|
Benchmark Descriptions |
Please E-mail comments, corrections and additions to the webmaster at pje@efgh.com.
If you're not careful, you can literally stumble across this benchmark. It's set into the top of a small concrete cylinder near a picnic table in a grassy area at the highest point of Grant Hill Park. The park itself is bounded by
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk on the south side of Harbor Island Drive near a small parking turnout. There are no obvious landmarks nearby, but there is faint "X" painted on the sidewalk across the benchmark.
What remains of this benchmark is set into the curbstone on the east side of Normal Lane near a utility box bearing the number 6629. A white circle has been drawn around it, but it is otherwise unmarked.
This benchmark appears on the NATIONAL CITY quadrangle USGS topographic map on Boundary Street roughly midway between Landis Street and North Park Way, but I have been unable to find it.
It may have once been embedded in the sidewalk on the east side; there are at least two concrete patches of roughly the right size.
It might be embedded on the curbstone on the west side, where there is no sidewalk. Parts of the curbstone are covered by soil and vegetation that may be hiding the benchmark.
This benchmark is embedded on the sidewalk on the east side of Boundary Street, right in front of the house at 2505 Boundary Street, and roughly opposite Laurel St.
The STOCKTON benchmark is embedded in a sidewalk at the Mormon Battalion Monument in Presidio Park, next to a statue of a soldier.
The STOCKTON NO 3 benchmark is embedded in the base of the flagpole nearby. It lies in a depression that sometimes collects dirt and debris.
This benchmark is embedded in the curbstone on the west side of Boundary Street, just north of Adams Ave. It is probably the reference mark for a lost original.
Previous benchmark seekers haven't been able to find this benchmark. The location shown on the NATIONAL CITY quadrangle USGS topographic map, and the official latitude and longitude, appears to lie under a house or garage.
However, on January 26, 2014, I visited the site and found a benchmark nearby that may or may not be the DOT benchmark. A small, isolated segment of C Street runs east from the north end of a segment of 39th Street, and the benchmark is embedded on a curbstone on the outside of the curve where the two streets meet. It has been covered with bright red-orange paint, which was apparently applied to mark its location. The words "CALIF. DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION" show clearly through the paint. Other inscriptions are not clear, but may include the word "DOT".
This benchmark is embedded in a small concrete cylinder next to the access road for two water tanks on a hilltop. The views from the hilltop are quite extensive, and the area has a number of well-worn paths that are probably used by local hikers and mountain bikers.
The address on Moon Drive is that of the entrance to the access road for the water tanks. Although there is a locked gate across the road, there are some well-worn paths around the gate.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk near the west end of the south side of a bridge carrying Orange Avenue over Interstate Highway 805. It appears to be 16.3 miles north of the south end of this highway; hence the name.
This benchmark is embedded in a sidewalk that connects the south side of El Cajon Blvd. with an isolated section of Boundary Street that runs from Howard Ave. north to an alley. The sidewalk runs between an electrical substation on the west and an onramp to southbound Interstate Highway 805 on the east.
In fact, Boundary Street used to run through here, but it was cut out when Interstate Highway was built in the 1970s.
This benchmark is mounted vertically at the north end of the east wall of Old Fire Station Number 3, which is at the southwest corner of Fifth Ave. and Palm Ave.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk near the east end of the south side of a bridge carrying Landis Street over Interstate Highway 805. It appears to be 15.7 miles north of the south end of this highway; hence the name.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk on the south corner of the intersection of Alameda Blvd. and Third St. (The streets do not run north-south and east-west in this area.)
The benchmark is in a recess in the pavement which collects dirt and water.
This disk, which appears to be a cap on a pipe driven in the the ground, lies next to the Silver Strand Bike Path, between the path and the nearly California Highway 75. There is a call box 75-116 nearby, which is the easiest way to find this benchmark. The position is also marked by a so-called "witness post".
The IMPERIAL BEACH quadrangle USGS topographic map shows a benchmark at or near this location, but it probably refers to a different marker.
This benchmark is embedded on the sidewalk on the west end of the south side of the bridge carrying F Street over Interstate Highway 5.
The benchmark is shown on the NATIONAL CITY quadrangle USGS topographic map, but its position and name do not quite match the description of the DC1556 benchmark, so its identity is uncertain.
This benchmark is embedded in the curbstone on the northeast corner of Tideland Ave. and Bay Marina Drive (formerly 24th Street).
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk at the south end of the east side of a bridge carrying Harbor Drive over a small stream just north of 8th Street. The stream is labeled "Seventh St Channel" on the NATIONAL CITY quadrangle USGS topographic map, but the benchmark is not shown on that map.
This bears a 1933 date, and it certainly looks that old.
Old descriptions give its position relative to an old railroad running around the southern edge of San Diego Bay and up the Silver Strand to Coronado. It had several names, one of which was the Coronado Branch of the San Diego and Arizona Eastern Railway.
The railroad is long gone, but it has been replaced by the Silver Strand Bike Path, a part of the Bayshore Bikeway. The position of the benchmark relative to the path matches the old descriptions.
Just south of the bike path, just east of the corner of 8th Street and Boulevard Ave., there are some large rocks and some small rocks.
The benchmark is embedded on one of the small rocks, and it faces the bike path, almost as if set up for display to passing bicyclists. (They probably won't notice it unless they're looking for it.)
The benchmark may have been moved, but its position and coordinates match the old descriptions, so it probably wasn't moved very far.
The street address 401 8th St. is that of an adjacent house. The benchmark is behind the house, although apparently not in its backyard.
These two benchmarks, which should actually be named CROWN POINT, are located next to Riviera Drive just west of Ingraham Street.
The BAY PT benchmark is embedded on a concrete anchor perched on the south side of the street. It was not positioned for permanence. It lies at the top of a steep slope made of loose soil. It will eventually slide into the bay.
The BAY PT NO. 2 benchmark is embedded on the curbstone on the north side of the street.
At the foot of a nearby concrete stairway from Riviera Drive to the beach below, there is a small metal disk embedded in the pavement. There are no markings on it, but its size suggests that it might be plugging a hole left by the removal of a third benchmark related to the other two.
These three benchmarks are located close together at the summit of a small peak on the western boundary of Barnett Ranch Open Space Preserve. The address given is the address of the preserve entrance, which is about a mile to the northeast.
A trail runs through a saddle on the north side of the peak. Reaching these benchmarks requires a bit of bushwhacking and climbing.
This benchmark is on a large rock near the end of the Overlook Trail in Barnett Ranch Open Space Preserve. It is easily accessible from the trail, and there is even a picnic table nearby.
The address given is the address of the preserve entrance, which is about ½ mile to the northwest.
This benchmark is embedded in a concrete path running through the Crown Point Picnic Area of Mission Bay Park. It is near the bench dedicated to Lester E. Earnest, and also near a sign facing the water that reads, in part, "WATER SKI LANDING AREA".
The address is that of the nearest signed intersection.
The reference monument for this benchmark is embedded a driveway at the specified address. The original benchmark was not found.
These two benchmarks are embedded in the sidewalk at the west end of the north side of a bridge carrying Murray Dr. over the Green Line Trolley tracks near Water St.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk at the west end of the north side of a bridge carrying El Cajon Blvd. over the Green Line Trolley tracks near Murray Dr.
This benchmark is embedded in a small concrete cylinder near the south side of Old Highway 80 just east of the junction with Crestwood Rd. The street address is in Campo, but it is actually near the Golden Acorn Casino in an area that is usually not associated with Campo.
There do not appear to be any other benchmarks or reference marks nearby, unless they are obscured by vegetation.
This benchmark bears the name found on the USGS topographic map (LA JOLLA quadrangle), but it is not in exactly the same position, and it bears a later date than official records. It may be a reference mark or some other auxiliary mark.
Although it lies inside the hospice at the north end of 3rd Ave. in the Hillcrest district of San Diego, it is fairly easy to reach on foot, apparently without trespassing on hospice property.
On the west side of the north end of 3rd Ave. there is a signed entrance to an unnamed "open space". Street parking is available, with a two-hour limit, which should be more than enough.
The street address is that of the hospice.
Follow the obvious path about 0.25 miles north as it winds along the hillside. When the path begins to descend, turn right and go up to a fenced area. The benchmark is just inside the fence near its northwest corner.
The other benchmarks, if any, probably lie in the rather dense chaparral nearby, probably outside the fenced area.
These two benchmarks are embedded in a sidewalk on the east side of the bridge carrying Old Town Ave. over Interstate Highway 5.
Benchmark C1415 RESET is near the south end, i.e. on the west side of Interstate Highway 5. It appears that the benchmark narrowly escaped destruction when a curb cut was installed.
Benchmark 5-19.0 is near the middle of the bridge. As its name suggests, it marks the point on highway 5 approximately 19.0 mile north of the border.
This benchmark is mounted vertically on a retaining wall on the south side of University Ave., right under the north side of the Georgia Street Bridge, and near a plaque dated 1914 which apparently names the engineer who designed the bridge and the contractor who built it.
Both the benchmark and the plaque have been painted over, rendering some of their content almost illegible.
Both the benchmark and the plaque are easily seen by pedestrians on the sidewalk along the south side of University Ave.
This benchmark is embedded on the top of a low wall at the southeast corner of El Prado and Balboa Dr. in Balboa Park. The area is signed as Sefton Plaza, and features two small unlabeled buildings. The benchmark is near one of the buildings.
Oddly enough, this benchmark is not found on the list at the Geocaching Website. It is shown on the USGS topographic map (Point Loma quadrangle).
This benchmark is easy to find. They've even painted a bright blue circle around it and added the letters "BM". These enhancements appear to be recent, since they don't appear in older photographs of the scene.
The benchmark is embedded in a curbstone next to the railroad grade crossing on Noell St. That's all you need to know to be able to find it.
Neither the railroad nor the street is aligned with the cardinal points of the compass, even approximately, so standard NSEW directions would be confusing.
The benchmark is near a corner of the crossing, on the side of the tracks closer to Pacific Highway and the side of the street closer to Washington St.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk on the west side of the bridge carrying Qualcomm Way/Texas St. over Interstate Highway 8. It is approximately in the center of the bridge, almost directly above the freeway median.
The benchmark is actually something called a "horizontal control". The 1930 date is approximate; the disk is badly worn and the last digit is somewhat obscure.
The benchmark is embedded on the top of a large rock near the summit of Cowles Mountain. The street address is that of the Cowles Mountain Trailhead. The path from the trailhead to the summit is about one and one-half miles long. It is a very popular hiking trail.
The benchmark is actually something called a "reference mark". It is embedded on the top of a large rock near the summit of Cowles Mountain, a few feet farther from the summit than the COWLES 1930 benchmark.
This shiny and relatively new-looking benchmark is stuck on the pavement near the middle of the bottom of a large staircase leading to the front door of the San Diego Natural History Museum. A nearby sundial can be conceived as a sort of "witness post".
The street address is that of the museum. According to legends on the benchmark disk itself, it was originally set in 1938 and reset in 1972.
Oddly enough, this benchmark is not found on the list at the Geocaching Website. It is shown on the USGS topographic map (Point Loma quadrangle), although not in precisely its current position. It was probably moved when it was reset in 1972.
This benchmark is mounted vertically on the west side of the pillar at the southwest corner of the Santa Fe Railroad Station. It is fairly east to find, and fortunately it has not been made inaccessible by nearby construction.
I've taken the liberty of assigning the name "COURTHOUSE" to this benchmark, which is mounted vertically next to a door at the San Diego County Courthouse. There is no name on the disk itself. It does not appear on the list at the Geocaching Website, but it is shown on the USGS topographic map (Point Loma quadrangle).
These two benchmarks are embedded in the sidewalk along the northeast side of the bridge carrying Harbor Dr. over some railroad tracks just south of the intersection of Harbor Dr. and Park Blvd.
Benchmarks in the vicinity do appear on the list at the Geocaching Website, but the descriptions refer to marks on the bridge supports, not on the sidewalk. The area under the bridge is mostly inaccessible.
Both benchmarks are fairly near the center and highest point on the bridge, with LS 6000 farther northwest.
This benchmark is embedded in the curbstone on the northwest corner of University Ave. and 52nd St. It looks a lot older than its 1972 date indicates, probably because that is the date when it was last reset.
Fortunately, the mark was spared when a curb cut was installed at this corner. A painted "save" notation shows that the preservation was probably deliberate, and that the mark is not likely to be lost any time soon.
Earlier descriptions and photographs indicate that the mark was formerly covered with red paint. The paint has been removed.
This benchmark is embedded in sidewalk on the west side and near the north end of the bridge carrying Baltimore Dr. over Interstate Highway 8. Unlike most benchmarks on freeway overpasses, the notations do not refer to the highway.
This benchmark is embedded on the curb along the south side of Murray Dr. just west of the junction with Wakurusa St.
This benchmark (if you can call it that) is embedded on the curb along the south side of El Cajon Blvd. just west of the junction with Washington Ave. and Marshall Ave.
The benchmark is shown on the USGS Topographic Map (El Cajon Quadrangle), but the disk shows no readable text or marks. It may be badly weathered, or it may be a blank disk used to fill the hole left when the original was removed for some reason.
This disk is embedded in the sidewalk on the south side of Main St. about one-half block west of Magnolia Ave.
The USGS Topographic Map (El Cajon Quadrangle) shows a benchmark in this area, but the original was probably removed, buried or destroyed when this area was turned into a sort of downtown plaza.
The disk bears some test and a seal, but no numbers or other information to distinguish it from others set by the same agency. It is probably not a benchmark.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk on the northwest corner of Bradley Ave. and Graves Ave. It was set by San Diego County, and it does reside in an unincorporated area.
This benchmark is set into a standard concrete cylinder on the east side of Magnolia Ave. just north of the junction with Airport Dr. It was set in 1955 and it looks as though it hasn't been disturbed since then.
This benchmark is embedded in the curb on the east side of Magnolia Ave. just north of the interchange with California Highways 52 and 67. The name of the mark suggests some association with California Highway 52, although it was set years before that higway was extended this far east.
I wasn't able to find this benchmark, although it is shown on the USGS topographic map (La Mesa quadrangle), and it is listed on the Geocaching website.
Other benchmarkers were able to find it, noting that it was obscured by vegetation. I'll have to look for it a little harder.
This benchmark is embedded in the curb on the southwest corner of Cuyamaca St. and Airpost Vista Rd. However, it is just south of the interchange with California Highway 52, and its name means that it is 16.3 miles from the west end of that highway.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk near the east end of the north side of the Roscoe E. Hazard Memorial Bridge, which carries Adams Avenue over Interstate Highway 805. It appears to be 17.0 miles north of the south end of this highway; hence the name.
This benchmark is embedded in the base of a flagpole in front of Hoover High School. It is not listed in the Geocaching website, which is surprising for a benchmark at such a prominent location.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk along the east side of College Ave., just south of a bridge carrying College Ave. over Interstate Highway 8.
This benchmark was reported missing a few years ago, but it has apparently been restored. It is embedded on a flat rock at a westward-looking view point just west of the Whitaker Trail in the Lakeside Linkage Preserve. It appears to be at or near the highest point on the trail.
The benchmark is publicly accessible only from the Whitaker Trail. The address given is that of the trailhead on Los Coches Rd. The distance from the trailhead to the point closest to the benchmark is about 0.75 miles along the trail, and the benchmark is 281 feet higher than the trailhead.
This benchmark is embedded in the east end of the sidewalk along the north side of the E Street bridge over Interstate Highway 5. Its name means that is on Highway 5 approximately 8.6 miles north of the south end of the highway.
This benchmark is embedded near the south end of the sidewalk along the west side of the 22nd Street bridge over California Highway 94. Its name apparently refers to that highway, although the meaning of the number 2.62 is unclear. It is not 2.62 miles, or 2.62 kilometers, from the west end of the highway.
This benchmark is embedded in a large rock in the San Pasqual Battlefield Monument enclosure on the north side of San Pasqual Valley Road, at the intersection with Ysabel Creek Road.
Two other rocks in the same enclosure have large plaques on them. A third rock has a rectangular depression where a plaque is missing. Hopefully, the benchmark disk will not suffer the same fate!
The TORREY benchmark is embedded in the pavement in a small enclosure at the end of the High Point Trail in Torrey Pines Natural Preserve. The TORREY PINES NO. 2 benchmark is embedded in a small concrete cylinder next to the Trail near the enclosure. The street address is that of the preserve, actually the north entrance on N. Torrey Pines Park Rd. The High Point Trail is on Torrey Pines Park Rd., formerly an old alignment of Highway 101 but now merely a park access road with no street addresses.
This benchmark is next to one of the many unsigned trails in Carmel Mountain Preserve. It is most easily accessed by starting at a signed trailhead on the north side of Fairport Way, approximately opposite Shorepointe Way and west of Ocean Air Park. Go about 0.84 miles north to the Carmel Mountain Preserve Overlook, you'll pass the benchmark, which will be on the left.
This benchmark is on a peak just south of Tooth Rock, a prominent landmark in Poway.
There are two ways to access this benchmark. You can start at the signed trailhead on Range Park Rd. where it crosses Rattlesnake Creek. Follow the trail east and turn left onto a steep trail ascending the hill bearing Tooth Rock. Turn left at the next two junctions. When you reach Tooth Rock, keep going south to a slightly lower peak. The benchmark is on a pipe driven into the ground among some small rocks.
The street address is that of the trailhead.
An alternative route, which may or may not be open or passible, is to follow the paved Tooth Rock Road south to its end, cross a leveled building site and continue on a dirt road along the east side of a ridge leading to Tooth Rock. Although Tooth Rock Road is signed as "private", it bears a city sign and it is shown on the Thomas guide as a public street. If a house is built at the end of Tooth Rock Road, the dirt road may become inaccessible.
These two benchmarks are located on a grassy area just inside the loop road around the tower at the summit of Volcan Mountain. The older benchmark VOLCAN NO 1, is mounted on a sturdy pipe embedded in the ground. It seems to be a "reference" mark. The newer one, which is embedded in a nearby flat rock, may be unrelated.
The true VOLCAN benchmark may be hidden in nearby vegetation.
The address is that of the entrance to Volcan Mountain Preserve. The benchmarks can be reached by walking up the access road from this point. The preserve is closed in winter and after significant rain in the summer.
This benchmark is embedded in the top of a small retaining wall protecting a culvert at the southeast corner of the intersection of Highway 78/79 (Julian Rd.) and Farley Rd. CAUTION: There are two such intersections; this is the WESTERN one.
This benchmark is on the top of a pipe driven into the ground next to the driveway for 1531 Orchard Lane. It is fairly easy to find. Go north on eastbound Highway 78 (which is also northbound Highway 79). About 0.2 miles north of Wynola Rd. the highway veers to the left, but a smaller street continues north. The benchmark is on the right side of the smaller street, a short distance north of the junction.
This benchmark is embedded in a large, flat rock at the south end of the parking lot for Inaja Memorial Park on Highway 78/79 just up the hill from Santa Ysabel. It's close to the stone monument bearing an interpretive plaque.
This benchmark is mounted vertically on the wall of a building at 701 Main St., at the intersection with Seventh St. Apparently, it was painted over, and then most of the paint was removed.
The building reportedly used to be a bank, but it now houses the Orangebook Directories.
This benchmark is embedded in a low concrete cylinder on the east side of an unpaved road east of the three chimneys at the highest point in the Canyon Hills Open Space. The chimneys are part of the Second San Diego Aqueduct, which runs through this area on its way to Miramar Lake.
The name refers to Interstate Highway 15, which runs just east of the open space and is visible from the vicinity of the benchmark. The chimneys are visible from the highway.
A much older benchmark called MIRAMAR used to be nearby, embedded in a large rock, perhaps accompanied by a reference mark or two. However, benchmarkers have been unable to find the MIRAMAR benchmark; it is presumed to have been destroyed by construction on the aqueduct.
The address is that of the northern entrance to Canyon Hills Open Space. The benchmark can be reached by hiking 0.53 miles up a dirt road which is shown as Alemania Rd. on most maps, but which is not signed as such south of Mercy Rd. Maps of this area show a number of named streets which may have been planned but were never built.
This benchmark is embedded in the curbstone on the north side of Camino Del Rio N. just west of the intersection with Fairmount Ave. The street address is that of an adjacent gas station and carwash.
A listed benchmark DC0942 is or was near this one, but it is probably not the same mark.
This benchmark is embedded in a large rock conveniently located next to a turnout on the west side of California Highway 79 for Call Box 79-17. The address is only approximate; the postmile is 1.7 miles.
The rock bearing the benchmark is emblazoned with the benchmark's name in orange paint, and the disk itself is marked with blue paint. The disk bears a 2014 date, but this is obviously a reset because the benchmark is noted on a topographic map compiled and updated much earlier.
This benchmark is embedded in a small concrete anchor on the east side of California Highway 79 at postmile 7.52, i.e. about 0.02 miles north of the 7.50 mile larker. It lies roughly midway between two parking turnouts, West Mesa to the south and Cold Stream to the north.
This benchmark is embedded in a small concrete anchor on the west side of California Highway 79 just south of Lookout Fire Road.
There is no street sign for Lookout Fire Road, but it is easy to find because it is located just south of the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Headquarters. The street address is that of the headquarters.
This USGS benchmark is embedded in concrete, approximately at street level, at the northeast corner of a bridge carrying Old Pomerado Road over a small creek. The site is easily recognized by the smaller pedestrian bridge crossing the same creek just east of the street.
The location is also the beginning of a signed segment of the South Poway Trail.
This benchmark is embedded in a concrete culvert on the south side of Old Highway 80, just west of Pine Valley Rd. The address is that of the Pine Valley Water Company facility just west of the culvert.
Apparently, there used to be a USCGS benchmark at this site, but I could find only two benchmark-like disks embedded in the curbstones on Rosecrans St. on both sides of Dewey Rd.
The Navy has a little-known subterranean fuel line that runs from Miramar Marine Corps Air Station to the Submarine Base at Point Loma. Presumably, it runs under these marks.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk near the east end of the south side of a bridge carrying N. Harbor Dr. over the channel along the southeast side of Liberty Station (formerly the Naval Training Center). Although the word "RESET" and the 1978 date suggest that it has been moved, its position matches early descriptions.
This benchmark is mounted vertically on the front wall of the Harbor Police Headquarters, right under the date "1948" embedded in the wall.
The disk has been painted over, but most of the markings are still visible, although nearly illegible.
The Mount Soledad Cross is easy to find. This benchmark is embedded in the pedestal of the cross, just outside a fence enclosing the cross.
This benchmark is embedded in the top of a large boulder at or near the summit called Flinn Peak. It is accessible on foot from Flinn Springs County Park, and the street address is that of the park. There may be a considerably closer access point in Crest, but I have not explored this route.
To reach Flinn Peak from Flinn Springs County Park, first go to the westernmost of three parking lots in the park. Walk uphill (roughly south) on a park service road. Turn right just before reaching a baseball field and go up to a large cleared area (apparently a firebreak).
The beginning of the Flinn Springs Trail is near a plaque commemorating the Cedar Fire, which roared through here in 2003.
Follow the Flinn Springs Trail up the hillside and through a saddle. Turn left into a smaller, unmarked trail at N 32° 50.250 W 116° 50.916. Follow this trail steeply up to the summit, about 0.7 miles.
These three disks are easily located at the summit of Cuyamaca Peak. The disk labeled "CUYAMACA NO 3" is embedded in a large concrete block that may have been one of the footings for the lookout tower which was torn down many years ago. The other two are embedded in large rocks.
There may be, or may have been, other benchmarks at this summit. A rock near the disk labeled "CUYAMACA 2" has a hole in it that may have once held a benchmark disk.
All the benchmarks are damaged to some extent, and some of the dates and other information are doubtful. The benchmark labeled "CUYAMACA" is bent, as though someone had tried to pry it off.
Lookout Fire Road, a steep and narrow but mostly paved road, runs approximately three miles from California Highway 79 to the summit. It is open only to hikers, mountain bikes and official vehicles.
There is no street sign for Lookout Fire Road, but it is easy to find because it is located just south of the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Headquarters. The street address is that of the headquarters.
Benchmark P308 is located next to Lookout Fire Road and California Highway 79.
This benchmark is embedded on the sidewalk along the west side of the bridge carrying El Camino Real over Carmel Valley Creek, near the north end of the bridge.
The name apparently refers to El Camino Real and its position at the northwest corner of the crossing.
The street address is that of a small utility vault just north of the bridge on the west side of the street.
There are several benchmarks on the County Administration Building, but only this one is marked on the USGS topographic map. Construction on the new Waterfront Park has blocked access to this benchmark, but with the opening of the park on May 10, the benchmark is easily accessible. It is mounted on a south-facing wall near the southwestern corner of the building.
If published descriptions are accurate, the building must be festooned with benchmarks. So far, I have located nine benchmarks on this one building.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk along the west side of the bridge carrying 47th Street over California Highway 94. It is just south of the middle of the bridge.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk along the east side of the bridge carrying Lemon Grove Ave. over California Highway 94. It is near, but not at, the middle of the bridge.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk along the west side of the bridge carrying Grove Street over California Highway 94. It is near the south end of the bridge.
The name of this benchmark does not conform to the usual conventions. It is associated with Highway 94, but it is not 15.85 miles from the west end of the highway.
This benchmark is mounted vertically on the north wall of the County Administration Building near the northeast corner. It is fairly easy to find and access, although this may change as shrubs planted near the building grow larger.
This benchmark is mounted vertically on the north wall of the County Administration Building about a foot east of the wheelchair ramp leading to the north entrance. It is very close to H9.
This benchmark is mounted vertically on the north wall of the County Administration Building next to the wheelchair ramp leading to the north entrance. It is very close to H10.
This benchmark is mounted vertically on the north wall of the County Administration Building very near the northwest corner. It has been painted over and is barely legible, but it is readily accessible.
This benchmark is mounted vertically on the west wall of the County Administration Building just a few feet north of the west entrance. It is easy to find, but not easy to access because it lies above a basement window, and the window well is fenced off. The photograph was taken from a distance of several feet.
The benchmark is very near H16. It appears to be a virtual twin of H6.
This benchmark is mounted vertically on the west wall of the County Administration Building just north of the west entrance. It is easy to find and fairly easy to access. It has been painted over, but the paint has been removed from the crucial information.
This benchmark appears to be a virtual twin of H15.
This benchmark is mounted vertically on the west wall of the County Administration Building just south of the west entrance. It is easy to find and fairly easy to access.
This benchmark appears to be a virtual twin of H16.
This benchmark is mounted vertically on the west wall of the County Administration Building just a few feet south of the west entrance. It is easy to find, but not easy to access because it lies above a basement window, and the window well is fenced off. The photograph was taken from a distance of several feet. It has been painted over, but the paint has been removed from the crucial information.
The benchmark is very near H15. It appears to be a virtual twin of H7.
This benchmark is a cap on a pipe driven into the ground at a view point in La Jolla Natural Park at the end of a short path leading from the gated park entrance on Encelia Dr.
The signs at the park entrance say "La Jolla View Reservoir" and "La Jolla Heights Open Space". However, the name "La Jolla Natural Park" appears in the Thomas Guide and perhaps other documents.
The address is approximate. Brodiaea Way and Encelia Dr. meet near this point and it is hard to tell which is which. Even the name of one street is spelled "Brodiaea" in one place and "Brodiaca" in another.
This benchmark is embedded near the east end of the sidewalk along the north side of the Adams Avenue bridge over California Highway 15.
This benchmark is mounted on a small concrete anchor hidden in tall grass on the south side of California Highway 79 opposite Yaqui Dr.
This benchmark is at the northeast corner of a bridge carrying Old Highway 80 over Pine Creek, at the junction with Pine Creek Rd. There is no sidewalk on the bridge, so the benchmark is embedded in a narrow concrete lip next to the road.
This benchmark is mounted on a small concrete anchor on the south shoulder of Old Highway 80 in Guatay, next to the Mile 2 milepost.
This benchmark is embedded in the curb on the north side of Hotel Circle N, near an onramp to westbound Interstate Highway 8, in front of the Handlery Hotel. The street address is that of the hotel.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk on the east side of Morena Blvd., just south of the San Diego River and north of the San Diego River Trail.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk on the east side of Morena Blvd., at the north end of a bridge carrying Morena Blvd. over Friars Rd.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk on the west side of a bridge over Interstate Highway 8 joining the west ends of Hotel Circle N and Hotel Circle S. It is approximately over the center of Interstate Highway 8.
This painted-over benchmark is still recognizable, although its name is illegible. It is embedded on the curb on the south side of Hotel Circle S in front of the Mission Grove business center.
It is a Caltrans benchmark, apparently one of many marking Interstate Highway 8. Accordingly, its name is probably something like 8-1.80R.
This benchmark is embedded in the curb on the south side of Hotel Circle S, just west of Bachman Place.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk on the northeast corner of Camino Del Rio N and Camino Del Arroyo.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk on the west side of a bridge carrying Auto Circle over Interstate Highway 8. It is approximately over the center of Interstate Highway 8.
Although the official name of the street is Auto Circle, it is not much of a street, and it is most definitely not a circle. It is actually the southern part of Mission Center Rd., between Camino Del Rio N and Camino Del Rio S.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk on north side of a bridge carrying Voigt Dr. over Interstate Highway 5, near the west end of the bridge.
Although the legends painted on the bridge use the spelling "Voight", the spelling "Voigt" is used on street signs and street maps.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk on south side of a bridge carrying Sea World Dr. over Interstate Highway 5, near the west end of the bridge.
This benchmark is embedded in concrete at the southwest corner of a bridge carrying West Morena Blvd. over Tecolote Creek.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk on the north side of a bridge carrying Tulip Street over Interstate Highway 805. It is near the east side of the bridge. The street address is that of the nearest house east of the bridge.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk at the east end of the north side of a bridge carrying Avenida Encinas over the Amtrak/Coaster/Santa Fe railroad tracks. The street address is only approximate, because there are no nearby buildings on Avenida Encinas.
This benchmark is embedded in the curbstone on the north side of Murray Dr. between Brier Rd. and Nokomis St.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk on the north side of Murray Dr. near the entrance to Sharp Grossmont Hospital. One character of the name is illegible.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk at the northeast corner of Spring St. and University Ave.
This benchmark is embedded in a curbstone on the east side of the north end of the bridge carrying Buckman Springs Rd. (County Highway S1) over Cottonwood Creek.
This benchmark is on a bridge abutment on the south side of California Highway 78 roughly a half mile west of the junction with California Highway 79 in Santa Ysabel. The nearby Call Box 78-505 is a good landmark and parking space for benchmark hunters.
This City of La Mesa benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk near the northwest corner of University Ave. and Lowell St.
These three benchmarks are embedded in three large boulders at the summit of Eagle Peak. The address is that of the Three Sisters Waterfall trailhead, which is on Boulder Creek Rd. at the junction with Cedar Creek Rd. (N 32° 59.084 W 116° 40.615). The trail to the summit of Eagle Peak goes more or less directly west from this point to the summit, a distance of about 2.1 miles. A cutoff to the south goes down to Three Sisters Waterfall.
This benchmark is embedded in a concrete block on the north side of California Highway 78 near the entrance to Stag Cove, about 3/4 mile east of the junction with County Highway S3 (Yaqui Pass Rd.). It is often covered by drifting sand. The witness post, bearing the legend "SAN DIEGO COUNTY ENGINEER SURVEYMONUMENT 19" is about a foot away from the benchmark. Without the witness post, this benchmark would be very hard to find.
This benchmark is embedded in the pavement of the Solana Beach Coastal Rail Trail, which runs along the east side of Highway 101. It is near the north end of the trail, a short distance south of Ocean St.
There are at least three benchmarks with the name "L.S. 7019" along the Coast Highway. For this list, they are numbered from south to north.
This benchmark is embedded in a culvert on the east side of Coast Highway 101 near the south end of Cardiff-By-The-Sea, a community of Encinitas. The welcome sign is only a few feet away.
This benchmark is embedded in the ground on the east side of a bicycle and pedestrian path along the east side of N. Coast Highway 101 in Leucadia, a district of Encinitas. It is next to a witness post and a white reflector post. It is north of Marcheta St. and south of El Portal St.
There are at least three benchmarks with the name "L.S. 7019" along the Coast Highway. For this list, they are numbered from south to north.
This benchmark is embedded in concrete on the northeast corner of a bridge carrying northbound Carlsbad Blvd. (Coast Highway). over a small watercourse in a part of Carlsbad called Ponto, roughly one-half mile north of Avenida Encinas.
Both the name and date of this benchmark, if it is actually a benchmark, are somewhat obscure and doubtful.
This benchmark is embedded in concrete on the northwest corner of a bridge carrying the Coast Highway over the outflow from San Elijo Lagoon, roughly 0.2 miles south of Chesterfield Dr.
This benchmark is embedded in the pavement of the Solana Beach Coastal Rail Trail, which runs along the east side of Highway 101. It is near the south end of the trail, a short distance north of Via De La Valle.
There are at least three benchmarks with the name "L.S. 7019" along the Coast Highway. For this list, they are numbered from south to north.
This benchmark is embedded in the curbstone on the northwest side of E. Mission Bay Dr. just northeast of Fiesta Island Rd. The street address is approximate.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk at the east end of the north side of the bridge carrying F Street over Interstate Highway 5 in Chula Vista.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk at the southeast corner of L St. and Industrial Blvd. in Chula Vista.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk at the east end of the north side of the bridge carrying L Street over Interstate Highway 5 in Chula Vista.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk at the west end of the north side of the bridge carrying L Street over Interstate Highway 5 in Chula Vista.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk at the east end of the south side of the bridge carrying Coronado Ave. over Interstate Highway 5 in the Nestor district of San Diego.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk at the east end of the north side of the bridge carrying Palm Ave. (California Highway 75) over Interstate Highway 5 and under the ramp from eastbound Palm Ave. to northbound Interstate Highway 5 in the Nestor district of San Diego.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk at the west end of the north side of the bridge carrying Palm Ave. (California Highway 75) over Interstate Highway 5 and under the ramp from eastbound Palm Ave. to northbound Interstate Highway 5 in the Nestor district of San Diego.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk near the west end of the south side of the bridge carrying Palm Ave. over Interstate Highway 805 in the Otay Mesa district of San Diego.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk near on the north side of the bridge carrying Palm Ave. over Interstate Highway 805 in the Otay Mesa district of San Diego. It is somewhat west of the center of the bridge, approximately over the fastest southbound lane.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk at the northwest end of the northeast side of the bridge carrying Willow St. over the Sweetwater River in Bonita.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk at the southeast end of the southwest side of the bridge carrying Merritt Blvd. over California Highway 125. It is approximately opposite Mariposa St.
This benchmark is embedded in a small concrete cylinder under a power line tower about 0.2 miles south of San Dieguito Rd. It is easily accessible, being next to part of the Lusardi Creek Loop trail in the Santa Luz district of San Diego. The address is that of a gated access point on San Dieguito Rd. almost due north of the benchmark. It is shown as "LOW SOUTH" on the USGS topographic map of the area.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk at the northwest corner of Lemon Ave. and Glen St. in La Mesa, in front of the Evangelical Bible Church at 8742 Lemon Ave.
This benchmark is embedded in the curbstone at the southwest corner of Cinnabar Dr. and Highwood Ave. in La Mesa. Although there is some paint on it, the markings are fairly clear.
This benchmark is embedded in the curbstone almost exactly across the street from the remains of the CAR benchmark.
This benchmark is embedded in a small concrete cylinder, perilously located on the NE shoulder of County Highway S1 (Great Southern Overland State Route of 1849) at the intersection with Agua Caliente Hot Spgs (the road leading to Agua Caliente Regional Park). The address is that of the park, and the name of the street had to be truncated to make it fit into the available space in the database!
It is amazing that this benchmark apparently hasn't been damaged by cars straying off the highway!
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk along the east side of the bridge carrying Campo Road over California Highway 94. It is approximately above the freeway median.
The address is approximate, because there are no buildings nearby.
There is a full interchange with California Highway 94 at this location. However, the exits are signed as "exit 11, Sweetwater Springs Boulevard", because what appears to be a continuation of Campo Road south of the bridge is Sweetwater Springs Boulevard.
This benchmark is embedded in a large rock at or near the highest point of Sweetwater Summit, a hill near the Sweetwater Summit Campground.
The name is apparently "OTTO", but the text "NAT. CITY 0-8" is larger and may have some significance.
The street address is that of the campground.
On a nearby rock is a disk bearing the legends "SWT1 1998" and "UCSD SIO IGPP". It is probably not a benchmark.
This benchmark is embedded in the north end of a sidewalk along the west side of the Sunnyside Bridge, which carries Bonita Road (County Highway S17) over the Sweetwater River.
This benchmark is embedded in the sidewalk near the south end of the west side of the bridge carrying Channel Road over the San Diego River.
This benchmark is embedded in the curb on the north side of the bridge carrying Carroll Canyon Road over Interstate Highway 15.
These two benchmarks have been placed in soft, sandy soil just north of the main east-west trail through the San Elijo Lagoon Preserve. They are most easily reached from a small trailhead on the south side of Manchester Ave., roughly halfway between Mira Costa College and the interchange with Interstate Highway 5. Go south across the lagoon along a levee or causeway, and turn left (east) on the south side. Go 0.02 miles to SEL 167 and another 0.10 miles to SEL 168.
The address is the approximate location of the trailhead on Manchester Ave.
This benchmark is embedded in a boulder at the summit of Viejas Mountain. It can be accessed via a steep, rocky 1.8-mile trail from a wide spot on West Boundary Truck Trail, which is a northern extension of Anderson Road. The street address is the approximate location of the trailhead.
There is apparently another benchmark called VIEJAS NO 1, which I have yet to find.
This benchmark is embedded in a boulder just across the highway from the Lake Cuyamaca Restaurant & Store, near a faint, but signed trail. The street address is that of the restaurant.
The benchmark may be partly concealed by tall grass, but it is fairly easy to find.
This benchmark is embedded in a small concrete cylinder on a small ridge on the left side of a path from the parking area at Fonts Point to the main overlook.
The address is approximate. Access to Fonts Point is via a sandy, unpaved four-mile-long road leading south from mile 29.3 on County Highway S22 east of Borrego Springs.
There are apparently several other benchmarks in this area, but I found none near the overlook.