Blog
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Grapevine Mountain Hike – Going Off-Trail from the PCT in Anza Borrego
John, a friend I met on Instagram (@adventuregraham), asked me to join him on the Grapevine Mountain hike in the Anza Borrego Desert with him. I eagerly accepted. Not only is Grapevine Mountain #51/100 on the Sierra Club’s 100 Peaks of San Diego list, but I had hiked with John before and was certain this…
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Hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim in Just Two Days
How Saying “Yes” When You’re Uncertain Can Change Your Life Forever My mind was racing as I scrolled through Instagram photos on my cell phone while sitting outside a Chipotle restaurant in Rancho Cucamonga. In a few short minutes, I was going to meet the other five members of my Grand Canyon Rim to Rim…
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Bell Bluff Trail: Adventures in Off-trail Bushwhacking and Scrambling
Most of the trails I’ve hit recently, including Middle Peak, Pine Mountain, Lawson, and Gaskill Peak, have all tested me in ways I had never expected. Bell Bluff trail is just the latest hike to offer up a challenge. With bushwhacking, route finding, and rock scrambling, this hike delivers adventure at every turn. Bell Bluff…
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Garnet Peak Trail – Catch a Sunrise on the Summit in the Laguna Mountains
If you’re looking for a moderate hike with breathtaking panoramic views of San Diego County, look no farther than Garnet Peak Trail in the Laguna Mountains. At 5900 feet, Garnet Peak is the seventh-highest peak in San Diego County. It offers spectacular views of the Sawtooth Mountains, the Pacific Crest Trail, and beyond. Although summiting…
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Pine Mountain Trail Loop: A Summit Adventure Hike in the Laguna Mountains
If you’ve been following my hikes, you’re likely aware that I’ve been tackling 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’s hiking guide, Afoot & Afield: San Diego County, provides detailed descriptions of both hikes, my…
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My Cold Weather Hiking Clothes Tested on Cuyamaca and Stonewall Peaks in the Snow
Introduction Over the last couple of years, I have been putting together an effective system of cold-weather hiking clothes. I designed my clothing system for three-season use. Later this year, I’m planning to hike the JMT. As a result, I am preparing for the unpredictable nature of the weather high up in the Sierra Nevada…
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Viejas Mountain Trail: A Quick Hike to an Ancient Kumeyaay Ceremonial Site with 360 Degree Views
Hiking Viejas Mountain Trail The hike to the summit of Viejas Mountain trail begins with a steep 1.5-mile ascent from the trailhead. Remember to display your Adventure Pass in your vehicle when parking here, or anywhere within Cleveland National Forest. Wearing good hiking shoes or trail runners will give you confidence in the technical trail…
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McGinty Mountain Trail via Jamul Dr – Hiking for Peaks and Valleys Galore!
McGinty Mountain trail is a fun, challenging hike with rewarding panoramic views that don’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 in San Diego. The trail offers an endless supply of photo opportunities and scenic…
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How to Repair a Puffer Jacket in 3 Easy Steps
After a night of desert shenanigans involving flaming Roman candles a few weeks ago, my favorite North Face puffer jacket needs some light repair. Thank the gear gods for Tenacious Tape. This stuff is like gold on and off the trail! In this quick “how-to,” I’ll show you how to repair a puffer jacket, or any piece of…
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Gaskill Peak: Off-trail Adventures in San Diego’s Backcountry
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 trail report up where my report on Lawson Peak ended. Also, if you haven’t read that report yet, be sure to check it out for a description…