Tag: CA

Iron Mountain, Poway CA 01/31/2020

Time to Hike: 10 AM-1:30 PM STEPS: 14,500 Distance:  6.8 miles out and back   Hikeability:  moderate to difficult  Snacks/Water:  Cliff bar, orange, tuna sandwich, 2L water  Temp:  75 degrees 

I am no stranger to hiking Iron Mountain, but it’s been a minute since I last have.  In act its been at least a year-and-a-half  A hike I had annually done 3-4 times all of a sudden felt very big and quite challenging.  But, on this crystal clear indigo blue sky morning, Iron stands proud and awaits to be submitted.

Iron is located in Poway, CA at the intersection of Poway Rd. and Hwy. 67. 

Parking is convenient and close to the trailhead. There are also concrete pit toilet restrooms off of the parking area. On the weekends the parking lot fills up quick and you may have to park along Hwy. 67.

Iron is one of my favorite trailhead welcomes.  You are greeted by the iconic archways and then a 100 yards from there the ‘official” start, a dense canopy of oaks leads you fifty yards to the long open sandy trail start and your 3.3-mile trek to the summit.  About a quarter of a mile from here you come to a side spur you can take right.  You can also continue on along the more popular route going straight.  I always appreciate options along the trail. 

Either way, you can not get lost on this well-marked trail to the summit.   The only differences are the views and trail composition. The more traditional route is rockier and eroded.  The ‘short-cut’ spur is hard-packed sand through scrub oaks and low lying brush with a birds-eye view of the peak.

Each leads to the other and the same ascending single trail route to the peak. At the 1.5 mile mark, you will come to the mileage board indicating directions to key points along the way including the summit of Iron Mt. 

The highlights of this hike begin at this stage of the hike. The incredible scenic views east of the Ramona foothills and the surrounding area of Julian, CA are breathtaking. Be sure you keep your eyes peeled for the ‘white cross’ tucked into the eastern mountainous landscape as you start to ascend.  

This scenic hike does not disappoint in trail challenge and composition.  Much of the time the trail is hard-packed sand to offer good footing.  At times ankle-twisting jagged rock creates a true mountain adventure feel. As the trail ascends natural steps, slabs made of rock, help you navigate your climb to the peak.  For me this is what makes this trail fun and spontaneous.

The last leg of the trail offers incredible views west including the parking lot far below, Hwy. 67 and on a clear day the Pacific Ocean.  From this vantage point, you can gauge how high you have climbed. Look close and you can see Bernardo Mountain.  Look north and you can see Iron’s sister hike, Mt. Woodson and the TV and radio towers adorning the Woodson summit. 

Trekking on and as soon as you ask yourself, “when are we going to get to the top?” the trail unassumingly leads you to the summit. 

The summit of iron is spread out allowing for different spots to rest, including a few picnic tables to share lunch at.  ( how did they get these tables up here?).  Scrub oak, low-lying brush and rock cover the top of Iron Stroll as far south as you can and you get a beautiful view of a pristine shimmering lake off in the distance.

From here you can see a wide expanse of the county in all directions.  Being up here again reminds me this may be the best view from any peak in the county. This is a peak you do not mind spending a good amount of time at. 

Another perk to this hike is although it over three miles back the scenic views along the way provide for a soothing different view of things.  Before you know it you are passing the Helipad ( for emergency rescues) and coming up to the location/direction signboard and are only one and a half miles from the trailhead start. 

When you come upon the section of the trail that offers the side spur back mix it up and choose the trail you did not take on the ascent. 

Soon you will be approaching the Oak Grove canopy to guide you back to the trailhead start.   Iron Mountain never disappoints with its scenic beauty, trail challenge and the sense of accomplishment you have hiked an adventurous mountain trail.

An added bonus and reward of hiking Iron Mountain and other Poway Peaks is the Stable Juice Smoothie shop at Twin Peaks and Espola Rds.  The best smoothies in the county are served here.  Treat yourself and bask in the accomplishment of the hike.  

 

 

 

 

Monserate Mountain Preserve, Fallbrook Land Conservancy, 03/06/2019

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Time to Hike:  12-3pm   STEPS: 9600 Distance:  3.3 miles out and back   Hikeability:  moderate to difficult in spots  Snacks/Water:  Orange, snack bar, 1.5L water     Temp:  low 75 degrees 

Directions to hike :  From the North or South Exit from Interstate 15 at 76/ Pala Road and drive west to Old Highway 395 and turn right (north). Drive 2.6 miles then turn right on Stewart Canyon Road and go east under the Interstate to Pankey Road. Turn right and park on the right. The start of the trail is across the street and is marked by a sign 

From the coast:  Hwy 76 to Hwy 395, turn left, Drive 2.6 miles then turn right on Stewart Canyon Road and go east under the Interstate to Pankey Road. Turn right and park on the right. The start of the trail is across the street and is marked by a sign

One of my Top 5 North County Hikes is Monserate Mountain in Fallbrook, CA.   Today I hiked the “Short way” up.  However, this 3.3 mile round trip out and back hike offers a good challenge for legs and cardio which make it well worth the hike.  In fact I used Monserate as one of my training hikes to get in shape to hike Mt. Whitney a few years back.  

The trailhead off of Pankey road is on the opposite side to the parking area.  The trail start leads you direct east for a hundred yards towards the mountain with a gradual incline slope ascent leading you on your way.  The majority of earthen trail transitions to a majority rock and loose gravel composition.  Look back and to your west and you will see Interstate 15 and the parking area where your car is. 

As you wind your way up this rugged trail you will come to a service road at about the .75 mile mark.  Make a left here for the remaining of the trail to the Peak.  That’s the trail I took.   Today, the plant life and brush are a beautiful mixture of various shades of natural green.  Lavender and yellow flowering plants adorn the trail.   The recent rains can be congratulated for this.   Its the most colorful Monserate has been since I started hiking it, five years ago.

Continuing your climb you will be greeted by a few trail posts providing distance to various viewpoints and th Peak.  On your way up tribute markers to 911 mark the trail as well. .  These  911 tributes pay homage to those who lost their lives on that fateful day.  Each marker states the election using floors of the World Trade Center. see photo

Continue ascending, the trail alternates between very loose and jagged rock and hard packed earth.  Today the earth and usual brown soil is a rich red due to the past week’s rains. The trail levels out at about the 1.25-mile mark for about .3 of a mile.  Here you begin your final push to the peak hiking a 30-degree slope to the top.  100 yards from the peak you will see the American Flag waving i the wind cleaning it sake of being planted at the summit of Monserate Mountain.

Monserate is one of my favorite Peaks.  The views are breathtaking as you look west to the Pacific Ocean and east to the Palomar Mountain Range and The Cleveland National Forest. Sign in at the ammo box which contains the Summit Journal.  Relax and enjoy your accomplishment, rest, hydrate and exchange conversation with other hikers sharing this moment with you. The descent back is the same trail.  

Once you hike Monserate, you too will add it to your go-to list of hikes in San Diego County…… HIke On!   

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Ramona Grasslands County Preserve; Ramona. CA 11/07/2018

 

Distance:  3.9mi   Elevation Gain: 380′ Date and Time: Wednesday Nov. 7. 2018 1:05Pm 1:29:23min Temp: 70’s Hikeability:  Easy  Water & Snack: 1.5 liters Probar, Orange, 

 

This scenic trail system consists of 2 separate trails tied together by the main trail to offer a 4 mile hike through the grasslands of Ramona.  The journey out to the Preserve is almost as adventurous as the hike itself through the winding twists and turns of Highland Rd if coming from I-15 as I did.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ramona Grasslands Preserve Sign Highland Valley Rd

Located southwest of the unincorporated township of Ramona, west of State Route 67, north of Highland Rd. and east and west of Rangeland Rd; trail head and staging area are on Highland Valley Rd., just east of Archie Moore Rd. Look for  sign right outside the trailhead gate.

 

 

 

 

 

The main trail is pretty much designed for horses so its wide, hard packed sand and very easy on the body.  Immediately off to the left and the trailhead start as you head west is the Meadow Loop which is .8 mile in length that offers some diversity in trail and vegetation

 

 

 

Ramona Grasslands

The Meadow Loop  takes you back into some areas that present nice views of the distant peaks of Iron Mt. and Mt Woodson.  I took this loop on the way back as it meets up with the main trailhead about .5 miles in from the staging area. You could take this loop and join up wit the main trail if you choose.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you head west the entire Grasslands Preserve opens up before you to the Northside of the trail. The low lying grasslands are dotted with coastal sage scrub and oak woodlands   

 

 As I hiked along I spotted way off in the distance two coyotes making there way across the grasslands, a serene and surreal sight indeed, I was just glad they weren’t Bobcats.  Bobcats and Mountain Lions are common in the area, so its not uncommon to spot one.  As always be vigilant.

 

 

 

 

 

You will soon come to a sign post stating .2 miles to the Wildflower Loop, which is a 2.2 mile loop that veers right, continues west, northwest then curves south and then loops around back south east to the Wildflower loop sign, where you started your hike of this section of the Preserve a total of 2.2 miles.

 

The trail of the Wildflower loop consists of hard-packed earth, sand and soft sand.  The trail gets as wide as a single lane highway, great for the horses and bikers that use this trail, and then narrow to enough for one person to pass as you get halfway through the 2.2 section of the 4 mile trail system.

 

 

 

 

The same vegetation of coastal sage scrub and oak woodlands  is much of the vegetation until about the halfway point of the 2.2 mile loop.  Here the vegetation reduces to low lying sage scrub and broken chaparral. other indigenous plant life to the area.

 

You can’t go wrong on this trail as its easy to hike, is surrounded by beautiful open grasslands and enough oaks and sage scrub  to paint a very scenic landscape for a 4 mile hike. The Meadow Loop will bring you back to the original loop trail marker.

 

At this point veer right to head back east to the staging area.  You will soon come to the Meadow Loop on your right, which I took and headed south on the trail and back around to the very beginning of the staging area and trailhead start.

 

If you are looking for a change of pace hike that is very quiet, relaxing, easy, flat and a beautiful scenic view of the back country grasslands of Ramona, then the Ramona Grasslands Preserve is for you….As always lots of water, hike with a friend, snacks and Hike On!  

 

Hike The Lagoon: Batiquitos Lagoon; Carlsbad, CA 09/16/2018

Distance:  3.5 miles   Date and Time:  Sunday, September 16, 2018 1 hour 5 minutes  Temp:  80’s  Hikeability:  Easy  Water & Snack:  1 liter, Orange

My usual Hiking repertoire includes the mountains, sometimes the coast and anything in between. A hike in the local North County San Diego area that gets little attention is the Batiquitos Lagoon located at 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92011. 

 

The Lagoon is more a nature walk than a hike, but the natural beauty of the lagoon provides the same peace, calm, physical exercise and mental health relief as any hike you choose to do.  The beauty of hiking Batiquitos for me is that  you are skirting the lagoon and its beautiful shimmering body of water the entire out and back hike

 

The hike starts off at the end of Gabbiano Lane which dead ends into a Cul-de-sac.  parking is easy, although of the weekends is full. No problem, you will eventually find a spot. The trailhead start is landmarked by a Welcome to the Lagoon wood carved sign done by a local eagle Scout group.

 

As you start your hike you are immediately greeted but the Lagoon’s nature center for information and a restroom. Also, the Lagoon will start to appear on your right and do so the remainder of your hike around the lagoon.The I-5 freelway on the right is very apparent at this part of the hike but as the trail winds left you loose track, sight and sound of any hustle and bustle and the tranquility begins.

 

 

 

The hike itself is an easy, fast trail, mostly sand composition, few areas of hard packed earth.  The route is an easy out and back oath with toal distance of about 3.5 miles.  

 

Along the way there are strategically placed benches offering scenic views as well as lookouts with information boards on the lagoons impact of the area and the plant and animal life it sustains. 

 

 

 

A fun add-on is at about the 1 mile mark you will parallel on your left The Aviara Golf Course, a luxury hotel and spa with the same beautiful scenery as the Lagoon.

 

The trail ends about 1.75 mile east in a wide open acres filed that will stop you in a round-about-way and turn you around.  Enjoy the slow paced walk back and choose various inlet paths to mix up your return.

 

 

Hiker Therapy Hiking Batiquitos Lagoon, Carlsbad, CA

The highlight of this nature walk for me is the peace and tranquility the lagoon offers, even thought its right along side a major California Freeway, I-5 and surrounded by the homes, villas and townhouses of the Carlsbad area.  

 

The sounds of silence mixed in with the wildlife of the lagoon makes this a very pleasant experience and one I highly suggest for a Sunday stroll; along, with family, children or just walking your dog.   Hike On!

 

 

 

Batiquitos Lagoon; Carlsbad, CA

Santa Margarita River Trail, Fallbrook, CA Father’s Day Hike 06/18/2017

Distance:  6 miles   Elevation Gain: 469′ Date and Time:  Sunday June, 18th  10am to 1pm  Temp:  70’s  Hikeability:  Easy-Moderate  Water & Snack:  1.5 liters, Probar, Orange

Directions to trailhead :   From the coast, take Highway 76 east and turn left on Mission Road, heading north. Take the first left onto Pico Road, which quickly becomes De Luz Road. Veer right onto Sandia Creek Road, and park on the trailhead just before the bridge.

A hike I’ve heard of more about from the local hiking community here in the North County section of San Diego is the Santa Margarita River Trail in Fallbrook, CA. This hidden gem of a trail parallels a clean clear slow moving river out into the back country and hills of Fallbrook.  

 

The trail is very well marked, much of the way soft sand with some ares of the trail rock and boulder “hazards” dotted along the way just to add some interest and challenge to this relatively easy trail.  

 

 

That said, at trails end, you really do feel like you have hiked a much more aggressive trail than what the Santa Margarita River Trail has to offer.   The fun part of this hike is at certain sections  2 miles out you can find “secret” areas that allow you to cross the river with a few rock climbs and bushwhacking (watch out for the Posion Oak)

 

You can  step rock to rock crossing the river leading which will lwad you to the continuation of trail on the other side of the river.  This continuation trail ends further  into the hills and at one point offers you a climb up to a plateau  and sweeping views of the Valley and distant mountains and hills.

 

 

On the way back we had to find a narrow area of the river so the we could cross. We eventually picked a spot that wasn’t too deep, took off our boots, rolled up out pants, and made the adventurous crossing, bare foot and all.  The river is clear, clean nd cooling on the feet.   

Quite refreshing after our previous 3 miles of hiking the trail and up into the hill

 

 

The Santa Margarita River Trail offers two “paths” to hike along, one that gets you closer to the rivers edge and one that is elevated and detours you around thechallenging parts of the river trail.  

Either way, as mentioned earlier, there is plenty of Poison Oak on this trial and from my 6 plus years of hiking San Diego County, the Sant Margarita River Trail has more Poison Oak than on any trail Ive hiked. 

All due respect to the back country of Jullian and Palomar Mountain trails as well 

 

 

A fun landmark along the way back at about mile 4 on the upper section of the trail was an old rusted out automobile hull, I’m guessing was at least 40 years old due to its all steel chassis (including the steering wheel) conuctrustion, bumper and all.  

The rusted hull of a vehicle makes for great photo opportunities and discovery.

 

The Santa margarita River Trail also is lined with beautiful green vegetation, oaks and other vine like flour and fauna, making some of this trail feel lie a jungle hike amidst lush tropical dense rai forest like atmosphere. The trail back is quick and before you know it you will be back at the gated trailhead and the parking lot.  

I always like finding new hiking spots and trails in a county we are so fortunate to have lots of diverse and beautiful hiking trails.

As always, don’t hike alone, respect your own limits, respect your partners limits, bring more water than you need and most important….have Fun!…Hike on! 

Double Peak Trail San Marcos, CA 03/04/2018

Distance:  4.6 mi   Hike Time: 1:15pm to 3:45pm  Steps: 9972  Elevation at peak: 1646′

Elevation Gain:  1000′ Water:  1.5 l  Snacks: Redd bar and hard boiled egg 

Hikeability: Moderate   Getting there: Take Highway 78 to San Marcos Boulevard. If coming from the coast, turn right. If from the 15, turn left. Turn left onto Bent Avenue, which will turn into Craven Road. Turn right onto Foxhall Drive, and then turn right into the Discovery Lake parking lot or park along the street.

Discovery Lake                            
Hiker Therapy

 

Double Peak Trail is one of my top 4 hikes in North County San Diego along with Lake Calavera Preserve, Oceanside, Daly Ranch, Escondio and Monserate Mountain Fallbrook, CA.  Double Peak offers a very clean trail, well marked, easy access, excellent trail conditions and the famous “Tree” at the peak which can be seen from miles around.

 

Double Peak Trail is part of the Discovery Lake Park system, which includes Discovery Lake and Discovery park.  Both of which offer a great family place to play, fish, picnic and hangout on a weekend day or any day for that matter.

Double Peak Trailhead
Hiker Therapy

The trailhead to Double Peak starts at Discovery Park and its beginning trail leads you right alongside Discovery Lake.  If you prefer you can start at the opposite or top end of the park and wind around the lake and join back up with the main trail up to the peak.

 

In fact the beginning part of the trail is a service road that leads up into a local neighborhood and then up a residential street which connects you to the “Real” trail. This beginning service road always is the most challenging part of the hike for me.

 

 Its a steep climb and its right when you start out, so be prepared for some “legburn” before the trail evens out and heads into the local neighborhood. The neighborhood road up is about 1/4-1/3 of a mile before you reconnect with the Double Peak Trail.

 

Urban Hike part
Hiker Therapy

At the top of the street, you cross over to the main trail.  Once on this part of the trail you are hiking on hard packed sand up most of the way to the peak.  As you wind up halfway to the peak the trail does turn to a rockier composition but then again returns to the hard packed sand trail composition.

 

 Soon you will climb high enough to start picking up good views of North County as well as California State University San Marcos to your east.  Much of this trail surrounding vegetation has been burned in recent years fires, but much of the brush, plant life and chaparral has grown back.

 

Trail spur left, steep trail in background, road up to Peak
Hiker Thera

As you continue to climb and at the 1.8 mile mark you will come to Double Peak Rd.  This is your final climb up as you stay left on the sidewalk.  At the 2 mile mark you will come to a trail spur that dips down to the left.

 This is an option that will get you to the peak, (of the three ways up I say this is the most challenging option) and well worth getting off the main trail.  This spur will take you to the opposite side of the Double Peak summit.  

Trail to Steep Sign
Hiker Therapy

You can also continue on to the “Steep Sign” marker, you can take this dirt trail up but beware its a leg burner and as the signed has warned us  its steep.  Most who ascend Double peak take the sidewalk along side Double Peak road up.

 

 But come on! This is a hike! and the more adventure and spice you can add to the hike the better  I usually go up the “Steep” trail sign way.  Although recently I have been going the trail spur to the left and the first of the 3 options that you come to.  

Double Peak Summit Tree Hiker Therapy

Either one of the three ways you will summit Double Peak and enjoy the 2.3 mile hike up and the views of the distance Palomar Mountains and on a clear day Mt. Baldy and the San Gabriel Mountains.  

 

To your immediate east you will see a pointed peak, thats Mt. Whitney, not “The” Mt Whitney. You will also come face to face with the Double Peak Tree!  Looking west the pacific Ocean and south the coastline of San Diego County.

Gorgeous View looking South East from Summit, parking lot adjacent
Hiker Therapy

Most of the people at the peak have driven up Double Peak road, so congratulate yourself on your hike up and enjoy a snack and the gorgeous 360 degree views.  There is a restroom at this peak that is well kept by the local park ranger.

 

 

Me at the Summit Peak
Hiker Therapy

Double Peak is one of my go to local hikes and one that provides a good challenge, a nice sense of nature even though you are hiking through a suburban neighborhood some of the way.

 

A good sense of accomplishment and at roughly 4.6 miles a good enough challenge to make you think you’ve gotten a good workout, which you have, as most times a few hours after I get back home my legs will attest to.

 

As always, hike with a friend, respect your limits, respect your friends limits, take more water than you need, a snack and remember its not a race, enjoy each foot step along the trail 

Hike On!  

 

Pyles Peak via Cowles Mountain Service Road, Barker Way Trailhead: 01/14/2018

 

Distance:  7.45 mi  Time:  03:56:13 mins  Steps: 15,151 Elevation Gain:  710ft 

Water:  1.5 L  Snacks:  Orange, Pro bar, hard boiled egg

For a hike that covers a lot of diverse trail, assorted vegetation, gorgeous views and beautiful scenery then the Pyles Peak via Cowles Mountain Service Rd, Barker Way Trailhead is the hike for you. Not to mention you bag 2 peaks in one hike. In the Mission Trails Hiking system Pyles and Cowles are 2 of the 5 hikes to bag. The other 3 being both Fortunas, North and South as well as Kwaay Paay.

 

Barker Way to Cowles Mountain Service Road

The trailhead for this hike starts at Barker Way In Santee, CA.   I like this start due to its less populated trailhead and easier parking. There are also restrooms here for convenience. The trail start is flat, sandy and wide. After 100 yards you will come to a sign that points you left and up towards Cowles, do not go left, continue on the trail as it veers right and up and on your way to the top of Cowles. The trail here starts to climb to the 3/4 mile, then plateaus for awhile then climbs  the entire way.

 

Cowles Mountain Hiker Therapy

As you plateau at about the .75 mile mark you will look up and catch a glimpse of Cowles, the radio towers, and the trail will “snake” up the mountain to form an “S” pattern. From here to the Peak of Cowles the trail is rocky, and the steep ascent becomes more challenging and strenuous. Although you will see others along the way, compared to the more traditional Golfcrest and Navajo Rd trail, this section of trail in the Colwes system is the less traveled, quite and the most challenging of all the trails up.  As you near the Peak of Cowles the trail will steepen dramatically the last 50 yards and then veer left. As you make the gradual left sweep, straight ahead you will see a sign marking the start to the trail over to Pyles.  

 

Cowles Mountain Summit            Hiker Therapy

However, as you  hike along you will see a set of wooden steps and as you do, make a  left to get up to the rocky section of the Peak of Cowles and the path up to the monument. I always love the views from Cowles. Looking North east you see East County and El Cajon Mountain, looking South you can see Mexico, to the Southwest Pt. Loma and looking direct west some of the other peaks in our county including Iron Mountain, Mt Woodson, Black Mountain and on a very clear day the Pacific Ocean. At this point you will have climbed approximately 1.6 miles. I walked around a bit at the peak and added another .4 mile. You can directly see Pyles Peak, looking West from the summit of Cowles.

 

 

 

 

Start of Pyles Peak Trail                                Hiker Therapy
Sign leading the way to Pyles Peak from Cowles Summit       Hiker Therapy

Retracing your steps you will head back down the same stairs you came up on, turn left and head to the marker sign that points you to the trailhead of Pyles Peak. Veering left here you will walk straight into a great view of Santee Lake and a row of greenery. The trail sharp turns right and starts the descent to Pyle peak. The interesting part of this hike is that since Cowles elevation is at 1600” and Pyles is at 1300’, you are spending most of this trail over to Pyles descending and winding in a broad loop to the final ascent back up to Pyles. The ascent to Pyles is the most difficult section of this hike and a very  uneven rocky trail. The wide expanses out between Cowles and Pyles are beautiful and quiet. The journey over adds another 1.5 miles to your hike, give or take a few steps.

Trail over to Pyles Peak from Cowles Mountain Summit        Hiker Therapy

 

 

The trail dips and bends on its descent into a flat section that takes you to the junction of the ascent up to Pyles Peak and the Cowles Mt. trail.  This time of year the vegetation was somewhat green, not yet flowering. Ive done this hike in March and the flowers on the vegetation are popping then. The vast majority of those who hike Cowles do not continue on to Pyles, which is both a huge plus and a small minus. The minus being there is little contact with others on this trail so its best advised to hike with a partner in case of mishap of injury. Much of the trail is even, sandy, hard packed clay with section of rocky trail, especially on your final ascent up to the Peak of Pyles.

 

Climb up to Pyles Peak Summit Hiker Therapy

The ascent switchbacks up to the Peak and gets narrow and rocky in spots. Again this is the most diffocult part of the Hike over from Cowles. As you approach the “Pyles Peak Rock” marking your arrival to the summit you will be greeted by the Pyles Peak sign, indicating that you have made it to your second peak of the day. Take in the views, have another snack and scan the surrounding ares between and Cowles and beyond.  Looking directly across south you can see the Peak of Cowles Mountain and the radio towers.  Although this is a much smaller Peak than Cowles, it is less crowded and in fact for a good amount of my time at the Summit I was the only person there. Another couple came by and we talked. They had been to the other 3 peak in the Mission Trails system this day and just had come over from Cowles, thus making this their 5 of 5 peaks for the day. Nice work indeed! For me the descents challenge me more than the ascents and the descent down the trail from Pyles is challenging indeed. The trail down is about .25 miles and before you know it you will meet up with the main trail junction, go left and follow trail now mostly ascending, back over to Cowles, the radio towers and your journey back.

 

Summit of Pyles peak               Hiker Therapy

Once at the return summit to Cowles you can decide to go back the same way on the service road  down to Barker Way or you can descend down Cowles and meet up with the Barker Way trailhead spur about a third of the way down Cowles Mountain trail on your left. I started this hike at 1:15pm, I arrived back at 5pm right about at dusk.My total miles was 7.25 as I hiked around a bit besides the main distance up to Cowles over to Pyles back to Cowles and then down to the Barker Way Trailhead start. The miles achieved on this hike is anywhere between 6-7.5 miles using the Barker Way Trailhead.

View of Pyles Peak looking over from leaving Cowles   Hiker Therapy

 

 

 

 

So there it is, for a challenging and less trafficked  hike up to Cowles Mountain Summit and then over to Pyles Peak I highly suggest the Barker Way Trailhead and the Cowles Mountain Service Rd. trail.  Not only do you join a minority of hikers who continue on to Pyles peak after summating Cowles you add 2 hikes in one day to your peak conquests and trail resume.

 

Hike On!

Fireworks Hike! Double Peak Mountain, San Marcos, CA 07/04/2017

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FIREWORKS HIKE: See 6 different Tri-City and County wide Fireworks Shows  MEET: 7pm Discovery Lake Park Gazebo, Upper Parking Area 650 Foxhall Dr, San Marcos, CA 92078 GROUP INTRO:  7-7:15 pm  HIKE START TIME:  7:15 pm  SIGN-UP: On welcome page use contact form or call me to let me know if you are interested in joining us! I hope to see you there!

Let’s celebrate Hiker Therapy’s first group hike by hiking Double Peak Mountain San Marcos, CA to see 6+ different Fireworks Shows throughout the County from the Peak.  The 2.25 miles to the top is a well marked, well constructed trail that though challenging in spots is a very straight forward moderate hike taking 60 minutes to ascend.  We will get to the Peak 8-8:15 pm in plenty of time to get a comfortable spot to view the Spectacular show!   Wear  layered clothing, since cooler temps are predicted. Bring water, snacks and a headlamp or flashlight as we will be descending in the dark.  There are restrooms at trailhead start and at the Peak.  This is going to be a Blast!  Pardon the Pun.  

Look for the Guy wearing the Red Banadana, standing near the gazebo!  Please go to Welcome page contact form or call me (Mark)  at 760-652-9275 so I can get an idea how many are coming.   See you there and let’s go see some Fireworks

Photos of Double Peak, including Discovery lake….

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Hike The Hollywood Sign @ Hollywood Hills, CA 04/12/2017

Once in Hollywood, here’s route to trail:

To get to the trailhead, 3200 Canyon Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068: From Franklin Avenue, north of the 101 Freeway and Hollywood Boulevard, turn north on Canyon Drive (between Bronson Avenue and Van Ness Avenue) and drive 1.4 miles to the trailhead. There is a small parking area on the left past a larger lot on the right.  map

Distance:  6.27 miles Time: 2:52:07  Steps: 12,669

Water: Drank 1.5 l  took 3l    Snacks: hard-boiled egg, Pro Bar

Trail Condition:  Excellent flat, wide.  service road some parts of trail  Temp: 70’s (felt like the 80s due to exposure, not much shade on the trail)

To add some novelty, adventure and glamour to your hiking menu not too mention  hiking a iconic symbol representing movie stars, glitter and the ritz of LA, I highly recommend  hiking the Hollywood Sign in the Hollywood Hills.  

 

There are 3 ways to do this, each offering their own unique experience and adventure, from easy to difficult.  Quite frankly these trails all cross or intersect with each other and many hikers create hybrid hikes out of  the miles of trials and these 3 mentioned routes.  That said I wanted a challenge, a workout and a bit of distance in reaching the sign, so I chose The Brush Canyon trail.

 

3 ways to Hike the Hollywood Sign

The Basic Trail Directions of this Hike are:

  • Hike north from the end of Canyon Drive
  • Reach the top of Brush Canyon Trail, turn left onto Mulholland Fire Road @ 1.2 miles
  • Stay to the right past the top of Hollyridge Trail @ 1.9 miles
  • Turn right up Mount Lee Road @ 2.15 miles
  • Reach the top of Mount Lee above the Hollywood Sign @ 3.1  miles

The Brush Canyon Trail starts out in shade wandering through a grove of tree cover and low lying brush. After .5 mile the trail starts its gradual incline ascent which for  most of the 3.1 miles to the peak of Mount Lee, is consistently the same.  There is  a section of the trail between the 1.2 mile and 2.1 mile mile that offers a reprieve with  a steady level flat piece of trail.  

 

This is where you turn left from the Brush Canyon Trail onto Mulholland Fire Road, which is about the 1.2 mile mark.  Keep left as the trail dips and winds and climbs again to the right.  From here you get a great view of the sign off to the upper left.    Stay to the right past the top of Hollyridge Trail @ 1.9 miles.

 

 At this point you will come to Mount Lee Road.  For the shorter  trail view of the sign, go left, for a much more rewarding view and a strenuous workout stay right on Mount Lee road and began your climb to the back of the sign. From this point onward the trail is a paved access road that leads right to the peak.  

 

 

Not easy, but very doable.  On this day I was surprised at the amount of people, (and horses,) hiking the trail.  It was college and school Spring break so that could explain the crowds.  yet I’m thinking even during non-holidays this trail is a popular one to hike. 

 

A thing to understand about hiking  “The Sign,” is that where ever you are even when the sign is in view, you  never really get a straight head on “Photo” view of the sign,  In fact the route I took going up the Mount Lee access road offers you the best view of the sign, from behind, which offers great views up close of the over 6 feet tall letters and in the distance a great view of the skyline of LA.

Much of this hike is exposed to direct sun, there are certain sections of the trail that offer shade.  That said, always bring  more water than you need and sun protection. 

 

The route back is the same one hiked up.  I enjoyed the hike back as much as up due to the fact of the great views of Downtown LA as well as being able to take in the trail more as you are not as focused on “finding” the large white letters of the sign, as you are on the way up.

For a must do adventurous hike loaded with energy, glamour and the movie stardom of the Hollywood Hills, hiking the Hollywood sign is a must do on any serious Socal hikers bucket list of hikes to do!

As always, hike with a partner,  respect your limits, respect your partners limits, lots of water….Be safe!……Have Fun!….

 

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve: Roundtrip; West Approach to East and back….08/02/14

Directions Starting from the Sorrento Valley Trailhead West:

 Los Penasquitos Trail Head West 4300 Sorrento Valley Blvd, San Diego, CA 92121

Exit Interstate 805 at Mira Mesa Boulevard/Sorrento Valley Road. Take either I-805 frontage road (Sorrento Valley Road on the west side or Vista Sorrento Parkway on the east side) 1 mile north to Sorrento Valley Boulevard. Turn right on Sorrento Valley Blvd. and continue 1 mile east to the western staging area.  Parking lot is on the right off of Sorrento Valley Blvd. for Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. Park in the parking lot.

Hike Time and Distance:  Across the Preserve and back from trailhead to trail head was about 11 miles.  Hike time about 4 hours including break at the Falls.

Water and Food:  On this day it was near 90 degrees so lots of water was consumed, about 90oz  Beef or Turkey Jerky, Hard boiled eggs, cheese sticks and trail mix are easy to deal with for snacks.

 

A hidden hike that can be accessed from the West in Sorrento Valley and from the East at Rancho Penasquitos is the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve.  Each of the mentioned locations offers a trailhead start that leads to a very scenic waterfall, with Rancho Penasquitos being 3.3 miles start to the waterfall and the Sorrento Valley side taking 2.7 from start to waterfall.  

On this day I wanted to include both trails roundtrip. I started this hike from the West approach of the Preserve.  

Los Penasquitos (meaning little cliffs) Canyon Preserve lies between Rancho Penasquitos and Sorrento Hills to the north and Mira Mesa to the south.   Stretching approximately seven miles from the I-5 and 805 merge to just east of I-15; it encompasses some 4,000 acres of both PeÃasquitos and Lopez Canyons. The Preserve is jointly owned and administered by the City and County of San Diego.

What You Can Expect From This Hike!

A waterfall cascading through volcanic rock stream side forest of giant California live oaks. Groves of majestic sycamore trees.year-round stream populated by pacific tree frogs, crayfish and largemouth bass.

A freshwater marsh hosting a variety of aquatic birds including great blue herons, egrets, mallard ducks and more. Mule deer, bobcat, red-tail hawks, rattles snakes, coyote, and raccoon are just a few of the mammals that can be observed throughout the Preserve.  

The Sorrento Valley trailhead start offers a good size parking area and a restroom. As you begin you will come to a fork in the trail one leading you to Lopez Canyon the other pointing you towards the waterfall to the left.

As you veer to the left you will go under the Sorrento Valley Blvd. overpass. The trial from here climbs somewhat and the trail turns from compacted dirt to a rocky path. This portion of the hike is the only real climb as the remainder of the trail is flat. You are now on your way to the waterfall, which is 2.7 miles from where you started.  

The trail has two different paths you can take. As you come upon the wagon wheel trail section you can veer left to cross the creek, which leads you to a secondary trail and the waterfall, or you can continue on and be lead to the same waterfall just from a different side, either way you will get to your destination.

We stopped at the waterfall to take a break and since it had rained the day before there was plenty of water running through the rocks and river.    After our short break we were ready to continue on to the other side of the trail and the Rancho Penasquitos trailhead start from the East.

Since this trail is so flat, and more a nature walk then a hike, we covered the next 3.3 miles in less than 90 minutes.   

If you want to spin off the trail as you approach the Penasquitos start you can visit the Ranch House, which besides having a historical story is a fun place to walk around. 

A trail marker lets you know where to turn. Our destination of the Penasquitos trailhead start was accomplished we stopped turned around and repeated our journey back to the Carmel Valley trailhead.

Starting from Rancho Penasquitos Trailhead:  From I-5: Take I-5 to the 56 East, following signs toward the 15. Exit at Black Mountain Road and turn right. At the intersection of Black Mountain Rd. and Mercy Rd., turn right into the Penasquitos Canyon Open Space Preserve Parking lot. From I-15, exit at Mercy Road. Southbound traffic turns right; northbound traffic turns left and crosses the freeway. Mercy Rd. will dead-end at the parking lot for Penasquitos Canyon.

To build up hike endurance, ( this was our last hike befor Mt. Whitney)  take in some scenery with a waterfall to boot this hike is very doable and a great family hike to take the dog on as well fun hiking the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve!