On a hot and dusty Friday afternoon, the Harrington family climbed Volcan Mountain, which is part of the the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve (2 miles north of Julian). I had read about the hike but never been there. It sounded like something we could handle and would enjoy.
It turned out to be a very pleasant day. After parking on the side of Farmer Road, we walked through the apple orchard through the very artfully rendered gate into the wilderness preserve. Early on the fire road was exposed and thus very hot, but in a short while we took the 5 Oaks Trail, which paralleled the fire road but followed a beautiful ridge line that offered up great views of Julian and the surrounding area.
It took us about an hour to connect back to the fire road. After series of brief negotiations (we promised milkshakes), we proceeded on to the summit, which took another half hour or so. Even though the sign at the bottom said the summit was open on weekends only, the gate was open so we made our way to the top.
Beautiful views in all directions. Anza Borrego, various desert peaks, Julian, Banner Road. We walked the circle trail around the top, looking for a place in the shade to sit an relax. Right near the tower, there was a spur trail to the left that led to a beautiful shady overlook and a well-placed commemorative bench (see photo below), also very artfully rendered.
On the way down we stayed on the main road (skipped 5 Oaks this time) and it was very fast. We practically tumbled down the mountain. Here's the time breakdown.
2 p.m. started on Farmer Rd
2:15 took 5 Oaks trail
3:00 connected back with Fire Road
3:30 reached Volcan summit
4:00 left summit
4:50 back to Farmer Rd.
It's a good hike for kids -- but not necessarily an easy one. We might not have made it to the top without the milkshake promise.
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