Chiquito Basin Meadows & Sugarloaf Peak

 

The Chiquito Basin Meadows & Sugarloaf Peak hike was a most interesting hike this Sunday. We hiked on more rolling hills than here in San Diego County. The gradual up hill trails were longer and the down hill trails longer. Now and then we would encounter some steep sections.

 

A good share of the hike was through oaks with lots of shade. It rememded my somewhat of Middle peak but the trees were not as large. There were also long sections through brush that probably had been burned over years go which was now 4-5 feet tall but the trail was clear and well marked. Some of the group stayed at the bottom of Sugarloaf Peak.  Because of the brush and rocks all the way to the top of Sugar Loaf, we had an interesting time struggling our way to the top. From the top, we were able to see snow capped mountains and out into the ocean. The trek down off the peak was also a lot of interesting scrambling.

 

We had come up to Sugarloaf via the Old San Juan trail and returned via the New San Juan Trail. I was able to pick up Lat/Lon coordinates on most of the important points.

 

The way home on Rd74 was a delight with the road diving down to Lake Elsanore with the first views almost like being in an airplane looking down from several thousand feet. In the distance one could see the snow capped mountains against a clear blue sky to the east and to the west. After putting the truck on auto pilot when I reached I-15, I was able to listen to good Spanish music all the way home.

 

A great Day of hiking. An excellent hike by Scott, the Outdoor Club trip leader. ...and a beautiful day to be hiking in the hills of Southern California.

 

73,

Stan