Stepping from the Penny Pines parking area on Sunrise Highway to the Nobel Canyon trailhead.
This morning I went on a walk in the Laguna Mountains. The pine-covered Lagunas, about an hour’s drive east of downtown San Diego, reach just over 6000 feet in elevation.
After parking at the Penny Pines area on Sunrise Highway, I began west down the Noble Canyon Trail, then turned south onto Big Laguna Trail.
A morning walk in the mountains is so quiet and beautiful.
Come along with me! In these photos we’ll be heading a couple miles or so to Big Laguna Lake, a temporary body of water that appears in the winter and lingers until summer.
During my walk I saw many broken trees and stumps, victims over the years of bark beetles and periodic wildfires. At first the air was very chilly, but as the sun slowly rose its warmth felt good on my face. I heard plenty of birdsong, knocking woodpeckers, and the soft mountain breeze in branches. I smelled new green grass and the towering pine trees.
My eyes noted many signs of early spring.
Part of a posted Map of Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. Big Laguna Lake forms during rainy season in Laguna Meadow.Horses sometimes share the trail with hikers and mountain bikers.Many fallen tree limbs and trunks were along the trail. Victims of wildfires, beetles, and violent mountain storms.We’ve turned left onto Big Laguna Trail. Many of the hiking trails on Mount Laguna connect to the famous Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches from Mexico to Canada.A swinging gate on the trail. Sometimes cattle are herded up in these mountains.A beautiful early morning. The sun is still low and obscured by clouds and hills.I saw a few small flowers along the trail scattered by spring’s fingers.The jumbled broken trunks often appeared like abstract works of art.Inner beauty exposed.Wild and delicate.
Moving forward.A tale of many seasons.Winter’s remnant.Many elements.I’m about to enter the edge of Laguna Meadow. Around here a small group of Red-winged Blackbirds were jumping about tree branches and cheerfully talking to each other.
Some collected rain and snowmelt have formed a small green pond in the meadow.
I spy Big Laguna Lake ahead.Turning my camera to the right, looking backward a bit.
A friendly mountain biker approaches.Like a silver dream on the mountain.
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Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.
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2 thoughts on “A beautiful walk along Big Laguna Trail.”
Nice looking trails. It looks like a good hike. Cheers!
Cool San Diego Sights! 
Nice looking trails. It looks like a good hike. Cheers!
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