Hot Springs Mountain

We reached the highest point in San Diego County on Hot Springs Mountain, deep inside the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation near Warner Springs. The route follows old Sukat Road and then Hot Springs Mountain Road the entire way, an easy grade to follow but a long one, climbing steadily through oak, pine, and fir forest — including a strange landmark partway up, an old car that's slowly melted into the roadbed over the decades.

Standing at the summit with Lupita by my side was an incredible experience. The old 1912 fire lookout tower, the oldest in the Cleveland National Forest, still stands right at the top, weathered but intact, with the wooden 'Hot Springs Mtn — 6533 Ft' sign nearby for the obligatory summit photo. The views from up there were absolutely breathtaking — you can truly see for miles, out over the forested ridgelines of the reservation and beyond toward the desert.

So thrilled Lupita completed this hike with me — what a truly joyful day, and a fitting way to check off the highest point in the county.