These routes look like fun. I did the Mason Valley Truck Trail from Blair Valley a few years ago. It was really pretty, only saw two vehicles despite it being on the weekend. I especially like the change in vegetation along the route. And it was a little drizzly that day too. Started off the day with a nice rainbow!

Whichever route you choose, looking forward to hearing how it goes!

Rocko1 wrote:

Will be getting some time off soon and I'd like to try this route https://caltopo.com/m/S0R8 as a day hike. The majority of it appears to be on BLM. Anyone see any issues with this and the possibility of it crossing private land?

Can't comment on the Cuyamaca route but your Mason Valley truck trail and Cottonwood routes look fine. You could take a bit of the old Lassater Hay road back to your vehicle by following a ridge with a faint road just as the MVTT turns toward the NW. Pull up the 1915-1945 historic topo layer to see it.

Will be getting some time off soon and I'd like to try this route https://caltopo.com/m/S0R8 as a day hike. The majority of it appears to be on BLM. Anyone see any issues with this and the possibility of it crossing private land?

Scooter wrote:

Rocko1 wrote:

I have been wanting to hike from Laguna to the desert floor and interested in the best route. Other than the PCT, has anyone tried Storm Canyon or have any other routes?

Rocko looks lime a great trip, two years ago did Schads route off the end of Monument Peak Rd down into the Potero Canyon. Spent the night at a spring on the desert floor. Next day hiked out and spent the night at Auga Caliente Springs campground. Dramatic views hiking down off the Lagunas. Good Luck

hiked the ridge East from the end of Monument Peak Rd. This is the same trip in Schads book. The hard part is the time to do the vehicle shuttle. Paid the $3 at Agua Caliente for safe parking.


Interesting. I don't see any trail coming off of that peak-just hiked that Saturday. Did you just follow the canyon or ridge?

Rocko1 wrote:

I have been wanting to hike from Laguna to the desert floor and interested in the best route. Other than the PCT, has anyone tried Storm Canyon or have any other routes?

Rocko looks lime a great trip, two years ago did Schads route off the end of Monument Peak Rd down into the Potero Canyon. Spent the night at a spring on the desert floor. Next day hiked out and spent the night at Auga Caliente Springs campground. Dramatic views hiking down off the Lagunas. Good Luck

I have been wanting to hike from Laguna to the desert floor and interested in the best route. Other than the PCT, has anyone tried Storm Canyon or have any other routes?

Will be getting some time off soon and I'd like to try this route https://caltopo.com/m/S0R8 as a day hike. The majority of it appears to be on BLM. Anyone see any issues with this and the possibility of it crossing private land?

Rocko1 wrote:

tommy750 wrote:

Here’s my trip report on dropping down from the Lagunas via Cottonwood earlier this year: http://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/Forum/topic1279-oriflame-to-cottonwood-canyon--day-bp.aspx

You can find a way from the highway down to the top of Cottonwood Canyon looking on Google Earth. As I recall there’s different options depending on how much you enjoy brush

Great trip. Do you have any gps coordinates from this trip? Maybe entry/exit point?

If you wanted to do a straight Sunrise Hwy to S2 hike you could park at the lot .8 miles north of the northernmost intersection of Deer Park Rd and Sunrise Hwy, drop down to PCT and head south till you get to a dirt road that leads toward the top of Cottowood Canyon. It will take you to near Butterfield Ranch on S2. Am thinking they will let you park there for a fee. You can easily create your own points on GE or caltopo. Don't have clear entry/exit points since we didn't go your planned route. Hope that helps. Tom

tommy750 wrote:

Here’s my trip report on dropping down from the Lagunas via Cottonwood earlier this year: http://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/Forum/topic1279-oriflame-to-cottonwood-canyon--day-bp.aspx

You can find a way from the highway down to the top of Cottonwood Canyon looking on Google Earth. As I recall there’s different options depending on how much you enjoy brush

Great trip. Do you have any gps coordinates from this trip? Maybe entry/exit point?

Here’s my trip report on dropping down from the Lagunas via Cottonwood earlier this year: http://www.anzaborrego.net/anzaborrego/Forum/topic1279-oriflame-to-cottonwood-canyon--day-bp.aspx

You can find a way from the highway down to the top of Cottonwood Canyon looking on Google Earth. As I recall there’s different options depending on how much you enjoy brush

I am assuming a day hike right? If so bring hiking poles, gloves ,heavy bush wacking clothes and a folding saw. btw I find it is easier going up through rough terrain than going down it. good luck and please post pics from you expedition.