Crestridge Ecological Reserve (#38)

October 13, 2010 -  Today I went for a two mile out and back hike in the area known as the Crestridge Ecological Reserve, 2600 acres of open space surrounding the community of Crest which lies between El Cajon and Alpine to the south of Highway 8. Crest has been hard hit by fires twice - once during the Laguna Fire in 1970 and again more recently in the Cedar Fire of 2003. Sadly, some homeowners in this area had to rebuild twice. I could see why they would choose to rebuild, though, because Crest is really a groovy little rural community. This particular trail takes you up to a "peaklet."  The incline gain was mild (not much of a heart-pumper) and we were rewarded with some nice views from the top. The only bummer was that to the west where we should have had a spectacular ocean vista, what we spied was a foggy-smoggy marine layer. The nearby low clouds and mist had a real cool effect on the surrounding hills though. Why don't you just go ahead and check out the rest of the photos without me blabbing on. Another Great Hike! MAP

View of Lake Jennings Foggy-smoggy "Would-be" Ocean View Misty Mountains Wilson on the Return Trip