On December 7, 1922, a twin-seat model biplane carrying Col. F.C. Marshall and Lt. C.L. Webber crashed into a ridge near Cuyamaca Peak. Despite extensive searches, the wreckage and pilots’ remains weren’t discovered until May the following year. A monument to the two men was built and today is an interesting bit of history residing in the western portion of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Continue reading Airplane Monument & Arroyo Seco Loop (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
The Azalea Glen Loop begins at Paso Picacho Campground and combines several single track trails with wider fire roads. The surrounding area was hit heavily by the 2003 Cedar Fire, and while there has been considerable regrowth of low-lying brush, large expanses of dead trees still stand as a quiet reminder of the fire’s devastation. More recent controlled burns and replanting efforts in the area continue to alter the landscape. Continue reading Azalea Glen Loop (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
Cuyamaca Peak, the second highest point in San Diego County, looms tall on the western edge of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. There are many trails and fire roads that can be used to craft different routes up the summit, but the most direct and popular course is to climb the Lookout Fire Road, starting at Paso Picacho Campground. This road, being entirely paved asphalt, is also the only hike in the park that dogs are allowed on. Continue reading Cuyamaca Peak (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park has seemingly endless miles of trails and fire roads to explore, which can make for some nice long loops with varied landscapes to enjoy. This scenic loop through the northeastern section of the park does not disappoint, traveling along several streams and creeks and the Sweetwater River, passing wide open grasslands, and providing some great views of the back side of Stonewall Peak. Continue reading Stonewall Creek and Soapstone Grade Loop (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area are two of my favorite hiking spots in San Diego County. Not coincidentally, they happen to be right next to each other. Both of these areas feature long miles of accessible trails where one can find a quiet solitude that is hard to come by in much of the county. This nearly 13 mile hike connects both areas together in a long, but beautiful journey that showcases some of the best of each park. Continue reading Laguna to Cuyamaca
The Merigan trailhead at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is somewhat hidden out of the way on the southwest border of the park. Since its a bit off the beaten track that is Highway 79, this area is quieter and less busy than some of the more popular hikes like Stonewall Peak or Cuyamaca Peak, but just as beautiful as the rest of Cuyamaca. Continue reading Sweetwater River Loop (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
Snow in San Diego county is a pretty special event… when there’s snow on a day I don’t have to work? That’s some serious planetary alignment going on right there. You can bet we took advantage of this New Year’s snow storm to go for a hike.
So this morning we headed out to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. We didn’t really have a detailed plan formed, as we weren’t sure what conditions would be like or how crowded everything would be. Upon our arrival, we found the Sweetwater trail head wasn’t terribly crowded (although there were definitely more people there than usual). We decided we’d cross the highway and hike down the West Side trail to Green Valley Falls and come back. Continue reading Snow Day! Green Valley Falls (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
Cuyamaca Peak is the second highest peak in San Diego County, topping out at 6512 feet. It’s distinctive shape, like a cresting wave, is a familiar landmark that can be seen from atop many of the peaks throughout San Diego. Add in the fact that its extremely easy to get to, and has a convenient paved road leading to the top, and you have a must-do trek for any serious hiker in San Diego. Continue reading Cuyamaca Peak and Conejos Trail (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
One of the many great things about Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is the fact that there are numerous long, interesting trails that all interconnect, allowing a hiker to piece together a trek of just about any length and any difficulty level they choose. This hike combines the majority of the Harvey Moore trail (named for the first ranger of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park) with a short stretch of the East Side Trail to create a loop that explores much of the East Mesa portion of the park. This hike showcases a variety of different landscapes, including chaparral covered hillsides, wide open fields, creeks, rivers, and oak and pine woods. Continue reading Harvey Moore Trail/East Side Trail Loop (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
It was one of those awful weekends where it was forecast to be 100+ degrees in the lovely East County hamlet we call home. Refusing to submit to a weekend of lying around the house being too miserable and hot to move, I consulted the trusty Internet and found Cuyamaca Rancho State Park had a pleasantly cool forecast high of only 89 degrees. Everything’s relative. Continue reading Oakzanita Peak (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park)
