Category: State Parks

Stonewall Peak and Cuyamaca Rancho in Fall

@serafinahikes

So this would be my second hike in this beautiful historic wilderness park, and former rancho, with habitation dating back over 9,000 years. It was the home of the Kumeyaay tribe, and seven villages were located here. It would be my second time hiking here. I was coming on a busy weekend in fall. I drove up Hwy-79 and parked at Trout Pond trailhead, not noticing any indication of a need to display a parking pass here. There were about 5 cars parked here, and across the road. I exited my car and was just in awe of the fall colors. It had been unknown to me in planning this hike that the fall colors would be at their peak. I began hiking along the Marty Minshall Trail, heading towards the forest, which was glowing in shades of bright yellow.

Red Tahquitz Peak

@serafinahikes

Here I was, back in Idyllwild again, years later. I picked up my permit at the ranger station kiosk which is open 24 hours. The permits can be limited to places such as Tahquitz Peak during peak times of the year. So you must always pick one up, before you head out. I then drove toward Humber Park, and reached the parking area around 7:45 am.  Once I arrived at the parking area, right away I spotted beautiful Lily Rock towering up above. Today I was hiking with a friend, who had yet to hike to Red Tahquitz Peak, so this would be a first for both of us. The area of Tahquitz Peak and Lily Rock is a popular rock climbing area as well, and I noticed several climbers heading out from the trailhead as well.

Cuyamaca Peak

@serafinahikes

I paid a visit to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, located in eastern San Diego County, on the fringe of the Laguna Mountain Wilderness. If you're looking to get away from it all in the wilderness, the trails along Hwy 79 here are some of the least trafficked in the county. My goal was to climb to Cuyamaca Peak (Elev 6512 ft), one of the highest peaks in San Diego County. This peak is listed on the Sierra Club’s Hundred Peaks List, in the San Diego Section.

September Hikes – Sandy Beaches and Wooded Canyons

@serafinahikes

Wood Canyon and Wood Creek Loop: I love this canyon, and its woodsy vibe. I wound my way along Wood Creek Trail and onto Coyote Run. Along the way I had a run in with a large Southern Pacific Rattlesnake, which coiled as I passed it, causing me to jump out of the way. It was maybe 4 feet from the trail, under a tree branch. It had a humongous girth, for a juvenile, evidenced by the rattles in their tails.

I Finally Made it to Caspars

@serafinahikes

It was a short hike in comparison to my past hikes, but my longest one all summer, and had me feeling optimistic about the road ahead. I arrived in Caspars off Ortega Highway in the late morning around 10:45 am. It was not a particularly hot day in late August, so I would end up being fine with the late start. The temps would climb to the upper 70’s though.