What better day than Super Bowl Sunday to do some four wheeling? With no one else expected on the trails this day, it was a perfect opportunity to explore a local San Diego trail out of Corral Canyon off of Highway 8 about 50 miles east of downtown San Diego. The route is Los Pinos Mountain trail to Espinosa Trail and is about 20 miles with some fantastic views and a few moderate challenges.
After getting off the main road and entering Corral Canyon, the road winds back a few miles before reaching four corners. At four corners, a right hand turn begins the trail, which starts as a narrow road that quickly gains altitude along an edge of the cliff drive. Starting out there are clear views of Los Pinos and the Lookout Tower in the distance.
Unfortunately, this day the gate was locked and the Tower closed. I guess the Tower guard is a bigger football fan than I. Will have to come back another day for a panoramic view from the Lookout Tower.
After turning around at the locked gate, to head down the trail, there are beautiful panoramic vistas of the green landscape with pine trees poking out all over.
Heading down the easy trail from the locked gate. There was a previous days rain that left some mud holes to splash in along the way.
Reaching the intersection. Turning left here begins the more moderate Espinosa Trail. The trail drops into a canyon and goes into the distance beyond the massive rock outcropping.
Only some moderate rock obstacles along the way.
However, the trees and bushes made for a few tight squeezes, which adding to the trail striping along the doors and windows of the Jeep.
The trail provided for a lot of fun twists and turns and rocks to navigate. Here is the Jeep hiding down in the valley covered by tree canopies. There was one technical off-camber step-down rock section that was a little tricky without a spotter. I must have walked the line three times to memorize exactly where to put the wheels. With the recent rain, the rocks were a little slippery, which added to the fun, but the Jeep held tight and rolled on through without a hitch. Then, getting ready for a little climb out of the valley.
At about the half way point (10 miles approximately), there is a clearing that made for a nice open space to take a break and enjoy lunch.
Stretching out the front paws to see how far the articulation will really go.
The trail eventually becomes flat and easy, which provided for some faster paced trail blazing and drifting through corners.
At the Y intersection, Corral Canyon Road goes to the left and Skye Valley Road is on the right. Keep right to Skye Valley Road for more vistas of the distant Lookout Tower.
Across the valley, the Lookout Tower is perched at the top of the green covered mountain top.
Along the way on Skye Valley Road, you will come to Bob Cat Meadow primitive campground. Continuing on leads back out to four corners and down onto Corral Canyon Road.
Airing up before hitting pavement again.
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