Region
Highlights
Routes
2 summits • 1.7 mi • 606 ft gain • Class 1
2 summits • 2.1 mi • 459 ft gain • 53 min
1 summit • 4.5 mi • 1,022 ft gain • 3 hr 24 min
1 summit • 4.7 mi • 755 ft gain • 2 hr 16 min
Latest summits
"Hiked from Sabre Springs Park. The trail leaves from the baseball field and quickly ascends into the hills. I continued on to North Van Dam Peak. This was my turnaround point where I would start searching for the elusive trail to Van Dam Peak. I branched off on a different trail to get closer to Van Dam Peak, where I found a break in the brush that goes through a barbed wire fence. A use trail continues on to the peak from there. Due to the high brush, views aren't that great from the peak. However, there are great city views on the way back down the trail. " — MikeTeeples • Nov 22, 2021
"Chose to ascend the peak from the northern trailhead off Shoal Creek Drive. Not too much work is required to top out from there, but good agility and quick reflexes come in handy when dodging the mountain bikers that come shooting down the trail. In fact, from the north, this is more or less a mountain biking trail in which hikers are the minority. Several jumps and berms are built into the trail to enhance the mountain bike riding experience. I bypassed Peak 1080 on the way up in favor of reaching North Van Dam Peak first. After the gaggle of mountain bikers left the summit, I was able to take photos of it shortly after I arrived. On the way down, I took the spur trail that leads to the top of Peak 1080. I was expecting to do some bushwhacking on this one, but the trail is well defined and not overgrown. And best of all, it is not on the mountain bikers' route! So the summit was free of other visitors, and free of tire tracks, for that matter." — MikeTeeples • Jan 11, 2020
"Started at trail head on Iola way. It is important to note that the summit here on Peakery is incorrect. This summit is North Van Dam Peak. Van Dam Peak is to the south east. As far as I know there are no trails to Van Dam Peak, bushwhacking required. I have submitted changes that have not been approved as yet. After North Van Dam Peak I continued onto Peak 1080’ to the north west. I have submitted to have Peak added. " — Mtstalker • Apr 13, 2019
"Van Dam is a relatively easy peak. The elevation is closer to 1,113'. I climbed it from the south from Sabre Springs Park, on Sabre Springs Rd off Poway Rd near I-15. The ascent has quite a few ups and downs from this direction, and a few areas are steep, but it is not overly strenuous, and is quite fun. The scenery is wonderful as you ascend, and clear views to Cuyamaca, Woodson, Otay, Santiago Peak, and even Mt. Baldy are possible, as I climbed on a super clear December morning San Clemente Island can also be seen as well!. Black Mountain (Rancho Penasquitos), with its towers, becomes visible quickly across 15 to the west as you climb. Since it is a southern ascent, the vegetation starts off as sunny coastal sage scrub with California Sagebrush, California Encelia, Black and White Sage, and Laurel Sumac. Chamise and Mission Manzanita show up closer to the crest and the chaparral becomes thick near, on, and beyond the summit where the aspect becomes more northerly. With the sunny morning and damp soil from the recent rains, the area smelled incredible, thanks to the sagebrush and sage! They are greening up as well after their summer drought dormancy. The summit area has..." — brianpowell • Dec 8, 2018
"2nd summit of the day w/ the wifey & daughter - after doing Battle Mountain to see the cross in Rancho Bernardo. This was much more challenging for the girls. Always fun to have along on my treks. " — dkraftyhiker • Apr 24, 2013