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.
In this Guide:
Video & Turn by Turn Hike Directions to Hike Stonewall Peak
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.
Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.
Garmin InReach Mini 2Hit SOS or just tell loved ones that you're running late where your cell phone has no service. Review here.
Topo MTN RacerAggressive and fun with a wide toe box (=no blisters). Get them wet, they dry quickly. Lots of cushion and comfort.
Osprey Hikelite 26Lightweight, carries all your gear, and your back doesn't get sweaty. Oh yea, it's also one of the most inexpensive packs you can get.
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.
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
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.
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.