For those interested, here is a list of my gear that I have found works well for me. This is, of course, an affiliate link and your enjoyment of these may vary:

100 Peaks Amazon Gear List

San Diego 100 Peaks Challenge

Details

• Climb the 100 Peaks below in a calendar year (or year division of your choice, or take many years, it’s up to you!)

• This peak list is different from the Sierra Club's list. It's intended to be a lot more accessible and encourage exploring every corner of the county.

• Some of the peaks might not feel like peaks, but instead are included to introduce the challengers to the diversity of what San Diego has to offer.

• This is an unofficial challenge. We do not keep track of anyone’s progress.

• There is no entry fee and no registration. There is nowhere to sign up!

• Since there is no fee, I encourage everyone to support the organizations below. They are one of the reasons that we have access to the peaks on this challenge.

• You are doing this on your own; Any risk involved is a personal choice on your part.

• If you’d like, submit a summit photo (preferably with you in it) on the social media platform of your choice of each peak, using the #100PeaksChallengeSD hashtag. Feel free to tag me @100peaks, too. If you don’t feel comfortable posting on social media, feel free to contact me and let me know how you’re doing.

• You'll receive at least a patch or pin for finishing

• This list is subject to change, mostly based on access

Goals of the Challenge

• Get to know the diversity of San Diego County. From the coast to the desert and everything in between, San Diego County has a lot to offer.

• Develop your outdoor skills and increase your confidence in safely recreating in a variety of environments.

• Increase your fitness level.

• Have you fall in love with the outdoor areas of San Diego County so that you will be a steward of the land, volunteering and donating to keep the outdoors available for generations to come.

• Understand that ALL of our public (and private) land was once the land of Indigenous Nations, and that many of these Nations are still here, strong with their heritage and culture.

Warnings

• This challenge is not for everyone; it is not intended to be easy.

• Many of the peaks require navigation skills, as there are no trails.

• You MUST know how to read maps. We’ve received too many messages asking us where peaks are. If you can’t find them easily on a map, you won’t be able to find them in person. This challenge is not for you.

• There are very difficult peaks on this list, including steep desert peaks without trails.

• Feel free to reach out with questions, but we are not here to do your research for you

• Several of the trailheads are accessed via dirt or sandy roads in the mountains or desert. A high-clearance vehicle with at least AWD is recommended, with some experience driving on and navigating these types of roads, or stop farther away and hike longer.

Finisher History (That I know of)

• 2017 had 2 finishers (and they are an inspiration).

• 2018 had no finishers.

• 2019 had 1 finisher

• 2019-2020 had 1 finisher

• 2020 had 3 finishers

• 2021 had 8 finishers

• 2022 had no finishers

Advice

• Go out and purchase Afoot and Afield in San Diego County by Scott Turner and Jerry Schad (do it, you won’t be sorry, this is an affiliate link to Amazon)

• Buy the local maps listed on my Amazon Gear Page (some of the books are interesting and helpful, too) This is also an affiliate link.

• Start with the easy and well-signed suburban hikes

• Do research

• Group peaks together

• Get to know your limitations

• If you're nervous about something, research more

• Do an 'easy' nervous one to develop your skills

• Do research

• Find a partner, but don't rely on them to know more than you

• Don't just follow someone's GPS tracks, such as AllTrails

• Know the way before you go

• Bring plenty of water

• Protect yourself from the sun, rain, and cold

• Wear long sleeves and pants, even in the summer, they will protect you from the sun, bugs, and overgrown trails

• Wear gloves for some of the desert hikes where you might be scrambling up some rocks, like Granite Mountain, Indianhead, and Sombrero Peak

• Eat a generous breakfast

• Start early (pre-dawn) in the warmer seasons to avoid the traffic, heat, snakes, and bugs. You won’t get as hungry on the trail if you are done by lunch. You will also enjoy the thrill of watching the sunrise from the trail.

• Know when sunrise and sunset are; don’t get caught unexpectedly out in the dark

• Use trekking poles, they will save your knees on long downhills and give stability on loose desert hills

• Keep extra water and food in the car, just in case

• Know what the weather will be; reschedule if it will be too hot or cold

• Do research

• Google Earth and the MyTopo setting on Peakbagger.com should be a second home

• Enjoy the process of learning how to plan, read maps, navigate, and make smart decisions

• Do research

• Have a delicious post-hike lunch at a great hamburger restaurant in Escondido. ;)

In some ways, I am intentionally vague about this challenge, since it really isn't for everyone and I'd like people to develop their skills along the way. It's not supposed to be easy.

Disclaimer
100 Peaks is in no way responsible for any consequences for climbing these peaks during the challenge. We will, however, take credit for any personal growth that occurs during the pursuit of these peaks.

Entry Fee
There is no entry fee, since this is not an “official” challenge. Instead please become a member of or donate to one or more of the following local organizations (If you know of more, please let me know):

• San Diego River Park Foundation

• San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy

• Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Interpretive Association (CRSPIA)

• The Anza-Borrego Foundation

• Laguna Mountain Volunteer Organization

• Escondido Creek Conservancy

We expect you to:

• know that all of this land was once the home of our indigenous friends and family and treat it with respect

• learn more about the indigenous nations of San Diego County, including the Luiseño, Kumeyaay and Cahuilla bands

• except for obvious litter (mylar balloons, masks, and water bottles are everywhere) leave anything you find behind, as removing them could be a crime

• leave an itinerary with someone who knows where you’ll be, when to call for help, and who to call

• be in decent physical condition and know your limitations

• know what to bring on a hike, including water, clothing, and equipment

• know how to read a map, navigate outdoors, and do your own preparation (many peaks do not have marked trails or trails at all)

• know where you are at all times

• understand why so many people get rescued along the trails each year and learn to avoid getting in those type of situations

• be OK with bushwhacking and cross-country hiking

• know what poison oak looks like

• leave no trace and pick up any litter you find

• respect the trail (no cutting switchbacks)

• not hold 100peaks.com responsible for any injuries that occur while in pursuit of these peaks

• be kind to anyone you meet on the trail (including wildlife, hunters, mountain-bikers, trail runners, overlanders, equestrians, etc.)

• to know when dogs are allowed and when they need to be on a leash

• observe all posted rules and avoid trespassing onto private land

• know exactly where the private land/National Forest/State Park etc. boundaries are

• hike with a buddy if you are not extremely experienced

• help those who appear to need help

• avoid summit fever

• consider subscribing to an emergency GPS device (PLB) service, like a Garmin Inreach, Zoleo, or Spot device

• independently create a strategy to complete these peaks in the appropriate weather and situation within the allotted year

• consider volunteering for trail maintenance or youth outdoor outreach programs

• allow the experience to positively change you

Trail hazards exist
We expect you to understand, be prepared to avoid, or deal with:

• hunting seasons

• poison oak

• cactus, acacia, agave

• ticks

• rattlesnakes

• mountain lions (extremely rare)

• injuries

• getting lost

Please Contact Me with any questions or suggestions! Thank you for your inspiration.

The peak list is below. I also have made a list on Peakbagger to help you track your progress. I recommend signing up.

List changes

• 2018 - Peak 4159 has been replaced by Red Butte, due to proximity to private property

• 2019 - Rock Mountain has been replaced with Goat Peak in Poway, due to access issues

• 2019 - Arrowmaker’s Ridge has been replaced with Paradise Mountain in Hellhole Canyon Preserve, due to access issues

• 2019 - Square Top has been replaced with Oriflamme Mountain, due to no access through the Los Coyotes Reservation

• 2022 - Middle Peak has been replaced with Glen’s View, due to lack of a view coupled with a really heavy bushwhack

• 2022 - Oak Benchmark has been replaced by Inaja Hill, due to poison oak issues

• 2022 - Ant Benchmark has been replaced by Peak 4292 (Kanaka Flat) due to nearby private property

• 2023 - Mile High Mountain has been replaced by Pyramid Peak due to accessibility and interesting things along the trail