Boucher Fire Tower Loop (Palomar Mountain)
In This Guide |
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Total Distance (?) | 3.5 miles (5.6 km) |
Hike Time | 2 Hours (Total) |
Difficulty (?) | Easy |
Total Ascent (?) | 630 feet (192m) |
Highest Elevation | 5,438 feet (1658m) |
Fees & Permits | Entry Fee |
Dogs Allowed | No |
Alerts & Closures (?) | Palomar Mountain State Park |
Park Phone | 760-742-3462 |
Weather & Forecast | Latest Conditions |
Stay Safe | Copy this webpage link to the clipobard and share with a friend before you hike. Let them know when to expect you back. |
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This short loop hike to the Boucher Fire Lookout Tower offers a lot to see in a short distance. The climb to the tower is gentle, and at the top, on a clear day, you can see from Mexico, to the Coronado Islands, to Mt San Jacinto. I’d venture to say the best views from Palomar Mountain State Park are from Boucher Hill. Then rom the tower, we’ll hike in a loop and visit the remains of a historic homesteader’s cabin.
Boucher is pronounced “booo-ker” or “book-er” and is a misspelling of an early resident family name, the Boughers.
Where is Boucher Trail in Palomar Mountain SP?
The trailhead is easy to find. It’s the first parking lot once you pass the entrance station. Use this trailhead address:
Silvercrest Picnic Area, 19952 State Park Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
There is a fee to enter Palomar Mountain State Park.




Gear For the Hike
While this isn’t a technical or difficult hike, it is a backcountry one. There is no cell service for most of the hike, and you are in wilderness conditions. In the summer there can be bugs, so wear insect repellant. And in the winter, there can be snow. Check the weather before you go. Otherwise the hike is easy, and you can do this in fitness clothes or light hiking gear. Bring 1L of water.
Boucher Trail Maps


Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File
Elevation Profile

3D Map

Boucher Hill Hike Directions
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Video Directions
Turn by Turn Directions




The dirt road ahead is marked as the Nate Harrison Grade, which is smaller dirt and paved road that goes down the mountain. It was named after an ex-slave and San Diego County’s first African-American homesteader. He’s got an interesting history that you can dive into here.





Although there has been a fire lookout tower here since 1921, this structure was built in 1948 and is one of only two of this design still standing. Today it’s staffed by volunteers and when it’s open, you can usually visit the tower.



















Who was Scott? Most likely it was B. F. Scott, who according to a 1900 census, owned the land here. According to Robert Haley Asher (1868-1953), who lived in the area from 1903-1946, an “ancient log cabin” stood around this area and was often occupied by transients and visitors. I like to think it belonged to Andreas & Elvira Scott, Native Americans who were listed in an 1880 census of the area. If you know anything more, please contact me and give me the scoop.






This guide last updated on April 21, 2022. Did something change on this hike? If so, please contact me and let me know. I'll update the guide.