Carmel Mountain Preserve Loop

This is a 4.3-mile loop through Carmel Mountain Preserve, a plateau cut by canyons and covered with coastal chaparral. There are four places where we will stop to enjoy the view.

This is essentially a 2.7-mile hike of the same name featured in Alltrails.com. However, we will add extra side trips to the Carmel Mountain Preserve Overlook and another view point, which will bring the total distance to about 4.3 miles. For details, see
www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/carmel-mountain-preserve-loop

We have done other hikes in Carmel Mountain Preserve, but the last time we did this hike was on September 30, 2021. (Has it been that long?) for details, see www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/279879813.

Most other hikes in Carmel Mountain Preserve involved descents to Carmel Valley. On this hike, we will not go that low.

Meet at 9:30 AM in the parking lot near the entrance to Ocean Air Community Park (N 32 55.577 W 117 13.086, 4770 Fairport Way, San Diego CA 92130) in the Torrey Hills area of San Diego. At 9:45 AM we hit the trail. The park has rest rooms, although they are not near the entrance.

SUGGESTED ROUTE FROM SAN DIEGO: Go north on I-5 and take the LOCAL BYPASS in the Sorrento Valley Area. Leave the freeway at exit 32 (Carmel Mountain Rd) and turn right on Carmel Mountain Road. Follow it east for 0.4 miles and turn right to stay on Carmel Mountain Road. Follow it another 0.8 miles and turn left on Ocean Air Dr. Follow it 0.3 miles to Ocean Air Community Park. Meet in the parking lot near the park entrance.

Wear good hiking shoes and suitable clothing, use sun protection, and take water. No lunch stop is planned, but you might want to take a snack. Take a camera if you wish. The trails are mostly hard-packed earth, level or with moderate slopes. There are two steep places where hiking poles may be helpful.

CONTACT: Philip Erdelsky cell 619-866-8512 e-mail pje@efgh.com. Cell phone service is available in this area, but there may be some dead spots.

Leashed dogs are allowed.