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.
In this Guide:
Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions for the Boucher Trail Fire Tower Loop
How to Get to the Trailhead at Palomar Mountain State Park
There is a fee to enter Palomar Mountain State Park.
The Silvercrest Picnic Area is on your left once you enter the park.The parking lot is massive.There are bathrooms by the parking area.The views from the parking area aren't too shabby.
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.
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The trail is fairly well marked with trail signs like these.If you find any artifacts (from early settlers or Native peoples)), please leave them alone and report them to the park rangers.
The climb looks worse than it is here. When you climb to the tower, you have a nice long downhill to Cedar Grove Campground, and then you climb up to Scott's Cabin, and then return.
3D Map
The loop goes clockwise and hits Boucher Hill, then comes back around in a circle.
Avoid the picnic area trailhead and start on the left side of the bathrooms.When you get to the road, make the left.We have a short stretch on the road.When you reach the big intersection / traffic circle - bear left.
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.
At the junction there's a memorial to the CCC workers who built many of the iconic trails of the West.At the junction look for the Boucher Trail up to the left.Start the (pretty easy) climb up the Boucher Trail.The trail climbs gently through the trees.And then you'll see the fire tower in front of you.
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.
Explore the tower area. There are many interpretive displays and of course, the views. When you are done, the trail continues down to the right.There are bathrooms here in case you are inspired.Make sure you check out the viewing platform, which is the same footprint as the tower.To the south you'll get views of most of the high peaks in San Diego, including Cuyamaca and El Cajon.And to the north, Saddleback Mountain looms large.To continue, head down the road to the trail across the pavement.Continue downhill on the Boucher Trail.When you start the descent you can catch a glimpse of San Jacinto Peak.You'll have a long downhill with more great views.And then the trail swings east and you get views of Gordon Point.Cross over the Nate Harrison Grade to continue the trail.Once across we've officially started a new trail, the Adams Trail.When the meadow opens up, go straight as the Baptist Trail joins from the left.And then you'll reach Cedar Grove Group Campground. Make the right on the paved road and follow it straight.And then at the campground entrance, make a quick left on the road.Cross, and hike up Scott's Cabin Trail.There's some climbing here. When you reach the junction with the Cedar Trail, keep straight on Scott's Cabin Trail.Avoid any power line access trails and stay on the main trail.When you see a pile of cut logs, you've reached Scott's Cabin?
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.
The actual flat cabin area is back to the right.The lumber from the cabin, now strewn around the area, is still in remarkably good shape.Shortly after Scott's Cabin, look for the trail to the right.Take the connector trail down to the Silvercrest Picnic Area.After a short stretch you'll have a little climb.And then arrive back by the parking lot where you began. That's it!
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Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).