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M310 3-3-11 Beauty Mountain Wilderness, another adventure into San Diego and Riverside Counties newest wilderness area. Haven’t decided on the route yet, it’s all new so it really doesn’t matter.

M43 2/25/11 Big Black Mountain, NE of Ramona. Park and start at the intersection of Pamo Rd and Forest Service Rd. Hike is 14 miles out and back, up the road (no trail), about 2800 feet of climbing. Vehicles usually aren’t are problem, this area is pretty quite, but stay alert. Nice views out to the West, and once on top, 360 degree views of all the back country. read more…

R14 2-12-11: San Mateo Canyon Wilderness, SW corner of Riverside County. Steep Oak lined canyons, well marked and maintained trials.
Tenaja Trailhead to Tenaja Falls, 13 miles round trip. With 8 creek crossings (lost count) one way, which adds some fun. No real panoramic views, trial is down inside several canyons. Many sections of the trail are shaded with old oaks and sycamores.

Water was running at the Falls today. Unfortunately, this area has been heavily impacted by people, but still worth the hike.

M310 1-22-11 Beauty Mountain Wilderness, Aguanga CA. Riverside and San Diego’s counties’ newest wilderness area.

Thanks to the Red Shank Riders (a group of local Horseback riders and packers) for building the access trail from Sycamore Springs Rd to Tom’s Camp. I’m assuming they built it, until I hear otherwise they get the credit. Looking forward to checking out the rest of their trail work.
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M71 1-15-11 Kelly Ditch Trail connects Wm Heise Park to Lake Cuyamaca, south of Julian, CA. Unfortunately, the trail is blocked by thick brush and fallen trees about 1.7 miles south of Wm Heise. The California State Park folks have not kept up the southern end of the trail. I can’t say what the conditions are if you started at the southern end. read more…