Bernardo Mountain

Overview

Bernardo Mountain is a prominent and easily accessible peak towering over the tranquil waters of Lake Hodges. Both landmarks play a starring role in this moderate 7+ mile peak-bagging excursion, which also features good views over the eastern half of the county toward the Peninsular Ranges in addition to the Del Dios Gorge carved out by the San Dieguito River. California buckwheat Both the Bernardo Mountain and North Lake Hodges Trails are part of the much larger San Dieguito River Park, which protects the delicate resources of this surprisingly varied watershed from the San Dieguito Lagoon in Del Mar through Rancho Bernardo and beyond toward San Pasqual Valley all the way to the crest of the Volcan Mountains near Julian. The trail network includes the nearby Piedras Pintadas, Bernardo Bay, and Highland Valley Trails, San Pasqual Trails, as well as the Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserves and the Volcan Mountain Open Space Preserve near the river’s headwaters in Julian.  This same network is part of the proposed Coast to Crest Trail running from Del Mar to Julian, which remains a piecemeal affair due to various funding and land acquisition challenges. Artichoke Both trails, particularly the North Lake Hodges Trail, have a reputation for good wildflower shows, in addition to some great birdwatching. On my first time climbing Bernardo Mountain, I saw one of the two golden eagles I have encountered in San Diego County. The other eagle was on the other side of the freeway traveling east on the Mule Hill Trail heading toward San Pasqual. It is rather incredible to see a golden eagle in the middle of heavily developed suburbs, but that should offer a hint as to the value of protecting and enjoying this landscape. Under the bridge The trail commences from a parking lot at the dead-end of Sunset Drive, where it will break off to the right from the lot at the information kiosk. The trail travels along the east side of I-15 before bending right to travel beneath the freeway along the San Dieguito River’s north bank. I won’t

Trail Stats

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