love cook adventure

sharing my love for philanthropy, cooking, and adventure

Sunrise illuminating the summit glacier on Mount Kilimanjaro, with ice formations in the foreground and a sea of clouds in the background.

Tag: Hike

Rusted remnants of an old vehicle frame lying along the El Cajon Mountain trail in Lakeside, California, surrounded by chaparral and hillside vegetation.

El Cajon Mountain | Lakeside | CA

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On May 2, 2025

In blog | adventure | travel | california hikes

El Cajon Mountain:
The Hike That Hikes You Back

Let me start by saying this: El Cajon Mountain does not mess around. This isn’t one of those “wow, what a nice stroll through nature” kind of hikes. This is more like “why am I going uphill again?” with a side of “my quads might never forgive me.” And yet — I’d absolutely do it again.

This is an ~11-mile out-and-back with over 3,500 feet of elevation gain, and it earns every bit of its reputation. Short on paper, relentless on the trail — the kind of hike that doesn’t just test your legs, but your patience.

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Lake Hodges Dam viewed from above, showing the concrete arches and green reservoir water below

Lake Hodges | Escondido | CA

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On January 30, 2025

In blog | adventure | travel | california hikes

A Hike Through Time, Art, and Mystery

Some hikes impress you with views.
Others surprise you with stories.

Hiking Lake Hodges did both — quietly and unexpectedly. What began as a straightforward out-and-back turned into a walk through early water engineering, subtle trail art, wildfire reminders, and one lingering mystery that stuck with me long after I left the trail.

I parked across from Hernandez Hideaway, crossed the road, and headed south toward the dam. From the first steps, this hike felt like more than just mileage.

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Narrow dirt trail winding uphill toward an old rusted water tank at Daley Ranch in Escondido, surrounded by chaparral and rolling hills.

Daley Ranch | Escondido | CA

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On January 29, 2025

In blog | adventure | travel | california hikes

Rattlesnakes, Regulations, and Ridiculously Good Views

Catching up on some hikes from 2024, I found myself at Daley Ranch Park, a 3,201-acre conservation area in Escondido, California. I really didn’t know what to expect. I figured I’d get some miles in, gain a little elevation, and—hopefully—avoid the kind of crowded trails that tend to attract hikers lacking any semblance of trail etiquette. Normally, when I pull into a packed parking lot, my first instinct is to turn around and head somewhere quieter. But I stuck with my plan, and outside of a close encounter with a rattlesnake, Daley Ranch exceeded my expectations.

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Hiker lying on Potato Chip Rock on Mount Woodson in Poway, California

Mount Woodson | Poway | CA

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On May 17, 2024

In blog | adventure | travel | california hikes

Home of Potato Chip Rock

Some places become famous quietly. Others explode thanks to Instagram, hashtags, and gravity-defying photos. Potato Chip Rock is firmly in the second category.

Normally, I avoid viral trail spots like the plague. Between the wannabe influencers, endless selfies, and people blocking narrow trails for “just one more shot,” it can feel like more work than fun. But every once in a while, curiosity wins. And honestly? This one earned its hype.

Add in the fact that it’s a legit cardio workout, and suddenly I was in. So yes — I did take that photo on Potato Chip Rock. No, it never made it to Instagram.

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View from Mount Mitchell overlooking layered Blue Ridge Mountains and fir forest

Mt. Mitchell | North Carolina (#20)

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On December 28, 2023

In blog | adventure | travel | high pointing

At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell stands as the highest point east of the Mississippi River — and, as a result, became my 20th state high point. Since it’s just outside Asheville, I stayed there the night before and set my alarm early, hoping to beat both the crowds and the afternoon haze that often rolls through these mountains.

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