A Springtime Hike with a Cautionary View
San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action explored the Old Flume Trail
above the sand mine-threatened El Monte Valley at El Monte County Park in Lakeside.
San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action explored the Old Flume Trail
above the sand mine-threatened El Monte Valley at El Monte County Park in Lakeside.
Thanks to everyone who joined San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action on Saturday, April 16, for our club hike along the Old Flume Trail at El Monte County Park in Lakeside – with special thanks to club member and hike leader Renée Owens.
The trailhead is tucked away at the western end of the park, so we'll meet just before 9:30 am in the westernmost parking lot of El Monte County Park.
While this hike will be more physically demanding and longer than our last outing, we'll once again be led by our able and knowledgeable club members Renée Owens and Cara Furio.
In fact, this hike in nearly in Renée's own backyard, so we'll not only learn about the area's plants and wildlife, we'll get the lowdown on the proposed sand mine along the San Diego River in the El Monte Valley – which we'll have a great view of from the trail.
The trailhead is tucked away at the western end of the park, so we'll meet just before 9:30 am in the westernmost parking lot of El Monte County Park.
While this hike will be more physically demanding and longer than our last outing, we'll once again be led by our able and knowledgeable club members Renée Owens and Cara Furio.
In fact, this hike in nearly in Renée's own backyard, so we'll not only learn about the area's plants and wildlife, we'll get the lowdown on the proposed sand mine along the San Diego River in the El Monte Valley – which we'll have a great view of from the trail.
Trail and Hike Details
This will be a moderate hike with some uphill climbing, but on a well-maintained trail. The minimum distance one-way is 2.5 miles, with a maximum of five miles.
The trail begins on an uphill grade that goes 0.6 miles to a saddle, then levels out and splits east towards El Capitan Reservoir and west towards Lake Jennings, offering views of El Capitan – also known as El Cajon Mountain – where nesting eagles have previously been observed.
While the Old Flume Trail is wide enough for horses and open to dogs and mountain bikes, according to Renée few people know about it or ever use it, so we're not expecting throngs of people.
The trail begins on an uphill grade that goes 0.6 miles to a saddle, then levels out and splits east towards El Capitan Reservoir and west towards Lake Jennings, offering views of El Capitan – also known as El Cajon Mountain – where nesting eagles have previously been observed.
While the Old Flume Trail is wide enough for horses and open to dogs and mountain bikes, according to Renée few people know about it or ever use it, so we're not expecting throngs of people.
Sand Mine Proposal in El Monte Valley
The Old Flume Trail also offers a great view of the El Monte Valley, where San Diego River restoration projects are ongoing, thanks to the team at Lakeside's River Park Conservancy.
Part of that view includes the site of a proposed sand mine along the San Diego River. As Renée explained during her presentation at our May 2015 club meeting in Lemon Grove, locals in the El Monte Valley are opposed to the project, which has been the subject of a lawsuit and remains highly controversial.
Renée will give additional details about the mine proposal and options San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action may want to consider.
Part of that view includes the site of a proposed sand mine along the San Diego River. As Renée explained during her presentation at our May 2015 club meeting in Lemon Grove, locals in the El Monte Valley are opposed to the project, which has been the subject of a lawsuit and remains highly controversial.
Renée will give additional details about the mine proposal and options San Diego County Democrats for Environmental Action may want to consider.
Directions to the Meeting Area
The trailhead for the Old Flume Trail is located at the western end of the park, so we'll meet just before 9:30 in the westernmost parking lot of El Monte County Park.
From Downtown San Diego via I-8 east – Get off the freeway at exit 23 at Lake Jennings Park Road. Go north on Lake Jennings Park Road about two miles and then turn right on El Monte Road. Follow El Monte Road about five miles into the park, and park your vehicle in or near the west end lot.
From Highway 67 – Take the Mapleview Exit in Lakeside and go east on Mapleview Street for 1.4 miles. Mapleview Street becomes Lake Jennings Park Road. Turn left on El Monte Road just past the 7-11 on the left, and continue for 4.1 miles. Turn right into El Monte Park, and once inside park in or near the west end lot.
Be sure to bring the usual: water, a hat, sturdy hiking shoes and sunblock. You may also want to bring a camera, binoculars and a walking stick or hiking staffs. All attendees will be required to sign a waiver before we begin the hike.
Pre-hike photos, trail inspiration and sand mine threat awareness courtesy of Renée Owens.
From Downtown San Diego via I-8 east – Get off the freeway at exit 23 at Lake Jennings Park Road. Go north on Lake Jennings Park Road about two miles and then turn right on El Monte Road. Follow El Monte Road about five miles into the park, and park your vehicle in or near the west end lot.
From Highway 67 – Take the Mapleview Exit in Lakeside and go east on Mapleview Street for 1.4 miles. Mapleview Street becomes Lake Jennings Park Road. Turn left on El Monte Road just past the 7-11 on the left, and continue for 4.1 miles. Turn right into El Monte Park, and once inside park in or near the west end lot.
Be sure to bring the usual: water, a hat, sturdy hiking shoes and sunblock. You may also want to bring a camera, binoculars and a walking stick or hiking staffs. All attendees will be required to sign a waiver before we begin the hike.
Pre-hike photos, trail inspiration and sand mine threat awareness courtesy of Renée Owens.
A Karen Pearlman photo of the proposed sand mine site in the El Monte Valley (courtesy of the San Diego Union-Tribune).
