CUYAMACA STATE PARK WITH A WINTER MANTLE

I recruited my friends, Myrna and Chris, for a visit to the local State Park this past Friday. They are always up for a hike in the mountains, and are patient with my stopping now and then for a photo opportunity.

As the forecast was “clear, cold, and quite windy” we opted to go to Cuyamaca State Park instead of the Laguna Mountain area. As it was the winds were predicted to possibly reach more than 40 mph. in The Lagunas. Myrna and I did some research on which trail to hike. We had a couple of trails in mind, and settled on a loop around Stonewall Peak via the Cold Stream Trail, Stonewall Creek Fire Road, and Vern Whitaker Trail.
 

Stonewall Peak

We started at the trailhead of the West Side Fire Road, right off of SR79. This made a nice loop. 

FLOWING STREAM

FLOWING STREAM, A CLOSER LOOK

There was a good deal of snow on the trail and at low points we had to cross a fresh stream or two. According to the map there were no formal streams, but because the melt off there were areas where we could not avoid crossing a stream, or on the final leg, walking in the melted snow stream. In protected places the snow was powdery, but generally there was a slight crust which we walked on.

The early part of the hike was in open country so we did feel the effects of the strong winds. We all kept our parkas on throughout the hike though at times we unzipped them. When we took a short break from hiking we would have a nibble and rest but then want the parkas zipped up again.

ENJOYING A SNACK

CHRIS WITH STONEWALL PEAK IN THE BACKGROUND

CLEAR AND COLD HIKING

At the Saddle near the junction of the Soapstone Grade Fire Road we could look North and see Cuyamaca Lake and in the distance the Santa Rosa Mountains with a very nice snow cap. 

CUYAMACA LAKE AND DISTANT MOUNTAINS

Once past Los Vaqueros Horse Camp we started our descent to the trailhead. 

LOS VAQUEROS HORSE CAMP

MIDDLE PEAK IN THE DISTANCE

CUYAMACA LAKE

ALONG THE TRAIL

SNOW AND BRANCHES

 Along the way we spotted, and I photographed a vole who was right on our trail. They are quite small and it had come out of its den for some sun and nibbling on some green leaves that it had found under the snow.

A VOLE ON OUR TRAIL

HAVING A NIBBLE

 

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?

Later we saw about eight deer and I was able to photograph a couple of them. It is amazing how well they blended into the environment of brush and downed trees.

WEEPING LOG

DEER  BLENDING WITH ENVIRONMENT

We went a total of 8.7 miles, and it took us seven hours. As we descended the Cold Stream Trail from near the entrance to Paso Picacho C. G. the sun was getting close to the ridge line to the West. Here, most of the trail was in or along side Cold Stream and though the sun was still up the trail was now in shade. There were a few more informal streams to cross and wade through. We were intent on getting back to our car before it got dark.

We were very happy to get back to the car where we changed shoes and socks  before heading for home. this was all done before the sun descended below the Cuyamaca Mountains. We all agreed that we were very happy to have had and used our trekking  poles.

It was great to get out into the country side and enjoy a day out hiking with friends. Thanks Myrna and Chris.

The hot shower was most welcome this evening.