Today I got up early so I could get hiking as soon as possible. I have always enjoyed driving while having a feeling of excitement, it energizes me. I headed to Volcan Mountain with anticipation as I drank my freshly brewed coffee while watching the dawn sky gradually brightening up my new day.
Volcan Mountain is one of the peaks San Diego has chosen to be part of the Six Pack Challenge. While this mountain is short, it is full of surprises and it gives me the most memorable experience out of any mountain in San Diego. The desert view while hiking toward Anza Borrego from the mountain top is like looking at a beautiful gift basket, full of visual gems to behold.
At 7 am, in the chilly morning air, our hiking party gathered at trailhead, buckled up their jackets and then began hiking the mountain. Today, there were many newcomers as well as participants who haven’t hiked in a long time so it felt more lively than usual. The group members were busy greeting each other at the entrance. Soon as they started hiking, they began to blend into the beautiful Volcan Mountain landscape.
The main track is a well-maintained fire road, but there is also another option along the way called Five Oaks Trail. Personally, the Five Oaks trail affords the hiker a more beautiful view and with many stand out vistas. Therefore, I recommend this road to hike up to the peak and the main trail for going downhill. The two tracks meet two thirds of the way up toward the peak, at an open field area. It reminds me of the semitropical Jeju Island's Oreum-gil, located off the southern coast of South Korea. I think it is a magical place where just walking can make you feel like you are taking part in the scene of a movie.
Two hours after the hike commenced, the group reached the top. Once there, everyone was busy taking pictures between the scenic mountain view on the right and the desert view on the left. I think it gave a joyful picnic experience to the members who were tired from the regular hiking course. Children can easily hike Volcan Mountain and its Pet-Friendly, so be sure to come with your family on the weekend.
Trailhead: 1107 Farmer Rd, Julian, CA 92036
Length/Est/ Difficulty: 4.9 mi (3 h +/-) / 1,227 ft / moderate
Volcan Mountain | AllTrails
Cocktail Hiker
Hiking | Cocktail | Outdoor | Photography