A Bright Start in the Laguna Mountains

Trail View

This past weekend, we headed out early for a hike on the Red-Tailed Roost and Agua Dulce Trail Loop in the Laguna Mountain area of Cleveland National Forest, just east of San Diego. The 4.5-mile loop offers moderate terrain and sweeping views, making it a fantastic trail to explore on a sunny April morning. The cool mountain air, pine-scented breeze, and golden light filtering through the trees set the tone for a beautiful adventure.

Trail View

Birds Right From the Trailhead

California Scrub-jay

Not long after we started, we heard the raspy call of a California Scrub-jay, perched boldly on a pine branch. It wasn't alone—Mountain Chickadees flitted through the canopy all around us, their high-pitched calls adding a lively rhythm to the morning. It was clear from the start that this trail would be full of feathered company.

Mountain Chickadee

Swallows in the Sky

Violet-green Swallow

As we moved into a more open section of the trail, we looked up to see a group of Violet-green Swallows darting and swooping through the air. Their graceful flight and emerald backs shimmering in the sun were mesmerizing. Watching them zip overhead added a layer of energy to the peaceful surroundings.

Trail View

Quiet Moments in the Shade

Dark-eyed Junco

A shady patch of trail brought quieter birds into view. A few Dark-eyed Juncos poked around the forest floor, while a White-breasted Nuthatch scurried headfirst down a tree trunk nearby.

White-breasted Nuthatch

We were lucky to also spot a tiny Pygmy Nuthatch, its soft, squeaky call just barely audible as it moved quickly among the pine needles.

Pygmy Nuthatch

Woodpeckers and Forest Songs

Acorn Woodpecker

We continued along the loop, catching the sight and sound of Acorn Woodpeckers busy in the trees. Their laughter-like calls and constant movement added a fun energy to the woods. We saw several throughout the trail, darting between trees and vanishing into their stash-filled cavities.

Trail View

A Robin and a Builder

American Robin

Halfway through our hike, we came across a handsome American Robin perched on a log, its orange breast glowing in the sunlight.

Trail View

Nearby, a Lark Sparrow caught our attention as it gathered twigs and dried grass—clearly working hard on nest construction. Watching it busily pick through the materials felt like a quiet moment of spring in motion.

Lark Sparrow

Unexpected Guests

Steller's Jay

The higher we climbed, the more the scenery opened up. We were treated to a quick but vivid sighting of a Steller's Jay, its blue feathers shining and its bold personality on full display. A Northern Flicker also made an appearance, gliding past with a flash of red under its wings before landing in a tree and giving out a loud, clear call.

Northern Flicker

Sunshine and Serenity

Lewis's flax

The sunny weather stayed with us the whole way, lighting up the forest and keeping things pleasantly warm. The combination of tall pines, clear skies, and birdsong made every step feel refreshing.

Trail View

We paused a few times just to take it all in—those moments when you feel like the trail is exactly where you’re meant to be.

Squirrel

A Morning Well Spent

Trail View

Our morning hike on the Red-Tailed Roost and Agua Dulce Loop was a perfect mix of mild adventure and nature watching. The variety of birds, the gentle elevation changes, and the beauty of the Laguna Mountains left us both recharged and smiling.

Trail View

We couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend a spring morning together.

Eastwood's manzanita