Ascend Cuyamaca summit peak
Hiking to Cuyamaca Peak:
Get ready for a fantastic hike that leads you to San Diego County's second-highest point, standing tall at 6,512 feet! It's only 20 feet lower than its towering counterpart but is a far more accessible trek. On a crystal-clear day, you can feast your eyes on breathtaking panoramas stretching a whopping 100 miles from the summit. You might just catch a glimpse of Coronado Islands and Table Top Mountain in Mexico. Don't worry, beginners, this isn't a tough backcountry expedition full of tricky twists and turns - just an excellent hike for those fresh to the trail.
"Kwee-e-mecca" - that's how you pronounce Cuyamaca, the native Kumeyaay word for "place behind the clouds."
Location, Location, Location:
The adventure begins at Paso Picacho Campground nestled in Ranch Cuyamaca State Park, Cali-style. Here's the precise trailhead address for your GPS: Paso Picacho Campground, Julian, CA, 92036, USA.
Pro tip: Pair the Cuyamaca Peak hike with Stonewall Peak hike for a day full of breathtaking sights. Take a break to enjoy a picnic among the picturesque Paso Picacho Campground scenery.
Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.
Gearing Up:
San Diego's high country is extreme, ya'll! In the scorching summer, the Cuyamaca hike can be a brutal sweat fest, while winter's harsh climate can leave the trail covered in snow and ice. Make sure to check the weather forecast! As for the right gear, hiking footwear will prove essential in helping you manage the muddy and rocky trail sections, and if you're a poles person, they'll be your best buddies. Oh, and don't forget to pack 2L of H2O!
Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.
My Top Picks for the Hike:
- Osprey Hikelite 26 - My trusty daypack that's light, tough, and keeps my back dry with trampoline mesh.
- Norda 001 - A footwear combo that's like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight love child!
- Garmin inReach Mini 2 - The reliable SOS coveragesaver for the backcountry.
- AllTrails Plus - For up-to-date trip reports and helpful features like offline maps, off-trail alerts, and syncing with Garmin devices.
- Garmin Fenix 8 - After a few updates, it's now a rock-solid favorite for all my map, tracking, and routing needs.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.
Check out my Top Gear Picks page (last updated June 2025) to see all my gear recommendations and why I love them.
Maps, Maps, Maps:
AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Up-to-date trip reports. Plus adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
We'll be following the Azalea Glen Trail from the campground. This route offers a delightful loop around to the summit, one of the nicer approaches from the parking area within the campground. Of course, you could also opt for a leisurely stroll up the paved road, but where's the fun in that? Once you reach the summit, head back down the road for a quick descent, or if you prefer, retrace your steps on the trails.
[CalTopo] View Hike on CalTopoDownload GPX File
Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.
Elevation Profile and 3D Map:
Trail Brief:
The aftermath of a devastating 2003 forest fire, San Diego's largest on record, leaves Cuyamaca somewhat barren, still in recovery mode. Yet, this area is a haven for more than 200 species of birds, mule deer, and wild turkeys. The park is home to these beautiful creatures if you visit early. From the late 80s to the early 90s, there was an unusually high number of mountain lion encounters; however, it's been a long time since anything like that happened here. Still, it's always best to stay aware and prepared, especially in California.
Did you know that human habitation in this area can be traced back 7000 years to the Kumeyaay peoples. In 1869, the discovery of gold in nearby Julian meant the end of their traditional way of life.
Much of the infrastructure and trails in the area, including Cuyamaca Peak, were built by the CCC in the 1930s.
Explore beyond the radio towers at your own risk, but be aware that intruders are discouraged from entering the area, especially in relation to the abandoned footprint of a fire tower that used to sit atop the summit.
The steep, paved road back down can be tough on your knees, especially if you have issues in that department.
Stay safe, hikers!
- Prepare for a captivating hike titled 'Cuyamaca Peak' that reaches San Diego County's second-highest point, offering stunning views of up to 100 miles on a clear day.
- Ready your adventure at Paso Picacho Campground in Ranch Cuyamaca State Park, found at Paso Picacho Campground, Julian, CA, 92036, USA.
- Regardless of the season, be vigilant about checking the weather forecast since the Cuyamaca hike can be challenging during summer's heat or winter's harsh climate.
- Essential gear includes suitable hiking footwear to handle the muddy and rocky trail sections, trekking poles, and enough water for two liters.
- For a more enjoyable and safer hiking experience, consider using gear such as the Osprey Hikelite 26 daypack, Norda 001 footwear, Garmin inReach Mini 2 for SOS coverage, AllTrails Plus for updated maps, and Garmin Fenix 8 for map, tracking, and routing functions.
