Cuyamaca Peak via Azalea Glen Loop

I can't believe I haven't hiked this trail before... I don't know how I could have missed it. Located only an hour and a half from where I live, Cuyamaca Peak via Azalea Glen Loop is a gem, especially on a weekend when the construction was not active. 

What's a better way to start a Thanksgiving Day weekend than to hike somewhere you've never been before? This hike was amazing just because on Thanksgiving Day very few people actually hiked. On the way up (I took the longer way - 5 miles up instead of hiking in and out), I did not encounter a single person. Just trees and peace and quiet. 

It was frosty and pretty cold at 8 AM

The initial mile and a half was pretty flat, but soon the trail started to go uphill. This is where the views emerged out of nowhere! And the silence... I can't describe the silence I heard (or didn't hear). Even birds seemed to still be sleeping in (there were not).

Some views showed scars of previous fires with shrubs just recovering. There was some work being down on my way downhill cutting burnt out trees, repaving the fire road, but on Thanksgiving all work was stopped allowing the hikers to enjoy the peace of nature.

I soon reached the top, and it did not disappoint. Besides the geocashing spot that offered a hand sanitizer and a napkin, I found a wonderful view.

I sat on a rock staring out onto the landscape in front of me, truly breathing in the silence. It was almost surreal how quiet it was. No people, no barking dogs - just silence. I was starting to get cold, and decided to start my decent. It was a shorter 3 mile paved fire road leading to the parking lot through some camping. I still don't understand the pleasure of group camping where there are so many people right next to you. I guess there is no other way nearby, or is there? Regardless, camping is just not my thing. Although I should try it. At least once...