Combs Peak - Peak #8

Combs Peak
Elevation: 6,193 ft.
Miles: 9.0
Location: California, United States

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

The road to Combs Peak trailhead was not an easy one. It started with a narrow 5 mile dirt road leading to the PCT trailhead that veered off from the main paved road. It was recommended to utilize a 4 x 4 vehicle or high clearance vehicle. My vehicle did not fall under that category; however, I figured I'll give it a shot. It turned out to be a slow, bumpy ride. I was only able to make it half way through the dirt road due to a small rocky creek that had cut through the road. I decided to park the vehicle along the road and hike the remaining 2.5 miles to the trailhead making the journey twice as long than anticipated.

Garnet Peak - Peak #7

Garnet Peak
Elevation: 5,900 ft.
Miles: 5.0
Location: California, United States

Trailhead

Monument Peak

Located at the northern end of the Laguna Mts, Garnet Peak marks the boundary between the alpine mountains and the Borrego Desert below. Views include Monument Peak and Stephenson Peak to the South, the Borrego Desert and Salton Sea to the East, and San Jacinto and San Gorgonio to the North. The true magic of Garnet Peak is discovered by those adventurous enough to be on the summit for sunrise. The sun's warm rays slowly bathe the desert and the jagged peaks that rise from it.

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.