It was a crisp Sunday morning in the golden hills surrounding San Diego. Wispy white clouds hung low, cooling the earth. Soon, the scorching summer sun would burn it all away, and the hills would …
August 8, 2024
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Stories by Ryan Brothers
A Rude Encounter
The Kettlebell and the Mountain
Video:The Kettlebell and the MountainLocated in Mission Trails Regional Park, the backside of North Fortuna is a moderately strenuous hike. With a length of around 6 miles and an elevation gain of around 1,400 feet, …
May 10, 2024
Corte Madera Mountain
Located in Mountain Empire, Corte Madera is a moderately strenuous hike. With a length of around 7 miles and an elevation gain of around 1,500 feet, the hike will take most people 2 to 4 …
February 9, 2024
Potato Chip Rock from Poway
Located in Poway, Potato Chip Rock (or Mt. Woodson) is a moderately strenuous hike. With a length of around 7 miles and an elevation gain of around 2,050 feet, the hike will take most people …
Manitou Incline
Located in Manitou Springs, CO, this trail is a strenuous hike that takes trekkers up more than 2,700 steps. With a length of .8 miles and an elevation gain of just over 2,000 feet, the …
Cowles from Barker Way
Located in San Carlos, this trail is an easy to moderate hike. With a length of 3 miles up and back, and an elevation gain of just under 900 feet, the hike will take most …
November 15, 2023
El Monte Park to Valley View Community Trail
Located in Blossom Valley, this trail is a moderate hike. With a length of 4 miles out and back, and an elevation gain of just under 1,200 feet, the hike will take most people 2 …
November 1, 2023
Enchanted by a ring of mountains
Located in Jamul, Sycuan Peak is a moderate hike. Given its length of around 2 miles and an elevation gain of 800 feet, the hike will take most people a little over an hour.Distance from …
Seven bridges hike – nature, history, adventure, views
Some call it a hike, others a walk. Nevertheless, this easy urban outing stands out as one of the best outdoor experiences in San Diego. Nestled in the heart of the city, this five-to-six-mile trail …
October 4, 2023
The Mystery of Guatay Mountain
Located in Guatay near Pine Valley, Guatay Mountain is a moderately strenuous hike. With a length of 5.3 miles and an elevation gain of around 1,600 feet, the hike will take most people 2 to …
May 10, 2023
Winter rains bring floral displays each spring throughout San Diego
Winter rains bring vibrant, colorful floral displays each spring throughout San Diego. For this hike, I walked the Grasslands Loop, which takes hikers close to the Old Mission Dam and up into Oak Canyon. Distance …
April 25, 2023
El Cajon Mountain “Race you to the top”
Located near Lakeside, El Cajon Mountain is a strenuous hike. With a length of nearly 11 miles and an elevation gain of around 3,900 feet, the hike will take most people 6+ hours. Dogs are …
Iron Mountain and the sullen young adult
Located in Poway, Iron Mountain is a fairly challenging hike. With a length of nearly 6 miles and an elevation gain of around 1,300 feet, the hike will take most people 3 hours. Dogs are …
Cuyamaca Peak in Winter
Located above Paso Picacho Campground in Cuyamaca, Cuyamaca Peak from Milk Ranch Road is a moderately strenuous hike. With a length of 8 miles and an elevation gain of around 1,900 feet, the hike will …
The Enemy on McGinty Mountain
McGinty Mountain Located near Jamul, McGinty Mountain is a moderately strenuous hike. With a length of 4.5 miles and an elevation gain of around 1,300 feet, the hike will take most people 2 to 3 …
5 Peaks of Mission Trails
5 Peaks of Mission Trails Located in San Carlos, the 5-Peak Challenge is a very strenuous hike. With a length of 17 miles and an elevation gain of around 4,300 feet, the hike will take …
January 17, 2023
Determined on Granite Mountain
Granite Mountain Located at the end of Cool Canyon Road in Anza Borrego, Granite Mountain is a grueling grind that will test your endurance and tolerance for pain. With a length of 7 miles and …
January 4, 2023
Trans-Catalina Trail from Avalon to Two Harbors
Trans-Catalina Trail from Avalon to Two Harbors Located on Catalina Island, this is a moderately challenging backpacking expedition. With a length of about 19 miles and an elevation gain of 4,700 feet, the trip took …
December 21, 2022
Garnet Peak is a gem that lives up to its name
Garnet Peak from Sunrise Highway S1 Located north of Mount Laguna, Garnet Peak is a fairly easy hike. With a length of 2.3 miles and an elevation gain of around 500 feet, the hike will …
December 7, 2022
Vast views from Viejas Mountain
Viejas Mountain Located in Alpine, Viejas Mountain is a challenging hike and long pants are recommended. With a length of 4.6 miles and an elevation gain of 2000+ feet, the hike will take most people …
Two hikers on the ascent to Lawson Peak and two on the way down
Lawson Peak Located east of Jamul, Lawson Peak is a moderate hike and flexible clothes are recommended. With a length of 4.3 miles and an elevation gain of 1500+ feet, the hike will take most …
4000 feet above Borrego's Palm Canyon
San Ysidro Mountain Located in Borrego Palm Canyon, San Ysidro Mountain is a challenging hike and long pants and trekking poles are recommended. With a length of 8.1 miles and an elevation gain of 4000+ …
October 26, 2022