Outdoor Adventure USA

#67 La Jolla Caves
1 mile

I’ve always kept an eye on the tides this time of year since the extreme lows make it possible to explore the La Jolla Caves on foot. Our family and friends had a blast.


#68 Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
2 miles | +100’

More low tide adventures!

#69 La Playa & Point Loma
2.5 miles | +210’

Enjoying an evening stroll with the kids. You can experience some of San Diego's finest views of the bay and city by looping a walk along San Diego Bay's west shore and down along the narrow residential lanes of Point Loma's La Playa neighborhood. This route is also featured in Jerry Schad’s 50 Best Short Hikes in San Diego.

#70 Balboa Park’s Central Mesa (Trail 31)
3 miles | +230’

“Balboa Park’s Central Mesa incorporates two historical sectors: 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition site on the north and the 1935-36 California Pacific International Exposition site on the south. Both expositions were fielded by the then-relatively-small city of San Diego for the purpose of gaining international attention. As in the case of nearly all world’s fairs, the theme buildings hastily constructed for both expositions found later uses, such as housing museums and a variety of civic and cultural organizations.

The 1915-16 exposition site in particular is renowned among San Diegans for its incomparably beautiful Spanish-Moorish buildings, it’s gardens, and the graceful Cabrillo Bridge.” -50 Best Short Hikes San Diego by Jerry Schad

#71 PCT: Campo to Lake Morena
20 miles | +2800’

Twenty miles will put a hurtin’ on you! There’s just a few more sections of the PCT for me to finish up in San Diego County. I’ve hiked more than 90 of the 130 miles that runs through San Diego’s big backyard. This section runs from the southern terminus at the US/Mexico Border in Campo to Lake Morena, which often makes up the first day for many of the thru-hikers heading north to Canada.

In 2016 the Border Fire swept through here, burning over 6,000 acres. During our hike today, we enjoyed nearly perfect weather, along with a bit of rain and hail. This hike required setting up a shuttle arrangement with our vehicles. It was a pleasure sharing the trail with my hiking buddy Scott, who is also the coauthor of Afoot & Afield in San Diego County.

#72 Torrey Pines
4 miles | +385’

Exploring some of the coastal bluffs while the family relaxes on the beach.



#73 Hot Springs Mountain
10.5 miles | +2500’

Finishing up the 2017 hiking season with a trek up to the highest point in San Diego County. Located within the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation at an elevation 6533 feet, Hot Springs Mountain beats the better-known 6512 foot Cuyamaca Peak by a whisker.

Clear skies gave us phenomenal views all around. Dawn, Rabbit, and Villager Peaks to the east; Mt. San Jacinto and San Gorgonio Mountain to the north; Woodson and Iron Mountain, as well as all five Mission Trails peaks to the west; and Middle, Cuyamaca, and Stonewall Peaks to the south. Whenever we get some snow out here, I’d like to return to this summit.

The original tower atop Hot Springs Mountain went into service in 1912. A second structure replaced the original in 1928. The current cab and tower were built in 1942. The elements have not been kind to it and what remains is a dilapidated structure. East of the old lookout tower, you can climb a little higher through chaparral and oaks to reach the county’s true high point; a flat concrete platform on top of a large boulder.

2017 was quite an adventurous year! I hiked a total of 385.5 miles. All it took was putting one foot in front of the other.

John

As always, great stuff!! Oh, and btw, I know hiking is just a bit more than putting one foot in front off the other!! A lot of effort went into your hikes and we very much appreciate the reports.

I have family in your area and have introduced them to your trip reports. It has helped them to get out and appreciate San Diego’s back yard!!!

DaveK wrote: ↑Wed Jul 18, 2018 8:08 am John

As always, great stuff!! Oh, and btw, I know hiking is just a bit more than putting one foot in front off the other!! A lot of effort went into your hikes and we very much appreciate the reports.

I have family in your area and have introduced them to your trip reports. It has helped them to get out and appreciate San Diego’s back yard!!!

Thanks Dave! I hope your family is able to get out and see all that San Diego County has to offer .