High Point @ Palomar – Painful but Worth It

Palomar is so stunning. I never would’ve guessed.

Yellow orange oak trees dotted the summit, strewn among green pines and glittery snow. It was so quiet and magical: it’s exactly what you hope for in a hike.

it’s tough though. It’s the longest hike in the challenge (13.8 mi), and the first 2 mi are steep and narrow. Once you hit the dirt road it gets easier, but it’s a tough leg to start out on.

The last 2 mi up were my favorite. The plants are so different and beautiful. I added at least 20 new records to iNaturalist, most of them near the top. The gnats got kind of annoying around here too though.

Only 8-10 people were hiking, and there were about that many trucks and dirt bikes. I started (late) at 10 got back to my car around 4. Even though I ran down a big section, I feel like I cut it close on time. The last 2 mi down are the most steep and narrow, and I wouldn’t want to go down them in the dark. Took and drank 2 liters of water too.

Overall, it was tough but so extremely worth it. I would go back here, in autumn, in a heartbeat.