Drove down from LA on Saturday (man, that's a LONG drive) and stopped for lunch first at Burger Bench in Escondido. We didn't start our hike until nearly 2pm, but the weather was just about perfect for hiking. Clear skies and great views all the way.

We did this as an out-and-back, skipping the Five Oaks option this time since we brought our 16-month old labradoodle puppy. This hike was her third peak, but the tallest vertical gain. I've been working with her to build her stamina, so hopefully she can join me on some double-digit hikes this spring.

Really pretty views, shady sections and some history as well. This mountain was under consideration for the observatory that was eventually located on Palomar Mountain, and you can see the foundation and stone chimney that remain from the outpost that had been built there.

There is also a postal signal tower that was part of a nationwide system built in the 1920s to guide air mail pilots across the country.

The true summit is hidden in a thicket of trees, but there is a survey benchmark on the far side of the double-track trail that loops around the summit knoll.

Beautiful views and a great hike for my first of the San Diego Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge.