![]() ![]() ![]() Head north on Lake Jennings Park Road for approximately 1.8 miles. If you’re looking for additional miles you can return to the previous junction and head south to connect to Lake Jennings, just remember dogs are not allowed on that trail.įrom I-8, take the Lake Jennings Park Road exit. The land beyond is privately owned so unfortunately this was our turnaround point, although the flume route eventually connects with the El Monte Park trail further east. In just a short way however, we reached the end of the trail. There was a small mound of dirt to one side with what appeared to be a small use trail, and upon climbing that we found the blocked off remnants of the tunnel.Īfter checking out the tunnel, we continued east. Sure enough, looking back towards the small rise we had just descended, we spotted what looked like a small tunnel, mostly obscured by overgrown brush. The sign we found talked about the tunnels created to allow the flume to pass through the hillside. We took the left fork, descending a short way to an informational sign. The right branch continued over the ridge to connect to the Lake Jennings Trail, which we had explored the previous fall. ![]() We continued on the flat, narrow trail until about. Looking west across the valley we could see Hanson Pond just across the road.Īnd in the east was the magnificent El Cajon Mountain rising in the distance. 4 mile we reached the end of the switchbacks and the trail leveled out. There were also bright orange patches of poppies brightening up the trail side.Īround. Large swathes of yellow mustard and some stands of prickly pear cactus dotted the slopes. The hills were bright green thanks to the copious amounts of rain. We could see an old pipeline running down the hillside blocked off by chain-link fence. The first part of the trail was a series of switchbacks up the side of the hill. The trail began at the southern edge of the parking area at the bottom of the hill. There was a map posted at the staging area, always a helpful touch. ![]() It really doesn’t look like a staging area from the road, but if you look carefully you’ll see a small green sign that reads “Historic Flume Trail” pointing inward. The trailhead was a little difficult to spot from the road, since it is located within the gated confines of a pumping station on El Monte Road. We set off to explore the new trail on a beautiful warm day. This is an enjoyable little hike with fantastic views of El Monte Valley and El Cajon Mountain, with the option to connect to the trail around Lake Jennings if you’re looking for a longer route. The County has recently opened the Historic Flume Trail in El Monte Valley, which encompasses a short segment of the flume’s route. Over the years, more efficient methods of transporting water have been developed, but remains of the old flume can still be found along its route. A bit of trivia to digest along with your Brosseau Vineyard Pinot Noir and aged cheddar: Los Gatos, which means “the cats” in Spanish, takes its name from the mountain lions that even today are occasionally glimpsed prowling in the surrounding hills.In the late 1800’s, a wooden flume was constructed to carry water from Lake Cuyamaca to the El Cajon Valley. daily, includes a deli where you can pick up some cheese and crackers to enjoy with your wine on the dog-friendly patio out back. On the way down, make a detour and allow yourself to be waylaid at Testarossa, the Bay Area’s oldest continuously operating winery, founded by Jesuit fathers and brothers in 1888. Joseph’s Hill Open Space Preserve above the attractive town center is a destination well worth the huffer-puffer hike from Novitiate Park at the end of Jones Road.īoth the Los Gatos Creek and Jones/Flume trails lead to Lexington Reservoir, where you and Fido can soak your paws during a well deserved break. It’s a nice place to visit regardless, and 270-acre St. If you could afford to live like a high-tech millionaire, you’d have lots of company in Los Gatos. ![]()
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