Clouds and Shadows: East County

Taken from Mt. Helix looking east beyond El Cajon.

Mt. Helix

Standing atop Mr. Helix, the dominant geological feature 15 miles east of Downtown San Diego, one has a clear 360 degree view of San Diego west all the way to the Coronado Islands, the City of La Mesa, south to Spring Valley and beyond to the border with Mexico, and north and east to El Cajon and beyond to the mountains of the Cleveland National Forest. Also located here is an open air amphitheater that hosts summer theatrical productions and Easter sunrise services. The top is accessed via two spiraling roadways, hence the term "helix" in its name. The cross at the pinnacle can be seen for miles in every direction. The land is owned and maintained by a private trust. To learn more, click here. Also, see a short summary in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

After the Storm

Although not common, San Diego County occasionally is the recipient of heavy snowfalls coming from the north. This image was taken from atop Mt. Helix looking northeast to the mountains beyond El Cajon, where it glistens like crystal in the morning light.