The trailhead for Bernardo Mountain is in San Dieguito River Park, in Escondido, CA.
I would be hiking to Bernardo Mountain, elevation 1145 feet. I would be parking at San Dieguito River Park, and hiking part of the Piedra Pintadas Trail, along Lake Hodges.
It is an interpretive trail, with a number of signs, telling about the natural history of the area.
There is a dirt parking lot with portable toilets here.
Lake Hodges was created in 1918, as a an important reservoir, for the residents of San Diego.
The lake is stocked with bass. It’s popular for boaters, fisherman, birdwatching, and of course hiking.
Birdwatchers may just spot several different waterfowl such as Canadian Geese, and White Pelicans.
Many birds nest here such as the Roadrunner, California Gnatcatcher, Western Grebe, Redtail Hawks, and even the Golden Eagle.
The trail began along the shores of Lake Hodges.
I walked along the shore, and saw lots of birds. Springtime in the morning, is the best time to be here, when the birds are singing.
The trail was wide and flat for most of the way.
I passed a sign with the trail hours, which are 6am to 6pm most of the year.
After walking along the shores I continued towards the trailhead for Bernardo Mountain heading north. I would pass over a metal footbridge.
I began making my way toward the mountain on the other side of Lake Hodges.
After the bridge, I continued down this trail. You can see your destination in the distance, so it’s not hard to follow the trail.
I passed through a grove of oaks and a small creek.
I finally reached the sign for the trail to Bernardo Mountain.
The trail began to go up the mountain in a series of switchbacks.
I could see the summit in the distance.
It was very sunny out, with blue skies, and it started to feel warm out.
There were lots of colorful native plants along the trail, and wildflowers.
I came across some interesting rock formations.
There were the white blossoms of chamise in bloom everywhere.
Gazing up at the summit, I prepared myself for a big climb.
Every mountain I climb is a bit different. The biggest thing you overcome is the unknown, when hiking a new trail, especially as a solo hiker.
It became very rocky near the summit, and slightly muddy since it had just rained.
I made it to the summit after just two hours of hiking.
I sat there having lunch, having it all to myself.
The views from this peak were pretty dynamic, even though I was only at an elevation of 1145 feet.
It would not take me as long to get back down, and only about an hour and a half.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
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I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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