Hot Springs Mountain
Six Pack of Peaks: Hot Springs Mountain
4/11/22
Out & Back
Miles Hiked: 10.5 miles
Elevation gain: 2,500 ft
Total elevation: 6,535 ft
Pairs well with: Garage 79
Elevation map from Alltrails.com
Hiker trash [noun]: A self-inflicted term used by thru hikers to describe themselves due to smell and appearance. However, this term can only be utilized by the thru hikers themselves, or it would be considered derogatory.
We were so worried after a grueling day of hiking High Point on Palomar that we would be in no condition for another peak. We nabbed a freebie camp site in the Anza-Borrego Desert and made ourselves get an early start to the day to bag the highest peak in San Diego county. The town and surrounding area was riddled with ambitious PCT thru hikers just starting their journey north.
The day was cool and overcast, and surprisingly the legs felt fresh. Again, the first two miles were the most exposed and steepest (sorta). The cooler temps and high winds eased the challenge and soon we were on cruising speed to mellow inclines through pines. In almost no time we made it to the fire tower and followed the single track to the actual summit. To our surprise a giant boulder was outfitted with a climbing rope and the summit sign was sitting on top. This is very, very far outside my comfort zone, but I did make it to the top (and didn’t vomit!) with a trail doggo in tow.
More Pack of Peak posts
Our tramily packed up the Yellow Submarine for some camping and hiking fun at altitude. Our goal: summit our first Colorado 14er, Mount Sherman.