Mount Woodson
Number 3 Potato chip
Today was a nice sunny day in between rain days. It was a good trail with some mud left from previous raining days. No that
March 18, 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
Mount Woodson
Made it!!
We start at 7:44 pm, with beautiful weather. Amazing views and a lot of peoples.
March 18, 2023
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Hot Springs Mountain
Hot Springs Mountain Trail
Hiking with Rayder (7 months old Chocolate Lab). The first 2 miles were challenging but with no snow for that section made it very manageable-good
March 18, 2023
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Corte Madera
Corte Madera
The weather couldn’t have been more perfect after experiencing many storms. The sun was out but couldn’t have been more than 65 degrees. I’ve hiked
March 18, 2023
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Hot Springs Mountain
Hot Springs with lots of snow
So everyone says the first two miles are the hardest. That is true along with the last 0.5, both are really steep. Now for the
March 17, 2023
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Mount Woodson
Potato chip style rocks
Hike was a little muddy and has some water run off but perfect time to go is soon before it gets hotter in the summer
March 16, 2023
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