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Panoramic view SE across Lake Hodges and San Dieguito River Park from summit of Bernardo Mountain

Multiple Dates, last Feb 2, 2022

Aerial Panorama of San Diego County and Lake Hodges from summit of Bernardo Mountain is true classic.  On a clear day far reaching views extend all the way to Cyamaca Rancho State Park and Laguna Mountains to the East while distant San Jacinto Range can be spotted to the North. Lead image on this page has more than 100 downloads across various stock agencies, as well as individual sales through this site (If you'd like high-res copy for your project, contact me directly).  Contrary to other Lake Hodges area hikes that are mostly level, Bernardo Summit trail gains about 350m elevation thus providing for bit of workout too. 

First part of the hike is approach on iconic "Coast to Crest" trail running through San Dieguito River Park all the way west to Pacific Coast.  Trailhead is at end of Sunset Drive (exit 26 of I-15, turn into East Rancho Parkway and right on Sunset drive by gas station).  Parking lot is small and will fill up on weekends, but there is street parking along both sides of Sunset drive).  First part is about 1km walk paralleling I-15, crossing under the overpass to west side, then turning onto what was once 395 California Highway.  Parts of pavement are still visible.  David Kreitzer Suspension bridge across Lake Hodges flats is worth the effort by itself; elegant engineering structure and world longest stress ribbon bridge at time of its construction.  Wide trail, popular with cyclists, then leads towards Bernardo Mountain and after crossing Felicita Creek is marked junction:   Coast to Crest continues straight,  Bernardo Summit right.  It will take 45 min to an hour up to here.  Going is now bit more rough, but still not challenging. Be on lookout for rattlers as trail is more narrow - I've seen young rattler curled up in the middle of trailbed in early February, when I believed they were still asleep. After contouring to north side, trail switchbacks lazily towards the summit, passing above large Water tank.  Upon reaching the summit note that obvious open rocky knoll is NOT the best viewpoint.  Find path to the right (south) and descend for about a minute to much better views; this is where title panorama was taken.

Return is the same way.  It might appear tempting to trash down south facing slopes.  Out of curiosity on my Feb '22 trip I took closer look.  There is no trail but vegetation is not too dense and I was quite sure I could pick my way down navigating cacti fields scattered around obvious drainage.  I gave up mainly because of footwear;  old day hikers with worn sole that would not provide enough traction.  If you decide to try, wear real hiking boots and carry hiking pole.  This off-trail adventure is for winter trips only;  rest of the year rattlesnakes that could not be seen in bush and rocks would be real hazard.

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