Outdoor Adventure USA

"Challenging you to join us & others around the world, to hike at least once per week for 52 weeks! Hashtag photos #52hikechallenge to be featured."

http://www.52hikechallenge.com/

I guess you could call this a "new year's resolution." I came across this while researching trails in my area and figured it would go hand-in-hand with my goals to hike more and to get into better shape. As I complete these hikes I'll post updates here. Ya'll can keep me accountable!

The outdoor travel and outfitters store, Adventure 16 has a similar deal going on where you can pick up a free "kit" of 52 hikes for either San Diego or Los Angeles Counties. Info for that here: http://positive.adventure16.com/c/artic ... Kit-153835

Hike #1 Complete! Getting an early start on it.

MIDDLE WILLOWS UPPER COYOTE CANYON HIKE

Date: 12-26-2014
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 500'/500'
Location: Coyote Canyon, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Hike #2... Starting 2015 off right!

MUD HILLS WASH to ELEPHANT KNEES | ANZA-BORREGO DESERT STATE PARK

Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 675'/675'
Date: 01-01-2015

John

I might be able to help out with one or more of your hikes. I have a special affection for the East Mojave (home of the Mojave trail) and I will be planning a 3-4 day trip this spring. It will be a hiking trip to explore some of the little seen sights of the desert. Hope you can join us.

DaveK wrote:John

I might be able to help out with one or more of your hikes. I have a special affection for the East Mojave (home of the Mojave trail) and I will be planning a 3-4 day trip this spring. It will be a hiking trip to explore some of the little seen sights of the desert. Hope you can join us.

That sounds like a lot of fun, Dave. Exploring more of the Mojave Preserve is also on my 2015 adventure list. Keep me posted!

Hike #3

COWLES MOUNTAIN & PYLES PEAK | MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK, SAN DIEGO

Distance: 5.2 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2000'/2000'
Date: 01-06-2015



This long and tiring out-and-back trek has some fun and twisty trails. But first, I had to climb Cowles Mountain; at 1591 feet, its the the highest elevation within the city limits of San Diego. (Pyles is 1,379 ft) There must have been hundreds of people on the trail to Cowles Mountain summit. I'm sure the New Year's resolution crowd will thin out soon. But once I started off toward Pyles Peak, I must have left about 99 percent of the hiker traffic behind; passing only four other people. The views are serene and filled with the green colors of the Chapparal brush dotting the surrounding mountainside, something you won't experience climbing up the dried-out and relatively bland-looking trails of Cowles. Pyles in contrast has the special feel of a path less traveled. Just the way I like it.

Hike #4

SOLSTICE CAVE & TOROTE CANYON | ANZA BORREGO-DESERT STATE PARK

Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1444'/1444'
Date: 01-11-2015



Hike 4 of my 52 Hike Challenge was to the Solstice Cave in Indian Valley and Torote Canyon. You can't find any specific information on the cave online or in any guidebook. The lack of info helps protect this special archaeological site. Torote Canyon, a tributary of Indian Gorge, shelters dozens of rare elephant trees. For many years it was thought not to exist at all in the US, until it's discovery in 1937.

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Total distance: 20.2 miles
Total elevation gain/loss: 4619'/4619'

Hike #5

EAGLE PEAK | CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST

Distance: 4.75 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: 1300'/1300'
Date: 01-18-2015



Standing tall amid lesser bumps on the west slope of the Cuyamaca Mountains, Eagle Peak has a view of the island-dimpled Pacific Ocean, parts of urban and suburban San Diego, and the higher mountains to the east. Hawks and golden eagles can sometimes be seen soaring on updrafts overhead.

John

This is quite an education on all the great places to visit in and around San Diego County. At this pace, you will easily make the 52 hike challenge.

Isn't it interesting how the crowd thins out once you get started! Well done.

DaveK wrote:John

This is quite an education on all the great places to visit in and around San Diego County. At this pace, you will easily make the 52 hike challenge.

Isn't it interesting how the crowd thins out once you get started! Well done.

It certainly is! Thanks, Dave.