Bell Bluff Trail: Adventures in Off-trail Bushwhacking and Scrambling

Bell Bluff Hike

Distance: 7.2 miles | Hiking time: 4-5 hours | More trail info.

Most of the trails I’ve hit recently, including Middle Peak, Pine Mountain, Lawson and Gaskill Peaks, have all tested me in ways I had never expected. Bell Bluff trail is just the latest hike to offer up a challenge, including bushwhacki…

Read more

Garnet Peak Trail – Catch a Sunrise on the Summit in the Laguna Mountains

Garnet Peak Trail

Distance: 2.4 miles | Hiking time: 1.5 hours | More trail info.

If you’re looking for a moderate hike with breathtaking panoramic views of San Diego County, then Garnet Peak Trail in the Laguna Mountains is a must-see. At 5900 feet in elevation, Garnet Peak is the seventh highest peak in San Di…

Read more

Pine Mountain Trail: A Summit Adventure Hike in the Laguna Mountains

Pine Mountain Trail

 Distance: 10 miles | Hiking time: 5 hours | More info.

If you’ve been following my hikes, you’re likely aware that I’ve been tackling the San Diego’s Highest Peaks. On Monday, I headed to the Laguna Mountains to hike Garnet Peak and Pine Mountain Trail, my 17th and 18th peaks.

While Schad…

Read more

My Cold Weather Clothing System Tested on Cuyamaca and Stonewall Peaks in the Snow

Liebster Award Nomination

Over the last couple of years I have been working on putting together an effective cold weather clothing system. It’s a work in progress that continues to evolve as I gain more experience.

The honest truth is that I’m a native of San Diego, and I spent my winters as a kid surfing rather tha…

Read more

Viejas Mountain Trail: A Quick Hike to an Ancient Kumeyaay Ceremonial Site with 360 Degree Views

Viejas Mountain Trail Hike

Distance: 3 miles | Hiking time: 2.5 hours | More info.

The hike to the summit of Viejas Mountain trail begins with a steep 1.5 mile ascent up a rugged trail from the trailhead. A good pair of hiking shoes or trail runners will give you confidence when navigating the more technical sections of the trail.…

Read more

McGinty Mountain Trail – Hiking for Peaks and Valleys Galore!

Hike to McGinty Mountain Summit

Distance: 5.0 miles | Hiking time: 3 hours | More info.

McGinty Mountain trail is a fun, challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views that doesn’t require setting aside an entire day. The steep trail takes you quickly up the mountain’s face and through some of the most diverse and rare plant life i…

Read more

Gaskill Peak: Off-trail Adventures in San Diego’s Backcountry

Hike to Gaskill Peak

Distance: 7.1 miles | Hiking time: 4-5 hours | More info.

Gaskill Peak and Lawson Peak are known for their challenging ascents and rewarding views. They share much of the same hiking trails and scenery, so I’m picking this trip report up where my report on Lawson Peak ended. If you haven’t read that rep…

Read more

Lawson Peak Trail: Hiking, Scrambling and Climbing to the Summit

Lawson Peak Hike

Distance: 4.5 miles | Hiking time: 3 hours | More info.

Lawson Peak is the type of hike you do for the challenge, not simply to get out in nature. The scramble to the summit may test your nerve if you are not a practiced rock climber. Although it can be challenging in some areas, determined peak baggers wil…

Read more