These wind-eroded sandstone blocks are fun to explore.
April 22, 2015
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Stories by The Canyoneers
Photogenic fun at the Truckhaven Rocks outside Borrego Springs
The highest and most remote point in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Combs Peak is the fifth highest peak in San Diego County and also one of the most remote. Surprisingly, it is in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. From this lofty summit there are views of …
April 15, 2015
How did this support life?
Visiting Indian Hill gives us a renewed appreciation for this desert area. Humans have used the area for perhaps several thousand years. The last Indian cultural group to occupy this area was the Kumeyaay. It …
April 8, 2015
Hoof it in Anza-Borrego’s Sandstone Canyon
Sandstone Canyon is one of several long canyons that stretch down the flanks of the rapidly eroding Vallecito Mountains. Frequent visitors to this part of the Anza-Borrego Desert consider Sandstone Canyon to be the most …
April 1, 2015
Geology in motion
Church Spur provides overviews of Borrego Valley and the work of profound geological forces.
March 25, 2015
Big Laguna for little legs
Keep the kids off the antennae and away from the laser targets on Monument Peak.
March 11, 2015
360 degrees of spectacular
Hike to the roof of San Diego County and see Mexico and Arizona from one spot.
March 4, 2015
Ramble along the shores in Encinitas
The hike begins at the top of a cliff adjacent to a small park with a few artistic statues. A long stairway leads down to the beach. Here, the ocean is the high point as …
February 25, 2015
The last remnant of the Mission Bay wetlands
The Famosa Slough State Marine Conservation Area is a 25-acre wetland that connects to the San Diego River Estuary via a 12-acre natural channel. The slough includes fresh water, brackish, and salt-marsh habitats. It is …
February 18, 2015
Splash in the Devil's Punchbowl
Be prepared for this challenging but rewarding hike to one of San Diego County’s most spectacular waterfalls.
February 4, 2015
A historic route used by Indians, Spaniards, and the Jackass Mail
An oriflamme or “golden flame” appeared on the red battle standard of the King of France during the Middle Ages. It is unlikely that Oriflamme Canyon was named for this, although a red banner could …
January 28, 2015
Soon, frogs will be serenading in Cottonwood Creek
Cottonwood Creek Falls offers a restful setting in a deep East County canyon.
January 14, 2015
A North County hike into San Diego history
The San Pasqual Valley has continuous, completed segments of the planned, 55-mile-long, Coast to Crest Trail of the San Dieguito River Park. When finally realized, the Coast to Crest Trail will extend from Volcan Mountain …
December 31, 2014
Abundant signs of renewed life
Hike this peak for dramatic views of the desert, mountains, and ocean all from one spot.
December 24, 2014
Centennial stroll
Visit Balboa Park during the 100-year celebration of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
December 17, 2014
Borrego Badlands, here we come
Hike along this cliff edge for a spectacular view of the western and southern badlands.
December 10, 2014
Decision at the Overlook
You might want trekking poles for that descent into Indian Valley.
December 3, 2014
La Jolla's Pottery Canyon: Steep climb or slow stroll?
Pottery Canyon is a historical site that was named after the La Jolla Clay Products Company. This small company developed because a potter from Mexico found raw clay in the area and took up residence …
November 26, 2014
Escape to Palomar Mountain
Hike the Boucher Loop in Palomar Mountain State Park to a historical fire lookout and enjoy incredible views on the return.
November 19, 2014
Kitchen Creek clamber
Even in a dry year, Kitchen Creek can look like a green oasis.
November 12, 2014
Borrego Palm Canyon
Hike to the palm grove that was the inspiration to create California’s first desert park.
November 5, 2014
One of La Jolla’s best-kept secrets revealed
A little-known preserve hosts views, critters galore, and a beautiful bridge.
October 29, 2014
Must-see Mast Park
Follow a San Diego River trail through sycamores, cottonwoods, and willows to bird-watch.
October 22, 2014
Abundant evidence of the Kumeyaay
Hike Kumeyaay Trail through oak woodlands and chaparral strewn with boulders and beautiful views of Lake Wohlford.
October 15, 2014
The crew did a heroic job clearing Kelly Ditch Trail
The Kelly Ditch Trail is a 5.6-mile hiking path extending from William Heise County Park to Lake Cuyamaca. Prior to 2003, it passed through one of the most magnificent oak and coniferous forests in San …
October 8, 2014
Crushed seashells + limestone + Kumeyaay “laborers” = the Mission Dam
This hike goes through scenic Mission Gorge and leads to the Old Mission Dam that impounded the San Diego River to provide water for the Spanish Mission San Diego de Alcalá. The dam is a …
October 1, 2014
Lake Cuyamaca loop
An easy stroll around the shores and meadows of this picturesque mountain lake that abounds with alpine plants and wildlife.
September 24, 2014
Hacked-out, spectacular view
Views of the desert and an exploration of part of the original Sunrise Highway.
September 17, 2014
Drought on display
Bernardo Mountain, with an elevation of 1150 feet, rises steeply from the north shore of Lake Hodges, southwest of Escondido. It offers a relatively short, vigorous hike to the peak for dramatic views of this …
September 10, 2014
A lush riparian area despite a year of drought
The Azalea Glen Loop Trail is on the slopes of Cuyamaca Mountain, the second-highest peak in San Diego County. Despite the fact that the area is still recovering from the 2003 Cedar Fire that devastated …
September 3, 2014
Straddle the Sunrise
When the Anza-Borrego Foundation bought the ranch, they saved the ranch.
August 27, 2014
Varied habitats, outstanding views
Lake Poway is a full-facility recreation area that has something for everyone.
August 20, 2014
Scenic road through recovery
This hike through Oakoasis Open Space Preserve has stunning views and shady riparian areas.
August 13, 2014
Wide-open space abounds
Wide-open space abounds at Barnett Ranch, the 728-acre preserve that is now owned by the County of San Diego. The historic cattle ranch is part of the property that was once the home of Augustus …
August 6, 2014
A look down on Escondido from Dixon Lake
Dixon Lake is a multipurpose recreation area adjacent to the Daley Ranch Open Space Preserve. Both are managed by the City of Escondido, but separately. Dixon Lake provides drinking water for Escondido, so swimming isn’t …
July 30, 2014
In search of coastal sage scrub
The coastal sage plant community has been nearly eliminated in San Diego County, replaced by housing developments, shopping centers, business centers, and golf courses. However, remnants remain in some of our coastal canyons and in …
July 16, 2014
Many ways to the top at Woodson
Enjoy views to the ocean on a clear day, and visit Potato Chip Rock.
July 9, 2014
Serious climb for a serious view
North Fortuna Mountain, at 1291 feet, is the third-tallest mountain in Mission Trails Regional Park after Cowles Mountain and Pyles Peak but the most challenging to climb because of the steep ascent and descent. The …
July 2, 2014
Cross the bridge and take the stairs
The top of 1094-foot South Fortuna Mountain has sweeping views of all of the major peaks found in the City of San Diego’s largest regional park. South Fortuna is part of a long arced mountain …
June 25, 2014
Witness to a reef
Walk at low tide to discover multiple tide pools. Get to know your anemones from Cardiff to Carlsbad.
June 18, 2014
Southern jewels and feral pigs
Hike a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail parallel to Lake Morena’s southern shore for views and interesting vegetation among boulders.
June 11, 2014
Borrego's own Jurassic Park
Tour Borrego Valley’s spectacular southern Sky Art metal sculptures.
June 4, 2014
Tour de Borrego
Take a bicycle ride to view Borrego Valley’s spectacular northern Sky Art metal sculptures.
May 28, 2014
Canyon adventure two-for-one
Stalk bighorn sheep in the Anza-Borrego...but don’t drink their water.
May 21, 2014
In the footsteps of the Cahuilla
Here is your chance to walk on trails the Cahuilla used to travel between their old Santa Rosa village in Rockhouse Canyon and villages in Coyote Canyon. Although the trail is a little hard to …
May 14, 2014