McGinty Mountain | San Diego | CA

I’ll Take an “S,” Ryan!

Confession time: I’m a closeted Wheel of Fortune fan. And when I found out they were hosting their first live auditions since the pandemic—with Ryan Seacrest as the new host, no less—I knew I had to go.

The audition was happening at Sycuan Casino in San Diego. So I set my alarm early, fueled up with coffee, and made the hour-long drive southeast.

When I arrived, I was greeted by a long line of fellow Wheel hopefuls. Eventually, we all shuffled into the casino theater to begin the audition process. Here’s how it went: they called up each row, split us into groups of six, and whisked us backstage for a rapid-fire Q&A with a producer.

The goal? To find contestants who were interesting, energetic, and TV-ready.
(Spoiler alert: apparently, I need more pizzazz.)

While waiting my turn, the vibe in the theater was electric. A local TV personality was hyping up the crowd, production assistants were flinging freebies left and right, and Maggie Sajak—Pat Sajak’s daughter and the current Social Correspondent for Wheel—was mingling with fans.

When Maggie strolled by, I seized the moment and scored a selfie with her. And let me tell you, she’s as lovely and down-to-earth as she seems on screen.

Photos: Wheel of Fortune Check-In | Selfie with Maggie Sajak

Fast-forward to today: I’m still waiting for my callback. Maybe I should brush up on my vowel-buying skills and give it another shot. Who knows?

But since I was already in the area, I figured I’d make the most of the day. The weather was perfect, and eastern San Diego County doesn’t get nearly enough love. So I did some quick research on AllTrails and set off for McGinty Mountain.

Adventure awaits.

A Hidden Gem in San Diego’s Backyard

If you’re the type who loves a good hike—or simply enjoys being surrounded by nature—McGinty Mountain is one spot you don’t want to miss. Tucked away in the eastern part of the county, this under-the-radar trail offers a mix of challenging terrain, beautiful views, and some of the rarest plant species in Southern California.

The hike spans 4.5 miles out and back with an elevation gain of 1,384 feet, typically taking about 2 hours and 45 minutes. At the trailhead, you’ll find a small parking lot, and at first glance, the hike might seem like a walk up a modest hill.

But don’t be fooled.
The real mountain lies hidden just beyond that hill, waiting to surprise you with a much more rewarding climb.

Photos: The Trailhead and Parking Lot

Photo: The humble hill at the trailhead—
don’t be fooled, this is not McGinty Mountain!

A Hike That’s No Walk in the Park

McGinty Mountain starts off slow but quickly ramps up with a series of switchbacks that will have your legs burning and your heart pumping. You gain over 600 feet of elevation in the first mile, but it’s the kind of burn you’ll want to keep chasing.

The trail then quiets down, offering a peaceful break from busier spots like Cowles Mountain. However, the lack of trail signs can make navigation tricky. Stick to the widest path and keep heading uphill—that’s the way to go.

Along the way, vibrant red clay soil gives way to more typical brown dirt. It’s a subtle but cool transition. And when the views open up, it’s a reminder that San Diego isn’t just beaches and breweries—it’s packed with incredible hikes that deliver both scenery and a serious workout.

Photos: The start of the trail—an easy, gradual climb to get your legs warmed up

Photos: The summit of the switchbacks | A view behind, where the trail levels off before the final stretch

Bee-ware: Nature’s Buzzkill

One unexpected moment came courtesy of a swarm of bees. There were no flowers in sight—nothing to explain their sudden appearance—but I could hear them overhead like a buzzing storm cloud.

Before I had time to process, two dive-bombed me.
And just like that, I got a surprise sting.

Nothing spices up a hike quite like a little wildlife drama.

Thankfully, it wasn’t too bad, and I kept moving. Days later, I chatted with a volunteer at Elfin Forest who suggested the bees might have been Africanized. Apparently, their behavior was out of the ordinary.

In any case, I pressed on, hoping not to become the star of a new nature documentary.

Just when I thought I’d reached the summit, McGinty pulled its classic trick and delivered a false summit. The final stretch was steep but quick. Soon, I was standing at the real top—2,183 feet above sea level—spotting the McGinty sign camouflaged in the rocks.

Just another day in the life of a hiker.

Photos: The final push—only to discover it’s the false summit | A look back at the elusive false summit

Photos: Summit selfie—worth every step! | The hidden summit sign, camouflaged in the rocks

Views That Will Make You Forget Instagram

Once you reach the summit, it’s all about the views. A 360-degree panorama of San Diego that almost makes you forget your phone—almost.

From the Sweetwater Reservoir to the Cuyamaca Mountains, the scenery is jaw-dropping. On a clear day, you might even spot downtown San Diego, a reminder of how close—yet far—you really are from the hustle.

McGinty Mountain proves that San Diego has way more to offer than its tourist highlights.

Photos: Views from the Summit

Photo: Panoramic View from the Summit

Photo: Another Panoramic View from the Summit

Flora, Fauna, and a Little History

Beyond the views and the sweat, McGinty Mountain is a haven for nature lovers. Rare plants like Dehesa beargrass and San Diego thornmint thrive here. Birdwatchers may spot the California gnatcatcher or, if you’re lucky, a golden eaglesoaring overhead.

McGinty Mountain is named after John McGinty, an early settler in the area. As you hike, it’s easy to imagine what life was like for those pioneers who once roamed this rugged terrain—long before our hiking boots hit the dirt.

Photos: California Poppy | Field Bindweed

Photos: California Goldfields | Chaparral Yucca

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Hill with a View

McGinty Mountain may not have the name recognition of Iron Mountain or Mount Woodson, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It offers an off-the-beaten-path experience with big views, challenging terrain, and just enough unpredictability to keep things interesting.

It’s the kind of hike that reminds you how much San Diego has to offer beyond the beaches and breweries.

Photo: Parting view as I head back down

Hops, Cheers, and Victory Beers

At the time, my post-hike reward was a stop at Three Frogs Beer Company, which has since permanently closed.

After conquering McGinty Mountain—and narrowly avoiding a bee apocalypse—I decided I’d earned a reward. On my way back north, I pulled into Three Frogs.

It wasn’t fancy.
But it was delicious.

A flight of beers felt like the perfect way to cap the day. Whether it was the mountain views, the miles underfoot, or the unexpected adventure along the way, everything tasted better.

Cheers to that.

Photos: Three Frogs Beer Company | My Reward — A Beer Flight

Catch you on the trail!

Date of Hike: 18 May 2024