Well, not a fan of Palomar High Point. Did not find the trail to be particularly pretty, so I would most definitely not go back, not even if I needed a good training hike. Alltrails listed it as 13 miles but I logged 14 from the closest parking area we could find/feel safe to leave vehicle. First 2 miles are steep as every one mentions, but doable. I felt going down that section was harder on the body than up. The rest is just – boring. I realize its a fire road – but so is Hot Springs – yet Hot Springs is really pretty. So, I guess that is probably why I was a bit disappointed – should have done this one first and I would not have had such high expectations. It was a beautiful day and we really lucked out with the weather. There were heavy clouds around the other peaks out in the distance when we reached the top – obscuring our view of the other ranges.

I assumed we would hike past the observatory – that was another disappointment – but my fault for not reading up enough prior. I would like to go back to the observatory (but I'll drive!). 🙂