WEDNESDAY WILDERNESS HIKE – October 25, 2023 8:30 AM
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Miles = 9+
Elevation gain = + /- 1200 feet
Trailhead – The Trout Pond – mile marker 10.7 on Highway 79. There are no facilities at the TH.
Carpool leaves MV at 7:20
All participants should be vaccinated.
We will be hiking with some of the legends of Cuyamaca. We will follow Marty Minshall, a
legendary park volunteer, to Los Caballos. This was her favorite trail. We will complete it on the
way back. Then, following the CHRT and the Cold Stream Trail, we will arrive at the base of
Stonewall Peak. At this point the group can decide to cross the highway to Paso Picacho where
there are bathrooms and picnic tables for an early snack, or continue to the top of Stonewall
(another 1.8 miles) where there are great views (but no bathrooms or picnic tables) After
enjoying the views from atop Stonewall, we will descend the backside with great views of Little
Stonewall to the east and Cuyamaca Lake to the north. We will then meet up with Vern
Whitaker, famous for chasing wild horses in Cuyamaca and Borrego, and follow him to the Los
Vaqueros Group Horse Camp where we will break for lunch. (Bathrooms and picnic tables)
Keep an eye out for wild turkeys. From here we walk a short distance down the road to rejoin
our old friend, Marty Minshall, who we will follow back to our vehicles.
Be sure to bring at least 2 liters of water and snacks/lunch. Weather forecast is mostly sunny.
Temperature should be about 50 when we start, with a high near 63. As always, check the
weather forecast the night before the hike. We will enjoy shade for the final section of the hike,
but others parts are in the open, so wear UV protection Wear layers as you will warm up on the
climb to the peak.
Make sure that you review our information in the wilderness section of the Walkabout-int.org
newsletter.
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Miles = 9+
Elevation gain = + /- 1200 feet
Trailhead – The Trout Pond – mile marker 10.7 on Highway 79. There are no facilities at the TH.
Carpool leaves MV at 7:20
All participants should be vaccinated.
We will be hiking with some of the legends of Cuyamaca. We will follow Marty Minshall, a
legendary park volunteer, to Los Caballos. This was her favorite trail. We will complete it on the
way back. Then, following the CHRT and the Cold Stream Trail, we will arrive at the base of
Stonewall Peak. At this point the group can decide to cross the highway to Paso Picacho where
there are bathrooms and picnic tables for an early snack, or continue to the top of Stonewall
(another 1.8 miles) where there are great views (but no bathrooms or picnic tables) After
enjoying the views from atop Stonewall, we will descend the backside with great views of Little
Stonewall to the east and Cuyamaca Lake to the north. We will then meet up with Vern
Whitaker, famous for chasing wild horses in Cuyamaca and Borrego, and follow him to the Los
Vaqueros Group Horse Camp where we will break for lunch. (Bathrooms and picnic tables)
Keep an eye out for wild turkeys. From here we walk a short distance down the road to rejoin
our old friend, Marty Minshall, who we will follow back to our vehicles.
Be sure to bring at least 2 liters of water and snacks/lunch. Weather forecast is mostly sunny.
Temperature should be about 50 when we start, with a high near 63. As always, check the
weather forecast the night before the hike. We will enjoy shade for the final section of the hike,
but others parts are in the open, so wear UV protection Wear layers as you will warm up on the
climb to the peak.
Make sure that you review our information in the wilderness section of the Walkabout-int.org
newsletter.
Questions: Contact PJ – 858-566-8928 (home) 858-267-7467 (cell) pjjeffery56@gmail.com
Directions: From Interstate 8, exit at the Descanso/Highway 79 exit. Head north on Highway
79. At the 10.7-mile marker you will see the parking area to the right. Park next to the Trout
Pond Trailhead sign. This is a funky parking lot to exit due to the sharp turn in the road. You
might want to park heading out. (i.e., back in)
79. At the 10.7-mile marker you will see the parking area to the right. Park next to the Trout
Pond Trailhead sign. This is a funky parking lot to exit due to the sharp turn in the road. You
might want to park heading out. (i.e., back in)
Walkabout Safety Rules
All participants must be in condition, well-prepared for walk conditions, and will be accepted at
the leader's discretion.
Carry Identification and/or Medical Card with you.
Lock belongings in trunk before walking and take valuables with you
Car locked & windows up
Stay behind the walk leader, let leader set the pace.
No one behind the sweep
Echo back obstacles
You must notify the leader if you want to leave walk
Hikers must be able to keep up with the group
Carry sufficient water
Be prepared for adverse weather, we may not turn back
All participants must be in condition, well-prepared for walk conditions, and will be accepted at
the leader's discretion.
Carry Identification and/or Medical Card with you.
Lock belongings in trunk before walking and take valuables with you
Car locked & windows up
Stay behind the walk leader, let leader set the pace.
No one behind the sweep
Echo back obstacles
You must notify the leader if you want to leave walk
Hikers must be able to keep up with the group
Carry sufficient water
Be prepared for adverse weather, we may not turn back