The hike through Coyote Canyon takes you along the same path that Juan Bautista de Anza followed during his 1775-6 colonizing expedition from Sonora, Mexico to the San Francisco…
camping
Hauser Canyon Trail
Distance: 13.5 miles | Hiking time: 8 hours | Difficulty: 8/10
The Hauser Canyon Trail hike takes you along a section of the PCT south of Lake Morena and past Morena Butte. Most of the trail is well traveled, though in the lower portion of the hike within the canyon the trail can get overgrown and difficult…
Horsethief Canyon Trail
Distance: 3.2-4.1 miles | Hiking time: 2 hours | Difficulty: 5/10
Horsethief Canyon Trail is a quick, family friendly out and back waterfall hike just outside of Alpine, Ca. The trail starts with a quick descent into the canyon before stopping at the Pine Valley Creek crossing. During the wet months, from late fall…
How Much Water Should I Carry Hiking or Backpacking? Staying Hydrated on the Trail.
Have you ever run out of water on a hike with miles or hours to go before your next sip? If you have, then you’re not alone…
Middle Peak
Distance: 6 miles | Hiking time: 3 hours | Difficulty: 6/10
The hike up Middle Peak in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is like walking through a history lesson of San Diego County’s wildfires. In 2003, the Cedar Fire decimated the park’s population of centuries old sugar pine trees. The effects of the destruction are still clearly visible along every step of the trails surrounding Middle Peak.
Today, the habitat is recovering. Young oak trees and pine saplings are beginning to take hold, as are the manzanita trees that are so prevalent in Southern California. Wildlife is beginning to return to the area as well. Deer and large birds of prey are a common sight on the trails leading up Middle Peak. From what I hear, even the occassional bald eagle makes a stop in Cuyamaca.
Despite the destruction, the views from Middle Peak are still the primary attraction of this hike. The main trails, Milk Ranch Road and Middle Peak Fire Road, are frequently used by both hikers and mountain bikers. The smaller adjoining trails, Sugar Pine Trail and Black Oak Trail, are accessible only on foot and offer a more secluded feel.
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My Cold Weather Clothing System Tested on Cuyamaca and Stonewall Peaks in the Snow
Stonewall Peak
Distance: 4 miles | Hiking time: 2.5 hours | Difficulty: 5/10
Stonewall Peak sits just outside Paso Picacho Campground in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The trail to the summit is a well maintained series of switchbacks that gradually ascends the western face of the mountain. This is a quick, relatively easy hike with outstanding views that stretch north as far as the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountains.
Related posts:
My Cold Weather Clothing System Tested on Cuyamaca and Stonewall Peaks in the Snow
Cuyamaca Peak
Distance: 6 miles | Hiking time: 3 hours | Difficulty: 6/10
Standing at 6512 feet, Cuyamaca Peak holds the top spot on the Sierra Club’s 100 Peaks of San Diego County list, and is officially the second highest point in the county. During the winter, Cuyamaca is one of the few places in San Diego that’s almost guaranteed to get snow. Aside from the views along the way, hiking the paved road to the summit isn’t that noteworthy. But if you don’t mind putting in the work to get there, the views from the summit are better than anywhere in the county.
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My Cold Weather Clothing System Tested on Cuyamaca and Stonewall Peaks in the Snow
Leave No Trace Principles for Hiking and Camping Explained
Whether you’re new to hiking and camping or just starting out, chances are you’re familiar with the term, “Leave no trace.” So what exactly does