Get Outside and Explore
I set out on a day hike in the alpine meadows of San Diego. I drove up the I-8 and toward the Big Laguna campground where I would begin the hike. Wildflowers were in bloom everywhere. There were hundreds of bright blue dragonflies everywhere too.
Just south of Solana Beach is California's Torrey Pines. It's an area known for beautiful beaches, and good surf. The Nature Preserve here is named after one of the worlds rarest pine trees, the Torrey Pine. The first trail I came to was the Guy Fleming Trail. They say he was to Torrey Pines, what John Muir was to the Sierras. He was this parks original resident caretaker, along with playing a role in creating other State Parks I have come to know and love, such as Anza Borrego. His goal was to inspire, and promote conservation efforts. This trail is part of his legacy.
I set out on the 6 mile trail to Iron Mountain (Elevation 2684), leaving from the trailhead around 9am. This is "Little" Iron Mountain, not Big Iron, the one with 7000 feet of gain in the Angeles Forest. This hike has far less gain, but is definitely challenging.
Stanley Peak Loop This hike climbs to a peak, at just 1985 feet. It has just over 1000 feet of gain. The hike is 6.3 miles long, and is an advanced beginner level hike. The trail is wide and well maintained.
It’s early March as I drive down Highway 78 toward the town of Julian. California is cool right now at sea level, and at about 4000 feet in elevation, there is snow. I would visit Inspiration Point, Galletta Meadows, and Hellhole Canyon, in Anza Borrego.
Serafina Hikes 