Eichar’s Grave
4 Reviews
Hello everyone! This is a friendly reminder that any of these fun places we may visit, we are a guest at. Please treat both businesses and trails with the utmost respect. We here at Hidden San Diego follow the 'Leave no Trace' mantra, meaning whatever you bring with you comes back with you. If you see trash on a trail, please do your part to help remove it. Remember, we are not picking up trash from another person but instead cleaning up for Mother Nature. Happy adventures!
Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail
San Diego, CA 92129
Where to park:Â 32.938551, -117.128913Â Â Grave:Â 32.936818, -117.137321
Hike: .5 miles  Level: Easy
Dog-Friendly: Yes   Kid-Friendly: Yes
About Eichar’s Grave
Rancho Penasquitos canyon beholds many hidden spots, such as a pretty popular waterfall, an historic ranch house, endless hiking trails and even and old gravesite you can pay your respects to.
Although it turns out Eichar’s Grave is not the actual gravesite of John Eichar (his true burial spot is unmarked) there is a sweet memorial set up for him that is fenced off with a tombstone.
Who was John Eichar?
John J. Eichar was believed to be a cook for the occupants of the Los Penasquitos ranch house in the late 1800’s. He came from Westmoreland Co., Pennsylvania. His grave seems to be the only one in the preserve.
It tells about his life fairly well and includes good information on his ancestors. His wife, Harriet S. and their remaining two children, John R. Eichar and Harriet E. Eichar moved back to Colorado after John J. ‘s death and the death of another son, Charles, shortly after, also in Rancho Penaquistos.
While you’re in the area, make sure to visit the Del Mar Mesa Duck Pond nearby!
Harriet S. and her son, John R. are buried in Colorado. The whereabouts of the daughter, Harriet E. is not known after she married Farley Howard in 1887. Howard married another woman in 1895 so he may have divorced Harriet or that Harriet died. The memorial sign is inaccurate in its statement that John Joseph Eichar was married to a Mary Bonewitz. Another John Eichar married her and both were alive in Indiana a long time after John Joseph died.
Anonymous
I went to it and I heard a girl screem then whispered in my ear GET OUT NOW it was the scariest time of my whole life
October 3, 2016
Jonathan Katz
Rancho Penasquitos was still a working cattle ranch when I walked there about 1975, descending a ridge from Mira Mesa. I was escorted to the western exit by an employee who did not appreciate an uninvited visitor.
July 24, 2017
SoCal Urbex
I had the chance to actually vistit his grave, thank you !
September 1, 2017
Anonymous
I’ve seen a head stone out there years ago near the ranch house but it had been smashed and vandalized
June 17, 2019