Hiking and Camping in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Photo by Amber Ward

By Amber Ward

Due to the 2003 Cedar Fire, the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park was temporarily closed. Recently, combined efforts by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, volunteers, and the support of nonprofit organizations the Park is now open.

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park has more than 120 miles of hiking trails. The trails are designated for mountain bikes, equestrian riders and hikers, so be sure to use the trail that fits your need. Please be aware of water availability on your hike and always follow proper trail etiquette. A trail map can be obtained at the Park's Visitor Center.

Hikers start back down the Stonewall Peak Trail in this 2002 pre-fire photo. Photo by Jamey Ritter

Some easier hikes for children are the Indian Trail and the Green Valley Falls Trail. The Indian Trail is a self-guided nature hike with a brochure describing Native American uses of the local plants. The trail head, (the beginning), is east of the bridge on the road to Camp Cuyamaca. The Green Valley Falls Trail is well marked and leads to seasonal waterfalls. The trail head is located at the Picnic Area Lot in the Green Valley Campground.

The Stonewall Peak Trail is the most popular trail in the Park. It's a moderate hike, with a two-mile switchback each direction, and outstanding views from the peak. The trail head is on the east side of Hwy. 79 at the entrance to the Paso Picacho Campground. Another moderate hike is the Azalea Glen Loop Trail located in Paso Picacho Campground. It’s a meandering, three mile trail, presenting open meadow views.

There are several mountain bike trails available. The Granite Springs Primitive Camp Trail is medium in difficulty and a grand total of 11 miles. It takes about three hours to complete and starts at the East Mesa Parking Area on Hwy. 79. Just follow the East Mesa Fire Road to the campground. Another recommended mountain bike trail is the Middle Peak Loop. It is approximately 7.5 miles and takes about two hours. It is a steady climb with beautiful views.

There are only two trails that accommodate hikers with dogs. The Cuyamaca Peak Trail at the south end of the Visitor Center/Headquarters on Hwy. 79 and the second one is at The Stonewall Mine Road which is the paved road to Los Vaqueros Group Camp.

The Los Vaqueros Campground is open to equestrian camping. Corrals are available. Call (760) 765-0623 for Los Vaqueros information and reservations. The Green Valley Falls and Paso Picacho Campground sites are also available by reservation. Call (760) 765-3020 for more information. The Paso Picacho Campground presents “Campfire Programs” on Saturday evenings. The August schedule is as follows:

• 8/6 at 7:30 p.m. “Your Backyard Friends” by Royce Riggins, a wildlife biologist.

• 8/13 at 6:00 p.m. “Sky Hunters,” captor education and rehabilitation by Nancy Conney.

• 8/20 at 6:30 p.m. “Search and Rescue Dogs.”

• 8/27 at 6:30 p.m. “Animal Education” by Kruisin Kritters.

Guided nature hikes are available Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. thru mid October. Show-up at the Paso Picacho Campfire Center for both, the “Campfire Programs” and the guided nature hikes.

Call (760) 765-3020 for more information, or checkout the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park official website at http://www.cuyamaca.statepark.org