12/11/24: Cleveland National Forest- Hiking Long Valley Peak (4,880'+)- Pine Valley, Ca

Cleveland National Forest- Pine Valley Area- San Diego County, California. Like a big, upright cone sticking up from the lower valley lands south of Mt. Laguna and I-8, Long Valley Peak's tall, prominent summit sticks out in the south-central San Diego County. I have admired this peak for a few years as I would pass north of it on I-8 to Sunrise Hwy and Laguna Mtn. Recreation Area. I finally decided that it was time to stop by the Bear Valley Trailhead, off of I-8, opposite of Pine Valley Rd., and try to hike up to this picturesque peak! It was a bit of a "butt-kicker" as it required several steep spots and some rock scrambles, a 4.2 mile, out-and-back, effort with about 1,220' elevation gain over very scenic terrain: chaparral, hills, and oak woodlands!

[@Thorny_Misanthrope]

This video reminds me to send away for more topo maps, bring a pencil and compass everywhere.

[@brianpowell5082]

Sometimes the old school way is the best! You never know if (or when) technology will fail! It is always best to know how to read maps, especially in the backcountry!