The second peak of the day was also going to be the longest hike at just under 3 miles round trip. I pulled into the parking area right off the S2. Switching from the warmer gear into something cooler, I set off across the desert floor. I was curious to see what this hike felt like versus the other time I did it.
Once across the wash, I picked a ridge and began climbing. The route is mostly free of cactus and with almost no navigational issues. I soon found myself making the final push to the summit plateau. I could tell the difference in my skills and legs as I made my way to the southern end of the plateau where I remembered the register is placed.
After signing it and grabbing my photos, I headed back down. I was very tempted to drop all the way down and return via the wash but felt since I was racing the clock, I should not go exploring. Next time…
The descent took a little care, as there were a lot of loose rocks to contend with. Once back at the car, peak #92 was complete. Mine Benchmark, the next peak was just a few minutes up the road.
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.
The hope was to summit four different peaks today; Mt. Tule, Red Hill, Mine Benchmark, and Ghost Mountain. With the recent storm, the surrounding mountains were covered in snow, and I knew I might have issues along the 8. So, I actually left a little later than usual to allow the roads to be clear. Even so, I still saw a car on its side, most probably due to the road conditions.
First up was Mt. Tule out by McCain Valley, near Boulevard. Instead of parking where I did last time, I turned onto MV052 and continued a bit further. I figured 15 minutes couldn’t hurt since I had a full dance card. It was cold enough for ice to form a thin layer on the puddles in the road. A light dusting of snow appeared to be atop Mt. Tule as well. Grabbing my warmer gear, I set off. At the road’s end, I spotted a use trail to the southern edge of the turnaround. This trail quickly led me up to the northern peaklet. As I got closer, more and more snow was on the ground. A familiar crunch sounded under my boots as I began working to the southernmost peak.
What a wonderful way to start the day, atop a snow-capped peak and some incredible views. I signed the register and found the two reference marks, but had no luck finding the main mark.
With three more peaks to attempt, I did not have time to dawdle. Retracing my snowprints, I found the use trail again and made my way down. #91 was in the bag!
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.
Ted and I pulled off the Borrego Salton Seaway at the trailhead commonly used for climbing Villager or Pyramid Peaks at about 5:15 am. Matt was already there, and soon Susie arrived, followed by Greg. Our goal today was to work our way up from the desert floor to Rosa Point, #28 on the San Diego 100, then onto Mile High (#24). We knew this was going to be a long, hard day, hence the pre-dawn start.
Under the faint light of a sliver of the moon, we set off across the desert floor, illuminated by our headlamps. Our first landmark was the entrance to Palo Verde Wash, about a mile northeast of our starting point. I mistook a wash to the north as our entrance, but a quick check of our route had us back on track with only about 10 minutes of backtracking.
We would follow this wash for about a mile and a half. At about the 1900’ elevation point, a steep ridge was on our left. It was here we would climb out of the canyon and onto the ridgeline that we would use for most of the ascent.
Once up this section, we stopped for a short breather and to check in with one another. Susie was not sure about continuing. She really wanted to add Rosa Point to her list, having already summited Mile High back in 2017. I guess doing Cactus to Clouds the day before night had something to do with it. If you are unfamiliar with that hike, it is one of the toughest in the US. Some 10,000+ feet of elevation gain in 21 miles and a modest portion was in the snow. She wished us good luck on our attempt and headed back down.
The four of us continued our journey. This was Greg’s third time doing this loop, so we knew we were in good hands. Greg and I traded off navigation checks as we followed a modest use trail northward. The weather was perfect—low 50s with a slight breeze. As we kept climbing upward, the trail was steep but manageable. Finally, at about 3,400’ we began a short descent across the top of the Palo Verde Wash. After this welcomed respite from climbing, it was time to gain the final 1600’ of elevation to reach Rosa Point. Matt’s climbing ability was impressive, as he just seemed to effortlessly fly up the ridgeline. Greg followed him, while Ted and myself brought up the rear. Ted and I have an arrangement—he takes the photos and I keep us from getting lost.
Soon Rosa Point came clearly into view. Just about 4 hours after we started, we were soaking up the views of the Salton Sea to the east, Anza Borrego to the south, and our next summit, Mile High, off to the northwest. After signing the register and having some snacks we headed off. Greg estimated it would take us about 2 hours to work our way to Mile High.
Although Rosa Point sits at 5,000 feet and Mile High is only 320 feet higher, we still had some work ahead of us to reach its summit. Our route follows the narrow ridgeline, traversing several bumps along the way.
Just before 1 pm, we reached the summit of Mile High! The views were even more stunning than the ones from Rosa Point. I sat against a rock and enjoyed my well-earned PB&J, a small can of Coke, and a nice orange. After tending to a few hot spots on my feet, I signed the register and took some photos. For some reason, my phone was acting wonky. I shut it down in case I needed it later.
Unfortunately, we still had one more big challenge ahead of us. Rather than turn back and hike the way we came, the safer option is to take the village use trail back down. One issue is this requires descending about 1,000 feet along a steep, rocky, and tricky ridge. Once at the saddle, you then have a 600-foot climb upwards. Like I said, a real challenge.
Once safely at the saddle, we surveyed the various options for our ascent. A route a bit to the south seemed to be less rocky, so up we went. I knew I just needed to push up this and it would be a relatively easy 5 miles back to the car. The advantage of having done Villager before was I knew this section, but first I had to get there. I started my climb, not sure how often I would need to stop. Ted said to take it one step at a time. I picked my way up, chugging along. Ted would call out the elevation gain, “200 feet gained, halfway, 150 to go”. I could see the sunlight on the top of the ridge and knew I had just climbed that section without stopping! I was amazed at myself. While it was no speed record, we had made the ascent in about 35 minutes. We were still on our projected pace.
After a break for some fluids and snacks, we set off down the trail. Greg and Matt were about 300 yards to the south, waiting for us. Now that we had regrouped, it was time to head down. Matt and Greg soon pulled away but having hiked this portion before I was not concerned. I would rather take it a touch slower than risk a misstep.
We got past the two steep sections of the trail and past the narrow section well before a beautiful sunset. Donning our lights we continued on down the trail. I was glad I picked up a new headlamp earlier in the week. Going from 200 lumens to 350 really made a difference.
As we neared the final switchbacks at the end of the Ridgeline, we could see the headlamps of Greg and Matt waiting for us at the base. From here, Greg guided us onto the use trail, and we began zooming across the desert floor. Soon we found ourselves back at our cars. All told we covered some 15.8 miles, gained over 6,100 feet of elevation, and did it in about 12 1/2 hours total. We packed up our gear and drove back into town for some well-earned burritos. That was peak #90 of me for the 100 Peak Challenge! As for the San Diego 100, well I now have 70 of those done as well!
Oh, remember Susie? She stopped off at the Borrego Springs Visitor Center and summited Ode 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!
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 finally able to find time to go hiking with our Associate Rabbi, Matthew Earne. I had been trying to keep Whale Peak as an option for us to summit together, as it is not too difficult, but still provides some challenge and adventure to the outing. The first winter storm was coming to San Diego, but the forecast still looked ok to head out and do it. I did remind him to make sure to toss a rain jacket into his pack.
Once we got to the trailhead, we geared up and began the first climb of the ascent. We began working our way up the steep wash to the first of several mini-plateaus along the route. The trail was easy to spot as we cruised toward the next slope. Cairns would also mark the way. As Scott Turner wrote in Modern Hiker, “Whale Peak trail has a reputation for getting even seasoned and experienced hikers lost.” Since I was the guide for this ascent, I tried to keep my bearings about me as we hiked on. The last time I did this peak, Derek Loranger led the way.
In addition to the route, I was also keeping a watchful eye on the skies for any unexpected weather changes. We could see the rain coming down off to the west on those mountains, but nothing seemed to be approaching us. The winds were light and the temperatures pleasant.
After making our way up the next set of slopes, we soon came to the final steep push to the summit. I told Matt that once it got steep, we would be close to the summit.
We picked our way up the rocks until I spotted the familiar rocks that denote the summit. With the risk of weather looming over us, we did not linger. Tucked well under a rocky nook was the register, which we happily signed, took a few photos, and grabbed a quick snack.
I pointed out various landmarks from our vantage point; Granite, Pinyon, Blair Valley, etc. A few sprinkles were starting to fall, so we donned our jackets and set out to descend. I must have gotten turned around at the summit and accidentally headed east. After about 10 minutes, I stopped to check my location, as I was spotting neither a trail nor any cairns. Remember what Scott said, Whale Peak had gotten me too. We turned around, and climbed back up to the summit, with me apologizing to Matt several times. Back on the summit and oriented correctly, we cruised back down the peak.
The rain never materialized, so we both removed our jackets. We could see some evidence of rain that had fallen elsewhere on the peak; some granite rocks had some small puddles of water, and the soil was slightly damp. What was nice was, that the desert air was now filled with so many joyful odors. You just wanted to stop and breathe it in.
We made our way back down the steep wash and to the car. I had hoped we might be able to also go summit Ghost Mountain, but between the later than planned start and what was sure to be a slower drive home in the rain, we skipped it. This was peak #89 of my #100PeakChallenge.
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 having fun summiting three peaks the day before, I was looking to continue to pick off the remaining peaks of my 100 Peak Challenge. Given the unseasonably warm temperatures, I knew which hikes I needed to do—the Wilson Benchmark/Pinyon Ridge combination. Matt, a friend of Susie Kara, joined me on this adventure. Once again, we drove out to Ranchita and then down the dirt road to the trailhead. My Subaru Outback had no trouble with the road, but I would not take my Acura on it. We parked, gathered our gear, and headed down the old jeep trail. It was nice not to be bundled up for warmth like the last time I hiked to these summits.
The miles ticked off quickly, and soon we were at the point to leave the trail and ascend Pinyon Ridge. Since I knew from which side to climb the summit block, we aimed for the northeast face.
We climbed up to the top and sat and soaked in the views.
As Matt is relatively new to San Diego, I pointed out the various peaks all around us. The register was tucked away under a good collection of rocks. After a nice rest, we scrambled down and we continued cross-country to the east to rejoin the jeep trail.
Upon reaching the base of the bump that Wilson Benchmark sits upon, we worked our way up. There is no trail at this point, so it is a “Choose Your Own Adventure” type of ascent. Soon, the wooden stake came into view, which denotes the summit. Both a benchmark and a reference mark were quickly found, along with the register. The peaks to the east were more easily seen, so I continued my role as a tour guide. We hung out here for a bit, then decided to head back.
Back on the jeep trail, we cruised non-stop back to the car. Peaks #87 and #88 were done. On the way home, we stopped at the little store in Ranchita to grab a cold drink. The clerk remembered me and we chatted a bit about the day’s adventures. It was a picture-perfect day to have done these two.
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.
The third summit of the day was going to be Sentenac Mountain, back near the Scissors Crossing. To reach this trailhead, I turned off the highway and began driving south into Plum Canyon. I kept right at the fork and soon found myself at the end of the road and ready to hit the trail.
The route to Sentenac starts along the California Riding and Hiking Trail. I followed it for about a quarter-mile or so before turning up a side canyon. Once I left the CRHT, the trail turned from sandy to rocky one. Soon I was clambering up dry waterfalls as I made my way up the canyon.
Once I reached a fork in the canyon, I had a decision to make. When I first did this peak I went straight up to the summit. But in looking over the topo map, I saw that if I stayed along the left fork, the grade was less but it did add a little bit of distance to actually reach the summit.
I decided to give it a shot. I did not stay in the canyon but saw a nice route along the north side that lead me up to the plateau before the summit. It was the right choice.
Upon reaching the summit, the register was in two on the ground. I could only find two pencils. Bummer. Sadly I did not have a replacement register on me. So if anyone might be headed up there, please take a new one and a plastic baggie.
I took a short break and enjoyed the views of Grapevine Mountain directly to the north, Granite to the southwest, and Whale to the southeast. Instead of returning the same way, I opted for the direct route, just to compare. While the descent wasn’t bad, it did confirm my route up was the better choice.
Once back in the car, I decided against going for the fourth one (Ghost Mountain). It was warm enough to be bothersome, and I could tack it on to two other peaks I still need to summit again. All in all another great day! 14 peaks 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.
The second peak of the day was going to Borrego Mountain West Butte. Pulling into the parking area for the Borrego Mountain West Butte, there was one car parked. It appeared I was still ahead of the crowds that come to hike the Slot. To get to the summit of this Butte, I just needed to follow the trail leading east.
As I quickly made my way up to the well-defined trail, I could see several groups camping down in Hawk Canyon. Approaching the top, the trail shifted from dirt to more rocky, but still relatively easy to navigate.
Once atop the Butte, I checked my location to find the actual summit. I remembered that there was neither a register nor a benchmark here. A nice rock formation served as my summit.
The day was indeed warming up, so if I wanted to get at least one more peak in, I needed to hustle down to the car. As I approached the trailhead, the parking area had now filled up with more cars, and I could see folks milling about before they went off down the Slot. Peak #85 was crossed off, and I drove about 15 minutes to the Plum Canyon tour off and my third peak of the day, Sentenac Mountain.
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.
As the end of the year keeps getting closer, I have to be mindful of my remaining peaks. Today I planned to summit either 3 or 4 peaks out in Anza Borrego. The forecast was for highs in the mid-80s, so by the fourth peak, it might be too warm to want to do. It also meant back to being at the trailhead at dawn.
First up was Borrego Mountain East Butte. Unlike last time, where I went up the boulder-filled gully, this time I was going to try a different route from the west side. I drove up Goat Trail, a dirt road across from the Desert Ironwood Resort. Just as the road makes a sharp left is a nice parking area and the trailhead.
The sun had just risen, but it had not cleared the Butte yet, so I grabbed my gear and crossed over the land bridge to Butte.
Once across, I began carefully climbing up the rocky slope.
While not the craziness of the gully, this route still took a little care and effort. A few cairns mark the route, but if you have some desert route-finding skills you should be able to pick your way up.
Once I reached the top of Butte, I made my way to the high point and the register. I signed my name as an x2, then took in the views.
As I knew the forecast was going to be in the mid-80s, I did not linger. Back at the car, I was off to Borrego Mountain West Butte, about 10 minutes away. Peak #84 was now done.
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.
Today was going to be an attempt at summiting 3 peaks; P1546, Cemetery Hill, and Oak Benchmark. All three are located off Eagle Peak road, just west of Julian. Given the forecast, I got an early start to the day. I arrived just after sunrise at the trailhead. P1546 sits just before Cedar Creek Falls.
I would be following the old road down to the junction with the trail to Cedar Creek Falls. Technically a permit is needed to summit this peak. I decided to be a good citizen and pay my $6.
By starting early, much of the hike is in shade. After about 1.5 miles or so, I reached the base of the peak. I then followed a slightly overgrown trail to the summit.
There is no register nor benchmark, but some nice views are the reward.
I made my way back up to the car having bagged my 81st peak.
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 returning from Cemetery Hill, I took a break at the trailhead and chatted with a couple of hunters who were packing up to try their luck elsewhere. Oak Benchmark was going to be my final peak of the day. While it should only be about a mile round trip, it is steep and without any trail to follow. I remember some of my previous route from last time but knew it was going to be one of the route-finding skills treks. Just south of where I parked, is a nice meadow that serves as the best starting point for the peak.
From there it is up, any way you can. There was some poison oak to avoid, as I eventually found my way to the summit.
This time a register was waiting to be signed, but also two marks to photograph. While the hike gains about 500 feet in .5 miles, there were some fantastic views to be had as a reward.
It was getting warmer, so I made my careful descent. Back at my car, I was now done with all my non-desert peaks for my 100 Peak Challenge, just 17 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.
