Hike the 2nd largest Peak in San Diego- Cuyamaca Peak

13650 CA-79
Julian, CA 92036

Trailhead: 32.958666, -116.579444 Peak: 32.947188, -116.606455

Phone: (760) 765-3020

Dog-Friendly: Yes Kid-Friendly: Yes

Hike: 6 miles out and back Level: Moderately Difficult

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Cuyamaca Peak is the second highest peak in San Diego County (and only 20 feet lower than the highest peak) at 6,512 ft. elevation. With a moderate climb up hill, be ready to be greeted with stunning views at the top! On a clear day you can see Mexico, the Coronado Islands, mountains in Arizona as well as views all the way to the San Bernadino Mountains!

Since this is a dog-friendly hike, the trail is paved. The no-dog hikes in Cuyamaca are mostly are dirt trails. The trailhead begins at the day-use parking lot, past campsite #69. Look for the ‘Lookout Fire rd.’ sign and follow the paved path to the top! We were lucky to walk across scattered snowfall, which is a rarity in San Diego especially during the rough drought we had during the 2017/2018 winter.

Evidence of the 2003 wildfire is still everywhere, but as nature works, it is slowly making a comeback. This area was originally inhabited by the Kumeyaay Indians, who referred to it as “Ekwiyamak,” which translates roughly to “the place yonder where it rains.”