Cuyamaca's Oakzanita Peak

CRSP, January Ride Report

Why it had been more than a couple of years since I last turned onto the singletrack that meanders through what feels like remote backcountry riding on up to Oakzanita Peak in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, I had no idea. Yesterday, on a perfect winter morning, by southern California standards, I climbed on up the gravel/dirt/fire/forest road after warming up on East Side Trail.

apparently, Gen Z is into less-than-perfect looking photos, i.e. the kind of blurry photos that often are the product of my ability using a mediocre phone camera

Pedaling a bike on a long climb is my kind of “zen.” Add in the sound of running water emanating up from down below, and I might even say I was experiencing “never better.” In time, I happened upon 2 other riders, one making adjustments who I quickly noticed was Russell, along with a riding partner I did not know. Friendly conversation and well wishes were par for the course, and then I pedaled off while more adjustments were being made.

Eventually, I came upon some patches of snow and ice still lingering on the road. The air was warming and I felt great. At the turnoff, I was immediately reminded of how much I enjoy the stretch of trail that wanders over to the peak. With no one in earshot or sight, I had it all to myself. I knew at the left turn that the trail ahead would become rockier as it ascended up a handful or so of switchbacks. I made it through a few techy spots and goofed some others and then hike-a-biked a couple corners.

Up top, Oakzanita Peak’s viewshed astounded.

looking west

in a northerly direction

in another northerly direction

mexico is out there

If you’ve never mountain biked to Oakzanita Peak and are ever in the neighborhood, put it on your to-do list. If you clean everything coming back down from the peak in one go of it, you’re a darn good rider. I dabbed a few times. Unscathed, though, back at the car, a contented smile was on my face.