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.

The Mountains from Stearns Wharf

Like I said in an earlier post. It’s been quiet here. ‘Here’ as in this blog, but not ‘here’ as in my life. 100 Peaks is once again evolving. I am writing from a hotel room.

I accepted a position with an incredible company in Santa Barbara. Today was my second day at work and I can already tell that I am going to be enjoying this group of people immensely.

I find myself looking south towards all the peaks I haven’t climbed yet in San Diego County. And then I look north and see all the peaks nearby, none of which I have climbed yet.

I made a promise to hike 100 peaks in San Diego and I will complete them. Likely slightly over 100, since I want to make sure I complete the Sierra Club’s San Diego Peaks list. It will definitely take me longer than anticipated, but I still have family in the area and I plan on scheduling some weekend trips to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park for overnight peakbagging excursions.

I also see incredible opportunities to explore the Santa Barbara area, namely the Los Padres National Forest, which is pretty vast and guidebooks seem to be scarce. I don’t even know yet how many peaks there are out there.

I intend to find out.

Like I’ve said in earlier posts, researching maps, trails, trailheads, and topography are all part of the fun. Exploring new territory is the other part of the fun. For most of the forest, it doesn’t appear I need to drive very far to get there. But for some peaks, such as those on the Channel Islands, a boat is needed.

I am sad to leave San Diego, and perhaps I will return to live there some day. But, hey, I am living with my family in Santa Barbara, working at a great company, and a stone’s throw away from some amazing mountains.

It doesn’t get much better than this.

Thank you all for reading and hanging in there while I go through this transition. Feel free to reach out to me about all things San Diego, but expect some Santa Barbara hiking information to start coming through, as well. I will also continue to update the completed San Diego Peaks trip reports with trailhead and map information, for those that lack it.

San Diego will always be in my heart. I’ve spent more time outside in San Diego than anywhere else. I feel I know almost every nook and cranny, but I know that I don’t. Maybe after about 40 more San Diego peaks.

I have a feeling this new area will grow on me, though.

I invite you to come along.