Bernardo (SDC #46, 1150′) • map • directions

Bernardo is one of the “inner” peaks, close enough to make it a reasonable after work hike. We arrived at the trailhead on the side of the 15 freeway at 5:30pm, plenty of time to get up and down without having to use our headlamps. The trail almost immediately crosses underneath the 15 and then follows the north shore of Lake Hodges.

The reservoir was pleasant despite the freeway being in such close proximity, a few white egrets didn’t seem to mind too much either. 

The trail eventually turned north, crossing a stream near a lush pocket filled with sycamores and palms, then began to gain some elevation, a welcomed change from the flat walking up to this point. 

The trail contoured around the north ridge of Bernardo, flattening out for a while before heading up to the obvious water towers and switchbacking its way to the summit. The view from Bernardo was impressive for a local peak. 

Scouting for another after work hike, I tried to pick out Mt. Israel to the west but it just looked like a cluster of round hills so I couldn’t be sure. I downed a granola bar and Anna and I made good time heading back down the same trail, taking a few minutes to walk out onto the bridge that crosses the reservoir. 

I’d seen the bridge a hundred times driving south on the 15 and always thought it looked interesting. We took a minute or two in the center of the bridge, then turned back to the parking lot and were home in time for dinner…