A Sunny Morning in Crestridge

Overlook

Last weekend, we spent a warm, sunny November morning exploring the A Game and Cross Timbers Trail in the Crestridge Ecological Reserve near San Diego, California. The weather couldn’t have been better—bright skies, gentle breezes, and just the right amount of warmth for a late fall hike.

Trail View

A Trail with Character

Trail View

The 2.9-mile trail is rated as moderate in difficulty and offers a pleasant mix of open views and shaded paths winding through chaparral and coastal sage scrub. The landscape was dotted with golden grasses and sturdy oaks, reflecting the rugged beauty that makes Crestridge such a special place to hike.

Overlook

Setting Out on the Path

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As we began the loop, the morning was calm and filled with the soft rustle of leaves and the distant calls of birds. The terrain rose and fell gently, offering a nice bit of variety without being too challenging. The sunlight filtered through the brush, highlighting every color of green and gold.

Trail View

The First Bird Songs

Northern Mockingbird

Not far along the trail, a Northern Mockingbird perched atop a tall branch, singing a medley of tunes. Its mimicry filled the air as it cycled through calls from other birds—it always amazes us how much variety one bird can produce. It felt like a personal concert to start our morning.

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A Flurry of Yellow and Gray

Yellow-rumped Warbler

As we continued, we came across a lively group of Yellow-rumped Warblers darting between the trees and shrubs. They seemed to be everywhere, flashing their bright yellow patches as they moved. Their cheerful presence added color and energy to the quiet landscape.

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A Quiet Hunter in the Trees

Cooper’s Hawk

Midway through the hike, we spotted a Cooper’s Hawk sitting quietly on a sturdy oak branch. Its sharp eyes scanned the ground below, patient and focused. We watched in silence for a while, admiring its calm confidence and the way it seemed perfectly at home among the trees.

Trail View

Quiet Companions on the Trail

California Towhee

Closer to the end of the hike, we spotted a California Towhee hopping along the edge of the path, its tail flicking as it foraged among the leaves. These modest yet charming birds always bring a comforting familiarity to Southern California hikes.

Trail View

Nature’s Stillness

Overlook

As we made our way back, the morning grew warmer and quieter. The reserve felt peaceful, with only the soft hum of insects and the occasional bird call echoing in the distance. It was one of those moments where time seemed to slow down just enough to fully appreciate it.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

A Rewarding Morning Out

Overlook

The A Game and Cross Timbers Trail offered a wonderful mix of light exercise, scenic views, and wildlife encounters. The combination of open sunshine and bird activity made for a truly relaxing and fulfilling morning. Each visit to Crestridge reminds us just how much natural beauty lies just beyond the city—and how rewarding it is to spend a few hours exploring it together.

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