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East of San Diego, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park offers respite from the dry Southern California landscape. The park’s 24,700 acres of oak and conifer forests and expansive meadows are broken by running streams. Located in the Peninsular Range of mountains, Cuyamaca Peak, at 6,512 feet, is the second highest point in San Diego County. From the peak, visitors can see Anza-Borrego Desert State Park to the east or the Pacific coastline to the west. Over half of the park's acreage is designated as state wilderness.
The two family camps, Paso Picacho and Green Valley, are open and on the reservation system spring through fall. Green Valley sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet and has a creek which runs through the middle of the campground. The day-use area offers sets of cascades and shallow pools, great for water play on hot days. Green Valley has 74 campsites.
Paso Picacho, 5 miles north, sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The most popular hikes start from this camp, including the 2 mile hike up Stonewall Peak (elevation 5,700 feet), and the 3.5 mile hike up Cuyamaca Peak (elevation 6,512 feet), both which offer breathtaking views of the deserts to the east, the coast to the west, and Lake Cuyamaca at the bottom. Lake Cuyamaca, operated by the Helix Water District, is two miles north of Paso Picacho and offers boating and fishing. Paso Picacho campground has 85 campsites.
Day-use visitors may use the picnic areas provided at the campgrounds for $8 per vehicle. The receipt is good for the entire park for the day. The picnic areas offer tables, restrooms, and barbeques. Visitors may also park in legal turnouts along the highway and hike for free. Fire is not allowed anywhere except in the developed picnic areas and campgrounds.
The beautiful park offers camping and hiking in an oak woodland forest, with a sprinkling of pines and lovely meadows with creeks. There are over 100 miles of trails which accommodate hikers, bikers, and equestrians.
Getting There
The park is located approximately 50 miles east of San Diego on Highway 79 and five miles north of I-8. It is 15 miles south of the quaint historical town of Julian.
Latitude/Longitude: 32.9547 / -116.6014
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The park is located approximately 50 miles east of San Diego on Highway 79 and five miles north of I-8. It is 15 miles south of the quaint historical town of Julian.
Latitude/Longitude: 32.9547 / -116.6014
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open from dawn until dusk.
Telephone: 760-765-0755.
The park is open from dawn until dusk.
Telephone: 760-765-0755.
Tips & Rules
•Please pay fees for camp and picnic sites at the self-pay stations.
•Build fires only in the park fire rings provided. Ground fires pose a serious threat, and leave unsightly scars.
•All natural and cultural park features are protected by law and may not be disturbed or removed. Please tell park staff about any artifacts you may find, but leave them in place.
•Dogs must be kept on a six-foot maximum leash and remain in your tent or vehicle at night. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road. Dogs are allowed in picnic areas and in the campgrounds (except the primitive trail camps), but they are not allowed on trails or in park buildings. Please clean up after your pet. They may not be left unattended.
•Please pay fees for camp and picnic sites at the self-pay stations.
•Build fires only in the park fire rings provided. Ground fires pose a serious threat, and leave unsightly scars.
•All natural and cultural park features are protected by law and may not be disturbed or removed. Please tell park staff about any artifacts you may find, but leave them in place.
•Dogs must be kept on a six-foot maximum leash and remain in your tent or vehicle at night. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road. Dogs are allowed in picnic areas and in the campgrounds (except the primitive trail camps), but they are not allowed on trails or in park buildings. Please clean up after your pet. They may not be left unattended.
Camping
Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets and pay showers are in the campground. Water faucets a located every few campsites. There are no hookups. Each campground has a dump station. Firewood may be purchased at the camps.
Campsites are $30 per night. Reservations are necessary for weekends April through October. The camping fee includes one motorized vehicle. Extra vehicles are $8 per night. There is a limit of 8 persons per campsite.
Trailers are limited to 30 feet long. Motor homes up to 24 feet may use Paso Picacho; Green Valley fits RVs up to 27 feet. Six rudimentary camping cabins with wooden bunks and nearby restrooms at Paso Picacho are reserveable year-round.
Equestrian groups may camp at Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground, near the California Riding and Hiking Trail. Sixteen developed sites have metal corrals. Primitive trail camps are located at Granite Springs and Arroyo Seco, with family campsites for up to eight people. A group site will accommodate up to 16 people. Horse corrals are available, but equestrians should pack in feed because grazing is not allowed. To use the trail camp, register at park headquarters, the Paso Picacho contact station, or the Green Valley campground. Primitive sites are located in an unlighted, remote area, so check in with enough time to reach your campsite well before dark.
To camp at Granite Springs you must go through Reserve America to make a reservation. Arroyo Seco is currently closed.
Equestrian Family Camping is also available at Green Valley Campground. The Green Valley Horse Camp has 15 developed sites including 2 ADA sites are available April through October by making reservations through Reserve America. The cost is $35.00 per night. They have metal corrals.
Paso Picacho Group Camp has two sites. Each developed site holds 60 people. The cost is $335.00 per night. These sites are currently closed due to the Cedar Fire, but plan to reopen by 2012
Make Campground Reservations
Max Camper Length: 30 Feet
Max Trailer Length: 30 Feet
Green Valley and Los Vaq are closed December through March. All others stay open.
Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets and pay showers are in the campground. Water faucets a located every few campsites. There are no hookups. Each campground has a dump station. Firewood may be purchased at the camps.
Campsites are $30 per night. Reservations are necessary for weekends April through October. The camping fee includes one motorized vehicle. Extra vehicles are $8 per night. There is a limit of 8 persons per campsite.
Trailers are limited to 30 feet long. Motor homes up to 24 feet may use Paso Picacho; Green Valley fits RVs up to 27 feet. Six rudimentary camping cabins with wooden bunks and nearby restrooms at Paso Picacho are reserveable year-round.
Equestrian groups may camp at Los Vaqueros Group Horse Campground, near the California Riding and Hiking Trail. Sixteen developed sites have metal corrals. Primitive trail camps are located at Granite Springs and Arroyo Seco, with family campsites for up to eight people. A group site will accommodate up to 16 people. Horse corrals are available, but equestrians should pack in feed because grazing is not allowed. To use the trail camp, register at park headquarters, the Paso Picacho contact station, or the Green Valley campground. Primitive sites are located in an unlighted, remote area, so check in with enough time to reach your campsite well before dark.
To camp at Granite Springs you must go through Reserve America to make a reservation. Arroyo Seco is currently closed.
Equestrian Family Camping is also available at Green Valley Campground. The Green Valley Horse Camp has 15 developed sites including 2 ADA sites are available April through October by making reservations through Reserve America. The cost is $35.00 per night. They have metal corrals.
Paso Picacho Group Camp has two sites. Each developed site holds 60 people. The cost is $335.00 per night. These sites are currently closed due to the Cedar Fire, but plan to reopen by 2012
Make Campground Reservations
Max Camper Length: 30 Feet
Max Trailer Length: 30 Feet
Green Valley and Los Vaq are closed December through March. All others stay open.
Activities
Trails
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park has more than 100 miles of riding and hiking trails. The popular 3.5-mile hike up Lookout Fire Road to Cuyamaca Peak offers spectacular 360-degree views of the ocean, the desert, the Salton Sea and across the border into Mexico. The 2-mile trail to the top of Stonewall Peak—only moderately difficult due to many switchbacks—climbs from 4,800 to 5,700 feet in elevation to overlook the old mine site. The nine-mile Harvey Moore Trail is a difficult hike beginning near the Sweetwater River Bridge north of Green Valley. The round trip takes eight hours. The restored Paso Picacho Self-Guided Nature Trail gives a brief overview of the role of change in nature. The visitor center has hiking trail maps available.
Interpretive programs
The Stonewall Mine site exhibits a pictorial history of this Southern California gold mine. The park’s visitor center features regional plant and animal exhibits; it also describes Kumeyaay native life before European settlement.
Picnicking: Developed picnic areas at Paso Picacho and Green Valley have tables, barbecue stoves and accessible restrooms. The group picnic area at Paso Picacho will accommodate up to 75.
Trails
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park has more than 100 miles of riding and hiking trails. The popular 3.5-mile hike up Lookout Fire Road to Cuyamaca Peak offers spectacular 360-degree views of the ocean, the desert, the Salton Sea and across the border into Mexico. The 2-mile trail to the top of Stonewall Peak—only moderately difficult due to many switchbacks—climbs from 4,800 to 5,700 feet in elevation to overlook the old mine site. The nine-mile Harvey Moore Trail is a difficult hike beginning near the Sweetwater River Bridge north of Green Valley. The round trip takes eight hours. The restored Paso Picacho Self-Guided Nature Trail gives a brief overview of the role of change in nature. The visitor center has hiking trail maps available.
Interpretive programs
The Stonewall Mine site exhibits a pictorial history of this Southern California gold mine. The park’s visitor center features regional plant and animal exhibits; it also describes Kumeyaay native life before European settlement.
Picnicking: Developed picnic areas at Paso Picacho and Green Valley have tables, barbecue stoves and accessible restrooms. The group picnic area at Paso Picacho will accommodate up to 75.
Natural History
On October 25, 2003, a lost hunter lit a signal fire, hoping to be found.
That signal fire quickly burned out of control and became the biggest wildfire in California’s recorded history. The fire took nearly two weeks for containment and burned a total of 280,278 acres, including 90% of Cuyamaca Rancho's 24,700 acres.
The slow rate of forest regeneration has prompted a reforestation project to replant a portion of the park using grants and donations from private companies. Severely burned areas may take years to regenerate, but grasses, shrubs and some conifers have already begun the recovery process. Wildfires are still a threat. Please be careful to observe the park rules regarding fires, and report any fires you see to the nearest ranger station.
Today the rich forest lands at Cuyamaca Rancho are returning at a slow rate. The trees include magnificent oaks, willow, alder and sycamore. Conifers like incense cedar, white fir and Coulter, sugar, ponderosa and Jeffrey pine are also making a comeback. You may see a gray fox, badger, bobcat or mountain lion. Park amphibians include the Pacific and the canyon tree frogs, and reptiles like the mountain king snake, striped racer and rattlesnake.
More than 100 bird species live in the area, including acorn woodpeckers, northern flickers, red-tailed hawks and sage sparrows. A bird list is available at park headquarters.
On October 25, 2003, a lost hunter lit a signal fire, hoping to be found.
That signal fire quickly burned out of control and became the biggest wildfire in California’s recorded history. The fire took nearly two weeks for containment and burned a total of 280,278 acres, including 90% of Cuyamaca Rancho's 24,700 acres.
The slow rate of forest regeneration has prompted a reforestation project to replant a portion of the park using grants and donations from private companies. Severely burned areas may take years to regenerate, but grasses, shrubs and some conifers have already begun the recovery process. Wildfires are still a threat. Please be careful to observe the park rules regarding fires, and report any fires you see to the nearest ranger station.
Today the rich forest lands at Cuyamaca Rancho are returning at a slow rate. The trees include magnificent oaks, willow, alder and sycamore. Conifers like incense cedar, white fir and Coulter, sugar, ponderosa and Jeffrey pine are also making a comeback. You may see a gray fox, badger, bobcat or mountain lion. Park amphibians include the Pacific and the canyon tree frogs, and reptiles like the mountain king snake, striped racer and rattlesnake.
More than 100 bird species live in the area, including acorn woodpeckers, northern flickers, red-tailed hawks and sage sparrows. A bird list is available at park headquarters.
History
Native People
The ancestors of today’s Kumeyaay Indians occupied the Cuyamaca Mountains from antiquity into the historic period. Their village sites are located throughout the state park, including Ah-ha’ Kwe-ah-mac’ (”what the rain left behind”), Iguai’ (“the nest”), Wa-Ku-Pin’ (“warm house”), Mitaragui’ (“crooked land”), Pilcha’ (“basket bush”) and Guatay’ (“big house”). Historic mention of the Cuyamaca Kumeyaay begins in 1782 when Spanish Lt. Col. Pedro Fages noted that the villagers “approached me very pleasantly and I gave them some beads.” However, the Kumeyaay did not want to give up their independence, and resisted missionization. In 1837 a Mexican expedition attacked the villagers of Ah-ha’ Kwe-ah-mac’ after the Kumeyaay raided two ranchos to the south, eventually exacting a promise from the Kumeyaay to leave the settlers alone. Augustin Olvera of Los Angeles obtained the Rancho Cuyamaca grant in 1845. Olvera intended to harvest timber but his contractor, Cesario Walker “being afraid of the Indians, who made a kind of revolution, abandoned the place.”
By 1857, few Kumeyaay remained. James Lassator reportedly bought 160 acres in Green Valley from the last hereditary chief of the region. Lassator’s family maintained a home, hay fields and a way-station there, supplying those using the area's early overland trails until after his death in 1865.
Gold Mining in Cuyamaca:
The 1869 discovery of gold near today’s town of Julian triggered a brief but frenzied rush to the Cuyamaca mountains. The southernmost and most profitable of the mines was the Stonewall, located south of the Laguna Cuyamaca. By 1872, this profitable hardrock mine supported a permanent worker’s camp and mill. In 1886 mining entrepreneur and soon-to-be California Governor Robert W. Waterman purchased and expanded the Stonewall’s operations. At its peak from 1886 to 1891, the mine produced over 7,000 pounds of gold while regularly employing 200 men and housing their families at its company town, Cuyamaca City. Financial problems ensued after Waterman’s death, and by 1892 hard-rock mining had ended.
Later owners separated remaining gold from previously milled ore tailings with cyanide leaching until final closure in 1906. After the miners left, Cuyamaca City continued for several years as a mountain resort.
Becoming a State Park
Capitalist Ralph M. Dyar bought the rancho in 1923, along with partners planning resort development for the lakefront's northern half. Dyar also built his family a beautiful second home in Green Valley, using local stone and salvaged materials from the Stonewall Mine ruins. The Dyar House later served as park headquarters and visitor center until the 2003 Cedar Fire reduced it to ruins. The Great Depression ended Dyar’s development plans; in 1933 he sold the property to California for its new State Park System. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park was doubly benefited in the 1930s by the placement of two Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps that provided National Park Service designers and CCC labor to develop the park’s initial and distinctive “park rustic” facilities, including many of today’s popular campgrounds and trails.
Native People
The ancestors of today’s Kumeyaay Indians occupied the Cuyamaca Mountains from antiquity into the historic period. Their village sites are located throughout the state park, including Ah-ha’ Kwe-ah-mac’ (”what the rain left behind”), Iguai’ (“the nest”), Wa-Ku-Pin’ (“warm house”), Mitaragui’ (“crooked land”), Pilcha’ (“basket bush”) and Guatay’ (“big house”). Historic mention of the Cuyamaca Kumeyaay begins in 1782 when Spanish Lt. Col. Pedro Fages noted that the villagers “approached me very pleasantly and I gave them some beads.” However, the Kumeyaay did not want to give up their independence, and resisted missionization. In 1837 a Mexican expedition attacked the villagers of Ah-ha’ Kwe-ah-mac’ after the Kumeyaay raided two ranchos to the south, eventually exacting a promise from the Kumeyaay to leave the settlers alone. Augustin Olvera of Los Angeles obtained the Rancho Cuyamaca grant in 1845. Olvera intended to harvest timber but his contractor, Cesario Walker “being afraid of the Indians, who made a kind of revolution, abandoned the place.”
By 1857, few Kumeyaay remained. James Lassator reportedly bought 160 acres in Green Valley from the last hereditary chief of the region. Lassator’s family maintained a home, hay fields and a way-station there, supplying those using the area's early overland trails until after his death in 1865.
Gold Mining in Cuyamaca:
The 1869 discovery of gold near today’s town of Julian triggered a brief but frenzied rush to the Cuyamaca mountains. The southernmost and most profitable of the mines was the Stonewall, located south of the Laguna Cuyamaca. By 1872, this profitable hardrock mine supported a permanent worker’s camp and mill. In 1886 mining entrepreneur and soon-to-be California Governor Robert W. Waterman purchased and expanded the Stonewall’s operations. At its peak from 1886 to 1891, the mine produced over 7,000 pounds of gold while regularly employing 200 men and housing their families at its company town, Cuyamaca City. Financial problems ensued after Waterman’s death, and by 1892 hard-rock mining had ended.
Later owners separated remaining gold from previously milled ore tailings with cyanide leaching until final closure in 1906. After the miners left, Cuyamaca City continued for several years as a mountain resort.
Becoming a State Park
Capitalist Ralph M. Dyar bought the rancho in 1923, along with partners planning resort development for the lakefront's northern half. Dyar also built his family a beautiful second home in Green Valley, using local stone and salvaged materials from the Stonewall Mine ruins. The Dyar House later served as park headquarters and visitor center until the 2003 Cedar Fire reduced it to ruins. The Great Depression ended Dyar’s development plans; in 1933 he sold the property to California for its new State Park System. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park was doubly benefited in the 1930s by the placement of two Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps that provided National Park Service designers and CCC labor to develop the park’s initial and distinctive “park rustic” facilities, including many of today’s popular campgrounds and trails.
Accessible Features
Picnic Area
Paso Picacho Picnic Area has four designated accessible picnic sites, each with accessible picnic tables. Routes of travel from parking to restrooms are accessible. Restrooms #2 and #3 have unisex toilet rooms that are accessibly designed.
Trails
The Paso Picacho Loop Trail: The Paso Picacho Loop Trail is an approximately 1 ½ mile gravel and compacted soil surfaced loop trail. The trail is located near the entrance kiosk to the Paso Picacho Campground.
The Stonewall Mine Trail: The Stonewall Mine Trail is an approximately ½ mile gravel and compacted soil surfaced loop trail. The trailhead is located at the Stonewall Mine parking area.
Picnic Area
Paso Picacho Picnic Area has four designated accessible picnic sites, each with accessible picnic tables. Routes of travel from parking to restrooms are accessible. Restrooms #2 and #3 have unisex toilet rooms that are accessibly designed.
Trails
The Paso Picacho Loop Trail: The Paso Picacho Loop Trail is an approximately 1 ½ mile gravel and compacted soil surfaced loop trail. The trail is located near the entrance kiosk to the Paso Picacho Campground.
The Stonewall Mine Trail: The Stonewall Mine Trail is an approximately ½ mile gravel and compacted soil surfaced loop trail. The trailhead is located at the Stonewall Mine parking area.
Park News Alert
Service Reduction Information
Due to budget constraints, Green Valley Falls Campground and Day Use area and Granite Springs Campground closed as of Oct 2, 2011.
These areas are scheduled to reopen July 1, 2012.
Paso Pichaco Campgound and Day Use Area are open.
Service Reduction Information
Due to budget constraints, Green Valley Falls Campground and Day Use area and Granite Springs Campground closed as of Oct 2, 2011.
These areas are scheduled to reopen July 1, 2012.
Paso Pichaco Campgound and Day Use Area are open.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Stonewall Peak
Stellar views and a variety of terrain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
Stellar views and a variety of terrain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
Moderate
5.3 mi/
8.5 km
8.5 km
Big Laguna Lake Loop
A 6.7 mile loop trail around a small lake near Mount Laguna, California only 1 hour east of San Diego.
A 6.7 mile loop trail around a small lake near Mount Laguna, California only 1 hour east of San Diego.
n/a
6.7 mi/
10.8 km
10.8 km
Guides
Stellar views and a variety of terrain in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
A 6.7 mile loop trail around a small lake near Mount Laguna, California only 1 hour east of San Diego.
Community Trips
See more pictures of this hike here: http://amyandxavier.smugmug.com/gallery/7963936_iLkGp#517228557_jbP8UThis hike is hidden on the outskirts of the Clevelend National Forest. The drive out there is a little rough because it is way off the highway on a narrow and partly unpaved road. From Escondido we took the 78 East into Ramona and followed it till we almost reached Julian, then we turned right on Pine Hills Rd. After a mile and a half...
Great, mildly wintery day to hike Stonewall Peak. Today was one of my volunteer roves in Cuyamaca, and my hiking partner and I decided to see how many "contacts" we could make. We spoke to around 35 people on the way up and around the peak. Plenty of folks out enjoying (my idea of) perfect hiking weather. Parts of the trail were snow covered, parts mud bogs, but it was an interesting...
beautiful scenery, great views, lots of wildflowers, and strong cooling breezes. also went up to champagne pass viewpoint, it is worth the short side trip.
beautiful sunny day for an excursion up to middle cuyamaca peak. sugar pine trail was fairly overgrown and lined with lots of poison oak, so very careful bushwacking up to face level is required for this portion. there is no summit trail to middle peak so we scouted around and found a clearer cross country route directly from the north over all the dead burnt trees. while checking out the hard to...
we took the side trip out on the island to the little summit and down to the shoreline, then over to the stonewall gold mine and museum before returning. made three loops along the way, it was a perfect day!
A day hike form Sweetwater River Bridge on Rt 79 clockwise around the Loop to the Airplane Monument and back. Couldn't have been a nicer day; sunny, cool and a slight breeze. Views from the high points on the Western facing part of the trail were spectacular. The wild flowers were out in force and the perfume from the ceanothus was wonderful. Saw a few birds and squirrels but other than that...
Just so the rest of the country wouldn't feel so bad about their weather, we ventured into the elements in the wilds of San Diego County. To tell the truth, it was darn uncomfortable on the top of Oakzanita Peak. The temperature was just above freezing and the wind was gusting to about 40 MPH. I was thankful that I put on some long johns under my jeans. Aside from that, it...
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