#4. Cuyamaca Peak

This was my first of two planned hikes for the day, so I got an early start shortly after sunrise. There was no attendant at the gate, but self-registration was quick and easy. I met another hiker in the parking lot. After seeing no one at all for my last two peaks of the challenge, this was a welcome surprise. Neither of us had been here before. Finding the Azalea Glen trailhead is a little counterintuitive; there’s a lot of open space to the right of the entrance where it seems like a trailhead would be, but the trail actually starts to the left of the entrance toward the campground. Once on trail, a flat walk eventually gives way to a gradual elevation gain that never feels difficult. I made great time all the way up and met up again with the hiker from the parking lot about 3/4 mile from the summit. The final stretch was on a paved road which was honestly the steepest part of the entire hike. The views from the top were fantastic! I followed the paved road all the way down to the campground and parking area. It was shorter and steeper but got me back to my car quickly for my next hike. Stay tuned!