Corte Madera

This past Saturday morning, Raf and I realized we had no plans for the rest of the weekend and decided to go on a spontaneous outdoor adventure. We inadvertently stumbled on Corte Madera when I did a Google search for "best dispersed camping San Diego" - normally, I would skip past any sites that aren't accessible by vehicle, but Raf had expressed some interest in backpacking, so we read on. Less than two hours later, we were on the road to the trailhead! 

Deep in the Pine Creek Wilderness, the trail first climbs west a couple miles along Morena Creek (dry) up to a ridge that is saddled by Los Pinos Rd. Within a few minutes, we pass a baby rattlesnake! We walk north along the road for about a quarter mile and then veer back west onto a single track that climbs along the ridge to the peak. Hiking slowly through gradients of green, we are in awe at every turn - these boulder-strewn landscapes are unlike any we have experienced. 

At the summit (~ 4 miles from where we started), Raf eats an apple while I take photos in all directions. We had noted a few campsites on the way up, but are determined to find one close to the summit. After resisting a couple of less-than-ideal spots that would have sent us rolling down the mountain, we find a secluded campsite just a short walk off the trail. Seriously perfect - two flat tent spaces, a large flat rock for cooking, hidden from the trail with large boulders, incredible view to the west.

After pitching the tent and getting Raf set up for relaxation, I go on a short run back to where the single track meets Los Pinos Road. It's a little weird doing the easy downhill before the hard uphill, but it was nonetheless a great way to round out the day and enjoy the trail one more time. 

When I return to the campsite, Raf and I leisurely cook up some cheesy macaroni with onions, serrano peppers, and garbanzo beans, before enjoying a slow dinner with a view. Afterward, we clean up and then hike back up to the summit to watch the sunset. Waking up at the "sky porch", we pack up slowly, eat some avocados, hike back to the trailhead, take photos of another rattlesnake, and then drive to Denny's for "endless breakfast." 

When it comes to backpacking, I thoroughly enjoy the single-night trip. It's nice to be able to pack perishables (like cheese), pack heavy (like fresh veggies and containers of beans), and otherwise put all one's planning efforts into making the very best of a 24-hour period. You can eat all your food, drink all your water, and tire yourself out. Almost more of an overnight picnic than backpacking trip.