100 Peaks: #3 Stonewall Peak
Title: Stonewall Peak
Elevation: 5,730’
Mileage: 4.0 Miles
Trailhead: Stonewall Peak Trailhead
Agency: Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Date Hiked: 11/03/2024
11/03/2024
My second trip on this 100 Peaks journey, the first with the family and definitely not the last.
We started with a lazy morning and then planned to reach the Trailhead for around 12pm. The high for the day would be around 68 degrees, so we took our time and planned to let the process take as long as it needed.
Paso Picacho Campground offers day rate parking ($10) and has ample spaces. Once parked up, we headed back towards the ranger hut and carefully crossed the road to connect to Stonewall Peak Trailhead.
Just as you start the Stonewall Trail you’re exposed to a landscape of Cuyamaca Peak - this time hidden behind a layer of cloud.
Mile 0-2: The way up!
The first half of this hike is all uphill, about 1100ft of climbing before reaching the peak.
What starts off as a fairly smooth trail quickly turns into a more technical, rocky terrain that requires your concentration - especially with the kids.
The massive boulders and and downed trees held the boys attention for majority of the ascent.
It was also at this point where they first understood the benefit of flat rock to a tired hiker. An essential skill for a future Ultramarathoner ;)
The last mile of the climb weaves in and out of switchbacks as we made our way to the connector trail that takes you to the peak.
The famous stone steps ‘stair’ back at you, as if you’re about to start a climb into the clouds.
Thankfully we had the peak to ourselves this time, taking 10-15 or so minutes to enjoy the view and finally crack into the snack bag!
We did it! Now to make our way back down and over to Julian for some pie and cider!
