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Hundreds arrive for Mt. Woodson hike

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Hundreds of hikers descended upon Mt. Woodson Friday evening during rush hour, lining both sides of state Route 67 with their vehicles. Many dashed across the highway between short gaps of traffic.

Showing up for a pink full moon hike, as announced by a couple of Facebook pages, the hikers began coming for the 6:30 event and an hour later were still arriving in droves. Some, like a group from Poway, Escondido and University of California San Diego, had trouble finding the trailhead by the Cal Fire station, and many headed to Mt. Woodson Road, only to find no access to the trail.

California Highway Patrol and the sheriff’s department patrolled the area. CHP Officer Brian Kattke said he issued three motorist citations for illegal turns, and another officer gave verbal warnings. Kattke said there were a few close calls with pedestrians crossing the highway, as well as with an unleashed dog that ran across and almost got hit. All in all, however, he said, everyone was safe.

Some Ramona residents have complained about the dangers of so many hikers parking and crossing or walking along the busy highway, and have asked the county to install a parking lot.

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