Merriam Mountains Boulders, Escondido California

Drive beneath the interstate from the Hyatt at the Welk, turning left onto Lawerence Welk Court to get your adventure started. As you approach, a commanding rusted iron gate marks the entrance, where you can conveniently park along the roadside to embark on your journey. The trail initially appears unassuming, but don't be deceived—hidden within are some challenging scrambles that demand both mental focus and physical effort to succeed, especially as you ascend toward the towering boulders at the summit.

The end-goal destination is the sphere-shaped rocks behind me.

This journey maneuvers along a trail that winds around a water tank, unveiling a rugged landscape punctuated by challenges and hidden gems. The path meanders through areas washed out by the elements, leading hikers to precarious gravelly stretches that add an exhilarating touch of "am I going to fall and break my hip" type of suspense.

The rugged beauty of Southern California makes for a rugged journey.

The prize is at the top.

Burned and rusted-out abandoned car stirs your imagination.

The beautiful cascading mountain range goes on and on as the trail disappears.

Peculiar-shaped boulders are strewn everywhere giving the impression of a boulder graveyard.  These beauties were much taller than me.

The trail is quite manageable at first.

The scenery unfolds like something out of a dream, featuring large, smooth boulders with intriguing, otherworldly shapes poised to cascade down the hills at the mere suggestion of an all-too-common California earthquake.

Darren is bottom right wondering if the large boulder is going to begin rolling down upon him. 

Waiting for the next earthquake to fall down and rest.

Darren pretends to attempt to push this gigantic boulder down the hill.

Navigating the steep inclines, the trail reveals itself as a test of skill and determination. The quest for the sphere—a towering 20-foot milk-bottle-shaped monolithic boulder—becomes the pinnacle of the adventure, demanding a climb that both thrills and challenges. Reaching the summit offers not just a sense of accomplishment but a flat space for basking in success and capturing the surrounding beauty through photographs.

Darren scrambled up the last ascent to the sphere.

Looking down once I climbed up, thankful that I did not take a 'spill down the hill'.

Unexpected diversions intrigue, with wash-out areas presenting opportunities to explore more stunning rock formations and seek refuge beneath their natural shade.

The descent takes on an unpredictable rhythm, leading down the mountain through a precarious path carved by water. Even when on the descent, a deceptive trail tricked us into a detour, adding an extra layer of exhaustion and backtracking.

Throughout this captivating hike, solitude reigns supreme enhancing the feeling of a personal communion with nature.

Hyatt at the Welk Resort in the green.

The stark beauty of a struggling tree rooting itself on a boulder.

On the descent, the serenity was briefly broken by the chance encounter with a few fellow explorers. In the end, this amazing hike stands as a testament to the joy of exploration, where each twist and turn reveals the untamed beauty of the landscape. For those seeking an adventure that transcends the ordinary, this trail promises not just a hike but an unforgettable trail into the heart of nature's surreal wonders.

This boulder wins the prize for my personal favourite, I call it 'flipping the bird'.

In the distance, a vineyard or two can be seen.

If one looks close enough you can see a tiny section of rock crust that has not yet eroded to present a completely smooth boulder.

Water erosion created a tiny 8 doot deep canyon.

A lunar-looking landscape.

Very pretty scenery makes for one terrific hike.

What have these boulders seen throughout the millennia besides their own profound eternity?

As the sun gracefully begins to set, it paves the way for the promise of a new day, bringing with it the anticipation of another thrilling California adventure.