Stonewall Peak

Overview: Want to see some of the best that Cuyamaca Rancho State Park has to offer? Hike up Stonewall Peak and enjoy the view of the surrounding park and nearby Lake Cuyamaca. The hike up the east side is a popular and relatively easy trail. The elevation gain is about 1000 feet, but doesn't seem like it with lots of switchbacks surrounded by Cuyamaca's characteristic plant and rock scenery and ever-better views. When you reach the top, climb the stairs and behold the breathtaking 360 degree view. When you get your fill, you can go back down the east side, or head down the "back" side, which heads northwest and circles back around. When there's snow, the "back" side is where it lasts the longest, and you can enjoy an easy, meandering descent.

Tips: Park at the Paso Picacho Day Use area ($8.00) and cross the street to get to the trailhead. Hold on to your hat at the very top, as it can be very windy. You can get trail maps for the park at the Paso Picacho campgrounds kiosk if it's open, and on weekends you can get them at the Visitor's Center, which is several miles south of Paso Picacho just off of the 79. As always when hiking, bring lots of water!