Winter in San Diego’s Mountains

~ lawrencepallant ~ 4 Comments

Who says San Diego doesn’t get snow?

For the second day of this storm, I headed to Palomar Mountain State Park. When I got to the 5,000 feet elevation I entered a winter wonderland. I pulled into a snowy turn-out and, with my 100-400mm lens, starting looking for interesting scenes. As I walked around fresh snow began to fall and blow. Fog enveloped me and hid almost everything else. Moments later the mist lifted, revealing layers of snow-laden trees on the hillside.

Snowy Solitude – As I waited and watched, the fog drifted in allowing me to capture this solitary Douglas Fir.
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Winter Wonder – A passing cloud burst left the forest coated in fresh snow.

My hope was to explore Doane Valley, but the park was officially closed, so I didn’t make it that far. I was able to park outside the gate and walk in. I walked the road where I found the scenes below.

Gatekeepers – Cedars and stand quietly at the border of the meadow and forest.
Frosted Cake

I continued on the Boucher Hill Trail with about 4-6 inches of fresh snow.

To see those the rest from this day, click here.

Sunrise Highway in the Snow

~ lawrencepallant ~ 4 Comments

The mountains around San Diego usually get several snow storms each year. When it happens the snow doesn’t last too long. My journey started with a hike near Julian. I didn’t take any photos worth sharing there, but the highlight was observing a family that brought their two 4-year-old twin girls and 1-year old boy to see the snow for the first time. The one year old was walking around, bundled up, and poking his finger curiously into the snow. I am reminded why I was a teacher. These children were so adorable and filled with wonder about the world.

After my hike near Julian, I checked the weather and saw that a storm cell was approaching. I decided to drive the Sunrise Highway where the elevation is higher and there would likely be more snow. I drove from the north to south, stopping along the way. Each area I stopped had a distinctly different ecosystem.

Winter Meadows – This area has large grassy meadows with a sparse scattering of oak trees.
Winter Yucca – This area was dryer, with grass in clumps between rocks and mixed with yucca.
Broken Fence
Snowy and Fog – Pine trees dominate this section of the mountain.
Snowy Pine
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To view other photos from this trip, click here.