Stairway to Stonewall

Hike Stonewall Peak in San Diego

09.05.2015

The Cuyamaca Mountains east of San Diego are well known as a wildlife haven, and outdoor enthusiasts know it. So how do you escape the crowds? Adventure up! To 5,737-foot Stonewall Peak. This 4-mile (round-trip) hike leads to a brilliant panorama. The trailhead is accessed from the popular Paso Picacho Campground. As soon as you step out of your car be on the lookout for the tiny pygmy nuthatch, a small round bird that moves vertically up and down the pine trees that distinguish the Cuyamaca Mountains from other parts of San Diego County. Cross the road to begin the hike, which starts as a gradually sloping trail before becoming a series of solid switchbacks about 2 miles from the top.

Golden eagles and red-tailed hawks frequent the airspace here. You'll know you're almost at the peak when you see a set of carved stone stairs, popular for photo opps. The official summit is distinguished by a lone stake, and an absolutely beautiful round-the-compass view of the Cuyamaca and Middle Peaks, as well as Palomar Mountain, San Jacinto, and the Anza Borrego desert. Holy Cuyamaca!

Directions: From San Diego, take I-8E to exit 40 for CA-79N/Japatul Valley Rd. towards Julian. Turn left on CA-79N and continue for 15.3 miles to Lookout Rd. Turn left to reach Paso Picacho Campground. Day parking is $8 at the campground. No dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

    View

  2. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

    View

  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Ballona Beach Hopper

    This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

    View

  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

    View

  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View
  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

    View