Hike Log

The Penultimate Peak

Trailhead:

Paso Picacho Day Use Parking Lot

Miles:

Type of Hike:

Day hike

Trail Conditions:

Trail in good condition

ROAD:

Road suitable for all vehicles

Bugs:

No bugs

Snow:

Snow free

Link:

Almost there for the 6-Pack Challenge with this ascent of Cuyamaca Peak.  Went on the Azalea Glen Trail from the parking lot, passing the morteros and up along by the creek side.  The short downhill section along the Azalea Spring Fire Road is a little boring.  My favorite section was climbing up the Conejos Trail section even though the trail is steep and narrow and over loose stone.  However there is initially plenty of shade and some great panoramic views of Lake Cuyamaca. There were also quite a few flowers on this section of the trail.   Just before it intersects with the road the trail passes through a picturesque open section with some trees still standing (after the fires) and a lovely piney forest smell in the morning sun.  The trail meets the Lookout Road for the final 0.5 miles to the summit, walking steeply uphill on the tarmac.  I met a cyclist cruising down from the summit (didn't notice if it was an electric bike!).  The views from the top are spectacular but looking west I couldn't tell if I was seeing the ocean or just the marine layer.  I retraced my steps for the descent rather than completing the loop on Lookout Road.  Previously I had found walking down the paved road to be less interesting.  Overall a very enjoyable outing, and I only met two other groups on the mountain.

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