22.12.11 San Marcos Mountain HP

    San Marcos Mountain HP is, as the name implies, the high point of the San Marcos Mountain. I guess I never paid much attention to this because I assumed while it appeared on peakbagger maps it couldn't be climbed without any serious trespassing. The range isn't really that large, probably not even deserving of the big bold letters it gets on the USGS maps. 

    After reading Bob Burd's report of climbing it I decided it must be worthy *eye roll*, really I just wanted to get a peak today and anything would be fun. I think Bob had been up here because it is a range highpoint on technicality.

    It was the first seriously rainy day in a while. Predicted to rain between 1/2 and 3/4 inch. Being a sub two mile hike I figured I could stay going fast enough to stay fast and change into dry clothes after. I invited Sachi who decided to come and we set out. 

We weaved our way through the ranchlands and nurseries that are out there and were able to find the saddle next to the private residence. The land was signed as Vallecitos water district but nothing about no trespassing so we set off. As we made our way up the first very small hill the wind started up and visibility went down to maybe 10ft. Even worse I had to take my glasses off earlier and couldn't see where the trail continued. I thought we might DNF on a sub 2 mile hike! 

Heading up the dirt road

We were able to check google maps for some sat view and found the trail soon after. About 15 minutes later we would find ourselves at the summit, but not before we ascenced the "crook", a word that is a mixture of creak, and crack says Sachi. 

The "Crook" 

We found the flag at the summit along with the ammo can register. Someone hadn't latched it closed but everything inside was still dry. We signed in and checked out the survey marked. The original one was gone but it looked like it had been replaced with a smaller one. We only spent a few minutes on the top before running back to the car, slipping in the mud the whole way back. 

Me on the summit

Limited summit views