Today was likely my 9th or 10th time heading up to Cuyamaca Peak. Most times I hike straight up the Lookout Road (paved) and then either come back down the same route or follow the Azalea Glen Loop Trail. Basically, doing the loop in a clockwise direction. I've only done the counterclockwise route once and that was the very first time I hiked Cuyamaca Peak.

What's the difference? Well, doing the route in a clockwise Lookout Road going up is only 2.75 miles and just over 1,800 feet in elevation gain, while the Azalea Loop is about 5 miles down and 1,800 feet in elevation loss. In contrast to that, doing the counterclockwise route, Azalea Glenn Trail up is 5 miles and about 1,800 feet in elevation gain and the Lookout Road (again) is only 2.75 miles down and 1,800 feet in elevation loss.

Personally, I enjoy the shorter, steeper routes with either steep or gradual descents. My original plan today was to head straight up Lookout Road and then head straight back down. Making this a quick and easy 5.5 mile day. That said, I decided at the last minute today to do the counterclockwise route since I hadn't down that route in several years. Such a great choice and renewed perspective of this loop trail.

I had the trail and the summit all to myself today. The temps when I started out were in the mid-30's. What an enjoyable morning!

This was my 4th peak of the challenge. I ended the hike with 7.73-miles and 1,870 feet in elevation gain.