Stanley Peak - Peak #31 - A rainy morning in Daley Ranch, Escondido

Detailed trip reports at http://www.100peaks.com

I was all set to go out to Anza-Borrego to bag some peaks and see some wildflowers, but the weather wasnt looking very hospitable. Traveling on dirt roads after heavy rains isnt advised, even with my all-wheel-drive Tiguan.

Instead, I set my sights on a backup hike that Ive had in my mind for a while. This hike is in Daley Ranch in Escondido, which is pretty well visited. On this morning, however, the rain likely kept everyone but the loyal away.

On my way to the trailhead, it looked like the clouds were clearing up, which bode well. However, once I got about 15 minutes up the trail, the rain started and didnt stop until I reached the summit.

The trail was nice and maintained, a welcomed break from my past few hikes. It dipped down past a rushing stream and meandered through what would have been a nice meadow, if it hadnt been raining so hard on me.

I ran a lot of the trail, where it wasnt too muddy, to shorten my time exposed to the wetness, so I am sure that I missed a lot of what was there to see. But the area is gorgeous and green as ever. It is a place I want to take my daughter when she gets a little older and the weather gets a little better.

I passed a giant water tower and scrambled up to the peak, wet and cold. There wasnt much to see, as I had hiked into the clouds. I ran back down the trail as the clouds opened up again with more fury. I made it back to the car in no time, but I was a little damp and muddy.

But it was a pleasant and memorable hike. For the most part, I was glad to be back on the trail after a month. These weekend rainstorms are sure putting a damper on my progress at this point.

Sure it was wet, but like I say all the time, the worst hiking trip is better than almost anything else I could be doing.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• 100 Peaks
• Stanley Peak
• Daley Ranch
• Escondido
• San Diego Hiking