It’s cold out there! San Diego County has been experiencing record low temperatures this past week. We felt it last Saturday when we went for a hike in the Laguna Mountains. The last time we were there was in May so it was time for a fall hike in that area. I checked the weather reports beforehand and saw that the temperatures would be quite low so I told my hiking buddy to bring layers. After being in a warm car for 1.5 hours, it was hard getting out at the trailhead. My thermometer read 35-40 degrees and with the wind chill it felt even colder. We quickly started on the north end of the Big Laguna Trail and then hooked on to the Sunset Trail.
On the Sunset Trail
This time I brought my GPS as I was always curious as to what the mileage was when doing a loop hike. For lunch, we stopped at a rocky outcrop overlooking the valley and Sunrise Highway. Rather than continuing south on the Sunset Trail we turned around and then took the Big Laguna Trail that is on the south side of Laguna Meadow.
On the southern end of the Big Laguna Trail
And from there we went all the way around the eastern part of the meadow back to the parking lot. It’s a relatively flat hike, but it can get repetitive at times. My GPS calculated 10.57 miles with an elevation gain of 1192 ft. This is a great hike to do in early fall and spring when there are wildflowers.
I recognise your hiking buddy, despite the layers. The hat is unmistakable.
I love that area. I believe it was my first San Diego Hike when I moved down there.
Yes, it’s a nice place. The mountains must be getting snow right now!