Long Valley Peak

I wanted something a bit on the shorter side, so Long Valley Peak seemed like a perfect option. The trailhead is just off the 8 in Pine Valley. As I parked, the air was brisk, but I knew that was not going to last once the sun rose. A couple of dirt bikes were getting ready to head out on a nearby trail.

The trail follows the power lines for about a mile and a half. I remembered the rolling nature of this section. It was a good way to test my ankle. The sun poked over the Laguna mountains to the east, but the shade and slight breeze kept the temperatures pleasant. The peak loomed in the distance, standing alone.

When the road makes its right turn, I made my left turn onto the single track and the real climb began. The trail was fairly easy to follow, with just a few spots that took a quick moment to spot the continuation.

As I got closer to the summit, the trail became rocky and steeper. Making my way up, the view behind me was stunning. With one final push, the summit was reached. The vistas were as incredible as I remembered. Matt Hanan, another fellow peak bagger, mentioned the need for a new register, so I dropped a new one-off into the ammo box.

Familiar peaks surround me, as I took a break from the ascent. But I knew the day would keep getting warmer and the shade that I had would be fading away.

The descent went quickly back to the service road. Once back at the car I began wondering about this attempt’s pace vs. the first one. Both times I did this peak I was solo. To my surprise, I covered the 4.1 miles 30 minutes faster. I don’t think I was going that fast, I guess the first time I was just cruising.

This was peak #52 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.

Twin Peaks

The trail was in good shape as it worked its way up the slopes. Once at the summit, a few thunderheads were lingering over the mountains to the east.

Rather than head down the east side of Twins Peaks, I decided to head over the other peak just to the southeast of the main peak. It is Twin Peaks after all…

I explored some overlooks around the lower peak before heading back down. Rather than taking the same route as before, I opted to use one of the other routes back to the park. Soon I found myself back on the main trail, and quickly at the car. This was #51 of the reboot.

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!

Volcan Mountain

Decided since we are having a bit of a heatwave, a shorter hike was in order, so I opted for Volcan Mountain out near Julian. Funny, the last time I did this hike was also during a heatwave.

As I set out, a group of Cal Fire firefighters also set out for some training. I quickly made my way to the summit. However, the bugs were out even this early, so I grabbed my bug net and tossed it on as I made up my way up the trail.

Once I reached the summit, I enjoyed my breakfast on the picnic table with a nice view to the west. Afterward, I went hunting for the benchmark. I found the two reference marks, but not the true mark.

I was soon joined by a fellow hiker and his dog. We chatted while his dog took a short breather. Once his companion was ready, we set off back down the mountain. As we made our way, we meet several more folks heading up.

It was a nice hike for my 50th peak in 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!

Monserate Mountain

So decided to knock out Monserate Mountain in Fallbrook this morning. Ted happily tagged to along, in part to check out his ankle on a short hike. The trailhead is on Pankey Road, just east of Interstate 15, where there is a large dirt parking area and a wide dirt trail heading up the western flank of Monserate Mountain. After passing through a gate, the rough and eroded trail wastes no time climbing up the mountain. The low clouds made the hike sticky as we worked our up toward the summit.

This trail is used by the Fallbrook Fire Fighters Association for their 9/11 memorial hike. Markers denote your elevation to floors of the World Trade Center.

As we neared the summit we broke through the cloud layer. The new benchmark looked in good shape and a flag was flying as well. We took a few photos and headed back down.

The descent did bother my bruise some, so we took it a tad slower than normal. The trail was starting to become a bit busier, but nothing like Cowles on a Sunday.

This was peak #49 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!

Boucher Hill

With my foot not at 100% and the high temperatures, I opted for Boucher Hill. I had considered doing it as a two-fee with Volcan Mountain but did not want to attempt that much mileage. I parked at the Silvercrest picnic spot and headed down the road to the trailhead. A nice breeze kept me cool as even at 8 am, it was starting to warm up. The trail gently works its way for about a mile until it reaches the lookout tower. The marine layer hugged the coast, but otherwise, the views were lovely. I could see Mt. Baldy and San Gorgonio In the distance.

After chatting with the volunteers for a bit, I headed back down the trail to the car. I debated doing the full loop but did not want to push my foot yet.

Once I got back to the car, the temperature was already 80°F. Glad I hit it early.

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!

San Jacinto (via Round Valley)

So we set out to summit San Jacinto today for our second peak of the A16’s 3-Peak Challenge. We opted to take the ‘easier’ route from the Palm Springs tram station to the summit. The first tram up was at 8 am and was completely full of hikers ready to hit the various trails.

After the short ride to the upper tram station, we headed down the cement switchbacks to the Ranger Station to get our permits. From there we began the 5 or so miles and just about 3,000 feet of elevation gain toward the summit. It was nice hiking under pines trees and along a running creek, something that is a rarity in San Diego. The trail is very well marked, so no issues with navigation. Just past Round Valley, we started to get a glimpse of the summit.

Ted and I kept pushing higher and higher toward the summit, first toward Wellman’s Divide. After a short break there and some nice views, we set out again. The trail began climbing across the east flank of Jean Peak, pausing briefly at a flat cleft at 10,000 feet before continuing north on the east side of San Jacinto. There are few trees along this section, so remember your sun protection. We had to keep reminding ourselves that we were hiking a bit higher than the mountains of San Diego as we made our way up. At the junction with the Marion Mountain trail (my route the first time), we grabbed another quick break in the shade, since there almost none at the summit.

Soon the rescue hut came into view and the final boulder scramble to the summit. Several other 3-Peak challengers soon joined us also. The views were incredible, but sadly the wooden sign was gone. San G loomed to the northwest, our final peak of the A16 3-Peak Challenge.

After a snack and rest, we began working our way back down the mountain. Unfortunately, about a mile down the trail, Ted rolled his ankle. He was able to put weight on it and we carefully continued down. Those hiking poles paid off.

We found ourselves back at the Ranger Station and returned our permit copies. Then came those concrete switchbacks back to the tram station. This might have been the toughest section of the whole hike 😉

We grabbed a bite to eat and then took the tram back down to the desert floor. Thankfully, Ted just sprained his ankle and his wife will still let me have ‘play-dates’ with him 😉 Now, I am taking next weekend off and going to see historic spacecraft and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing in Neil Armstrong’s home town!

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!

Cushi-Pi (Stonewall Peak)

Since I had the day off, I thought I would head out to Cuyamaca State Park and try to summit two peaks, the first peak of the day was Cushi-Pi, formerly known as Stonewall Peak. I parked in the day-use lot, after paying my $10 fee, headed across the 79, and began working my way up.

I started with Cushi-Pi, first since I knew I would have some shade for a nice portion of the ascent. The trail worked its way back and forward toward the summit. This is a popular peak, so I also wanted to try to avoid crowds as well.

The summit’s final section came into view, reminding me of Moro Rock in Sequoia. I had the granite summit to myself for a bit and soaked in the sweeping views. I picked out the various peaks that I have summited.

Soon I was joined by three other hikers. We chatted a bit and then left them to enjoy the summit by themselves.

As I quickly descended, I encountered more and more hikers making their way to the summit.

Back at the car I had a quick snack and got ready to hike up Middle Peak. This was the 46th peak on my 100 Peak 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!

Middle Peak

Having summited Cushi-Pi (Stonewall Peak) earlier in the day, I set out for Middle Peak. The trailhead is 5 minutes north, so it was a perfect choice as a twofer.

As I parked, quite a few horse trailers were parked nearby. I reapplied my sunscreen and headed along the Milk Ranch Road until the turnoff to Middle Peak. For most of the ascent, it follows a slightly rocky fire road, but you are rewarded with great views of Cushi-Pi, Cuyamaca Peak and so much more.

Near the summit, I began looking for the cairn that denotes the start of the use trail to the actual summit. My first attempt was only partially successful, as I only made it partway through the brush.

This time the trail was better marked, as I picked my way through the brush. I did encounter a beehive along the route but was able to bypass it without issue. The trail at times was hard to see, so a little faith was needed. It was an adventure to the summit, but soon the summit revealed itself. A register was tucked under some rocks. I signed in, took my photos, and enjoyed a snack.

I was worried about finding the route back down but had no trouble. I even found those bees again 😉 A light breeze helped cool me off as I descended. A slight bruise on my foot was bothering me. I will have to see how it feels tomorrow and what I attempt. I did encounter one other hiker just as I was nearing the junction.

It felt good to have done two modest peaks in a day. This was my 47th summit and having actually reached it this time made it extra rewarding.

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!

Eagle Rock

What better way to kick off the Fourth of July than hiking out to see Eagle Rock? My friend Juliet had been wanting to tag along on one of my adventures and this one seemed perfect. She lives up in Temecula, so she met Ted and me in Warner Springs. Since we had two cars we decided to do the hike as a point-to-point along the Pacific Crest Trail. We drove down to the PCT trailhead off Montezuma Valley road and headed out along the trail.

The trail weaved its way through rolling hills and grasslands. It reaffirmed our choice of picking our route out to Eagle Rock.

We crossed a still-flowing stream and up and over the small hills. It was nice having some new company on the trail.

The rock formation soon came into view. There were a couple of folks enjoying the ‘Eagle’, as we arrived. After taking our photos and having a snack, we continued on the PCT toward Warner Springs.

The miles ticked off quickly. We met a few more hikers heading out to Eagle Rock. The shade along the trail was nice and the gentle sounds of another creek were enjoyable.

Soon we found ourselves back in Warner Springs having done 8.1 miles along the PCT. This was my 45th peak of my 100 Peak 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!

McGinty Mountain

Since I had hiked both the Kanaka Flats Loop and Arrowmaker Ridge High Point the day before, I was looking for something a bit shorter. McGinty Mountain fit that requirement nicely. I convinced Dave to tag along for the hike. Drove out to Jamul, and pulled into the parking lot which was filled with about a half dozen cars. We grabbed our gear and head out onto the trail.

We began quickly climbing toward the false summit, passing three hikers who were training for an upcoming Sierra backup trip.

Soon the summit came into view and we continued our climb. I pointed out the abandoned mine across the divide.

Upon reaching the summit we meet two other hikers.

Unfortunately, flying termites were swarming about, so we grabbed a few photos and quickly headed back down.

The hike back to the car went quickly. Since we did it slightly faster than planned, it was too early for lunch, so a refreshing Jamba Juice filled in. This was peak #44 of the 100 Peak Challenge Reboot. Now to plan the hikes for the July 4th weekend…

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!