Eagle Rock - Peak 72 - A pleasant stroll through the grasslands
Eagle Rock
Elevation: 3,520′
Mileage: ~6.5
Dates Hiked: 09/30/2017, 01/05/2020
Trailhead: Eagle Rock Trailhead
Agency: Vista Irrigation District (PCT access)
Peakbagger.com Page
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09/17/2017
On a warm day in early fall, Soph and I headed out to Warner Springs to hike to Eagle Rock. We had our usual conversations, looking out the windows at the usual landmarks through Ramona, the camel dairy, a piece of land I’ve been looking at for over a decade, the goat farm, the paint, the hop farm, the Julian Pie Company in Santa Ysabel.
We passed Lake Henshaw and parked across from the Warner Springs Fire Station. It was a warm day, and the shady oaks were a great start to the trail.
The trail through the oaks
Like we always do, we chat about everything. There were butterflies all around and the wild cucumbers were growing along the trail. We wondered what the area would look like if the creek was really flowing.
The first peek into the grasslands
Now and again, the trail would open up to grassy hillsides. We chatted about what it would be like to hike the PCT, which we were on at the moment. We wondered how many pairs of feet and eyes have seen this part of the county.
Gateway to the grasslands
Before long, we were in the open grasslands. The breeze carried the promise of cooler evenings, but today still held on to the warmth of summer. We rested under the shade of the final tree before the open rolling hills.
Open grasslands on the way to Eagle Rock
There’s something nice about opening to wide open spaces. It’s like your mood stretches out and breathes in extra air. The rolling trail curved around and we could see Eagle Rock in the distance.
Eagle Rock in the distance
We made to Eagle Rock and, even though we had seen many pictures of it, were amazed at how much it look like an eagle. We sat in its shade for a nice lunch and climbed all over the rocks. We could see the Palomar Massif in the distance, as well as Lake Henshaw.
Eagle Rock is aptly named
We had the place to ourselves for an hour and decided to head back.
The grasslands near Eagle Rock with Lake Henshaw in the background
On the way back to the car
Now back into the shade of the oaks, it started to get chilly, but it still was beautiful. It’s a special place.
Back into the shady oaks
Eagle Rock Trail Map (Click to enlarge)
