2 min
Overview
Edit as of 5/10/2017: Prior to publishing this post, I was not aware that a recent closure precludes access to the summit. This closure protects the nesting and breeding areas for peregrine falcons, which nest along the south face and near the summit. This route travels through the current closure, which is in effect until July. Please review the information on raptor nesting and how Cleveland National Forest manages these sites. Additionally, here is a map detailing the closure. Rising out of the San Diego River Gorge like a dragon’s spine, the lofty heights of Eagle Peak offer some of the most impressive views in San Diego County. This high point presides over several deep gorges, including the San Diego River Gorge and the Boulder Creek Gorge. The unique location of Eagle Peak affords equally unique views in all locations. Ceanothus in bloom Eagle Peak’s location adjacent to the eminently popular Three Sisters Falls means that it often gets overlooked by hikers looking to stumble and scramble their way down to the triple cascades. Adventurous hikers can combine the two, although the trail to the Three Sisters has become consistently more eroded and dangerous with the uptick in hiker traffic. Cleveland National Forest currently has plans to cut an official trail down to the falls and to make the user-created path to Eagle Peak an official, improved route. Rolling hillsides above the San Diego River Gorge Starting from the parking area on Boulder Creek Road Road, head due west along the remnant of an old 4WD road. After passing through low-growing chaparral still recovering from the 2003 Cedar Fire, you’ll dip into a saddle where you’ll reach a junction with the trail down to Three Sisters Falls at .7 mile. Grassy flat and Engelmann oak Wild peony Beyond the junction, the trail continues west past a grassy flat shaded by Engelmann oaks before passing through a shallow valley south of Peak 3041 on the topos. Along the way, look for the nodding, wine-red blossoms of wild peonies, which linger unassumingly in the
Trail Stats
7.1 km
304 m
994 m
833 m
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Photos
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