Cuyamaca Stonewall Peak Trail Hike

Potato chip or Cuyamaca?  This was our discussion today.  

Up until the last 15 minutes, we thought we were going to hike the Potato Chip Rock Hike (also known as Mt. Woodson Trail) because it was closer than the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park area, but after watching a Youtube video of a group that hiked the potato chip trail, I decided it wasn't scenic enough for my taste and we decided to go the extra distance to hike Stonewall Peak.  

On the way, we stopped for breakfast at The Omelette Factory in La Mesa, and enjoyed blueberry pancakes and extra yummy cinnamon roll french toast!  Oh yeah.  Good stuff!

The drive really wasn't bad, and the views and mountains, covered in huge boulders, were nice to look at as we headed east.

Once inside the park, we really didn't know where we were going, so we took a road to the visitor's center and ended up asking for directions at the outdoor school for 6th grade students because the visitor's center was closed.  I guess they host kids a week at a time and only have 6th graders.

After a short drive, we finally made our way to the trail head (and park headquarters) to buy our parking pass and park our vehicle.

We packed the backpack with water, trail mix and a few snacks for Eli, donned some sunblock, and after strapping Eli to my back, headed out on the trail.  We could see the peak from the base, and with the distance under 2 miles to the top, it was going to be a pretty relaxed hike.  

4 miles round trip

Stonewall Peak

The flowers were in bloom and the colors were beautiful against the landscape.

Our final destination

The trail was littered with huge granite boulders and fallen trees.

The first few steps were slightly steep, but after a few switchbacks, it was an enjoyable hike to the top.

Before the hike, I asked the ranger what the deal was with all the burned oak trees.  She said it was from the remains of the 2003 fire that came through the area and wiped out a lot of the park and surrounding valley.  They were very interesting, and with the contrast against the blue sky and green vegetation, they were fun to look at and photograph.  

The trees added an almost whimiscal appearence to the trail.

Some were as black as coal.

Eli was a great hiking buddy!

Along the trail we spotted many critters and even a few snakes.

At the top the trail becomes a scramble over boulders to reach the stone steps.

Looking back, you can see the field of flowers in bloom in the valley below.

Once at the top, we enjoyed a few snacks, rehydrated, enjoyed the cool breeze and view as we rested and I nursed Eli.  Surprisingly, my phone had reception, so I even spoke with Ethan on the phone (he was having a bad earache at home and needed a little comfort and advice).

While we rested, an older woman, named Nancy, whom we briefly met in the parking lot, joined us at the top, and we chatted about her hiking travels and other hikes in the area.  She said she hiked the John Muir Trail in the past (a trail that is on my bucketlist of hikes to hike in my lifetime) and also told of a few other hikes she enjoys in the area.

It was nice to chat with her, more so for me as we have similar interests, and as we parted ways, I told Derrick that she is me in 35 years... he agreed... but I'd be dragging along him, my adult children and their families.  Oh, I can only hope that's the case!

At the top!

Overlooking the road and the lake at the end of the park.

This little guy was expecting us to feed him, or help himself to our snacks.

Heading down.

Another photo of those amazing trees.

Peek-a-boo Mr. Lizard

My favorite tree of the hike.  Very impressive!

The colors and they way it grew around the boulder was amazing!

One last snap of the peak before heading back to the car.

Overall, it took us about 2 hours with our relaxed pace and nice break at the top.  It was a fairly easy hike and I'm glad we decided to hike here rather than potato chip rock.  The flowers and trees alone made it such an enjoyable journey.