2021 San Diego Six-Pack of Peaks Challengeā„¢

Join the Challenge

TheĀ San Diego Six-Pack of Peaks ChallengeĀ is a self-paced hiking and trail running challenge up six iconic San Diego County mountains, including ā€œthe hardest hike in San Diegoā€ and the high point of San Diego County.

You choose whether you want to complete them in six days, six weeks, or take the entire year. Set the schedule that works best for you.Ā 

You can climb them in order as you build your strength and endurance, or mix it up. The choice is yours.Ā Your registration will help supportĀ Big City Mountaineers, so you'll be doing good for others with each peak you climb.

Overview Map of the San Diego Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

The Peaks of the San Diego Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge

VOLCAN MOUNTAIN ā€“ Elevation 5,353ā€² (1632 m)

This 5,353ā€² peak has views of a transitioning landscape, with views that extend to the Pacific Ocean and even Catalina Island on a clear day, and to Anza-Borrego and the Salton Sea to the east. It was considered as a potential site for the observatory that was eventually built on Mount Palomar, and you can still see the remains of the outpost built during the siting study. It's also home to a USPS Air Mail signal tower that dates back to the 1920's when such towers guided pilots across the country at night.

Recommended Six-Pack Route:Ā Hiking Volcan Mountain ā€“ SoCalHiker
Distance: 5.1 miles; Vertical +/- 1,170 feet

MOUNT WOODSON ā€“ Elevation 2,881ā€² (878m)

Better known for the side-trip to ā€œPotato Chip Rockā€, Mount Woodson (also known as Woodson Mountain) is popular for a reason.

Recommended Six-Pack Route: Woodson Mountain from Lake PowayĀ 
Distance: 6.6 miles; Vertical +/- 2,000 feet

CUYAMACA PEAK ā€“ Elevation 6,512ā€² (1,985m)

San Diego's second highest peak, with views that on a clear day can stretch from Mexico to the Coronado Islands. Located in a State Park, dogs are only allowed on paved trails, and there happens to be one to the summit.Ā 

Recommended Six-Pack Route: Cuyamaca HighlandsĀ ā€“ Scott Turner Hikes
Distance: varies; Vertical +/- varies

Ā 

HOT SPRINGS MOUNTAIN ā€“ Elevation 6,533ā€² (1991m)

At 6,533ā€² Hot Springs Mountain is the tallest in San Diego County, making it a must-hike peak for high-pointers. It's located on the Los Coyotes Reservation, which requires a $10 entrance fee.

Recommended Six-Pack Route:Ā Hiking Hot Springs Mountain
Distance: 10.2 miles; Vertical +/- 2,118 feet

EL CAJON MOUNTAIN ā€“ Elevation 3,648ā€² (1112m)

At 3,648ā€² El Cajon Mountain is not the tallest by far, but this 11 mile trek climbs 4,000 vertical feet, making it one of the toughest in San Diego.

Recommended Six-Pack Route: El Cajon Mountain (El Capitan) ā€“ Uphill Both WaysĀ 
Distance: 11 miles; Vertical +/- 4,000 feet

HIGH POINT ā€“ Elevation 6,138ā€² (1871m)

The highest point on Mount Palomar is 6,138ā€² High Point, with a strenuous 13 mile hike to match.

Recommended Six-Pack Route:Ā Hiking to High Point on Palomar Mountain
Distance: 13.8 miles; Vertical +/- 3,509 feet

Latest San Diego Challenge Hike Logs

El Cajon Mountain
Victoria Apaldetti-Marquez

El Cajon Mountian

This was a tough hike. Not only were there lots of ups and downs, but it rained and hailed on us when we got to

Read More Ā»
El Cajon Mountain
Brian

El Cajon Mountain

Started around 8:00 am and finished around 1:00 pm. It was supposed to rain today, although it never did. It was cold and very cloudy

Read More Ā»

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