What gear is recommended for the Cuyamaca Peak Hike?

Since this hike involves some climbing, it's best to wear proper hiking footwear, and trekking poles can be helpful for the muddy and rocky sections. Be sure to bring 2L of water, as there is no water available on the trail. It's essential to check the weather as the area can be very hot in the summer or snowy in the winter.

How difficult is the Cuyamaca Peak Hike?

The Cuyamaca Peak hike is moderate in difficulty. While it does involve some climbing, it’s not too steep or technical. The trail offers a steady climb but nothing extreme, making it suitable for most hikers. The total distance is around 5 miles round-trip.

What can I expect to see on the Cuyamaca Peak Hike?

The hike offers beautiful views of the surrounding area, including the opportunity to see wildlife like hawks, bald eagles, and mule deer. The summit provides panoramic views of San Diego County and, on a clear day, even as far as Mexico. The area is recovering from the 2003 Cedar Fire, and you'll see lush landscapes and diverse birdlife.

What is the history of the Cuyamaca Peak area?

The Cuyamaca area has a long history, with human habitation dating back 7,000 years. The Kumeyaay people once called this area home. The area became known for the discovery of gold in nearby Julian in 1869. In 2003, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park suffered a devastating wildfire but is now recovering with over 200 bird species and abundant wildlife.

How do I get to the Cuyamaca Peak Trailhead?

To reach the Cuyamaca Peak Trailhead, drive to Paso Picacho Campground in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Julian, CA 92036. If you're driving, use the address 'Paso Picacho Campground, Julian, CA 92036' for directions. You can also park in the day-use parking area at the campground.

What is the elevation of Cuyamaca Peak?

Cuyamaca Peak is the second-highest point in San Diego County, standing at an elevation of 6,512 feet, which is just 20 feet lower than the highest peak in the county.

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Hike Cuyamaca Peak

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated January 19, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 7.7 miles
Time: 3-4 Hours
Total Climbing: 1850 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Crowds: Moderate
Dogs: No Dogs
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

The hike to Cuyamaca Peak brings you to San Diego County's second-highest point at 6,512 feet. It's only 20 feet lower than the highest peak but much easier to hike. On a clear day, you can see for 100 miles from the summit, including the Coronado Islands and Table Top Mountain in Mexico. Even though the hike goes to a high point, it's not a tough backcountry expedition but rather a great hike for a beginner - no tricky twists and turns.

Cuyamaca is pronouced "kwee-e-mecca" and is the native Kumeyaay word for "place behind the clouds."

Where is the Cuyamaca Peak Hike?

The hike starts in the Paso Picacho Campground in Ranch Cuyamaca State Park. Use this trailhead address:
Paso Picacho Campground, Julian, CA, 92036, USA.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 3 — When you pull into the campground, make the first right to enter the day-use parking area.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 4 — There's an entry fee for the park, or you can get in with your California State Parks pass.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 5 — The lot is large but does get popular on weekends. If it's full, ask the entry attendant where to park.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 6 — The parking area has bathrooms, a water fountain, and picnic tables.

Here's what I recommend if you visit Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The Cuyamaca Peak hike is right next to Stonewall Peak hike, and both can be done in a day. Break your hikes up with a picnic in Paso Picacho Campground.

Gear For the Hike

The San Diego high country is a place of extremes. In the summer, this hike can be brutally hot, and in the winter, the trail can be covered in snow and ice. Check the weather before you head out to the hike. The trails are not too technical, but hiking footwear will help the muddy and rocky sections. If you climb with trekking poles, they'll come in handy here too. I'd bring 2L of water.

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Cuyamaca Peak Trail Maps

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 13 — Look for these trail markers which are consistent at all the trail junctions on this hike.

For this hike, we're going to take the Azalea Glen Trail from the campground and loop around to the summit. This is one of the nicer approaches from the parking area in the campground. Of course, you could also walk up the paved road, but what fun would that be? Once you get to the summit, walk back down the road to the campground for the quickest way to wrap the hike up. Or, if you prefer, you can go back the way you came on the trails.

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Elevation Profile

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop Elevation — The beginning of the hike is relatively flat, but after about 2.5 miles in you start to climb in earnest. It's a tough climb but nothing extreme.

3D Map

Hike Brief

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 2 — Keep your eyes open for animals on your hike, like this hawk flying above the trail. You may be able to spot a bald eagle here; they spend winters in this area.

You would think that Cuyamaca would be very lush, but it’s not. It’s still recovering from a devastating forest fire. In 2003, 90% of Cuyamaca park burnt down during San Diego's largest recorded wildfire, the Cedar Fire, started by a lost hunter who made a signal fire to get rescued. The area is recovering well, and today is home to over 200 bird species, and lots of mule deer and wild turkeys, which you have a decent chance at spotting if you leave early.
From the late 1980s to early 1990s there were an unusually high number of mountain lion encounters here. It's been a long time since anything like that happened here, but it's best to be aware of the possibility (as you should anywhere in California). As the park says, "most lions avoid confrontation and people, but should you see one stay calm and do not run. Mountain Lions instinctively chase prey, running may trigger this instinct. Try to appear larger, raising your hands and facing the animal loudly. Do not be afraid to fight back need be."
Human habitation here dates back 7000 years; the Kumeyaay peoples included this land as their home. In 1869 the discovery of gold in nearby Julian meant the end of their traditional way of life.
Many of the structures and trails on this hike were built by the CCC in the 1930s.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Directions

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 7 — Go back to where you entered the parking lot, but bear right instead of heading to the exit.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 8 — After passing an RV pump-out station, look for the trailhead on the right.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 9 — Here's the start of the Azalea Glen Loop Trail. Start heading down the trail.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 10 — We're taking the Azalea Glen Loop Trail for a portion of its length, which is why Cuyamaca Peak isn't listed here. Also, notice the callout for the California Riding and Hiking Trail. When the state government authorized it in 1945, it was planned as a 3000 mile loop trail from Mexico to Oregon and back. It never happened but short segments still exist, including a very popular route in Joshua Tree NP.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 11 — The beginning of the Azalea Glen Trail is flat and pleasant.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 12 — At the split with the Paso Loop Trail, stay left on the Azalea Trail.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 14 — And shortly after that the other end of the Azalea Glen Loop joins in from the left. Keep hiking straight.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 16 — Look back to the right on this stretch for nice views of Stonewall Peak.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 15 — Bear left where the other end of the Paso Loop rejoins the trail.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 17 — And then keep straight at the junction with the California Riding and Hiking Trail.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 18 — Now you start a gentle climb along a creek. All the junctions are behind you. Now you can just hike for a while.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 19 — As you climb look for the peak with the radio towers on it. That's Cuyamaca Peak.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 20 — When you get to the junction of Azalea Spring Fire Road, make the hard right.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 21 — And continue downhill on the road for a short stretch.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 22 — To your right are Middle Peak (left) and North Peak (right with the antennas).

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 23 — After about 0.4 miles on the road, look for the hidden and sharp left turn onto the Conejos Trail.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 24 — The start of the trail is easy to spot if you don't blow by it.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 25 — And there's a sign for the Conejos (rabbit) Trail. Our next stop is Lookout Fire Road in 2 miles.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 26 — Now you start to climb. After an initial straight section, switchbacks appear making the climb a little easier.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 27 — As you climb you can see Granite Mountain, in Anza Borrego SP, off to the left.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 28 — After the switchbacks stop, you'll be following the ridge along the east side of the slope.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 29 — The pointy peak you see is Monument Peak.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 30 — And also Whale Peak, one of the higher peaks in Anza Borrego SP.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 31 — Eventually the Conejos Trail winds into the pines. You'll notice that at this point the landscape has changed from oaks and scrub to tall pines.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 32 — When you get to Fire Lookout Road, make the right onto the pavement.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 33 — Follow the steep paved road up to the summit.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 34 — At the end of the road, you'll reach the clearing. This is Cuyamaca Peak!

You'll notice radio towers off to the left. Hikers are discouraged from entering the area, but if you do, there are boulders and some more views. You'll also find a USGS marker and the footprint of a fire tower that once sat on the summit.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 35 — If you're lucky, there will be a summit sign up top for you to pose with.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 36 — Soak in the views, which are incredible.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 37 — Head back down the paved road after enjoying the summit.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 38 — When you get to the junction of the Conejos Trail where you came up, go straight to continue down Fire Tower Road, directly back to the trailhead. Or you can go back on Conejos the way you came up.

The road back down is steep and paved, and can be tough on the knees if you have problems in that department.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 39 — If you take the road, you'll get some nice views including Mount San Jacinto in the distance (close to Palm Springs).

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 40 — Keep straight on the paved roads through any and all intersections.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 41 — And when you start to see the cabins of the campground, cut across into the campground on the little connector. There are bathrooms here too.

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Loop 42 — Once you're off the connector, make the right and continue downhill through the campground to the park entrance and the parking lot. That's the hike!