Trail head/Parking at: N33 03.123, W117 04.583 (off
West Bernardo Dr, NW Rancho Bernardo) There are several other
caches in the area, and you will pass by one of them while doing
this hike. On 2/15/07 the cache was replaced and made much easier
to figure the coordinates.
The moderately easy hike will be 3.8 miles, part of it
looping back the way you came. It is a great hike with views, a
waterfall and bits of history. It begins at the southwest corner of
the dirt parking lot where there is a kiosk with park information.
This is part of the San Dieguito River preserve and the cache has
been approved by the SPRP rangers. Please abide by their rules of
staying on the paths. We hope you will take the time to read the
signs about the Kumeyaay natives of Westwood Valley and imagine the
area as the kumeyaay saw it 100's of years ago.
The name of the trail, Piedras Pintadas or "Painted Rocks", pays
tribute to the rock art that was created in this area by the
Kumeyaay Natives some 500-1000 years ago. Although the rock
paintings are not open to the public now, years ago when our
children were young, we were able to see and touch the art.
Unfortunately, because of vandalism, the area has not been
accessible for many years. (see photo below and Rock panal #11).
The trail is well marked so when you come to a choice of paths,
follow the SDRP arrows.
Stop 1. Rock Panels The first part of the trail has
11 interpretive "rock" panels providing a map of the area and
describing traditional Kumeyaay technologies such as pottery,
basketry, hunting implements and rock art.
____
A = # of tools on “Stone Tools” sign + # of pottery
pieces on “Pottery” sign + # of baskets on “Baskets” sign.
Stop 2. Waterfall On your way notice the sign panels that
describe some of the plants that were important to the Kumeyaay,
not just for food but medicines, clothing, and shelter. You will
cross the Green Valley Creek Bridge, and pass one of the few
remaining Oak trees that were a source of food and fuel for the
Kumeyaays. Enjoy the waterfall as it cascades down a large granite
rock formation.
Stop 3. Grinding holes After leaving the falls, you
will cross a stream that feeds the waterfall. After the wetland
area, you will find a loop trail. Follow the lower trail that
passes another cluster of information "rock" panels describing the
resource management practices of the Kumeyaay.
_____
B= # of grinding holes (mortars/basins) in the
rock.
After the grinding holes continue ahead following the trail to the
top.
Stop 4. Bench view (just off the left side of trail)
Rest, enjoy the view and calculate the cache location. On a clear
day you can see many mountain peaks from here. East is Palomar
Mountain and Volcan Mountain and to the south is Mt. Woodson.
C ____ = # vertical posts used in the split rail fence
plus 1
D ____ =
1/2 the # of vertical posts in the split
rail fence.
Cache coordinates are: N33 02.CAC and W117 05.DDB (33 02.
__ __ __ and 117 05. __ __ __) (C+A+C+D+D+B=34).
Continue down the mountain to the cache. You do not need to
leave the trail or harm any plants to find it. After you find the
cache, continue back as you came. Come back again and enjoy the
other trails in the park.