WE KNEW THE DAY WOULD COME, JUST DIDN'T THINK IT'D BE THIS SOON!
While some families spend their time watching TV, going to the movies, or playing board games, The Crew takes a hike. But not just a typical crew hike, this hike is not about exploring untreked trails, bushwhacking, poison oak, puddle dog brush, or rattlesnake avoidance, rock climbing, scree scrambling, or even water crossings, etc...it was about spending some quiet time eating, socializing, and watching the sun set and the moon rise.
STATS:
Distance:3 miles
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Trek: Car Shuttle
Trail: Fire Road, singletrack, rocky
Rating: Advanced Beginner
I've chosen Rocky Peak to by my 500th review, 50th for the year 2016, for a couple reasons. Although it's a milestone for me, a PHEW! I made it this far, it is overshadowed by the day Don was born. We all know hiking is a dangerous activity, no one knows what is on Mother Nature's agenda for the day, but we hike because it's what we love to do and fearing Mother Nature is not something we do, we can only respect her. Me and The Crew holds our Rocky Peak sunset potlucks near and dear to our hearts. It is a hike Don would post every couple of months. Even though his hiking trails are not on this earth, we continue to gather here for family time and he is with us in spirit.
OUR ROUTE:
As mentioned in the stats, this is a car shuttle hike, for us anyway. However, it can be an up and back, of course. After consolidating cars on Kuehner we drive over to the Rocky Peak Road trailhead. Once parked, we ascend on a fire road for about 0.8 miles and over 500ft. of elevation. Those who can't compute those numbers, it's like having a defibrillator used on your chest. Well, not really, but the numbers do mean that your heart gets a jump start.
At the first fork with a grant view of the city in the background, a dirty, dusty, rocky singletrack catawampus trail in the foreground, it's all downhill from here. Once to our "outdoor patio," we set out our potluck contributions and grub. Dessert is usually served with a large side of the most magnificent sunsets.
Cleaning up and packing out, headlamps on, the trail back to the cars can be a bit sketchy. Rocks and ditches can be hard to see, so should you decide to do this at sunset, take extra care with each step.
EPIC DAY!
This hike takes you up and over some very interesting rock features including giant boulders, unusual caves, and various huge rock outcroppings. The scenes are quite nice, and on a clear day, you can see to the ocean. The only down side to the hike is that it is adjacent to a major freeway. So don't expect wilderness solitude. There are a freakton of trails all over this mountain, just watch out for rattlesnakes, and dirt bike riders.
DISCLAIMER:
Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a firefighter can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up. read more