Volcan Mountain

The San Diego River Park had scheduled a hike for later in the morning that I had signed up for, but I saw the forecast and decided to go earlier and beat the heat. The climb to the summit was nice, except for the shady parts. That is when the gnats would become bothersome under the incense cedar.

Toward the summit, the ruins of the cabin still stood, and I learned that this was a potential site for the observatory (Palomar won).

Only saw three other hikers along the entire trek. I did encounter a dog along the trail. Finally got close enough to grab its collar and call the owner. Turns out he wanders the trail and region all the time. When I returned to my car, the scheduled hike was getting organized. One of the volunteers was getting ready to cart up some water partway up the trail. I chatted a bit and gave them a current trail summary.

This summit is the ‘starting’ point for the 2017 Crest to Coast Challenge. Although I only summited one peak, it was a twofer.

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.

Oakzanita Peak

A perfect way to kick off the Fourth of July weekend! I convinced my friend Dave to tag along for this one. Unlike when Derek summited this peak, there was not a lick of snow to be had ;).

The trail works its way northward for a bit before turning east at the East Mesa Fire Road. You are on the road just for a short bit before veering off. The trail wraps around Oakzinta peak and approaches from the south and east.

The views from the summit we lovely, except we did have some flying ants bothering us, so we did not stay too long.

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!

Mother Miguel Mountain

With the temperatures predicted to be high everywhere except near the coast, I decided this was the perfect time to drive down and summit Mother Miguel. The ascent began under a blanket of fog. It was thick enough that I had to assist a runner coming down the trail with some directions.

The trail quickly snakes its way up the mountain, and soon the fog burned off revealing a lovely view of the South Bay,

Once the switchbacks end, the trail turns northward toward the summit.

The summit is adorned with a POW/MIA flag in addition to the Stars and Stripes. The return down the mountain was uneventful.

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!

Garnet Mountain

Our second summit of the day. This summit is just a short walk from Kwaaymii Point. Ben came along the trail with me but opted not to venture through the brush to the summit.

The winds had picked up and it was fun feeling them race up from the desert floor. There is no benchmark here, but a register can is tucked in the rocks.

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!

Pine Mountain

This was another two summit day. First up was a hike out to Pine Mountain. My son Ben agreed to tag along. We head out toward the summit, talking about his new role on the USY Board, what his last summer at Camp Ramah would be like, and his final two years of high school. All in all, some nice father-son time.

The actual summit is not easily reachable, so we settled for the trail junction as our ‘summit’.

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!

Garnet Peak

My second summit of the day (Monument Peak was the first). Just up the road from the Monument Peak Trailhead is the trailhead to Garnet Peak. If you are looking for a longer hiking day, you could hike between them.

The trailhead is denoted by a metal pole, then heads off across a lovely forest meadow. After a bit, you will intersect with the PCT. It is here that the climb will begin in earnest.

The trail works its way up the east and then north side of the peak, all the while your lungs remind you that you are not a sea level.

Once at the summit, you are rewarded with a sweeping view of Anza-Borrego.

On the way back I saw some 20 hikers making their way northward on the PCT for a day hike. We chatted for a bit and then went our separate ways.

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!

Monument Peak

This was the first of two summits this day (the other being Garnet Peak). Starting from Sunrise Highway, I quickly noted that the rains from the winter had left the trail a tad overgrown as a made my way across the forest floor. The trail then joins with the PCT for a bit, before breaking off to the summit and the communication towers.

The views from the Lagunas are always so impressive. The expanse of Anza-Borrego is stunning. I found the marker and began to head back to the car.

You might notice on the map, a rouge section of red. Remember, how I said the grasses were a bit high, and the trail was a touch overgrown? Well, I missed the turn and was following the slightly more used trail. I decided to double back and return along the same route. Mostly since I did not want to walk along the road to the car.

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!

Van Dam Peak

Another short hike that is perfect for an after-work excursion. This peak sits near the end of the 56 freeway and the 15 in Poway. The trailhead I started from was at the end of a cul-de-sac. Passing through some houses, I could imagine the adventures the neighborhood kids would have in this open space (or the mischief ).

The trail quickly rises up to the ridgeline. I opted to head north to the principle summit and the graffitied slab. The sounds of the freeway’s afternoon traffic were muted, but still noticeable. That was offset but the crunch of dirt under my hiking boots. After enjoying the view, I headed back toward the car, making a detour to the south summit.

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!

Tooth Rock

UPDATE: This peak and trail are now closed to the public.

As you head east along Poway Road, you might notice a solitary rock perched atop a small hill to the north. This is locally known as Tooth Rock. It is a short hike to the summit. The trailhead is on Range Park Road. I convinced my wife to join me on this adventure. The trail starts off fairly flat before climbing steeply to the summit.

Once at the summit, you are rewarded with a nice view of Poway.

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!

Double Peak (via Discovery Lake)

This is another great peak to summit after work. Located up in San Marcos, I was able to drive to the trailhead on the way from work.

The trail is well maintained and well used by locals for exercise. In fact, part of the route goes through a neighborhood. Once at the top you have some incredible views of north county.

One thing to note, you can actually just drive to the top of this summit 🙂

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!