Tag Archives: Julian California

Three Sisters Falls

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CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST

NEAR JULIAN

Activity: Day Hike, Chasing Waterfalls

4.5 miles, 985′ elevation gain, 2.5 duration, rated Moderate

The drive into the area is fantastic with all the rugged hills. The last bit of the drive is 5 miles back into the bush, down a bumpy, dusty road that is 4×4 recommended with some washboard and a couple rough areas, but most cars could probably make the journey. That being said, you would mostly likely not want to bring your luxury car there.  You will need an Adventurers Pass or other acceptable pass for the National Forest.

The trail is rock and dirt twisting through the landscape providing nice views of the terrain and far off glimpses of the waterfall.

Upon arrival to the Three Sisters Falls there are three tiers of the falls with little pools collecting at each. I climbed a rope up to the top tier. You could scramble up this area, but the rope makes it much faster and much more doable. Then I made my way across a little smooth rock section that is steeply sloped toward death to a spot that you need hand holds and there are few.  It’s really isn’t that bad, but you certainly want to take heed and this feat is definitely is not for everyone. 

Once on top there is a delightful pool, the best of the three.  I was fortunate in that some teens were most helpful, yelling down instructions where and how to come up. They had braved the chilly heart attack water and were attempting to warm back up stretched out on the sun heated rock. During the Spring time the temperature dips into the low 40’s at night. The teens informed me the deepest spot was about 20 feet. In the summer I believe people jump of a rock that was probably a little less than that height, but you would have to hit just the right spot.

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Three Sisters Falls
“Waterfalls are magical.
When you sit beside one,
you take its solace into yourself,
and it becomes you.
You are tranquil.
You are vapor in the wind.”
-Adventure Dragon.

Thanks for joining me on this fun hike in the San Diego County backcountry, as I was ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. Waterfalls even when they are not flowing furiously like in Oregon, are always relaxing and regenerating- just what is needed to rekindle the spirit, and that my friends is what PBTA is all about. There is always much more to come so I invite you to stick with me for more adventure by a few easy tasks: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. The menu you above is set up by location and sometimes by activity, each is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. If you like my hat and shirt you can purchase them at SHOP APPAREL, my line of Adventure Wear is top quality and boldly carries the PBTA Logo and Mantra. I hope that you are enthused enough to start planning your own adventure in nature real soon.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursing Balance Through Adventure

Volcan Mountain Trail

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VOLCAN MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS PRESERVE

Near Julian

Activity: Day Hike, Peak Bagging

6 miles, 5353’ elevation, 1300’ elevation gain, 3 hour duration, rated Moderate

Volcan Mountain is one of the Six Pack of Peaks for the San Diego area, which means for Peak Baggers this mountain is rather significant. I arrived at the location earlier than the 8AM lot opening, but I was informed by hikers that it is fine to park on the road and head on up ahead of the lot’s opening.

The top of the mountain provides wonderful views all the way to the Pacific and even of Catalina Island on a clear day. The other direction has views of Anza-Borrego and the Salton Sea. This point was in the 1920’s an Air Beacon for the US Postal Service providing night guidance for pilots. Some of the equipment is still visible.

I took Volcan Mountain Trail up which is a broad road. It ventures through Oaks and Manzanitas making it a lovely trek. On the way back I took the Five Oaks Trails which is single track, narrow and winding, with some switch backs furnishing more of the nature feel that I prefer than a road. It more or less parallels the Volcan Mountain Trail, but it will add on about a mile to your adventure. I will always make it a loop if given the choice.

Besides the lovely trees and vegetation I mentioned, I saw some wildlife that was fun: Wild Turkeys, Bunnies, Vultures and other birds of prey, deer and a lizard. I did not see any of the posted wild life that isn’t fun: Mountain Lion or Rattlesnake.

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I should have more mountains and less stress.

Thanks for Peak Bagging Volcan Mountain with me as I was ’Pursing Balance Through Adventure’. I hope this episode encourages you to get out and say hello to nature soon, as such an outing can bring the rest of our lives back into the balance that is so important for our well being. Stay with me by doing a few easy tasks: LIKE, COMMENT, FOLLOW and SHARE. If you care to peruse the menu above you will discover that PBTA ventures all across the West. The menu is divided up mostly by location. Each location is a separate website and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently. If you like my shirt and beanie they are available for purchase at SHOP APPAREL.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure