Join the Challenge

The San Diego Six-Pack of Peaks Challenge is a self-paced hiking and trail running challenge up six iconic San Diego County mountains, including “the hardest hike in San Diego” 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.

You can climb them in order as you build your strength and endurance, or mix it up. The choice is yours. Your registration will help support 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

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

VOLCAN MOUNTAIN – Elevation 5,353′ (1632 m)

This 5,353′ 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.

Trail Guide

Hiking Volcan Mountain – SoCalHiker

MOUNT WOODSON – Elevation 2,881′ (878m)

Better known for the side-trip to “Potato Chip Rock”, Mount Woodson is popular for a reason.

Trail Guides

CUYAMACA PEAK – Elevation 6,512′ (1,985m)

San Diego's second highest peak, with views that on a clear day can stretch from Mexico to the Coronado Islands.

Note that the Cuyamaca Fire Road to the summit is currently closed until later this year. Scott Turner has a couple of alternate routes that remain open and get you close to the summit (link below). If you hike one of the open routes to the point where it meets the closure area, that will count as a summit. If you really want to get to the summit, obey all closures and wait until the summit has reopened.

Trail Guides

Cuyamaca Highlands – Scott Turner Hikes
Hiking Cuyamaca Peak – Modern Hiker
Cuyamaca Peak +3 – A Traverse and a Loop through Western Cuyamaca – 100peaks.com

HOT SPRINGS MOUNTAIN – Elevation 6,535′ (1992m)

At 6,535′ 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.

Trail Guides