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Cuyamaca Peak

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.6 (14)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. …Julian
  5. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
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“This hike has the absolute best views of San Diego County, Mexico, and the Channel Islands! ”

Matt Sadowski
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5.4

Miles

8.7

KM

Out and Back

6,441' 1,963 m

High

4,882' 1,488 m

Low

1,559' 475 m

Up

1,559' 475 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

The only trail that allows dogs on leash in the State Park.

Overview

Starting from the Paso Picacho campground, earn one of the best views in the area after climbing up this fire road for over 1,500' in under three miles.

Description

The trail to the peak is not the greatest as the majority of it is deteriorating paved fire road on Lookout Fire Road, but the view from the peak is by far the best in all of San Diego County.

On a clear day, you'll have views of most of San Diego County, including downtown, Mexico, and even the Channel islands. Also, bring water as this out-and-back hike is almost entirely exposed and hot.

For a shorter but equally steep option, head across the road for the sister hike up Stonewall Peak Trail.

Contacts

Land Manager: California State Parks - Cuyamaca Rancho

Shared By:

Matt Sadowski
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 14 votes

#2

in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

#964

Overall
  4.6 from 14 votes
5 Star
57%
4 Star
43%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Cuyamaca Rancho State…

#156

in California

#964

Overall
37 Views Last Month
7,292 Since Sep 28, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
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Photos

The view north from Cuyamaca Peak was cloudy and beautiful on a day in January 2017.
Jan 15, 2017 near Descanso, CA
Lake Cuyamaca looks utterly gorgeous from the flank of Cuyamaca Peak.
Jan 15, 2017 near Descanso, CA
Heading up the road.
Oct 27, 2016 near Descanso, CA

1 Comment

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Check-Ins

Jul 14, 2024
Samantha Shieh
Apr 16, 2022
Samantha Shieh
5mi — 2h 00m
Jan 16, 2021
Paulo Mesaros
High elevation for San Diego County! Hike up is rather boring (paved fire road the whole way up) but the view is very nice! 6mi — 2h 10m
Jan 16, 2021
Samantha Shieh
May 26, 2019
T H
Apr 13, 2019
Frank Aguirre
Dec 15, 2018
George Hewett
8:56 - 10:19am UP, 1:23 546 active calories 2.88 mi UP, 1,551ft gain Avg Hr = 129 BPM PAce = 28.47/mi 10:43-12:24 DOWN, 55 min, 2.6 mi, avg hr 97 5.5mi
Dec 15, 2018
Taylor Kirk
Added azalea glen loop to it 7.5mi

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