Cuyamaca Peak Hike

Saturday, June 19, 2021

About

115b7d71d03fad6030c8c572002ee153.pngCuyamaca Peak Hike
Saturday, June 19, 2021
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Join the Rock Church Hiking Ministry Family for a challenging hike to Cuyamaca Peak, at 6,512 feet, the second highest peak in San Diego County. This hike is for experienced hikers due to the elevation gain and altitude. We will be hiking Azalea Glen Trail with beautiful pine forest views to the west then ascending through one of the most beautiful dense forest trails in the park. The trail quickly morphs to a granite rock trail. Finally it becomes a wall trail hugging a steep drop! The views on this hike are fantastic, both to the East County Mountains and Lake Cuyamaca. Finally, the trail merges with the paved fire road 1/2 mile from the top of Cuyamaca Peak. On a clear day the views from the peak are spectacular!  After taking a break to refuel, rehydrate and take in the views at the peak, we will descend the way we came.

If there is enough interest, we can go out for lunch afterwards.

Please self-evaluate your hiking and fitness levels, this is an advanced-level hike.

More info on the hike can be found here.

See a map of the park here.

Parking at Casa Picacho Campground costs $10.

"When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; and if you run, you will not stumble" - Proverbs 4:12

Cuyamaca Peak Hike
Saturday, June 19, 2021
8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Meet at the Day Use Parking area at 8 a.m.
Hike starts at 8:15 a.m.
Trailhead Address
Cuyamaca State Park
Paso Picacho Campground
12551 Hwy 79
Descanso, CA 91916
Itinerary
  • Difficulty: STRENUOUS, ADVANCED-LEVEL HIKING
  • Distance: 7.7 miles (Round trip)
  • Elevation Gain:  1,883 ft
  • Peak Elevation: 6,512
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours 
  • Not suitable for dogs and kids
  • Weather: Hike will be canceled if it rains.
What to bring?
  • Comfortable clothing, bring layers as it will get warm
  • Hat, sunglasses or visor
  • Hiking Poles (optional)
  • Water (at least 2 liters recommended)
  • Snacks 
  • Have a mask in your possession
Directions

Take I-8 East to the exit 40, CA-79 N/Japatul Valley Road. Turn left and follow SR-79 north (towards Julian). After 2.7 miles, there is a sharp left to stay on SR-79 – make sure not to miss this turn (follow signs for SR-79 and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park). Continue on SR-79 for about 9 more miles to Paso Picacho campground on the left hand side. Pay the parking fee at the kiosk and park in the Day Use parking/picnic area to the right. There is a $10 day use fee to park at Paso Picacho campground (the park rangers take cash/credit cards). The trailhead starts directly across the parking lot in the Day Use area.

If you have any questions, contact Vinnie Freeman at hike@sdrock.com

When
Saturday · June 19, 2021
8 AM - 12 PM
Where
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Cost
FREE, $10 to park at Campground
Contact
If you have questions, please contact Vinnie Freeman at hike@sdrock.com.
View map on Google

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