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The beautiful forest and mountain meadows of Palomar Mountain State Park are in northern San Diego County on the west side of Palomar Mountain. Large pine, fir and cedar trees make the park one of the few areas in southern California with a Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere. Elevation within the park averages 5,000 feet above sea level, making evenings cool even during the summer. A number of vista points offer sweeping panoramic views both westerly toward the ocean and inland toward the desert.
In addition to spectacular views of the Pacific, Palomar Mountain State Park offers camping, picnicking, hiking, and fishing (trout) in Doane Pond.
From Highway 76, either of two roads can be used to reach the park. The one from Rincon Springs (County Road S6) is scenic but rather steep and winding. County Road S7 from Lake Henshaw is longer, but its gentle grade makes it more suitable for heavily loaded vehicles and those pulling trailers.
To the east, beyond the limits of the park, is the world-famous Palomar Observatory and the highest point of the 6,100-foot mountain. Many park visitors make the eight-mile trip up the road to the observatory, which is operated by the California Institute of Technology. The observatory is open to the public free of charge from 9am to 4pm daily.
Park News Alert
Service Reduction Information
Due to budget constraints, Doane Valley Campground and Cedar Grove Group Camp closed as of Oct. 2, 2011. These areas are not scheduled to reopen.
Palomar Mountain Day Use is open.
Service Reduction Information
Due to budget constraints, Doane Valley Campground and Cedar Grove Group Camp closed as of Oct. 2, 2011. These areas are not scheduled to reopen.
Palomar Mountain Day Use is open.
Getting There
The park is about 5000 feet above sea level and is located off Highway 76, up Highway S6, then left on Highway S7 at the junction near the mountaintop. Visitors should be aware of how high altitude may affect them.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The park is about 5000 feet above sea level and is located off Highway 76, up Highway S6, then left on Highway S7 at the junction near the mountaintop. Visitors should be aware of how high altitude may affect them.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open from dawn until dusk. Please call the park at 760-742-3462 for more information.
The park is open from dawn until dusk. Please call the park at 760-742-3462 for more information.
Camping
There are 31 campsites in the Doane Valley Campground, three of which have accessible features. Each site has a table and fire ring. Piped drinking water is available. The campground also has restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, which are useable for campers with disabilities. The Cedar Grove Group Campground includes three separate areas with one accessible site and restroom. Group Camp number one will accommodate up to 25 people; the others will accommodate up to 15 people each. Group Camp number one will accommodate trailers and camper vans up to 21 feet in length; the other group camps are suitable for tent camping only. Parking is limited.
Cedar Grove Group Campground will be on reservations starting April 1 through the end of November and Doane Valley Campground will be on reservations starting April 1 through the end of October.
Make Campground Reservations
The U.S. Forest Service operates two campgrounds on Route S6 outside the park on the way to the observatory. For information regarding these sites, contact the Palomar Mountain District Office, Goose Valley Ranger Station at (760) 788-0250.
There are 31 campsites in the Doane Valley Campground, three of which have accessible features. Each site has a table and fire ring. Piped drinking water is available. The campground also has restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, which are useable for campers with disabilities. The Cedar Grove Group Campground includes three separate areas with one accessible site and restroom. Group Camp number one will accommodate up to 25 people; the others will accommodate up to 15 people each. Group Camp number one will accommodate trailers and camper vans up to 21 feet in length; the other group camps are suitable for tent camping only. Parking is limited.
Cedar Grove Group Campground will be on reservations starting April 1 through the end of November and Doane Valley Campground will be on reservations starting April 1 through the end of October.
Make Campground Reservations
The U.S. Forest Service operates two campgrounds on Route S6 outside the park on the way to the observatory. For information regarding these sites, contact the Palomar Mountain District Office, Goose Valley Ranger Station at (760) 788-0250.
Activities
Fishing
Doane Pond is a great place to try your hand at trout fishing. This pond is stocked by the Department of Fish and Game. If you are over 16, a valid California fishing license is required. There is no size limit but the catch limit is 5.
There is also informal picnicking near the pond, with several tables and grills, a restroom and a parking lot. Fishing hours are from 6am to sunset.
Due to the Poomacha Fires in 2007, the native trout population has almost been diminished in our natural creeks. We ask for your help in allowing these populations to make a come back by not fishing our creeks below Doane Pond or disturbing the vegetation around them. The California Steel Head which is listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act is one of the species of trout that have been seen in our creeks. It is important that these trout have a healthy habitat to exist. State Parks has done our part in placing a fish net along the spillway of Doane pond to prevent non-native fish from entering our creeks to help prevent competition with the native trout. Please do your part in helping us preserve the area so we do not lose a valuable species.
Trails
A variety of hiking trails is available within the park. Some lend themselves to short, leisurely walks and others are suitable for vigorous, all-day hikes. The scenery includes open meadows and thick coniferous or oak forests. Trails are open to foot traffic only. Dogs, mountain bikes and horses are not allowed on trails.
Picnicking
Silvercrest picnic area, near park headquarters, has wood stoves, piped drinking water and restrooms. Gathering of dead wood or other plant material is not permitted. Firewood must be brought into the park or purchased from the park staff. Day-use hours are 8am to sunset.
Fishing
Doane Pond is a great place to try your hand at trout fishing. This pond is stocked by the Department of Fish and Game. If you are over 16, a valid California fishing license is required. There is no size limit but the catch limit is 5.
There is also informal picnicking near the pond, with several tables and grills, a restroom and a parking lot. Fishing hours are from 6am to sunset.
Due to the Poomacha Fires in 2007, the native trout population has almost been diminished in our natural creeks. We ask for your help in allowing these populations to make a come back by not fishing our creeks below Doane Pond or disturbing the vegetation around them. The California Steel Head which is listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act is one of the species of trout that have been seen in our creeks. It is important that these trout have a healthy habitat to exist. State Parks has done our part in placing a fish net along the spillway of Doane pond to prevent non-native fish from entering our creeks to help prevent competition with the native trout. Please do your part in helping us preserve the area so we do not lose a valuable species.
Trails
A variety of hiking trails is available within the park. Some lend themselves to short, leisurely walks and others are suitable for vigorous, all-day hikes. The scenery includes open meadows and thick coniferous or oak forests. Trails are open to foot traffic only. Dogs, mountain bikes and horses are not allowed on trails.
Picnicking
Silvercrest picnic area, near park headquarters, has wood stoves, piped drinking water and restrooms. Gathering of dead wood or other plant material is not permitted. Firewood must be brought into the park or purchased from the park staff. Day-use hours are 8am to sunset.
Dogs
Dogs are allowed in the following areas: all paved roads, the trail around Doane Pond and the Meyer Fire Road. Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails to protect and preserve the wild life and habitat, in addition to prevent disease from being introduced. During the day, dogs must remain on a controlled leash of no more than 6 feet long. At night, they must be inside your tent or vehicle to prevent conflicts with wildlife or other campers. It's important that your dog remain calm and quiet. Noisy or vicious dogs will not be allowed in the park.
Dogs are allowed in the following areas: all paved roads, the trail around Doane Pond and the Meyer Fire Road. Dogs are not allowed on hiking trails to protect and preserve the wild life and habitat, in addition to prevent disease from being introduced. During the day, dogs must remain on a controlled leash of no more than 6 feet long. At night, they must be inside your tent or vehicle to prevent conflicts with wildlife or other campers. It's important that your dog remain calm and quiet. Noisy or vicious dogs will not be allowed in the park.
Tips
Due to the threat of the Goldspotted Oak Borer spreading throughout San Diego County, no oak firewood will be allowed into Palomar Mountain State Park. Wood can be purchased at the park or you can bring other species of firewood, such as pine or eucalyptus.
Find out more about this pest here
Due to the threat of the Goldspotted Oak Borer spreading throughout San Diego County, no oak firewood will be allowed into Palomar Mountain State Park. Wood can be purchased at the park or you can bring other species of firewood, such as pine or eucalyptus.
Find out more about this pest here
Natural History
Some 40 inches of rainfall each year supports a wonderful forest on the slopes of Palomar Mountain, including big cone Douglas fir, white fir, incense cedar, live oak, black oak, coulter pine and yellow pine.
Flowering trees and shrubs include western dogwood, azalea and wild lilac (both purple and white), with juncus grass, goldenrod, lupine, buttercups and penstemons in the meadow areas.
The most commonly seen wildlife in the park includes southern mule deer, western gray squirrels, raccoons and striped skunks. Predators such as gray foxes, coyotes, bobcats and even mountain lions are also present, but are not often seen. Doane Pond is stocked with trout and also contains bluegill, bullhead and channel catfish.
The three-quarter-mile Doane Valley Nature Trail provides a good opportunity to become familiar with many of this area’s most common trees and shrubs. During the summer guided nature walks and campfire programs also provide opportunities to learn more about the cultural and natural history of this area. For further information about the interpretive programs, contact the park staff.
Some 40 inches of rainfall each year supports a wonderful forest on the slopes of Palomar Mountain, including big cone Douglas fir, white fir, incense cedar, live oak, black oak, coulter pine and yellow pine.
Flowering trees and shrubs include western dogwood, azalea and wild lilac (both purple and white), with juncus grass, goldenrod, lupine, buttercups and penstemons in the meadow areas.
The most commonly seen wildlife in the park includes southern mule deer, western gray squirrels, raccoons and striped skunks. Predators such as gray foxes, coyotes, bobcats and even mountain lions are also present, but are not often seen. Doane Pond is stocked with trout and also contains bluegill, bullhead and channel catfish.
The three-quarter-mile Doane Valley Nature Trail provides a good opportunity to become familiar with many of this area’s most common trees and shrubs. During the summer guided nature walks and campfire programs also provide opportunities to learn more about the cultural and natural history of this area. For further information about the interpretive programs, contact the park staff.
Accessible Features
Doane Pond Campground. Two designated accessible sites have accessible tables and firm surface use areas. Restrooms: Toilets permit front transfers only. Assistance may be needed to reach shower controls and coin boxes from folding bench. Routes of travel from designated accessible sites to restroom may require crossing modest slopes.
Cedar Crest Group Campground has an accessible site with firm pad, accessible furnishings and water. Restroom with showers. Restroom is generally accessible. Showers may require assistance to reach controls from folding bench.
Make Campground Reservations
The Silvercrest Day Use Area has a generally accessible restroom and parking space.
Doane Pond Campground. Two designated accessible sites have accessible tables and firm surface use areas. Restrooms: Toilets permit front transfers only. Assistance may be needed to reach shower controls and coin boxes from folding bench. Routes of travel from designated accessible sites to restroom may require crossing modest slopes.
Cedar Crest Group Campground has an accessible site with firm pad, accessible furnishings and water. Restroom with showers. Restroom is generally accessible. Showers may require assistance to reach controls from folding bench.
Make Campground Reservations
The Silvercrest Day Use Area has a generally accessible restroom and parking space.
Trails
Summary
Difficulty
Distance
Palomar Mountain State Park
Explore the beautiful forest and mountain meadows of Palomar Mountain State Park
Explore the beautiful forest and mountain meadows of Palomar Mountain State Park
Moderate
3.4 mi/
5.5 km
5.5 km
Guides
Explore the beautiful forest and mountain meadows of Palomar Mountain State Park
Community Trips
Palomar mountain, chimney flats loop
Palomar Mountain-Lower Doane Valley & Lower French Valley
Pauma Valley, California, United States
3.1 miles
3.1 miles
I don't think I've been back up to Palomar Mountain since I went to 6th Grade Camp there, but I'm glad I made the trip. Quite a twisty, windy road up the mountain, I was relieved when I reached the shuttered State Park Headquarters. Headed down to the Doane Pond Parking Area, which is right next to the School Camp. The hike that I did was from Chapter 17, Trip 4 in...
Length: 6.8 miles; Duration: 2 hours, 54 min, 58 sec; Average speed: 2.3 mph; Max elevation: 5438 ft; Gain: 904 ft; Grade: Class 1
Palomar Mountain State Park- Lower Doane Valley & Lower French Valley
California, United States
2.8 miles
2.8 miles
Distance: 2.8 miles Elevation gain/loss: 408 ft / 387 ft Moving time: 1:04 Moving speed: 2.6 mph
Distance: 1.2 miles Elevation gain/loss: 191 ft / 159 ft Moving time: 0:31 Moving speed: 2.3 mph
Distance: 4.9 miles Elevation gain/loss: 892 ft / 894 ft Moving time: 1:53 Moving speed: 2.6 mph Did this as a round trip hike and started from the bottom at the Observatory campground. Also went the extra distance and visited Palomar Observatory. Trail signage was in very poor condition start to finish, could use an Boy Scout Eagle Project upgrade.
Quick hike to the geek cache with lulu499 and Triple Crown. Good times!
Reviews
