Midweek 5-Peak Challenge Hike 1: Kwaay Paay
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
Now that the daylight hours are longer, let's do some mid-week hikes! For those who have never done the Mission Trails 5-Peak Challenge, here's your opportunity. We're going to tackle all five peaks during the course of these midweek hiking sessions. Kwaay Paay Peak will be first.
At 11,194 feet, it's the fourth highest of the 5 peaks. Mission Trails is so green this spring with amazing flower blooms from the recent rains. It's always a fun time of fellowship and enjoying the beauty of God's creation, this time in the heart of the San Diego City limits!
This out-and-back hike is a short, but steep 2.3 miles with a couple of semi-difficult climbs. The trail features wildflowers and several spur trails that meet up at the main trail that goes to the peak. This hike is rated moderate due to a couple of steep climbs.
We will meet at the east trailhead, closest to the dirt parking lot. Afterwards, we can grab something to eat if there is interest.
Don't forget to take a selfie with the sign at the peak to record your accomplishment. More info on the Mission Trails 5-Peak Challenge can be found here.
I will also walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people. - Leviticus 26:12 NKJV
Itinerary:
Difficulty: Moderate
Meet at Trailhead at 5:30 p.m.
Hike starts at 5:45 p.m.
Distance: 2.3 miles (Round trip)
Elevation Gain: 875 ft
Peak Elevation: 1,194
Hiking Time: 1.5 hours approximately
Dogs on leash permitted but not recommended
Weather: Hike will be canceled if it rains.
What to bring?
Trailhead Address:
Parking Lot Across from Kumeyaay Lake Campground
2 Father Junipero Serra Trail
San Diego, CA 92119
Carpool Address:
No carpool for this hike.
Directions:
From Interstate 8: Take I-8 to I-15 North and exit onto Friars Road East. Friars Road will turn into Mission Gorge Road. Proceed east on Mission Gorge Road passing Jackson Drive, the Visitor Center entrance and Golfcrest Drive. Continue over the hill and turn left at the first light onto Father Junipero Serra Trail. The dirt parking lot is located two-tenths of a mile at the stop sign on the left. Do not park inside the gate as it is locked at 7 p.m.
From SR 52 : Take 52 East to Mast Blvd. Make a left at the bottom of the off-ramp onto Mast Blvd., then go to the far right lane to make a right onto West Hills Parkway. Make a right onto Mission Gorge Road then a slight right onto Father Juniper Sierra Trail. At the 4-way stop, make a left into the dirt parking lot. Do not park inside the gate as it is locked at 7 p.m.
If you have questions, please contact Vinnie at worldbefreeman@yahoo.com
