enjoy the sunrise). The aid station at the one-mile mark wasn’t staffed yet, so we would have to grab our knot on the way back. We kept a solid pace as we pushed on toward the next station at the three-mile mark. That station was also not staffed yet, so we would also need to stop here on our descent.
The day was warming up, and that early start was a wise choice. Soon we passed that rusting truck, and thereafter the saddle between El Cajon and El Capitan. We had a quick break before the final steep push to the summit. The familiar green trail markers led us up the slope. A few hikers were milling around the summit, and I recognized James Alvernaz. I had met him a few weeks back at the parking lot at the Idyllwild Ranger station; he was headed up toward Tahquitz and I was off to the summit of San Jacinto. We recognized each other and chatted for a bit. After some snacks and grabbing a few photos, it was time to head down. Plus, there isn’t a lot of room at the summit, and it can get crowded up there.
The initial descent was a bit slow, as many other hikers were making their way up. But once we reached the saddle, the trail widened and we could usually pass without needing to stop. At the three-mile station, now staffed, we grabbed our knots, some snacks, topped off our water bottles with some cold water, and continued our descent. As we neared the one-mile station, we noticed a hiker in some distress, and stopped to see if we could help. Another hiker had been cruising down with us, and between the three of us, we got him some electrolytes and some quick energy gels. He had a companion with him, so we let him rest and let the electrolytes start to take effect. Just a few minutes later, a ranger drove up in a small cart, and we let him know there was a hiker in distress by the nearby kiosk. We later learned that they gave him a lift back to the trailhead.
At the one-mile station, we got our final two knots and a few more snacks. Now the conversation turned to essential matters—lunch. We mulled over the options as we continued down. Once at the trailhead, we collected our patches and coins and thanked the rangers and volunteers for their hard work. Once back at the car, we had settled on Board & Brew as our lunch spot. We hiked the 10.8 miles in 5:27. And remembering how we commented on the heat, the thermometer in the car read 88°F!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
I met up with Larry Edmonds for his “Hike of the Month” at the parking area near Trout Pond, and finally had the chance to meet Jim Wick. Jim is a fellow Peakbagger who joined us for this hike. Six of us made our way eastward towards the Los Caballos trail. It was certainly fall, as it was chilly, but once we got moving, the temperature was perfect.
We crossed over Hwy. 79 and continued southward toward the Paso Pichaco campground. We skirted it as we turned westward and onto the Azalea Glen Loop trail, while the smell of early morning campfires filled the air. Jim, Larry, and I swapped peakbagging stories as we cruised along the trail.
We stopped at the morteros, filled with water from the recent storm. Acorns lay scattered around under a massive oak tree. Once we regrouped, we would begin climbing up toward Azalea Springs Fire Road. Our route then turned north and met Milk Ranch Road. We took a short break here, in part to marvel at the shell of a very old oak, and the new oaks growing inside of it. I had some coursework to attend to, so I bid farewell to the group and headed back along Milk Ranch Road.
Since I needed to drop off some book-related cards at Kit Fox Outfitters, I took the route through Julian and Wynola. Something was happening in Wynola, as the line of cars coming up the hill must have been 1.5 miles long! All told, the hike was 6.35 miles, in 2:51, and had a healthy 780 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.
With the Palm Springs Aerial Tram closed for its annual maintenance, I had three options to ascend Mt. San Jacinto: via Marion Mountain Trail, Devil’s Slide Trail, or Deer Springs Trail. I had done the first two routes, so I decided to try taking the Deer Springs route to the summit. Initially, I had planned to do this as a backpacking trip staying at Little Round Valley, but the weather forecast called for a 40% chance of snow showers, so that was not going to happen. Instead, I opted to just do it as a long day hike instead. I pulled into the Ranger Station in Idyllwild and found that the only permits were for overnight trips. Given the government shutdown, it did not surprise me that the day-use permits had run out. So, figured I would hike without having one (they are free). From there, I made the short drive to the parking area for Deer Springs Trailhead. I shouldered my heavy pack and set off. I opted to carry 2.75 liters of water, as well as my Sawyer filter. According to SacJacJon.com, there should have been some water flowing at various spots along the trail, and the rains from the day before should ensure the flows were good. The temperatures were in the mid-50s, and the skies were partly cloudy as I set off up the trail. I knew I had a long, hard day ahead of me and tried just to keep a steady pace. I mentally broke the hike down into sections, from each trail junction to the next. My first milestone was the turn off to Suicide Rock about 2.1 miles in. Here, I made sure to have a quick snack while I continued my climb. The next up was Strawberry Junction, 1.6 miles later. There, I would now join the Pacific Crest Trail for a while.
When the PCT met with the Marion Mountain Trail, I decided to take a break and have another snack. A Sierra Club Los Angeles outing also arrived just as I did, and also took a short break. It was still cool, and I had worked up a sweat, so I slipped on my fleece to keep from getting a chill. I chatted with some of my fellow hikers. Their plan was to climb Marion Mountain and Drury Peak, two of the several Hundred Peak Section peaks scattered around San Jacinto. I stashed my fleece and set off up the trail toward the junction with Fuller Ridge. However, the breeze was a bit stronger on this side of the mountain, and I quickly stopped and put my fleece back on. Deer Springs was flowing quite nicely, so if I returned this way, I knew I had a solid water source to rely on. The Sierra Club hikers stopped at the Fuller Ridge junction, and I continued, leaving the PCT behind. After about 1.2 miles, I came to Little Round Valley. Some hikers were milling around the creek that was flowing just before the campground. If I had been able to camp here, I would have had a good water source. I looked over some of the campsites. While you can’t reserve them, you are supposed to camp at one of the designated locations. There is a simple outhouse here. Now, it was time for the final push to the summit. I had about 1.2 miles and over 800 feet of gain to reach the junction with the Peak Trail. I could start to feel the effects of the trail as I worked up the steep slope. I was over 10,000 feet up, and I could definitely tell.
I realized I should have had another snack in Little Round Valley, but opted to continue on. Initially, I had planned to stop at the junction for lunch, but the wind made things a tad chilly, so I decided to head for the Emergency Hut that sits just below the summit. I stepped inside, slipped off my pack, and stretched out on one of the bunks. I mixed up some electrolytes and ate my PB&J and oranges. I had a touch of cell service, so I checked in with my wife and let her know my status. Feeling much better, I shut the door to the hut and made the short scramble to the summit proper. The hikers I had passed in Little Round Valley were mingling around. I grabbed a few photos for myself and took a few for them. According to my Govee, it was 48°F and probably 10-15 mph winds, with some stronger gusts. I made the right call to enjoy my lunch in the hut.
With that summit, I completed all 12 peak options on the Six Pack of Peaks Challenge! Now for the long descent back to the car. I debated whether I should retrace my route or head back via Wellman Divide, then over to Strawberry Junction. Since I had never hiked the section from Annie’s Junction to Strawberry, why not? I still had enough water on me, plus I would be passing the Wellman Cienaga if I needed to refill. The descent went smoothly, partly because I brought my rubber tips for my trekking poles, which made them extra grippy through the rockier sections. I stopped at Wellman Divide for another snack and to drink some more electrolytes before continuing down. I also stashed my fleece, as the winds had almost died down completely. At the cienaga, I filled my CNOC bladder with about a liter of water. I did not need it then, but I could not fully remember if I had any remaining water crossings below Strawberry Junction (Narrator: There was one). At Annie’s Junction, I left the Mount San Jacinto State Wilderness and crossed back into the San Jacinto Wilderness. As an added bonus, I rejoined the PCT. The Strawberry Cienaga was dry, and I hiked past it. After getting slightly off the trail a bit due to my wandering over to enjoy a vista, I stopped at the Strawberry Campsite. The campers had their tents set up, ready to enjoy their overnight stay. There was another site off to the west that I might have to come back and enjoy next season.
Back at Strawberry Junction, I saw a trail runner I had seen at the summit. It turned out he missed the turn-off at Annie’s Junction and headed down toward Humbler Park via the Devil’s Slide. He opted to retrace his route rather than continue, but it had added another 6 miles to his already long day. I would have continued down and hitched a ride. I offered some water or food if he needed any. He declined both. We opted to hike the remaining 3.6 miles together, chatting about a myriad of things. Once back at his car, he thanked me for the conversation, saying it had helped distract him during the descent. I then checked my tracker and saw it had stopped a bit after Strawberry Junction. I took a screengrab to record what had been logged, along with an approximate timestamp. With a bit of work, I filled in the missing data. It was now just a touch after 6 pm, almost a full 12 hours on the trail. I let Anita know my status and when to expect me home. All told, I hiked 19.2 miles, with a moving time of 10:10 and an elevation gain of 5,240 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.
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!
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.