There’s something special about Mt. Helix. Tucked away in the hills of La Mesa, it’s one of those places that manages to be peaceful and energizing all at once. We took Mai Boys to burn off some of that endless energy, and honestly, I’m not sure who got the better workout: them running wild or me trying to keep up on those infamous stairs.
Let’s talk about those stairs for a second. They’re no joke. Steep, uneven, and enough to get your heart pumping in the first five minutes. But that’s kind of the beauty of it. You feel every step in your legs and lungs, and when you get to the top, whew. Worth it.
At the summit, there’s a big white cross that’s been standing tall since the 1920s. Mt. Helix Park was actually dedicated as a memorial by a local family, and now it’s one of San Diego’s hidden gems for a quick escape from the city noise. There’s an amphitheater up top too, which has been used for Easter sunrise services and community performances over the years. It’s one of those spots that holds a quiet kind of history- not flashy, just steady and meaningful.
And then, of course, there are the views. On a clear day, you can see the city stretching all the way out to the ocean. The hills roll on in every direction, and there’s this deep stillness up there that kind of hushes you, even if your kids are still bouncing off the walls. It’s the kind of place where you take a breath and realize how tightly you’d been holding it.
Mt. Helix is perfect for a quick weekday workout or a Saturday morning adventure with the family. It’s not long, but it makes you work for it. It’s scenic, steep, and surprisingly soul-filling. And when the boys ask if they can race up the stairs again, you just smile, nod, and pretend your legs aren’t shaking.
Mai Household Mayhem 