Monument Peak - Peak #6

Monument Peak
Elevation: 6,271 ft.
Miles: 3.0
Location: California, United States

Trailhead

A view of Cuyamaca Peak from the trail

Monument Peak is a small bump along the Laguna Mountain ridgeline that drops down to the Anza-Borrego Desert. The peak was among 3 peaks that I've ascended that day due to the easy nature of difficulty. This was an easy 3 mile roundtrip hike with 500 feet of elevation gain. The views from the top were rewarding with a 360 degree view of the desert and surrounding mountain ranges.

Wooded Hill - Peak #5

Wooded Hill
Elevation: 6,223 ft.
Miles: 3.0
Location: California, United States

 

Trailhead

Snow covered trail up to the summit

This will have to be the easiest hike so far. It is less than 3 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 300 feet from the trailhead. Like it's name, Wooded Hill is exactly that...tall trees cover the majority of the trail and does not provide a 360 degree view from the summit. However, on a clear day you can view Point Loma, Santa Catalina Island, San Clemente Island, and the Coronado Islands. You can also catch a glimpse of the white domes of Mount Laguna Observatory.

Boucher Hill - Peak #4

Boucher Hill
Elevation: 5,438 ft.
Miles: 3.0
Location: California, United States

Boucher Hill summit in the distance

Boucher Hill is a nice little summit in Palomar State Park. It has a unique lookout tower on the summit. The tower was an important structure in the network of fire detection towers protecting southern California. It offered an unobstructed view of the Aguanga and Pauma valleys below, revealing areas that were blind spots to other towers. It is one of only two lookouts of its kind left in California.

Cowles Mountain - Peak #3

Cowles Mountain

Elevation: 1,591 ft.
Miles: 3.0
Location: California, United States

                                                    A view of Cowles Mountain

  A look towards the Trailhead

Cowles Mountain is the highest point in the city of San Diego, lying within the Mission Trails Regional Park. The hike to the summit is an easy 1.5 mile with 900 ft. in elevation gain and for that reason is a very popular trail. The views from the summit has some of the finest views of San Diego County with an unobstructed 360 degrees view.