Palomar Mountain, California

Palomar Mountain, California, is a must-visit destination for outdoor adventurers. The area is home to some of the best trails and activities in the region, offering scenic views and adventures. Popular attractions include Palomar Observatory, the Palomar Mountain State Park, and the Doane Valley Campground. Whether you’re looking for a hike, a picnic, or a campground, Palomar Mountain has something for everyone. So go out and explore this top outdoor getaway.

Top Spots in and near Palomar Mountain

Palomar Mountain, California
Hike to Palomar Observatory from the Palomar Observatory Campground

5.0

4.4 mi / 718 ft gain

Situated in the Palomar Mountains of Cleveland National Forest, Palomar Observatory Campground offers many amenities for enjoyable camping and exploring the area. A portion of the campsites loop has been cleared of trees with level cement pads to allow campers to set up their own telescopes. Dr...
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Palomar Mountain, California
Hike Thunder Spring and Chimney Flat Loop

3.0

4 mi / 900 ft gain

Palomar Mountain is the hidden gem of San Diego. Well, not so hidden per se- but most don't know that the little climb up the mountain can transport you from the prevalent brush-filled terrain of SD to a lush, diverse forest.The great thing about Palomar is that every day you visit could be compl...
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Palomar Mountain, California
Hike to French Valley

5.0

3.8 mi / 450 ft gain

When it comes to Palomar Mountain State Park, most people stick to Doane Lake and Upper Doane Valley. Yet on the far right of the parking lot at Doane Pond, there is actually a trailhead that will guide you to a completely different section of the park. The Lower Doane Valley trail is, in my opti...
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Temecula, California
Hiking the Dripping Springs Trail

4.0

12.8 mi / 3200 ft gain

The trail immediately begins to climb out of the campground on a well-graded incline. The next mile contains some climbing leading to a set of switchbacks. A long strenuous climb ensues until the 3200' elevation is reached. The trail then makes an easy southward traverse to the basin before resum...
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Aguanga, California
Vail Lake Loop

4.0

7.25 mi / 922 ft gain

Vail Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Temecula, 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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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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Escondido, California
Camp at Dixon Lake

2.1 mi / 295 ft gain

Dixon Lake is Escondido's best kept secret! A man-made reservoir located right next to Daley Ranch, Dixon Lake offers overnight camping, boat rentals, fishing, and hiking, along with picnic areas, a kids park, and more. The campground is open year-round and is located next to the lake with a lof...
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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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San Diego County, California
Hike Sheep Canyon

5.0

3 mi / 1000 ft gain

Sheep Canyon is probably the most remote palm canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California. While Palm Canyon is easily accessed from the State Park campground, Sheep Canyon is on a dirt road that requires stream crossings and potentially a high-clearance 4WD vehicle. The canyon is nam...
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Hemet, California
Hike South Fork Trail

5.4 mi / 1056 ft gain

Begin by following the unsigned but visible trail on the south side of the turnout. You climb steadily through bushes and past granite boulders. At half a mile, you pass over to the western slope of the hill where the trail bends southeast, providing your first look of the river valley far below....
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Fallbrook, California
Hike the Santa Margarita River Trail

5.0

5 mi / 469 ft gain

Santa Margarita River Trail is a 5 mile out-and-back hike that takes you near the river in Fallbrook, CA. This trail provides some shade which is helpful on hot days. If you bring your swimsuit you can hop in for a dip on hotter days. Make sure you wear good hiking shoes due to some rocky terrai...
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Mountain Center, California
Lion Peak Trail

9.39 mi / 1722 ft gain

Lion Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Mountain Center, California.
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Escondido, California
Hike Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail

5.0

7.36 mi / 1150 ft gain

Bernardo Mountain is located on the Coast to Crest Trail in San Dieguito River Park.The 7.36 mile out-and-back trail to the 1150 ft. summit starts on the east side of I-15. It's a relatively easy hike all the way to the top. It picks up a little once you make it to the Summit Trail junction, wher...
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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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