Mike On The Trail: #24 Hot Springs Mountain

Purpose of the site

This blog will detail 1,000 video hikes in Southern California. By Southern California, I am drawing a line from San Luis Obispo to the Nevada Border. Anything south of that line will be declared "Southern California". In a way, it is a personal challenge to do so many hikes. Mainly, however, it is my way of showcasing how many hiking opportunities there really are right in our own geographic back yard. As a blog, it serves as a companion piece to my Youtube channel "Mike On The Trail". It is also a work in progress, as I don't actually have 1,000 edited videos completed. This will take effort for quite some time before it is declared done. Even then, there will still be more out there. Here's to hiking and all the positive effects it has had on my life...and possibly yours!

Sunday, April 11, 2021

#24 Hot Springs Mountain

At the trailhead (Let the adventure begin!)
Southern California Map

Driving Map

Map of the trailhead

**Parking is provided in a lot on the Los Coyotes Reservation.

Trailhead coordinates: 33.27244°N, -116.54383°W

Hiking Stats:

Hiking Map

Summary

The fact that this is the highest point in San Diego County is all the reason most people need to come here. Come for the high point and enjoy the abundant scenery as well. Unlike most places I go, however, there is an entry fee since the site is located on the Los Coyotes Reservation. For me, it was money well spent, since the area seems like an island removed from the rest of Southern California. Nice incense cedar forests are along the trail and no sign of scorched trees like you would see in many of the local forests (of course, that could change at any moment).

A poppy surprise just off the trail.

The hike is on Sukat Road and Hot Springs Mountain Road, which are closed off from vehicle travel. The hike is a generally gradual climb, but much of the elevation gain comes in the first few miles. Once elevating into the shade of the incense cedars higher up, the climb lessens. But then, when approaching the peak, there is one last burst of steep climbing to reach the historic lookout tower. From there, a short summit trail continues to the summit boulder. An affixed rope comes in handy for ascending to the official summit. For the brief moments at the top, you are standing higher than anybody else in San Diego County!