Bell Bluff - Alpine's Mini-El Capitan Traditional Cache
Bell Bluff - Alpine's Mini-El Capitan
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
Looking for something challenging in the way of a local backcountry geo-hike and cross country climbing experience that offers solitude and a unique 360-degree panoramic view seldom seen by San Diegans? Welcome to Alpine’s Bell Bluff – a conspicuous promontory on Cleveland National Forest land southeast of Alpine.
Gecko Dad has long admired this granitic highpoint when driving past along Interstate 8 to the north or Japatul Road to the south. Although the Bell Bluff Truck Trail approaches the summit from the east, this side is entirely private property and there is no legal access. After scouting the area the day prior to the cache hide and driving all of the closest neighborhood roads, only one public access point was discovered – at the junction of the California Riding and Hiking Trail (CR&HT) and Japatul Road east of the Loveland Reservoir fishing access parking lot.
After stopping by to consult with a USFS ranger at the Alpine Station, I was told they were unaware of any other way to legal access this area. Returning home to research topographic maps and aerial photos available online via USA Photo Maps, a better option was revealed – an obscure CR&HT trailhead near Palo Verde Lake.
Early the next morning on what turned out to be the hottest day on record for much of the San Diego coastal area (high of 112 degrees at the nearby middle school), I returned to complete on-the-ground reconnaissance and scout a route to the Bell Bluff summit.
Parking is available at the intersection of Via Dieguenos and Calle Colina Roca. The trail starts at N 32 48.809 W 116 44.169.
The hiking route follows the Riding and Hiking Trail along the so-called Spanish Bit Drive, a long abandoned double track dirt road that is off limits to any vehicular traffic. The trail ascends parallel the main tributary gorge of Sweetwater River upstream of Loveland Reservoir. After about 1.2 miles, the CR&HT splits off toward Loveland. Take the left fork and continue following this eroded truck trail east to the mountain.
There are multiple ways to ascend the final pitch, including some outstanding slabs and cliffs on the southwest side that should whet the appetites of climbers. I bushwhacked my way up the final 800 feet of the northern slope (not recommended – last .4 mile took an hour) but found an easier route descending the somewhat steeper but more open west ridge. Neither route involves technical climbing unless you want to go out of your way to do some.
Round trip distance is 8 miles by the shortest route, of which 1.2 miles is cross country. Elevation gain is 1700 feet.
The container is a clear plastic 6” x 6” Lock & Lock container. Initial contents include:
Sterling silver gecko charm
Medal of Honor PC-game CD
A cloisonné heart pin (perfect for a cardiologist)
Aluminum key ring whistle
A dozen different lizards
A stretch snake
Captain Morgan Travel Bug
Logbook
Ballpoint pens
Please be prepared with plenty of water and sunscreen and be watchful of snakes. Don’t forget to sign the summit register, too.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Uvag: Tebhaq yriry, jrqtrq ntnvafg onfr bs bar bs gjb irel ynetr obhyqref va pbeevqbe orgjrra gur gjb.