Julian, California

Julian, California is a great place to explore. From scenic trails to attractions, there are plenty of options to explore. The best trails and outdoor activities in Julian, California include the Julian Creek Trail, the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve, and the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The Julian Creek Trail is a great place to observe local flora and fauna, while the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve provides stunning views of the area. The Cuyamaca Rancho State Park offers a wide range of activities, such as camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Additionally, the area also contains a variety of attractions like the Julian Pioneer Museum, the Julian Historic District, and the Julian Town Hall. Whether you're looking for a leisurely day outdoors or an adventurous experience, Julian, California has something for everyone.

Top Spots in and near Julian

Santa Ysabel, California
Hiking in Santa Ysabel

3.0

Starting at the trailhead on Hwy 79, enter through the gate and make sure to close it behind you - the preserve is open range area for herds of cows, make sure not to disturb them when hiking. From the gate you'll see the sign with a detailed map of trails that are available for hiking. The trail...
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Descanso, California
3-Sisters Falls

4.9

Although this hike is not very long (in terms of distance) it will be a workout nonetheless...as possibly one of the harder hikes in all of San Diego. Start out earlier in the day for a less strenuous trip and be prepared to drink a LOT of water. The path is fairly well marked and at certain poin...
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Julian, California
Hike Stonewall Peak

4.7

3.82 mi / 820 ft gain

This hike is one of the most popular in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. When you reach Stonewall Peak's summit, enjoy the view of the surrounding park and nearby Lake Cuyamaca. The hike up the east side is a popular and relatively easy trail. Although you'll be gaining 800 feet, the hike is relat...
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Julian, California
Hike Cuyamaca Peak

4.5

5.5 mi / 1700 ft gain

This peak is one of the tallest in the county. Reaching the summit of the peak takes you to an elevation of 6500'. Although this peak isn't as challenging as others nearby, it's located in the center of San Diego, which offers up amazing views, which is the main reason to take this hike. The best...
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Ramona, California
Hike to Cedar Creek Falls

4.8

4.2 mi

The trail starts out at a hill in a residential area and ends in an unexpected spot where there is a beautiful waterfall complete with swimming hole. Surrounded by 75-foot high cliffs, a magnificent waterfall splashes into a pool known as the Devil’s Punch Bowl. Hikers have been known to dive fro...
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Ramona, California
Explore the Sutherland Dam

2.0

1 mi

Once your on Sutherland Dam Rd, follow it until your right next to the dam. Park on the side of the road where you see a small turn-out. Walk down to the side of the dam and drop down onto the concrete flooring of the dam. Walk on-top where allowed, and check out the views of the lake and the mo...
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Descanso, California
Green Valley Falls

5.0

0.36 mi / 98 ft gain

Green Valley Falls is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Descanso, California.
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Julian, California
Ghost Mountain Trail to Yaquitepec

5.0

1.29 mi / 443 ft gain

Ghost Mountain Trail to Yaquitepec is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Julian, California.
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Warner Springs, California
Eagle Rock via the Pacific Crest Trail

5.0

6.2 mi / 807 ft gain

With doing more hikes in the SoCal area, I've realized half the battle is just trying to find the damn trailhead.Technically you have 2 ways to enter this trail ... Start from 79 and add a very enjoyable extra 3ish miles, or start from the Warner Springs Fire Station, for a total 7 mile hike.We c...
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San Diego County, California
Hike Garnet Peak Trail

3.0

2.6 mi / 500 ft gain

While there are a few trail options, the designated Garnet Peak Trail begins off of Sunrise Highway at Mile Marker 27.8. There is a small pull-off on the east side of the road with a sign denoting the trail. An Adventure Pass is required for parking in this area of Cleveland National Forest.The f...
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San Diego County, California
Big Laguna Lake Loop

5.0

5.9 mi / 400 ft gain

Big Laguna Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Pine Valley, California.
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Borrego Springs, California
Hike to Maidenhair Falls via Hellhole Canyon in Anza Borrego Desert State Park

5.1 mi / 974 ft gain

This 5.1 mile hike begins near the visitor center of Anza Borrego Desert State Park and gains 974 feet of elevation while climbing up a canyon to a small waterfall. It is an interesting hike as you can see the plant life change as you get closer to the waterfall. There are parts where the trail g...
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Borrego Springs, California
Hike through Borrego Palm Canyon

5.0

3.25 mi / 450 ft gain

Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is located just north of the park visitor center, making it a convenient place to begin your exploration of the Anza-Borrego Desert. To reach the trailhead, drive through Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, the largest developed campground in the park, where an $8 day use fe...
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Borrego Springs, California
Camping in Anza-Borrego State Park

5.0

With over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in the contiguous United States. 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the Colorado Desert. The park i...
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Borrego Springs, California
Hike the Panorama Overlook in Anza Borrego Desert State Park

1.6 mi / 636 ft gain

This is an out and back 1.6 mile round trip with 636 feet of elevation gain. The top has excellent views of Anza Borrego. It is close to the visitor center.
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Mount Laguna, California
Night Shoot at Mt. Laguna USAF Station

This is a great stop when passing through the Anza Borrego Desert. The drive is very scenic, and passes through Sunrise Highway. Once you turn off the road, it's a very short drive up the hill where you will find a large spot to leave your car. There is a service gate that you can't drive through...
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