6 of the Best Outdoor Climbing Spots Within an Hour of San Diego
Rock climbing is all the rage these days. Since its debut in the Olympics in 2020, the sport has experienced a meteoric rise, with more than 600 climbing gyms now scattered across the US—eight of which call San Diego home. While climbing gyms provide a fantastic way to hone skills and find a community, outdoor climbing delivers a unique, exhilarating experience that can take your love of the sport to new heights.Fortunately for us, San Diego boasts a wealth of rocks, crags, and mountains—all within an hour’s drive. Ready to get climbing? Here are six of the best outdoor climbing spots around San Diego:Photo Credit: Cole NovakOne of the various beginner-friendly boulder routes found at Santee BouldersSantee BouldersArguably the most accessible and beginner-friendly climbing spot in San Diego, Santee Boulders is located just 45 minutes from downtown with parking available at the West Hills Park. This outdoor jungle gym is home to 151 climbing routes, including beginner boulder routes like The Knobs (V0) with its distinct jug holds indoor climbers will appreciate, fun slabs like The Face (5.9) where you can test your balance, and more advanced projects like Bullet Hole Face (5.10+), perfect for top roping or dicey high-ball bouldering. Santee Boulders is an excellent introduction for indoor climbers to the more abrasive realities of outdoor rock climbing. Courtesy of Chillino Rock ClimbingA local climber ascends one of the many cracks Mount Woodson has to offerMount Woodson Known for its iconic Potato Chip Rock, Mount Woodson offers far more than Instagram photo ops and casual switchback hiking. This Poway-adjacent climbing spot has 400 unique climbing routes making it a prime spot for lead, top rope, and crack climbing. Originally popularized by climbing legends Royal Robbins and John Bachar in the 1950s, Mount Woodson is a granite playground with popular routes like Robin’s Crack (5.10a) a famous 20-foot crack wall; Jaws (5.11a), a cracked boulder with a name more ominous than than the climb itself; and Uncertainty Principle (5.11c), a sort of Pride Rock for Mount Woodson, testing your endurance and often attracting the attention of nearby hikers. Web content editor Cole Novak preparing a top rope route on the Main Wall at Mission GorgePhoto Credit: Cole NovakMission Gorge Only 20 minutes from downtown, Mission Gorge is a trad and top rope climber’s dream. The area is home to butter-like walls spanning three sections: the Main Wall, Limbo Area, and Middle Earth (although you won’t find any hobbits there). These west-facing walls provide much-needed shade during morning ascents, helping prevent sweaty palms on the park’s notoriously slick holds. You’ll find more than 200 climbing routes, including The Tower (5.7), an enjoyable 50-foot route with bolts and a views of the San Diego River upon completion; Craig’s Crack (5.8), a Limbo area spot ideal for working on your hand jams; and Orange Sunshine (5.10d), a technical climb that demands precision footwork.Rock climbing pioneer, Randy Leavitt, seen 3,600 feet above the clouds on El Cajon MountainPhoto Credit: Jorge VisserEl Cajon Mountain Located 50 minutes from San Diego, El Cajon Mountain boasts 200-plus sport and traditional climbing routes. After accessing the area via the paved roads of Lake Jennings, climbers must embark on a strenuous two-mile, 1,800-foot hike in direct sun before choosing between the beautiful granite cliffs of the Main Wall (The Wedge), Fly Dog Buttress, or the Mountaineering Wall. Popular routes include Lenoids (5.9), one of the most traveled multi-pitch sport routes in San Diego; Triton Tower (5.11a), a challenging 360-foot, three-pitch climb under a granite slab roof; and Sleeping Giant (5.10a), a 1,000-foot, 10-pitch climb on the lesser traveled Mountaineer Wall. Bring water, hiking boots, and binoculars for an incredible view of the ocean when you top out on this peak . Photo Credit: Cole NovakPeople’s Wall & Sunset Cliffs Pump Wall TraversesOften overlooked, the People’s Wall and Pump Wall offer excellent traverse practice for climbers wanting to stay local. The People’s Wall located steps from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla, provides climbers with a 200-foot-long stone wall traverse along the coastline. The Pump Wall offers a more challenging climb with less-distinguished handholds along the exposed north side of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard above Claiborne Cove. After a few traverses, these seemingly simple walls will leave arms pumped and your hands barely capable of gripping a steering wheel—making the short car ride home a relief for city-bound climbers.Photo Credit: Anna GerberDrew Alldredge up in the clouds traversing Baby Face (5.11a) at Eagle PeakEagle Peak Just over an hour’s drive from the city, Eagle Peak is a haven for sport climbers seeking challenging single- and multi-pitch climbs in San Diego County. With 65 routes spread across four 100-foot tall granite rock faces—Left Wall, Right Wall, Tan Man Tower—Eagle Peak rewards those who scale the Eagle Peak Trail’s switchbacks, brave the East County heat, and dodge dive-bombs by birds before on their approach to the climbing area.Notable routes include Cruise Line (5.10c), a five-pitch ascent on the Left Wall that serves as a great intro to Eagle Peak; Baby Face (5.11a) a crimpy four-pitch climb to challenge your technique; and Irie Corner (5.10b/c), a 200-foot, two-pitch route featuring a panoramic view to share with the spot’s avian overseers.The post 6 of the Best Outdoor Climbing Spots Within an Hour of San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.
10 of the Best Hikes in California, According to Experts
From Anza-Borrego desert in the south to the redwood forests in the north (and all the beautiful coastline and deserts and mountains in between), California is filled with fantastic hiking trails. For every massively challenging mountain summit, there’s a gentle, beginner-friendly path through the woods or near the beach. With so many options, it can be tough to choose your next trek—so we surveyed some experts to find 10 of the best hikes in California. Here are their picks.Courtesy of All TrailsOak Canyon Hiking Trail (3.3 Miles)Mission Trails Regional ParkTodd Linke, a board member at the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation and a high school science teacher, says this easy trail is great in any season. “The oak trees provide comforting shade in the summer [and turn a] brilliant yellow in the autumn. [There’s] flowing water in the winter and babbling rapids in the spring,” he explains. “The star of the show … is the amazing waterfall, which can be viewed from above or at the water’s edge.” You can start the trail at the Old Mission Dam, which once supplied water to San Diego’s Mission de Alcala. “This trail is as fun as you make it,” Linke says. “There are oak trees to climb, rocks to skip across, and mountain vistas all around.” You can hike out of the canyon and return on the Grasslands Loop Trail, passing the Kumeyaay grinding stones and catching a bird’s-eye view of the dam from the overlook.Courtesy of WikipediaWhite Mountain Peak Hike (15.2 Miles)Mono CountyThose who have set out to tackle Mt. Whitney know how challenging it is to score a permit. If you’re running into red tape, shift your focus: White Mountain Peak—which, at only 253 feet lower, is the third-highest peak in California—can give you the summit experience without any paperwork or permits. Cris Hazzard, who runs the website hikingguy.com, says that, though you can see Whitney from White Mountain, the peak is not actually in the Sierras. “Instead, it’s in the unique mountain desert of the White Mountains,” he explains. “The hike is 15 miles with approximately 3,500 feet of climbing. The high altitude will make it feel much more challenging.”White Mountain Peak’s location makes it extra special—it is also the only mountain taller than 14,000 feet in the lower 48 states that’s not part of the Sierras, Cascades, or Rockies. Courtesy of All TrailsKumeyaay Lake Hiking Trail (1.3 Miles)Mission Trails Regional ParkAt just over one mile, this flat trail is short and sweet, so it’s a great quick hike to do after work or with kids. “It’ll bring you to a peaceful and beautiful place, with minimal time or effort investment,” Linke says. Start in the Bushy Hill parking lot along Father Junipero Serra Trail, just off of Mission Gorge Road in Santee. Follow the entrance road to the Kumeyaay Lake Campground and walk around the lake on a mixed dirt and gravel trail. “Although the trail is short, you’ll have multiple opportunities to stop, relax, and enjoy the beautiful view of the lake, as well as the river and a small marsh area east of the lake,” Linke says. “You’d never know the lake was a former quarry, and it speaks to the incredible efforts to regenerate previously disturbed land.”Dyar Spring/Juaquapin Hiking Loop (6.2 Miles)Cuyamaca Rancho State ParkThis moderately challenging hike covers about seven miles, combining multiple paths in the park, including Harvey Moore, Dyar Spring, Juaquapin, and the East Side Trail. You may spot animals such as turkey, deer, and coyotes.Philip Erdelsky, the leader of San Diego Day Hikers, says the trail has been one of his favorites since he first trekked it in 1988. “Very little has changed since then,” he adds. “The loop offers a variety of hiking experiences: chaparral, meadows, woods, stream crossings, and impressive views. Since it is a loop, none of it is hiked more than once. Dyar Spring always has water, even on the driest days.”Courtesy of USDA Forest ServiceSunset Trail to Laguna Meadow Hike (8.2 Miles)Laguna Mountain Recreation Area and Cleveland National ForestThis trail gives you access to distant mountain vistas and Laguna Meadow, plus views of two small lakes—Water of the Woods and Big Laguna Lake—and an array of water birds, insects, and spring wildflowers. “While Southern California is known for its palm trees and ocean waves, our mountains provide a beautiful backdrop of Jeffrey Pines and Coast Live Oaks, along with fresh air and peaceful tranquility, a perfect combination for a relaxing hike,” Linke says. “In summer, the warmth creates the pleasant aroma of pine, while the shade of the forests give hikers and bikers a respite from the blazing sun. Autumn is a time of brilliance, as the air turns crisp and mountain oaks display their golden beauty along the trail and the Sunrise Highway, one of the most beautiful stretches of roadway in California.”With winter comes snow, and families can bring sleds to slide down short hills.Courtesy of TripadvisorNorth Dome Hike (9.2 Miles)Yosemite National ParkWhile Yosemite’s Half Dome is on many adventurers’ bucket list, a section requiring a steep ascent with only cables to aid you can cause anxiety. To experience a similar trek without the risk, try hiking to North Dome. The path is 9.5 miles with about 2,100 feet of climbing, which is much less than Half Dome. “You don’t need a permit, and enjoying the granite dome and views is relatively tame,” Hazzard says. “I love this hike because it’s not as crowded as the other Yosemite classics, but it still is a quintessential Yosemite experience.”Courtesy of Palm Springs Bureau of TourismPalm Springs Tramway to San Jacinto Peak HikeMount San Jacinto State Park (10.1 Miles)San Jacinto towers 10,000 feet over Palm Springs, offering an alpine environment with the Sonoran Desert as its neighbor. While the hike from Palm Springs to the summit—called Cactus to Clouds—is one of the hardest in the country, you can trim about 8,000 feet off the journey by taking the tram to Long Valley. (Cactus to Clouds is temporary closed due to heat warnings) “Once off the tram, you’ll hike through the pines and granite boulders to the dramatic summit,” Hazzard says. “It’s still a workout at around 11 miles and 2,600 feet of climbing. John Muir called the views from the summit the ‘most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth.’”Courtesy of USDA Forest ServiceGarnet Peak Hike (2.3 Miles)Laguna Mountain Recreation Area and Cleveland National ForestThis hike marries mountain and desert ecosystems—and provides a peak to summit without an overwhelming amount of distance or vertical climbing. If you start at the Garnet Peak trailhead, you can reach the peak in 2.3 miles with an elevation gain of about 500 feet. Or, if you want to start at the Penny Pines trailhead, you can hike four miles and take on an elevation gain of about 700 feet to get to the top. Penny Pines takes you along a section of the famed Pacific Crest Trail and gives you a sweeping panorama of the desert near the beginning of the hike. “The final approach to the peak is the steepest part, but don’t worry, it doesn’t last long, and it is 100 percent worth the final climb,” Linke says. “The view from the rocky outcroppings at the top give you an unobstructed 360-degree vista of mountains to the north, south, and west and of the desert to the east … It’s quite amazing that you can bag a peak just an hour’s drive from San Diego.”Truckhaven Rocks Hiking Trail (1.6 Miles)Anza-Borrego Desert State ParkLinke says one of the best hiking trails in Anza-Borrego Desert isn’t really a trail at all. “Oddly, even though it feels completely off the grid, it’s clearly visible from the S-22 Highway, about a 10 minute drive outside of Borrego Springs,” he explains. “It’s called Truckhaven Rocks and it affords the confident hiker with amazing views of Vallecito Mountain to the south, Santa Rosa Mountain to the north, and Borrego Valley between them.”Despite the path’s lack of official trail designation, you can find the map on the AllTrails app. Your hike will vary from two to three miles and the elevation gain will be determined by your interest in scrambling up rocks or dry waterfalls. This trail also features some short slot canyons, small wind caves, and evidence of rockfalls. “You can probably guess by now that there won’t be a parking lot or trail signs, so use the AllTrails map or inquire at the visitor center for the best starting point,” Linke says. “You’ll need to park on the highway, but don’t worry, people do it all the time. While it’s an easy hike, it can be easy to get a bit turned around, so use some sort of navigation device. If all else fails, just keep walking north and eventually you’ll run into the highway.”Palm Wash Hike (3.5 Miles)South Fork, Anza-Borrego Desert State ParkThis is a desert hike that is accessible from the highway, but you’ll feel like you’ve discovered a distant and beautiful place. To find the entrance, use the AllTrails app or get advice from the visitor center. The trek covers about three miles with an elevation change of around 500 feet. “Once your hike begins, you’ll almost immediately be mesmerized by a large, tilting natural bridge,” Linke says. “Other fun and interesting features along the way include steep cliffs, dry waterfalls, evidence of rockfalls, and short but beautiful slot canyons. The hike will terminate at an overhanging dry waterfall, surrounded by tall sandstone formations … The great part about this hike is that as you retrace your steps, you’ll see the canyon from a whole new perspective, and it will seem like a brand-new and exciting hike.”The post 10 of the Best Hikes in California, According to Experts appeared first on San Diego Magazine.
The Best Independent Local Bookstores in San Diego
San Diego is a haven for book lovers. How do we know? It’s full of charming, local bookstores whose shelves sag under the weight of literary treasures new and used. Stephen King nailed it when he said that “books are a uniquely portable magic.” So, whether you’re heading to the airport, your couch, or the beach, stop by one of these bookshops and pick up a bit of magic. Just make sure to pack extra sunscreen if you’re beach bound—there’s no telling how long you might be under the spell of a good read.Courtesy of Bluestocking BooksBluestocking BooksHillcrestThis quirky Hillcrest establishment is a go-to for used books, from Shakespeare and Atwood to contemporary titles. Bluestocking also offers a trade-in program, letting you swap old reads for store credit to fuel your next literary adventure. Time to start rummaging!Hours: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Wednesday, closed; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.Address: 3817 Fifth Avenue, HillcrestLa Playa BooksPoint LomaTucked away in Point Loma, La Playa Books has been a bookworm’s paradise since 2016, offering a trove of new, used, and antique books. The store also hosts a variety of community events, including the Cookbook Club; Shhh, We’re Reading quiet book club; and a virtual book club where caffeinated discussions unfold via Zoom every first Monday of the month.Hours: Tuesday, Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday–Monday, 11 a.m.–4p.m.; Wednesday, closedAddress: 1026 Rosecrans Street, Point LomaCourtesy of Verbatim BooksVerbatim BooksNorth ParkLocated in the heart of North Park, Verbatim Books is the local epicenter for book lovers. Marked by an eye-catching mural of the shop’s name spelled in worn volumes, the shop is home to a diverse mix of used titles, including a handful of local authors looking to build a readership. Stop by for its monthly poetry open mics and its Books in the Park til Dark meetup every third Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Bird Park. Verbatim also buys used books and hosts book fairs, so consider trading in those tattered, secondhand Kurt Vonnegut copies… for some more Kurt Vonnegut?Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Tuesday, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.Address: 3793 30th Street, North ParkWarwick’sLa JollaAs one of San Diego’s oldest family-owned bookshops, Warwick’s deserves its own history volume: It debuted in Minnesota in 1896; reopened in Waterloo, Iowa in 1916; and finally made its way to La Jolla in 1939. Today, this iconic shop frequently hosts author events, book signings, and readings with renowned authors, including Pulitzer-Prize winners and former presidents. Local book clubs can also score discounts by purchasing their reading lists in-store! Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.Address: 7812 Girard Avenue, La JollaCourtesy of The Book CatapultThe Book CatapultSouth ParkFew bookstores can say they started off as a book lover’s blog, as this South Park shop did. Owner Seth Marko went from chronicling 117 days of reading James Patterson on his site, now titled The Old School Book Catapult, to launching a bookstore seven years later. The Book Catapult slings a variety of new titles, like Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s Long Island Compromise and, soon, Sally Rooney’s highly anticipated Intermezzo. The shop also partners with businesses like Communal Coffee to host informal, java-fueled book discussions each month.Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.Address: 3010-B Juniper Street, South ParkMeet Cute Romance BookshopNorth ParkMeet Cute is a queer-owned bookstore specializing in romance novels from writers like Gabrielle Zevin, Rebecca Yarros, and Bonnie Garmus. It’s currently in North Park, though it will soon be moving to an as-yet-unannounced location. Outside of books, the shop offers an array of chic stationary including notebooks, totes, mugs, and greeting cards, in a variety of pastel colors. For a literary surprise, try out their mystery book specials or their surprise care package tailored to your reading interests. And that’s not all—the shop boasts its own podcast, the Meet Cute BookPod, featuring in-store interviews and panels with like-minded authors and editors.Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.Address: 4048 30th Street, North ParkPhoto Credit: Ariana DrehslerLibélula Books & CoLocated in the vibrant Barrio Logan neighborhood, Libélula Books & Co stands as an independent bastion, dedicated to fostering representation, accessibility, and community empowerment through literature. Owners Jesi and Celi have curated a collection of new and used books in both English and Spanish, echoing the diversity of their local community. Peruse an array of books, graphic novels, and social justice literature that reaches to the ceiling, accompanied by the charming presence of the store’s friendly resident cats. In an era where giants like Barnes & Noble and Borders have faded, Libélula shines as a refreshing beacon, giving voice and power to local communities, indigenous stories, LGBTQ voices, and independent writers.Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.Address: 950 South 26th Street, Barrio LoganCamino Books Founded in 1989, Camino Books (formerly DIESEL) originated in Northern California and has brought its love of reading to Brentwood and Del Mar. A sanctuary for readers of all ages, the store features an expansive children’s section, inviting young minds to immerse themselves in the world of literature. Camino also offers a captivating selection of signed books and frequently hosts author meet-and-greets and book fairs and even orchestrates virtual events for its wider audience.Hours: Monday–Tuesday, 10a.m.–7 p.m.; Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m–6 p.m.Address: 12843 El Camino Real, Del MarCourtesy of Bay Books CoronadoBay BooksBay Books, a staple in Coronado, ought to be on your San Diego book crawl itinerary. With a wide selection of books, journals, greeting cards, and magazines, you’ll find plenty more than beach reads to stuff into your bag. If your hands aren’t completely occupied with reading material on the way out, grab an iced coffee or a tea latte from the hole-in-the-wall cafe next door. Island residents, you’re in luck: Bay Books shop provides free shipping to your door.Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.Address: 1007 Orange Avenue, Coronado Mysterious Galaxy BookstoreLose yourself in a galaxy far, far away… as far as the Midway District, anyway. Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore transports you to worlds of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery at this habitat for bookworms. Delve into fictional worlds with the shop’s monthly Young Adult book club (every fourth Friday), General Book Discussion (every third Wednesday), or Romance book club (every second Sunday) to get your literary discussion fix. Hours: Saturday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Address: 3555 Rosecrans Street, Suite 107, Midway DistrictThe post The Best Independent Local Bookstores in San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.
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