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Feb 22, 2024 — We decided to hike Grapevine Mountain by starting at an easily-accessed Pacific Crest Trail trailhead on the peak's south side. This peak is higher in elevation than others in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, featuring more grasses and less rocky desert terrain. From the trailhead, we followed a short spur trail to join the PCT. From here, it was a gloriously pleasant hike along the almost laughably tame trail that switchbacked slowly up the foothills. Granite Mountain was visible to the south for much of this hike, as was the busy San Felipe Road below. We enjoyed the slightly shifting views as we made progress along the PCT, discussing the joys of having a nice dinner and pie in Julian CA nearby.
Once past the first couple of miles of trail walking, we reached a drainage that the PCT briefly dips into before continuing merrily to the west, but this was our cue to leave the well-maintained trail and get our uphill hiking legs on. From within this drainage, we started directly north by exiting the drainage on a steep slope to gain the south ridge of Grapevine Mountain. We noticed many parties had continued through this drainage and taken a more meandering route slightly farther west. To sample that route, we returned that way on our way back, and while it was just as steep as our route, it was less direct. I didn't include this in my attached map since both Chris and I preferred this more direct route option. There were occasional agave clusters and light Class 2 sections on the steep slope, but overall, it was a typical desert ascent along this ridge.
The south ridge became more gradual as the summit of Grapevine Mountain came into view ahead, but there was a minor false summit along the way. The undulating ridgeline was more sandy/grassy opposed to rocky now, an enjoyable sunset walk with expansive views in all directions. A faint social trail appeared along the crest, but it's clear where to go regardless. Grapevine Mountain's summit is an excellent perch for viewing the greater Anza-Borrego Desert State Park landscape to the north.
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Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I'm not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!
