A Cloudy Morning on Palomar Mountain

Overlook

We headed up to Palomar Mountain State Park for a quiet December hike on the Cedar Trail, Weir Trail, and Lower Doane Trail Loop.

Trail View

The very cloudy morning gave the forest a soft, muted feel that made the park feel calm and inviting from the start.

Trail View

Setting Out on the Loop

Trail View

This moderate 3.3-mile loop was the perfect length for a relaxed but engaging hike.

Trail View

The cool air and shaded paths made the walk comfortable, and the towering trees immediately set a peaceful tone for the morning.

Overlook

Forest Stillness and Subtle Beauty

Overlook

With clouds hanging low over the mountain, the forest felt hushed and serene. The filtered light through the trees highlighted mossy trunks and fallen needles, making every section of the trail feel quietly beautiful.

Trail View

Band-tailed Pigeons in the Canopy

Band-tailed Pigeon

Early on, we spotted a few Band-tailed Pigeons perched high above us.

Trail View

Their calm presence blended perfectly with the stillness of the forest, and it was a great way to start our bird sightings for the day.

Overlook

Winter Activity on the Ground

Dark-eyed Junco

A group of Dark-eyed Juncos hopped along the trail edges, busy and curious.

Trail View

Nearby, a few Golden-crowned Sparrows appeared briefly, adding subtle flashes of color against the forest floor.

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Woodpeckers and Jays at Work

Acorn Woodpecker

We came across a few Acorn Woodpeckers going about their routines, full of energy despite the chilly morning.

Trail View

A California Scrub-jay also made an appearance, its bold colors standing out against the gray sky.

California Scrub-jay

Kinglets and a Hidden Climber

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

One of the highlights was seeing a bunch of Ruby-crowned Kinglets flitting through the trees.

Trail View

Their constant motion kept us watching closely, and we were also lucky to spot a Brown Creeper spiraling up a tree trunk, perfectly camouflaged.

Brown Creeper

A Surprise Near the Water

Ring-necked Duck

Near a quieter section of the trail, we spotted a Ring-necked Duck, which felt like an unexpected bonus on a forest hike. Moments like this made the loop feel full of small surprises.

Overlook

A Peaceful Finish on Palomar

Trail View

By the time we completed the loop, we felt relaxed and refreshed.

Doane Pond

The cloudy skies, steady trail, and variety of bird sightings made this Palomar Mountain hike a memorable and peaceful way to spend a winter morning together.

Grey Willow