Volcan Mountain
Rocky Road but a whole lot less ice cream.
The five oaks trail is a single trail with a lot of rocks, and a down tree that we went under. Very windy and cold.
March 19, 2023
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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
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.
Recommended Six-Pack Route: Hiking Volcan Mountain – SoCalHiker
Distance: 5.1 miles; Vertical +/- 1,170 feet
CORTE MADERA – Elevation 4,633′ (1,412m)
A perfect introduction to the Pine Creek Wilderness, this hike takes you to what some describe as “San Diego's Half Dome.”
Recommended Six-Pack Route: Corte Madera Mountain Trail – SoCalHiker
Distance: 6.7 miles; Vertical +/- 1,469 feet
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. Located in a State Park, dogs are only allowed on paved trails, and there happens to be one to the summit.
Recommended Six-Pack Route: Cuyamaca Highlands – Scott Turner Hikes
Distance: varies; Vertical +/- varies
HOT SPRINGS MOUNTAIN – Elevation 6,533′ (1991m)
At 6,533′ 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: Hiking Hot Springs Mountain
Distance: 10.2 miles; Vertical +/- 2,118 feet
EL CAJON MOUNTAIN – Elevation 3,675′ (1120m)
At 3,675′ 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) – Uphill Both Ways
Distance: 11 miles; Vertical +/- 4,000 feet
HIGH POINT – Elevation 6,138′ (1871m)
The highest point on Mount Palomar is 6,138′ High Point, with a strenuous 13 mile hike to match.
Recommended Six-Pack Route: Hiking to High Point on Palomar Mountain
Distance: 13.8 miles; Vertical +/- 3,509 feet
Alternate Peak
You can swap out any of the six peaks above with Mount Woodson.
MOUNT WOODSON – Elevation 2,881′ (878 m)
Hike to the top of Mount Woodson and take your picture with the iconic Potato Chip rock.
Recommended Six-Pack Route: Mount Woodson Trail
Distance: 7.4 miles; Vertical +/- 2,109 feet
Latest San Diego Challenge Hike Logs
El Cajon Mountain
March 19, 2023
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Cuyamaca Peak
Cuyamaca Peak
A bit of a brutal hike today! Lots of downed trees blocking the trail and a couple miles were basically walking up a river –
March 19, 2023
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Mount Woodson
Double Hitter Kind of Day- Ending at Potato Chip Rock
Second time here, but visit time via Lake Poway. Worth the $10 fee. Mud and puddles with recent rain but nothing hard to navigate just
March 18, 2023
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El Cajon Mountain
Roller coaster to the top
I got to the parking lot and hit the trail at 8am. It started out with a nice incline and a pretty level hike gradually
March 18, 2023
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Volcan Mountain
Volcan Mtn.
Great hike if you’re looking for some workout too; inclined about 90% of the trail. Very cold and windy, some muddy spots but not too
March 18, 2023
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