It's easy to see why the Stonewall Peak Trail is the most popular hike in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. It's a climb, but not too tough. And at the top, there's a unique bald granite summit that offers panoramic views of high peaks, lakes, and desert. The hike is a relatively short out-and-back, but if you want to make it a nice loop with views of Lake Cuyamaca, I have directions for that too.
Look for the campground on the side of the road. The space along the road is all "no parking," you have to use the campground or else park further away.When you pull into the campground, make the first right to enter the day-use parking area.There's an entry fee for the park, or you can get in with your California State Parks pass.The lot is large but does get popular on weekends. If it's full, ask the entry attendant where to park.The parking area has bathrooms, a water fountain, and picnic tables.
To start the hike, go back to the campground entrance and cross the street.
Gear For the Hike
The trail is well maintained, gradual, and easy to follow, and you don't need any special gear to hike Stonewall. Most people do it in fitness clothes or light hiking gear. It can get very hot in the summer, and there's occasional snow in the winter. Bringing 1L of water is a smart move.
The hike to the summit of Stonewall Peak is a standard out and back. I've also included an optional loop back that adds an additional mile to the hike but brings you on some quieter trails with nice views of Lake Cuyamaca and the peaks to the north.
It's a pretty gradual and steady climb to the top. Switchbacks help make the climb more manageable.
3D Map
The pink line is the main trail. You can clearly see the switchbacks from this view. The dark blue line is the alternate return loop.
Why Is It Called Stonewall Mountain?
The simple answer is that it was named after the Stonewall (gold) Mine, which you can visit the remains of today. Here's what it looked like in its heyday, 1885. Photo San Diego Historical Society
Gold was discovered in this area in 1869 by a former slave, Frederick Coleman.
The town of Julian emerged as a wild-west frontier gold town around this discovery.
This part of Southern California had a lot of Confederate sympathizers at the time. The town of Julian is named after cousins who moved here from Georgia after serving in the Confederate army.
After the Civil War many Confederate soldiers relocated to this remote area, seeking anonymity and solitude.
The Stonewall Mine, originally called the "Stonewall Jackson Mine," was named by the guy who discovered it, a Confederate sympathizer from Tennessee. Nearby landmarks like Stonewall Mountain were named after the prominent mine.
Who knows if it will be continued to be called Stonewall Peak? I guess we'll see.
Stonewall Mountain Hike Directions
The trailhead is directly across the street from the campground entrance.Right after starting there is a trail junction. Hike right up the wide dirt road.Hike uphill on the road. This is probably the steepest part of the whole route.When you see the trail closed sign, make the hard right.Now you're on a singletrack. There's also a trail sign at the junction.As you wind your way on the trail, Stonewall Peak is in front of you.And when you see the fences, you're starting the switchbacks. There's about 20 of them altogether.As you climb you get nice views of Cuyamaca Peak, the second-highest peak in San Diego County.Keep an eye open for the switchbacks. Don't hike straight on a small false trail.At some points the trail gets very rocky.As you get to the second half of switchbacks, Lake Cuyamaca will come into view.
Lake Cuyamaca is manmade. The dam was built in 1888 and the lake supplied water to San Diego using wooden flumes. Today it still serves as a water source for San Diego.
If it's hot out, there are some shady sections that give you a break from the sun.At about 1.7 miles you'll reach a junction. Make the hard right.The trail levels out for a few minutes.And then you reach a group of boulders. Hike up through the middle of them.And you'll see the railed steps leading to the summit.Follow the rail up to the summit area.And then enjoy the panoramic views. There are interpretive displays to give what you see some context.And when you're done, just head back the way you came!
Optional Loop Back
You can simply return the way you came, or if you want to do something different, follow the loop back. The loop is a bit more primitive and leave the crowds behind.
When you reach the junction with the main trail, hike to the right.The Stonewall Peak Trail is well marked, but there are several side trails to overlooks. Stay on the well-marked path.The trail starts to descend and quickly becomes more mellow.As you hike, you’ll see Little Stonewall Peak to your right.Soak in the views to the north as you descend the switchbacks on the Stonewall Peak Trail.At about 3.7 miles, you come to a trail intersection. Make the left onto the California Riding and Hiking Trail.Here's the trail sign. Big thanks to Jeff T for the update!The trail is pretty flat and heads through tranquil grasslands with some good wildflower spotting opportunities. I saw some quail when I was here.Shortly after that (around 3.9 miles) there’s another junction, stay left.At 4.2 miles or so, bear left onto the Cold Stream Trail.Here's the trail sign.As you head back to the start, you’ll get nice views of Stonewall Peak.At about 5.4 miles, you come back to the junction where you started. Make the right to head back to the road and parking.
