Lomas Verdes Trail
We began our morning outing at the west end of Lomas Verdes Trail and not sure how far east we could hike as the trail map showed the east end as “Planned”. We wanted to explore and we would be happy to get to the east end, wherever it was. The trail went north alongside a concreted drainage ditch that, in one spot, didn’t work well as we had to walk a bit through mud. The trail then turned directly east between the yards of attractive homes, some with barking and growling dogs. One home had two dogs, one of which was snarling and showing teeth and the other with a wagging tail trying to sniff and be friends with Amber.
After about twenty minutes we left the developed area and almost instantly a hill covered with wildflowers suddenly came into view. Unfortunately, we didn’t have our camera but made mental notes to take it tomorrow and, for a change, take a “do-over” hike just for a picture. The terrain we were on was quite barren, but somewhat level, and eventually started leading downhill. The decomposed granite was rather large and acted like ball bearings under our feet. Amber, as well as I, seemed to have trouble maintaining footing. At the bottom of the hill, we crossed a creek lined with trees and at once found ourselves on Old Coach Trail a little north of the point on Old Coach Trail where we turned around yesterday. Our question of how far Lomas Verdes trail extended was pleasantly answered.
We continued to a fire-damaged bridge that was closed with yellow barrier tape, at which point we turned around. At the base of the hill we were to climb was a sign that suggested we not proceed, as it was sensitive habitat. So we had a dilemma-our car was at the other end of the trail and we’d seen no signs prohibiting our hiking east. It seemed odd that we could go east but not west. We did what we had to and returned to the west. As we returned, we were looking for the expected sign that warned of the sensitive habitat but didn’t find one. We did see our two dogs, only this time, friendship won and Amber and the friendly dog kissed through the fence and the snarly dog stood by quietly, but watchfully.
One would think it would be easy to follow the trail back but we missed the section of trail going south and ended up in a street, not trail, cul-de-sac. So we turned around again, looked at the map, saw the trail south but didn’t think it was the right one and continued on for a few minutes more. We then decided that even if it wasn’t the correct trail, it was heading south and that’s the direction we wanted to go. We were happy to see the muddy patch again, as that confirmed we were on the right trail.
I emailed the Poway Parks division about the sign at the east end of Lomas Verdes trail and was told that sign was meant for a northern trail (which we didn’t see) and that the Lomas Verdes trail was the southern trail and acceptable to use.
We’re looking forward to tomorrow and wildflower pictures!