Corte Madera Mountain

ELEVATION: 4,657 FT
DISTANCE: 6.5 MILES
TIME: 4 HOURS
DIFFICULTY: CHALLENGING

Truly an awesome sight to behold, Corte Madera Mountain is the closest thing to Half Dome if you live here in San Diego. Its southern face is an abrupt 300 ft. drop that is unmistakeable from almost any peak in the county. The first time I saw Corte Madera up close was atop Lawson Peak, and I remember saying to my brother, "I want to climb that mountain." The day finally came on May 20th 2006.

Corte Madera lies south of Interstate 8 near Lake Morena. To reach the trailhead, exit Buckman Springs Road just past Sunrise Highway, and after about three miles turn right on a dirt road known as Corral Canyon Road. After about 5 miles of primitive paved and unpaved road, look for a gate with a large red heart painted on it and park near the gate. Squeeze through the gate and began a pleasant, gradual uphill walk on through a shady oak grove.

After about a half mile, there is a trash can with a sign marking the beginning of the Espinosa trail. Now the trail is much more narrow, as you leave behind the shade of the oaks. Side note: The remainder of the hike is mostly uphill and offers little shade, so be prepared with sunscreen and plenty of water if you choose to do this on a hot day. After a continuous uphill climb for about a mile, you reach an obvious saddle area where many dirt roads coincide. Notice the fire tower-topped Pinos mountain to the south, and straight ahead you will see the enormous face of Corte Madera. From the first saddle, go right for .3 mile until you reach a second, smaller saddle area. Look carefully for a narrow trail that begins by the bushes up ahead. Note that this trail is NOT any of the obvious roads that itersect at this second saddle.

The trail winds up through manzanita and boulders, and then commences a steep half-mile climb up a 4,588 peak covered with Coulter Pines. The trail may be difficult to follow in places, so a GPS or compass is recommended. We were fortunate to have found several chalk arrows which pointed the way, which have probably been washed out by now. For a moment you will feel you are truly in the mountains as you breathe the fresh scent of the pines. From this first peak, you descend quickly away from the pines to have the sun again beating down upon you.

At one point on the trail, you will find your best view to the north, overlooking beautiful Corte Madera Valley. If you do this hike during the spring, the valley will be a large green meadow with yellow wildflowers, and Corte Madera Lake will be full of water. You are almost there.

The trail wanders west, then south to the top of Corte Madera Mountain. To reach the sheer south face, you have to scramble down about a quarter mile along a path of your choosing - we didn't find much of a trail to follow to the face. All I can say from this point is be careful. The drop is almost vertical straight down. But if you are daring, peering over the edge is worth it to give you the satisfaction of knowing that whenever you hike any other peak in San Diego, you will be able to look toward the dark shilloute of Corte Madera in the distance, and say, "I stood right on the edge of that mountain."

Love Valley

DISTANCE: 2 MILES
TIME: 1-2 HOURS
DIFFICULTY: EASY

Love Valley, located on the east foot of Palomar Mountain near Lake Henshaw, is a secluded meadow paradise. Complete with a rustic barn, rolling green hills, shady oaks, and a small pond (if you visit after a rainy season), this is a great spot for a pleasant picnic away from the fast pace of life.

To reach the trailhead, drive to Lake Henshaw and find East Grade Road on the northwest side of the lake off Highway 76. After 3.3 miles, you will see a turnout on the left with a large Cleveland National Forest sign designating the Love Valley trail. Walk past the gate and follow an unshaded dirt road about a mile down into the valley.

Once you arrive at the Valley, the road forks. If you follow the right fork, you will soon arrive at a rustic barn (actually, "rusty shed" is a better description, but I am trying to keep it romantic), that is more pleasant when viewed from a distance. Near the barn you will find a small trail that follows a tiny stream for some distance.

If you follow the fork on the left, you will head toward the pond, and along the left side of the road you will catch great views of Lake Henshaw, Volcan Mountain, and the valley below. The left fork offers the better picnic spots in my opinion.

I should add one caveat: Be sure your visit does not coincide with turkey hunting season, as ours did, for your peaceful picnic will be shattered by shotgun blasts from nearby hunters, who apparently feel this is one of the better places to find wild turkeys.