Detours & Alternate Routes Peak #6

San Diego Six Pack of Peaks, Alternate Routes & Detours (Peak #6)

Today’s final peak of the San Diego Six Pack of Peaks Challenge turned out to be a challenge to find a doable alternate route or detour. But, I got it done!

The day prior I drove up to the Palomar Observatory to check out a potential alternate route. This route would have been a 5.5 mile out and back on Palomar Divide Truck Trail. However, there are posted signs all over stating either “Only Authorized Personnel Beyond this Point” or “No Trespassing”. The truck trail starts at the fire station. There is a closed gate and a “No Trespassing” sign. So, I went to the fire station to ask the fire fighters if it was possible to hike that road. They happened to be in a meeting when I got there. I waited about 15 minutes but then decided to leave and try for another route.

The morning of the hike I arrived early, at about 5:30 am. I wanted to see if I could drive the Oak Grove Truck Trail from Hwy 79 for about 4 or 5 miles and then start the hike. However, about a mile in, there is a locked gate with a “Private Property” sign on it. I then headed back to the actual trailhead near the Hot Shot Fire Fighters.

At this point I had given up on trying to find an alternate route for High Point. There are a few other points north on Hwy 79, but they were easily 24 plus miles each and with the projected hot temperatures, I did want to have to hike that distance.

I ended up starting the hike right around 6:30am. Temps at that time were right around 55 degrees and projected to be in the mid to upper 80’s. About .5 miles in I could feel the breeze, but it was a warm breeze, and I was thinking this is going to be a hot day. I was prepared though. Per usual, I drank about 1.5 liters of water and electrolytes to “camel up” before the hike and I carried 2.5 liters of water and electrolytes, as well as, some fruits and veggies.

About 2 miles in I hit the truck trail which is mostly exposed road. I was in the shade most of the way up and the warm breeze turned into a cool breeze. So, the ascent was a very easy and comfortable climb. On the map there is a trace trail about .8 miles from the summit. It is a half mile straight up route to the tower that cut’s off about .3 miles. I’ve seen this route before and have read that if you go this way you will be straight up bushwhacking. Today, in the spirit of doing an alternate route, I decided to take this route. It wasn’t bad at all and not very steep. There is a trace trail to follow, but there are points where you can easily lose the trail. I was happy I decided to take it!

On the way down, I found another trace trail just north of the tower. It too faded in and out but was very doable and it took me right back to the original trail. I ended up finishing this hike with 12.83 miles and 3,736 feet in total elevation gain. Peak # 6 of the San Diego Six Pack of Peaks Challenge.