Goat Peak Hike – Ocean Views from the Edge of Poway (Peak #90)
Goat Peak is a scenic backcountry hike near Poway in San Diego County, offering expansive inland and ocean views from the western edge of the region’s rugged hill country. This route includes a trail map and follows quiet trails and ridgelines to a summit that provides a surprisingly remote feel despite its proximity to suburban neighborhoods. On clear days, the Pacific Ocean becomes visible beyond the rolling hills of inland North County. It served as Peak #90 in my San Diego 100 Peaks Challenge.
Goat Peak
Elevation: 3,180’
Mileage: 2.8
Trailhead: Goat Peak Trailhead
Agency: None (Prescriptive Easement)
Date Hiked: 10/19/2020
Peakbagger.com Page
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10/19/2020
It was early on a chilly October morning in 2020, when I gently closed my car door and headed out on this relatively short trail.
I was at the end of Quiet Valley Lane, a peaceful street tucked away in the hills of Poway and I didn’t want to be a nuisance to the surrounding houses. I could only imagine living across the street from a trailhead.
The trail to Goat Peak starts at the end of the street
I quickly headed out on the trail, noticing signs of equestrian use as I followed a clear trail along the dry creek bed.
My pace kept the chill away as the sun shone on the golden leaves of the sycamores, already changing color.
The ridgeline of Goat Peak in the distance
Before long, the trail started climbing steeply up the hillside as the sounds of Poway fell away below me. Some sections were very steep and soon I was covered in sweat in the shade of the ridgeline ahead of me.
The marine layer burnt off and I rounded the corner of a ridge and dipped down into a drainage before climbing up again.
The trail followed the bottom of a wash and I encountered some rocky fun, with a small waterfall to climb up.
I emerged from the wash with Goat Peak above me in the sun, the trail leading steeply upward.
I rounded the back of Goat Peak and scrambled up to the summit rocks. It was a beautiful morning.
It had taken me less than an hour to get to the top, and the route was fairly straightforward, but it was great to be back in the rhythm of peakbagging. I had just hiked Denk Mountain and Double Peak just 4 days prior.
I relaxed on the peak, enjoying the morning and the view, as the sun kept me warm. I had some snacks and just relished the fresh air.
Goat Peak pano from the summit (Click to enlarge)
I looked out upon all the cars on distant roads, many on their way to work. I felt grateful that I have a schedule flexible enough to spend these occasional mornings on the trail.
I quickly made my way down, spying a cold rosy boa along the trail.
Cold rosy boa on the way down from Goat Peak
Goat Peak Trail Map (Click to enlarge)
