Rattlesnake!

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While recently hiking the Clevenger Canyon South Trail, I came across this rather large rattlesnake coiled in the middle of the trail.  I was looking upward toward a large boulder in the distance and did not see the snake until that chilling telltale rattling sound reached my ears.  From that point forward I kept my eyes on the trail ahead!  This was but one of three snakes we saw on this hike, but was by far the largest and most dangerous.

Links:   Clevenger Canyon South Trail

Clevenger Canyon South Trail

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A couple of friends and I hiked the Clevenger Canyon South Trail this morning, which is between Escondido and Ramona just off Highway 78.  (A few weeks ago I posted about the Clevenger Canyon North Trail which is slightly farther east from today’s hike.)  One of the interesting features of the trail is the two metal chairs that have been cemented to the top of a large boulder, presenting a view westward down San Pasqual Valley.

Links:   Clevenger Canyon North trail

Highway 78 from Clevenger Canyon Trail

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This pic shows Highway 78 between Escondido and Ramona, as seen from the Clevenger Canyon North trail.  A great hike with plenty of interesting rocks, nice views, and 1400-1600 feet of  elevation gain for a good workout.

Links:   previous related post

San Pasqual Valley View

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This view of the San Pasqual Valley with its colorful citrus groves was taken about a third of the way up the Clevenger Canyon North trail.  The trail takes off from Highway 78 about 5 miles east of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.  The trail is an out and back of about 5 miles with 1400-1600 feet of elevation gain.  My quads and knees got a good workout!

Links:  Modern Hiker