Stonewall Peak: An Epic Day Hike near San Diego, California
AN ADVENTURE NEAR SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA
Photography by Ashley Willams (@ashdubsphoto)
Stonewall Peak is one of the most popular hikes in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, and with good reason. The trail is easily accessible, beginning just across the street from the park’s main campground (Paso Picacho) and it provides some amazing views.
A Bit Of History
Stonewall its name due to its proximity to the nearby Stonewall Mine, which was itself named after Stonewall Jackson. My review of the history of the does not turn up much else until 2003, when largest fire in California’s recorded history swept across Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and incinerated most of the landscape. The destruction from that fire is still very much in evidence, and it also presents the main challenges of the trail, including overgrown vegetation and some plants with a nasty tendency to cause allergic reactions
A Beautiful View
The views are incredible. From here you can see the Salton Sea, looking closely to the northwest the Palomar mountain Observatory can be seen as well as the trailhead where you began this scenic back country journey
To the west is Cuyamaca Peak, Middle Peak, and the distant outline of the Palomar Mountains.
To the North: Cuyamaca Lake and North Peak
To the East: the eastern side of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, and the Laguna Mountains beyond
If you’re looking for a new twist on this popular hike, you can try this variation: After summiting, continue along the Stonewall Peak Trail as it descends the back side of the mountain to meet with the California Riding and Hiking Trail, then continue on the Cold Stream Trail to loop back to the start. This adds about 1 mile to the hike, but will offer significant solitude compared to the busy trail that leads up to the Peak.
Essential Gear
Walking shoes
Sun protection
Water
How To Get There
Take I-8 East to the CA-79 N/Japatul Valley Road exit. Turn left and follow 79 north (towards Julian). After 2.7 miles, there is a sharp left to stay on 79 – make sure not to miss this turn (follow signs for 79 and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park). Continue on 79 for about 9 more miles to Paso Picacho campground on the left. Pay the parking fee ($8) at the kiosk and park in the Day Use parking on the right.
Activities
Walking
Brush up on local history
Photography
Skill Level
Moderate – the track is pretty easy going, though there is a steady climb uphill and many switchbacks (offering wonderful views). The trail will arrive at a rocky staircase with a guard rail to protect hikers from going man overboard. This section is probably best avoided if there is ice or snow on the trail, as the staircase can be excessively slippery under those conditions. People have fallen from this section and even died in the past, so if conditions look icy, you may wish to try something else or stop short of the peak.
Duration
2-3 hours walking
Length: 4-5 miles roundtrip, depending if you take the loop or not // Difficulty: Moderate