I attempted to activate San Felipe Hills (W6/SD-077) from the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) side, coming south from the Montezuma Valley parking area. Although I got on the trail before 8am I’d seriously underestimated just how many twists and turns there were in this part of the PCT and so just getting in the vicinity of the peak took an hour longer than expected. Having said that it was cool, the trail was not to steep and the views were nice. I knew before I left there were no trails from the West side to the summit but from Google Maps satellite view it looked like there were some clearer areas and/or animal trails. Well, having got there this did not really prove to be the case. The ascent to the summit is through heavy bush and very steep in places, with poor footings. I tried three different routes up and finally gave up. I think if I’d been more determined I could have made it up the latter route but time was ticking by and I did not want to be coming down the PCT in the dark. In total I covered between 12 to 14 miles and so it was a little frustrating not to activate.
Well, thanks for trying, Gary! 73 Hal N6JZT