Hidden Hikes
Eagle Peak 4 Miles Roundtrip Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
By Jason Ritter

Above, the view from the summit. At left, a survey marker placed in 1959.

Eagle Peak, standing at 3,226 feet, points skyward over the headwaters of the San Diego River.

This peak is dwarfed in comparison to the more prominent, and more regularly visited, Cuyamaca Peak that stands directly to the east.

If you're looking for some great views, a pleasant hike, and some solitude, then Eagle Peak is for you. Plan on a 4-mile, round-trip hike with some gentle elevation gain and loss.

The trailhead is a well marked pull-out at the intersection of the unpaved Boulder Creek and Cedar Creek roads, 10 miles south of Pine Hills near Julian.

From the trailhead, walk west around the forest service gate (the one on the left, not Cedar Creek Road) and follow an old road. Along your journey you will pass some majestic old oak trees that survived the Cedar Fire. After about a half mile you will come to saddle where the trail splits; the trail to the left will lead you down to Boulder Creek and to Three Sisters Waterfalls.

Photos by Jason Ritter

If the waterfall is running, you will see and hear it. Keep heading west and you eventually descend into a riparian habitat. As you get closer to the ridgeline you'll come to a fork in the trail, take the trail to the left. This trail will lead you south and up onto the Eagle Peak ridgeline over some of the false peaks before reaching the summit.

At the summit you will have a birds-eye view of the San Diego River Valley and the many tributaries that flow into it as well as a glimpse into the far eastern stretch of the San Diego Country Estates and Mount Gower.

To your south you may hear the roaring sound of water below you, this will be Boulder Creek, a 1,000-foot unobstructed view into Boulder Creek Canyon. Sign yourself into the summit log found under some rocks near the EAGLE benchmark, relax and enjoy your lunch.

As with any backcountry hike please take the time to enjoy your outdoor experience. Prepare yourself with water, snacks, suitable clothing, proper footgear and a first aid kit. And always tell a friend or family member your plans.

For current conditions in the Cleveland National Forest visit: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/conditions/

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Jason Ritter is a Ramona resident and avid hiker and geocacher. He can be reached at jason.ritter@cox.net