I'm looking for elevation gain hikes in San Diego County

[Hikin_Jim]

I'm not from San Diego and have done only a few hikes down that way, but Jerry Schad's book "Afoot and Afield San Diego County" has a pretty good reputation. See http://www.amazon.com/Afoot-Afield-Dieg ... 657&sr=8-1

[Rob]

erin, the book that HikinJim mentioned has a good reputation. When I started hiking a year ago my principal info source was http://www.localhikes.com. Mission Trails Regional Park web site http://www.mtrp.org has simple maps outlining short hikes such as Cowle's/Pyle's and Fortuna. As you work your way east past Lakeside "El Cap" there are miles of trails and fireroads in the Cuyamacas with maps and descriptions at http://www.cuyamaca.us.

In San Diego we have the choice of coastal, mountain, and desert hikes. Personally, I prefer mountain. You may wish to do all three types. I think that all hikers plan long-day or short-day hikes depending on their schedule from week to week. My short-day hikes include Poway Mt Woodson, Poway Iron Mtn (see http://www.poway.org), and Rancho Penasquitos Black Mtn (see http://www.penasquitos.org/map.html). Sometimes I do one San Diego mountain then drive a few miles to do a second mountain (and/or a third).

I get my paper maps at Map World/Map Centre in Clairemont Mesa. They're small, but the service is good. When I bought my GPS they had the best price.

If you crave elevation above 6,500 feet, you'll be burning gasoline heading north on I-15 to Baldy, San Gorgonio, and San Jacinto. Each of those places has slightly different procedures for obtaining hiking permits, and you'll learn those procedures quickly. I recommend buying an annual parking pass to use in those National Forests. Cuyamaca State Park charges for parking; I have not yet invested in an annual parking pass for the Cuyamacas.

[Alan]

Hey Rob,

Got a few suggestions for you.

Guatay Mountain: 6 miles 2200' gain
Whale Peak (Anza Borrego): 8 miles 2500' gain
Red Top Peak 4467: 15 miles 4500' gain also Orange Top (these can be accessed from Aqua Caliente Hot Springs

Sunset Mountain: 6 miles 2200' gain

These are just a few that I have been up. Let me know if your interested & I can give you more info on where to start.

Alan
akopmeyer@cox.net

[Rob]

Hey Rob, Got a few suggestions for you.

Alan .... Thanks, I'll look at those . . . Rob