100 Peaks: #1 Denk Mountain & #2 Double Peak

Title: Denk Mountain and Double Peak

Elevation: 1,050’ (Denk) & 1,644’ (Double Peak)

Mileage: 14.61 Miles - Looped Run

Trailhead: Corte Romero Trailhead

Agency: Rancho La Costa Preserve / San Marcos City Parks

Date Hiked: 11/01/2024


11/01/2024

After researching the 100 Peaks challenge, I thought a good plan of attack would be to start local and work my way out throughout the county of San Diego.

Living in San Marcos meant that Double Peak and Denk Mountain were easy targets. I founded Double Peak Run Club back in 2022, so these routes are as familiar as it gets.

I parked the car at the Corte Romero Trailhead and took off over the MTB bridge, up the two mile section of switchbacks to the top of Denk Mountain.

I started this run just after midday and had passed at least 5 bikers prior to hitting the top of Denk.

The boy scouts lookout post offers a reminder to tread carefully. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve met a danger noodle on this mountain! 

Denning Road points directly at Double Peak. Just 6 miles and 1200ft of elevation gain stands between us.

From here I headed down the trail and out towards San Elijo on my way over to Double Peak.

The majority of this loop is single track trail, even through SE you can stick to a trail that detours around the town and connects you half way up San Elijo Road.

I chose this route over the Ridgeline Trail so as to avoid the Radio Tower. Something about bluetooth headphones and radio towers just doesn’t sit well with me.

After hitting the top of San Elijo Road, I do finally connect to the Ridgeline Trail that draws me back closer to Double Peak.

A steep, single track connector trail, known locally as Slaughterhouse Hill, cuts directly up the face of the peak. Close to 750ft of ascent in about 3/4 of a mile!

Double Peak offers a 360 view of North County. Just some hills and the great blue Pacific. 

That’s both peaks bagged and 8 miles on the watch. From here I start my return towards Denk by following the Ridgeline trail back towards SE.

A quick stop at Albertsons in the village for a protein bar, gummies and an organic soda and I was ready for the final stretch back to the car.

This involved taking Copper Creek around the base of Denk Mountain, following rolling single track trail before making the final descent to the starting point of this journey.

I’d wrap the day with a total of 14.61 miles and 2,426 ft of elevation gain. A good training run and a solid start to the 100 Peaks Challenge!

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100 Peaks: #3 Stonewall Peak