Sycuan Peak (Peak #24) - Sunrise Views Above San Diego's Backcountry
Sycuan Peak is a summit in eastern San Diego County that offers broad views of the surrounding foothills, mountains, and valleys. The hike follows a steep route to a rewarding viewpoint above the communities of Dehesa, Harbison Canyon, and the nearby backcountry. As Peak #24 in the San Diego 100 Peaks Challenge, the early morning ascent provided cool temperatures and clear views across the region.
Sycuan Peak
Elevation: 2,801′
Miles: 2.1
Trailhead: Sycuan Peak Trailhead
Agency: CA Dept of Fish & Wildlife
Date Hiked: 12/01/2009
Peakbagger.com Page
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12/01/2009
I got a nice early start this morning, arriving at the trailhead at about 6:40AM. There wasn't much parking on the road and the trailhead was easy to miss. The sign for the ecological preserve doesn't appear until several hundred feet up the trail.
The trail immediately started climbing steeply, exposing me to the warming sun and giving me views of Sloane Canyon and Lawson Valley. As I continued to ascend and warm up, I was able to see San Miguel Mountain from a different view than I did on my ascent of McGinty Mountain that I did last Saturday.
It was a fairly short hike and a great way to try our my new Vasque Mantras, as my Vasque Blurs had finally died on my last hike after many, many miles. The new shoes worked quite well and I am looking forward to feeling them break in.
After a reasonable incline, I scrambled up some rocks and made it to the summit. It was pretty quiet; the sounds from commuting cars on Lawson Valley Road fell away as I climbed. The sun was peeking out from Gaskill and Lawson Peaks and bathing the area in a golden glow.
Since I wasn't in too much of a hurry, I sat down and enjoyed the silence for a bit before heading back down. I cherish these quiet moments to myself at the top of a mountain.
It’s a perfect start to the day.
