UPCOMING HIKE
When: Saturday March 21st 2026 at 8:30 am (when we will meet at the trailhead parking lot).
About the hike: Espinosa Trail in the Pine Creek Wilderness of Cleveland National Forest is an out and back hike of 3.4 miles with an elevation gain of 498’ (according to AllTrails) which will take us down to Pine Creek and back. While the hike is not long, much of the hike is single-track trail with a substantial incline. Going down to the creek we will be watching our footing, and coming back up we will get a good cardio workout with stops to let my heartrate slow down. Dogs on leash are OK, but they will be affected by the same conditions as us humans.
Where: On Google Maps, enter “Espinosa Trail” (and make sure that its address shows as Forest Route 16S04, Alpine, CA). It is about a beautiful 35 minute drive from church on backcountry roads and a nice view of Otay Lake. From church, take Otay Lakes Road for 10 miles and then turn left onto CA-94 West. In just 0.2 miles you will turn right onto Honey Spring Road and continue for 7.7 miles where you will turn right onto Lyons Valley Road. Stay on Lyons Valley Road for 6.2 miles to Barrett Truck Trail (I did not see a street sign for it) where you will see a sign reading “Japatul Fire Station, Cleveland National Forest” (see photo). Turn right there onto Barrett Truck Trail and the dirt parking lot will be on your left (continue on Barrett Truck Trail a couple of hundred feet to the "T" and turn left and left again into the parking lot).
NOTE: A Forest Service Adventure Pass is required for parking and it needs to be purchased in advance. They cost $5 for a single day (an annual pass is available for $30). You can purchase them at Big 5 or REI. I have one extra pass that I will give to the first person who asks me for it. If anyone wants to carpool, I can arrange to do that from church.
IMPORTANT GENERAL INFORMATION
Hiking in natural areas can present a variety of potential hazards, starting with uneven terrain, loose gravel, and obstacles on trails that can result in slips/trips/falls. Conditions on hikes can also potentially lead to dermatitis from poison oak, heat illness, snake bites, and insect stings or bites.
Always take appropriate precautions and come prepared for the hike. Wear solid footwear with good tread and clothing to fit the weather. Apply sunscreen as needed and bring plenty of water, a minimum of one quart. For cool weather, layer your clothing so you are warm enough but can take off outer layers if you get warm.
Photo: Garapito Canyon Trail, Mulholland Gateway Park, Tarzana, CA
PREVIOUS BIKE RIDE
On Sunday 8, 2026 we rode on the Bayshore Bikeway and took in Silver Strand Beach.
Photo: area along Bayshore Bikeway, courtesy of Sophia Horta