Nice easy loop around the meadow and lakes. A fair number of bikes on a very narrow single-track trail.
★
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Wonderful trail day ~ kitchen creek road is open, an easy drive. Trail was empty on a Monday morning. Lots of manzanitas to walk through on the last half mile up or so. Wear good pants (a manzanita mangled my pants). Very windy up top.
★
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This is a good trail for those who are into adventure riding. Very easy to make, the scenery is amazing. You can find a couple of campsites and it’s close to urban areas. It’s a must for first time adventurers,
★
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Good training hike for Cactus to Clouds or San Gorgonio. It’s hot so bring water. It’s not any easier than Baldy - just easier to breathe. Again you’ll need water. I hope you like knats.
★
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4x4 up the Palomar Divide. There was a nice shaded area up top, but this time of year there were just way too many annoying flies. The route was also closed beyond high point tower as we approached the observatory so we had to circle back. Too bad we can get though, otherwise maybe this trail would be better.
★
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09-2-2022: Hard, hot, hike. Carrie 3 liters of water. Great views, few persons, live stock around lake.
★
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Steep decline first 3/4 mile then trail runs along the creek. Poison oak present at spots along the trail so be aware. Creek flowing nicely and a bit deep so log crossing necessary at one point. Pond at trail’s end was deep, cool to the touch and flowing quite strongly. Lots of shade from trees’ canopy.
★
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Excellent area to snowshoe. Had an unusually heavy snowfall prior to this hike.
★
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Great hike. Lots of water especially the morning after a rain. Bring water shoes and wear pants that can be pulled up. Lots of flowers out too.
★
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Amazing views and walking on the ridge of mountain! Top in east San Diego ! Off road to parking lot. You Can connect Cedar Falls with three sisters for a longer hike of 20 miles
★
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A very beautiful but extremely long day. What we thought was going to be a 13 mile hike turned into 15 long miles. Started out at Red Rooster in 6 to 8 inches of snow which slowed our hiking down to barely over a mile per hour.
After 6 miles the snow turned to mush and mud causing lots of slipping and of course I fell twice.
Soon we hiking in more solid ground and after about 11 miles we could see I-8 and the hills of Mexico in the distance. The views opened up to beautiful green vistas but then dusk fell and we ended the hike exhausted.
We all thought we’d be back home on the Pacific by 4:09 PM but didn’t arrive until 6:15.
★
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Super easy access, shaded goodness, lots of water running, cool views of the eight highway above. Architectural structures fantastic… Not a lot of elevation reviews, just beautiful Canyon in Valley
★
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Great weather but bugs at higher elevation. Awesome vista points especially of Lake Cuyamaca. Doing the loop counter-clockwise is the way to go! You can easily add on other trails here to extend your day - was able to string a nice, scenic 14 mile hike out of it. Be advised that if you show up early, you may not be able to self-register at the campground (their automated system was down and no one is there), You will be forced to find a place to park on the highway like i did which i don't recommend. Most of the turnouts are now signed for no parking so better to call ahead and try to pre-register for campground parking.
★
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Finished in 3:19. A really good trail to train on. Didn’t see a single person. Started on the desert side. Trail was pretty maintained. Make sure to bring plenty of water.
★
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It is a paved road uphill all the way. Get your leg work out done for the day.
★
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This is a great local hike in the Cleveland. Free parking 👍🏼 Mostly shaded while in the canyon bottom, gives way to great 360 degree views of the forest and beyond. Not super hard, but challenging in a few spots. It’ll get your heart rate up. CON: no trail sign at your first turn near the visitor sign in post. We missed the turn off of Morgan Trail twice! Caused us to hike an extra 2 miles. Sign in at the register, then turn around like your heading back. See the trail to San Mateo Peak on your right.
*Spring/Summer - start early to avoid the heat.
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Had to start 2 miles below the trail head as the road is closed to car. A person living in a camp near the trail head warned of several mountain lion sightings and lots of poison oak. The poison oak was prolific along the trail so we did not go too far before turning back.
★
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One of my favorite hikes in the Mt Laguna area. I have done it several times both clockwise & counter clockwise. I prefer the clockwise way, especially in the heat, that way the second half is shaded. The hike offers the best mix of terrain and views in the area. The clockwise way starts with the path hugging the side of cliff/hill looking out toward the desert and Salton Sea. Then changes to pines trees and then to open meadows and finally to Laguna Lake. Most of the elevation gain is in the 1st part. Once your are west of Sunrise highway you will encounter more people and mountain bike traffic. The area near Big Laguna Lake is very popular.
★
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I started at 9am; this was a great hike, did it by myself, very easy to follow all the way to the top. The last .36 miles was a bit hard but not nice you get to the top the view is amazing. So quiet, peaceful and beautiful…one note cover your mouth for certain areas there’s lots of mosquitos, I almost swallowed one 😬..great hike very few people
★
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Quite reasonable loop with enough challenges and views to make for an excellent hike or run.
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Very easy trail any 4 x 4 and most 2x’s can make up. Beautiful campsite at the end that you cannot miss. will fit multiple vehicles.
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Excellent challenging hike. Very steep 1st 2 miles of the hike and remaining 4.5 is on a fire road. Beautiful view at the top looking over Palomar observatory. Spring time has lots of flowers. Careful as it warms as the trail can be a spot for sun bathing snakes. Encourage strongly to bring at least 3 liters water and also a big net for your face. Lots of gnats
★
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Best to go in early spring when the wildflowers are blooming and the falls are going strong, but be ready for a crowd unless you’re there on a weekday. If you go later in spring make sure you pack enough water and either start out early or around 4pm-it heats up as you hike into the valley! Way too hot to do this in summer, and the uphill hike back is not a joke in the heat.
★
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It’s just beautiful up there. Not a cloud in the ski and moderately cool weather.
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Must have done this hike half a dozen times but it’s always great. Just a gorgeous pre spring day with lots of wind. Saw lots of PCT hikers heading North. Hope they make it as it’s a long way to BC.
★
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My first time hiking this trail. BEAUTIFUL valleys and vistas, so lush and green, really enjoyed it. 2 things I think I think would be helpful for people. The last 47 miles of driving is on dirt roads, it was totally passable in my Honda civic, I might have been less excited about it if I had a sports car. Also, the trail is very narrow for about half the hike and small branches, twigs, and vegetation hangs into the trail and will rub against you, so likely pants and a long sleeve shirt are ideal.
★
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Hike is a good length, but the incline isn’t very challenging until the last 3/4 mile. If you’re looking to get out in nature, this is a good option. If you’re looking for a booty workout, not so much.
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Sidewinder at corral canyon. Fun Little Rock crawler/Jeep trail with awesome views. High clearance 4wd with lockers or a winch.
★
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Beautiful trail, a lot of false peaks, ups and downs and back up and down again. Very rocky in spots.
★
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beautiful views. not so much shade first 3/4,then some. asphalt access road all way up. but it might be challenging for some
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Nice quick hike. Read reviews to start counterclockwise but we didn’t and am glad. It was 88 today and coming down the longer shaded area later in the heat was great. Little rocky lots of bugs. Expected
★
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Not a hike but a great ohv trails. Managed 3 different trails definitely going to this area again
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This is a easy to moderate trail that circumnavigates the meadows surrounding Big Laguna Lake.
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Loved this hike! It had the right amount of everything: flat sections, rocks to climb over, steep up hill, mild downhill with one steep section. All packed into a great 8 miles.
★
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Took the family off roading today on this trail. No cars very few people. Lots of fun
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Fun little hike with a creek crossing. Make reservation beforehand as there usually isn’t service once you get to the trailhead so make sure you take a screenshot. Falls are crowded so we tend to only go once a year but definitely a must see. Pack sunscreen, hat and sunglasses as there’s no shade until you get closer to the falls. Bring lots and lots of water!
★
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Views at top were nice. But there are better trails and probably won’t repeat. Do once to record track.
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This trail is not difficult if you stay on trail. I added monument peaks down Hayes peak to it. On the way down got off the trail and had to bushwhack it. But definitely worth it!
★
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This was a wonderful hike. Has a little of everything, trees, desert, and of course great views.
★
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Moderate hike all down hill to the falls
80% of hike is exposed to sun
Go early to beat the crowds and the sun. Go after some rain to really make it worth your while
★
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stars
Best night hike in OC. Incomparable views from the top and a great stretch of the legs.
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This is a nice easy mostly flat hike. Horse friendly. Horse trailer parking. Good for cloudy day. Some nice shade at the beginning.
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stars
II did this hike in February and the weather was perfect. Summer would probably be way to hot. The first eight miles are through a small canyon leading to a waterfall, followed by some rock scrambling. The next ten miles are up and down a ridge on a fire road.
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Great weather. Descriptions I read were accurate. The first two miles were a lot, but after that it was beautiful. The part near the end in the trees was really pretty.
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Did this mid August. Trail was extremely overgrown. View at the top was incredible. But he warned, this hike is difficult. Seemed like an eternity of false peaks just going up and then right back down. Actual climbing increase is much larger than just the elevation difference due to that
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Nice. We went counter clockwise. It was shady more often than not. Fire road on the way down was hard on toes and knees. We went around 9:30am and it was about 85.
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Beautiful early morning with nice breezes to offset the rising temperatures. Started at 6am. Didn’t see a soul until the northern end of the Sunset Trail when it joined the Big Laguna Trail. Loved walking southbound on the east side of the lake - nice intermittent shade and great views. Forgot to start recording at the beginning.
★
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Hiked down late morning to midday it was hot but a pleasant breeze. The meadows at the end are beautiful. No water in the creek. I was hoping to filter some water there however... we carried a lot of water but may have to hike out early without a refill...update!
We found 2 hidden,beautiful flowing pools! Plenty of water, total solitude, great three day adventure for my kid’s first backpacking trip. They didn’t want to leave. Broke camp early on the last day left before 7am and we’re at the top by 9:30 to beat the heat. It was great!
★
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Beautiful trail with nice views and breezes along the western side.
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There were a lot of bugs during this walk even after I used the spray. Shade did not last, most of the day we were exposed. There were nice views at the top. Summit register was missing although I found a log register about 20 feet away under a bush exposed, no container. I put it in a baggie and put it under the summit sign. I hope someone brings a replacement container and log on a future trip.
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Lovely. Tons of water available for filtering as the trail follows a creek for several miles. Great scenery on the ridge. Lots of mountain bikers but it was no trouble.
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Due to COVID-19, this trip got delayed for a couple of months, but I still wanted to get it in. Note to self: don't do this type of trip this late in the season. It was brutally hot--85 degrees at the trailhead at 9AM, and the bugs were atrocious. The biting flies were swarming me most of the hike, and as I got closer to High Point, the gnats were constantly swarming around my face. The flies were so bad, at the tower, that the ranger came out to greet me when I arrived, but even he couldn't stand to be outside of the glassed in booth for long. There were beautiful wildflowers blooming all along the trail, and the view of Palomar observatory was really cool. I'm sure this would have been a fantastic hike a couple of months ago, but I would never attempt it at this time of year again. Oh, by the way, the temperature at the trailhead, when I returned to base, was 95 degrees. Ouch!
★
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Short segment to top of Gaskill was a little overgrown. As long as we followed trail, scramble not too bad. Need to follow track carefully near top or scramble becomes a little more challenging. Definitely plan on repeating on a clear day. Love the views. And the little Martian peeking out from the top boulder. We did the southern approach as another review said that the western approach was more overgrown & required more scramble.
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Easy and scenic hike, suitable for kids. Rocks to climb on etc. Looks like it could be great for biking with kids too.
★
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Gorgeous cool spring morning hiking this section of the PCT. Flowers starting to bloom, the trail in very good condition.
★
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Great trail and pretty! Last .9 was quite an incline to summit but I didn’t think it was too bad. Great views of the ocean and Catalina at the summit. People mentioned bugs. There were bugs but not bad. March 3,2020.
The trailhead is across the street from parking. Same side as candy shop where you can also buy an adventure pass if you need one. As well as a sandwich when you come back down (Candy shop also makes sandwiches).
★
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From the bottom of skyline to the top it’s a pretty good workout
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Day 1 with WBC GROUP Sierra club
Doug, Meredith, Dina,, loses, Doug and Kara, Shannon
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Stock 4x4 is fine. Great views. Liked the Bedford side more. Not too many offshoots. Tons of loose rock everywhere. Not my favorite.
★
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Fantastic turn out to the right before the falls. You can hear north for miles.
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Nice hike. Last mile tough up hill rutted our trailer. Great views. Would not do in summer.
★
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With some of the higher Santa Ana peaks closed due to the recent fires Sitton Peak is a decent alternative. I have hiked this trail in the hot and cooler months and I recommend doing this hike during the fall or winter months. Not only can it be hot but the bugs can be an annoyance during the warmer time of year.
The hike is pretty covered until you get to 4 corners. From there the trail is more exposed for the remaining 2 miles to the peak. However, you will be gifted with some great views of the southern part of the Santa Ana mountain range as well as the San Gregorio mountain range which if snow peaked make the views even more memorable.
The last quarter of a mile is a scramble but the final view at the peak is well worth it. A bit of back history, a helicopter crash landed on the face of Sitton Peak and if you look closely enough you will still find remnants of the helicopter.
If you are in modest shape this hike will be challenging at points but definitely doable. However if you do it on a hot day the hike becomes much harder.
All in all the hike is a nice day hike and if your goals are set to do peaks like Baldy or Whitney this hike can help you determine your current physical and mental stamina as it has decent mileage and elevation gain to help you attain your ultimate goal.
★
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It was my first time, I don’t think is an easy hike but is well worth it beautiful experience
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Very great trail! We had a few Tacoma’s both 2WD and 4WD. One of the 2WD Tacoma’s were stock and did perfectly fine. Cannot wait to go back!
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Not much scenery on the walk. The walk dawn is far easier than the walk back up. Well worth the trip down to go for a swim. Be mindful of the heat any time after noon in the summer months. Very little shade except the last half mile.
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Nice hike, went on a Friday and saw one other hiker, and about 8 mountain bikers and 3 snakes. My Garmin said 13.3 miles and 2,800 feet elevation gain. Some scrambling to the top of the peak.
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Excellent hike. On way to Waterfalls it is all downhill. Three/four water falls, spectacular location. On the way back it is mostly uphill- well worth it.
★
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Did out and back as a prep hike for Mt Whitney. Very tough. Tons of water in the stream next to the trail.
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Thick Santa Ana mountain vegeration. Last mile to the peak is quite steep. Recommend hiking poles.
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stars
4/27/19. Wonderful hike up to Sugarloaf. Nice overcast in the morning and got hotter as the marine layer burned off. We were treated to great views of all the local mountains. There are two Sugarloafs, you first see two rock cairns denoting the trail to Old Sugarloaf which looks pretty demanding. If you continue about 1 more mile, you get to New Sugarload which is a much easier hike up. I've done the latter and am looking forward to the former another day. Watch out for bikes which use this for a downhill bomb from Blue Jay. Round trip is about 12.6 miles.
★
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Really great and secluded camp site at the end of the trail. Pretty meadow with a small stream. Lots of open area. There is an 8 mile, mostly dirt road you have to take to the trail head and I would not recommend anyone drive without some reasonable clearance and all wheel drive. However this is probably why the camp site is so nice. Not a lot of people. We only saw two small groups. The trail is moderate with a pack on but downhill so if you plan to leave some weight behind on your way back up you should be fine. Not a lot of shade on the trail. Also be prepared for bugs. A little spray and the insects pretty much kept to themselves. All in all this is an excellent trail and camping area. You will need to contact the Palomar Ranger station for a permit but it’s free.
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stars
This is my favorite way to do Santiago and Modjeska in the same day. I hate the road into Holy Jim, and this route is smooth pavement until Maple Springs Road turns to dirt where you park. From there I climb a trail that I've heard called the "Sierra Club Route to Modjeska Peak" which climbs the ridge crossing Maple Springs Road repeatedly until you reach the main divide road. Heading up the Main Divide Road to the right for 100 yards, you'll see a trail on the left which provides wonderful shade going up to Modjeska Peak. The trail continues and drops back down to the main divide road where you climb up to Santiago. Return via the same route. Great in spring when the wildflowers are out. My main problem is that the first part is a bit overgrown and could use some maintenance as it's a huge deep rut in some places.
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