Battle Mountain

Battle Mountain is a short yet strenuous hike up a small hill with beautiful views over-looking locations such as Lake Hodges and Rancho Bernardo.

Battle Mountain got its name from the Battle of San Pasqual that took place in 1846 at a hill nearby called Mule Hill. Mule Hill/Starvation Mountain revived its name after the battle when the soldiers ran out of food and had to kill some of the mules in order to eat.

While you’re in the area, make sure to visit the Bernardo Winery nearby!

In 1966, a group of local churchgoers put the cross on the mountain. In the 80’s the cross fell down and was replaced by a man named Jack Templeton who built it in his backyard. He lived below the trailhead and would frequent the hill regularly. The cross was actually funded by a Jack in the Box nearby.

Personal Experience

I grew up near Rancho Bernardo and yet never once hiked to this peak when I lived there. After finally doing it, I’m really disappointed that I wasn’t hanging out up there all the time! It has a great view, it’s a quick (but strenuous) hike to the top and is very quiet and isolated.

Up there is where we will be heading:

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