#159 Guatay Mountain

Looking up the side of the mountain.

Southern California Map.

Driving Map.

Overall Hiking Totals:

Hiking Map.

Google Maps Trailhead Link

Parking coordinates: 32.84359°N, -116.57442°W.

Summary

While heading further east of San Diego, the Cleveland National Forest occupies the mountains before reaching the desert.  In this portion of the forest, the trees are mostly scattered oak, with many low lying bushes.  To begin the hike, I doubled back down the road from the large parking lot.  An unsigned fence gate marks the beginning of the hike.  It follows a creek channel northeast of the peak before it makes a sharp left and heads up a gully. 

Heading up the ridge.

While starting to level off on the ridge, the trail presses on to the west over false summits before officially reaching the high point of Guatay Mountain.  The views don't disappoint from the high vantage point.  In my case, I looked out and identified other peaks that I visited in the past, and the ones I had yet to visit. 

Approaching the peak.

I came back the same way with a satisfying visit.  I had big plans on the day to visit other peaks before heading back home.  I continued up Sunrise Highway to go to Manza Benchmark, which was part of the Sunset Trail. 

On the summit.

I also wanted to complete the Sunset Trail.  However, when the overgrown trail to Manza fizzled out after about 2 miles, my desire to also continue on the Sunset Trail faded.  From there, I accepted Guatay as the hike of the day and spent a relaxing late afternoon in Old Town San Diego before wrapping up the day. The next day, I went to Lawson and Gaskill Peaks.  I completed the hike but realized that I shot no video on either summits.  Can't have much of a video about climbing peaks without the money shots!  So somehow, the complete plans did not work out, but that's the way it goes sometimes.  Someday I may go back and add a completed video to the 1,000 list.

Video:

Simulated Hike:

#158 Iron Mountain

The grand trailhead.

Southern California Map.

Driving Map.

Overall Hiking Totals:

Hiking Map.

Google Maps Trailhead Link

Parking coordinates: 32.9784°N, -116.9726°W.

Summary

Though not the dreaded Iron Mountain of Southern California hiking lore, this is undoubtedly the more popular one.  This is an easy to moderate hike with a gentle climb to the summit.  The only real challenge is dealing with it on a hot day, since there is nearly no shade and quite a bit of direct sunshine.  The hike starts at a well manicured trailhead, featuring a road lined grove of oak trees. 

Passing through the oaks.

This section of trail is rather photogenic and often gets used for wedding photography.  However, once clearing this straight lined grove, the road gets bathed in sunlight, which becomes a common theme the rest of the way to the peak.

Viewing Iron Mountain.

At about 1.5 miles in, a junction gets reached, and a right turn continues toward the summit.  A series of shallow switchbacks eventually lead to the summit, which has a viewing platform and good views over northern San Diego. 

Approaching the summit.

This is considered the second most popular hike in San Diego County, second to Cowles Mountain, which is closer to downtown San Diego.  Summit views are satisfying and worth the effort.  The hike itself is an out and back, but short enough to where the visit can be combined with some other nearby hike, or maybe even two.

On the summit.

Video:

Simulated Hike:

#157 Clevenger Canyon North

Heading toward the high points.

Southern California Map.

Driving Map.

Overall Hiking Totals:

Hiking Map.

Google Maps Trailhead Link

Parking coordinates: 33.08921°N, -116.90107°W.

Summary

While visiting Clevenger Canyon South in the beginning of the year, I returned at the end of the year to visit Clevenger Canyon North. The trail drops down from the road and crosses a creek before beginning the climb.  Once leaving the creek, there is no shade the rest of the way.  It doesn't take long for canyon views to catch your eye. 

Canyon views.

The climb is gradual as it reaches toward the high points in the first two miles.  I visited Clevenger Canyon North Viewpoint first.  Since Peak 1820 was conveniently close, I made sure to add it to the hike. 

A rocky viewpoint near the North Viewpoint.

There was no true use trail that I could find that led to the summit, so I made my way off-trail via the route of least resistance.  This would be my turnaround point.  There are more high points to visit further up, but I wasn't sure if trails led all the way up. 

Gazing at Peak 1820 from the North Viewpoint.

Instead of being curious like I usually am, I felt content with the double peak visit and headed back down.  The visit is short enough to combine with the Clevenger Canyon South hike, but being that I am a Southern Californian, I was content to give each hike their own day.

On the summit of Peak 1820.

An interesting formation along the trail.

Video:

Simulated Hike:

#147 Monserate Mountain

A semi-elaborate gateway to begin the hike.

Southern California Map.

Driving Map.

Overall Hiking Totals:

Hiking Map.

Google Maps Trailhead Link

Parking coordinates: 33.3723°N, -117.1486°W.

Summary

The trailhead is located just off of Interstate 15 in Northern San Diego County.  While there are not very many other hikes nearby, this spot is a rather popular one. 

Heading up the trail behind the trailhead.

Fortunately, there is a lot of space along the road to park.  The hike itself is unshaded and climbs gradually all the way to the summit.  The route is on an old dirt road converted into a hiking/mountain bike only trail.  It is a rather straightforward outing, without many surprises. 

On the summit.

On the summit is a register, and on my visit a waving American Flag.  Nice views open up from the top.  On the way back, it is possible to form a semi loop by taking a trail heading south just after dropping from the summit, which also adds some mileage.

Summit benchmark.

Otherwise, returning the way you came is fine as well, it also gives the opportunity to enjoy the views while descending.  This is a great hike for those who are looking for a quick workout, but without investing too much time to do it, plus you get to claim a peak!

Good views on the return.

Video:

Simulated Hike:

#86 Hellhole Canyon Preserve

Peak 3126 across the canyon.

Southern California Map.

Driving Map.

Google Maps Trailhead Link

Parking coordinates: 33.21656°N, -116.9341°W.

Hiking Stats:

Hiking Map.

Summary

Hellhole Canyon Preserve in Northern San Diego County is one of those little known areas in Southern California.  This is true even for hikers.  Since there are so many other places to go, this one simply doesn't stand out.  Since solitude is something that some visitors appreciate, this makes for a great place to hike, despite still being close to rural neighborhoods.  The area preserved seems to be former ranch lands with old ranch roads going through it.  With it, I was able to form a loop hike through its notable sites.

Heading up the mountain.

The main trail cuts across a canyon and climbs 2,000' to Peak 3126.  The terrain has mostly low lying bushes with limited shade.  Because of that, I chose to appear on a cool day.  Unfortunately, the skies opened up as I was halfway up the mountain.  I had to take cover while I was hailed on.

Scenic overlook view.

Fortunately, I was in the thick brush and had decent shade in the hailstorm.  As the hail passed, I continued on up to the high point.  On the summit is a benchmark and some decent views.

Summit benchmark.

The trail continues along the ridge to viewpoints and another high point before bending around and looping back to the parking lot.  Watching the video in conjunction with my description helps make the visit here clear, since pictures are definitely worth a thousand words!

Looking over at Rodriguez Mountain.

Heading back into the canyon.

Canyon scenery.

Video:

Simulated Hike: