100 Peaks

Along the Trespass Trail

Gaviota Peak
Elevation: 2,458′
Miles: ~6.5 Miles
Trail head
Agency: Los Padres National Forest

I was eager to do a hike that was on an established trail, since Cathedral Peak was pretty strenuous. Since it was on a trail, I decided to invite some coworkers, Kiph and Sunshine. They’ve been asking to join me since I started working in Santa Barbara and this seemed like a good hike to invite them.

We got up early, met at a spot in Goleta and headed west down the 101 towards Gaviota. There were two things that I heard about this hike: 1. The peak has amazing views, 2. The Trespass Trail was not to be missed. As a result, I decided to do this hike in a loop, coming up the back side of the mountain, following the ridge to the peak, and then go to the front of range and follow the Trespass Trail down.

On Top of La Cumbre Peak

Cathedral Peak
Elevation: 3,333′
Miles: ~4.5 Miles
Trail head (34.4956, -119.7142)
Agency: Los Padres National Forest

Since I got so close last time, I decided to give this peak another try. Once again, the sun rose as I ascended Camino Cielo and drove to the La Cumbre Lookout Tower. I decided to give the tower a quick visit.

Since I had started running again in the mornings, I felt good as I scampered over the summit block. I tried recording a video, but had some audio issues.

After a wonderful drive through some of the most scenic areas of San Diego County, including East Ramona and Santa Ysabel, I arrived at the trailhead. I didn’t pass anyone on the road, and there were no other cars on the trailhead. I was happy to have some quiet time on the trail.

While on the trail, I turned and looked behind me and could see Cuyamaca Peak looming up and calling me with its siren song.

Cuyamaca Peak from the trail

Looking down at the trail, it was clear that not many people had hiked this way recently, since I saw mostly paw, bird and reptile prints criss-crossing all over any man-made prints. There was, however, more disturbing evidence of man’s presence here.

Yet another mylar balloon in the backcountry

Yes, on two out of 10 hikes, I have found mylar balloons snagged in the brush. Like the other balloon, as well as any other trash I find on the trail, I stashed it in my pack and moved on.

As I walked along the trail, I was yet again reminded of the huge fires that swept through much of San Diego County in the last decade. The Witch Creek Fire from 2007 completely charred the area south of Julian (among many other places) and evidence lined the trail.

A burnt tree from the Witch Creek Fire of 2007

Some oak trees provided some shade (yes, shade in San Diego!), before I scrambled up to the ridge line and was presented with 4 false summits before I actually made it to the top. I was laughing to myself at how deceived I felt, yearning to reach the summit only to find that the ridge continued beyond my current position.

On the top, there is a summit register:

The summit register with Ramona's Four Corners area beyond

Soaring condors, ravens, and hawks:

Red-tailed hawk over Eagle Peak

Drill bits from when I assume they placed the benchmarks (1939 or 1959, depending on which mark):

Drill bits on top of Eagle Peak

One of the benchmarks:

A benchmark dated 1959, threatening a $250 fine or jail time for disturbing it

A vertigo-inducing dropoff on the south side of the summit:

The high wind prevented me from hanging any further off

But the view into Boulder Creek was one of the best I’ve seen so far in San Diego:

Boulder Creek with El Capitan beyond

I enjoyed my quiet time with the soaring birds before I made it back down the trail, having seen no one for the entire hike.

Eagle Peak Trail Map (Click to Enlarge)

This is a simple power hike on a paved trail. Limited view due to haze, but I sure enjoyed it. I heard plenty of rattlesnakes in the brush and saw 4 condors overhead.

Not as good as 2 years ago, but not bad

Elevation: 2,696′
Miles: 5.8
Trail head
Agency: City of Poway

I got off to a late start, as will happen from time to time. The trail is great and easy to follow, but the heavy use has caused some side trails and switchback cutting. I ran into families, dogs, and horses.

Pretty busy in the middle of a a weekday. Weekends are busier. Don’t forget to bring some water, since it can get pretty hot, especially in the summer. I tend to take Scripps Poway Parkway to the 67, so I can easily park on the east side of the road, near where you can see the line of trees.

The oaks lining the trail head

Update March 2010: I have heard that there is a new parking lot. I will need to swing by and check it out.

Update March 26, 2011: Ran this mountain as part of the King of the Hill Race Series. I did better than I had expected, even ending with a smile after the final burpee pushups. I am searching for pics that I took this morning.

Basically park in the parking lot and follow the trail through the trees, past the turnoff to the north, and continue until you see the switchbacks, making a right at the junction at the saddle. You can’t really miss it. There is a picnic bench and a mailbox summit register and a commanding view of the area.

Update 06/17/2011: Added trail map.

Iron Mountain Trail Map (Click to Enlarge)