OOPS! I Almost Forgot Hollenbeck Canyon Trail

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
January 29, 2016


Our last hike in San Diego was the Hollenbeck Canyon Trail just off Honey Springs Road in Jamul, CA. It is about a 21 mile drive from the KOA. 

This is a popular biking trail as well so there are lots of choices on trails to take and miles to hike. We first did this hike last year and somehow missed a turn that would have taken us on a loop, actually a lollipop loop. This year we were determined, well hoped, we would get it right. And we did!

The trail we hiked was just under 5 miles. It felt good to lace up the hiking boots again. 





The first portion of the trail is an open meadow.




Next comes my favorite...a trail shaded by gigantic oak trees and lined with luscious green grass. Both these sections make up what I refer to as the stick on the lollipop. Nice since you get to do that part twice!

 It's too early for alot of color...just hints of whites and yellows with a dash of purple every now and then.

 The grass was cool to the touch, smelled so fresh, and fun to watch dancing in the breeze.

On our way out, we had time to play. It's been a long while since I have climbed a tree...





The loop is not shady at all. Southern girls "mist" rather than perspire...but not this day! A full blown sweat! We climbed and used some muscles that needed a good workout.




We took our time, drank lots of water and admired the view.

 Until next time, happy days and...

 happy trails!

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!