Sunday, February 15, 2015

Hollenbeck Canyon Trail

San Diego Metro KOA
February 11, 2015
Chula Vista, CA

 Hollenbeck Canyon is located about 24 miles from the Chula Vista KOA...an easy drive on the 805 north, east on 94, and a right turn in Jamul, CA onto Campo Rd.   What beautiful country that is! Rolling hills and  large green meadows graced us on both sides of this county road as we drove along...I could feel the excitement building! 

Campo Rd.




This trail is a 5 mile loop through Hollenbeck Canyon. 






Leaving the parking lot, the trail took us through a  grassy meadow. We were surrounded by quietness...the sweet sound of silence. Then, as we crested a rise, eyebrows raised and jaws dropped as we walked right into... 


 a trail lined with majestic live oak trees. Cool shade, leaves rustling, and shadows looming meant we walked a little slower looking for birds, twisted limbs, and sun leaves.






A nice break in the shade... 




...then an uphill trek to a fork in the road. On our left were the remains of an old building. After a few seconds of map study, we (actually me!) decided our trail went on straight.



Lesson here is "don't give me the map unless you want to get lost". After 3/4 of a mile or so out,we realized this was not the loop...a decent hike, but not the loop. 



Our hiking legs are still not quite what they used to be. Alot of the "oops!" was a washed away, slippery steep incline section of trail used by bikers mostly.



We turned around, took our time on the decent and didn't have time nor energy to finish the loop.  




Looking up...


Our trail back...



And there's Pearl...until next time, take care and...
...happy trails!

We went home a different way via Otay Lakes Road and had a nice walk along the shore of Otay Lake.








Have a great week!

12 comments:

  1. What a wonderful hike and excellent pictures.

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  2. Believe it or not I have never hiked that trail! Thanks for giving me something to look forward to when we return to San Diego in November. All that green in February is amazing!

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    1. We have it on our list to do again as well Lisa...I really wanted to go back this year and do the loop, but we have run out of time. Something to look forward to in January 2016!

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  3. Abolustely looks like a gorgeous hike.

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  4. Oops ... big fingers little keys on the spelling of absolutely.

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  5. What a nice day! Good to know I am not the only one that misreads the map:) Getting back in hiking shape sure take a lot time. Those steep climbs are really tough on the whole body for quite awhile. Good to see you two back out on the trail:)

    I love that little purple butterfly. Very interesting wing designs. Don't you just love all the knots tree limbs get into!

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    1. I am so glad to read I am not the only one to make wrong turns on the trails Pam. The maps are never to scale! Hope to get it right next year when we return!

      I love trees! Those oak trees were quite old and beautiful. Did you see he monster face on the picture just above Joe on the bench?

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  6. I love that little butterfly, it looked so unique! Glad you finally ease yourself to hiking and with that kind of CA weather, it could get any better. Ill keep a note of this trail as I know we will be in that area this coming winter.

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  7. Beautiful! I lived there for 8 or so years, and never saw all the things you are seeing. Love the photo of the American Coot (I think) with his wings spread. I've seen lots of coots, but never like that. :)

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