Camping at Paso Picacho

Julian, California

Rate this Adventure

based on 0 reviews

Save

View all 4 photos

All 4 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Description

Added by Kenny Melton

Great for families and hikers. Hikers: Stonewall (2 miles) and Cuyamaca Peak (3.5 miles). Both mountain and ocean views (depending on campsite). Hike to Lake Cuyamaca as well.

Paso Picacho, 5 miles north of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The most popular hikes start from this camp, including the 2 mile hike up Stonewall Peak (elevation 5,700 feet), and the 3.5 mile hike up Cuyamaca Peak (elevation 6,512 feet), both which offer breathtaking views of the deserts to the east, the coast to the west, and Lake Cuyamaca at the bottom. Lake Cuyamaca, operated by the Helix Water District, is two miles north of Paso Picacho and offers boating and fishing. Paso Picacho campground has 85 campsites. Reserve your campsite here.

Day-use visitors may use the picnic areas provided at the campgrounds for $8 per vehicle. The receipt is good for the entire park for the day. The picnic areas offer tables, restrooms, and BBQ's. Visitors may also park in legal turnouts along the highway and hike for free. Fire is not allowed anywhere except in the developed picnic areas and campgrounds.

The beautiful park offers camping and hiking in an oak woodland forest, with a sprinkling of pines and lovely meadows with creeks. There are over 100 miles of trails which can accommodate every skill level.

Tip:

Best Campsites: 8, 22, 36, 52, 62, and 65. Also book early to reserve the prime spots during peak Summer and Fall months.

Photos: slworking2, slworking2, slworking2, slworking2

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Camping

Photography

Hiking

Adult Beverages

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

Groups

Scenic

Reviews

James Guffey

Camping at Paso Picacho

02/17/15

The loop of sites 5-10 provides the most privacy, as well as a shortcut to Cuyamaca Peak trail. $30/night, flush toilets, showers.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Cuyamaca Peak

This peak is one of the tallest in the county. Reaching the summit of the peak takes you to an elevation of 6500'. Although this peak isn't as challenging as others nearby, it's located in the center of San Diego, which offers up amazing views, which is the main reason to take this hike. The best views can be had during the fall, winter, and spring months, particularly after a storm. This way t...

Hike Stonewall Peak

This hike is one of the most popular in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. When you reach Stonewall Peak's summit, enjoy the view of the surrounding park and nearby Lake Cuyamaca. The hike up the east side is a popular and relatively easy trail. Although you'll be gaining 800 feet, the hike is relatively easy as you'll be heading up switchbacks until the last stretch to the summit. Just before the...

Hiking to the 3-Sisters Falls

Although this hike is not very long (in terms of distance) it will be a workout nonetheless...as possibly one of the harder hikes in all of San Diego. Start out earlier in the day for a less strenuous trip and be prepared to drink a LOT of water. The path is fairly well marked and at certain points, you will need to use ropes to climb up or down some natural obstacles (the ropes are already the...

Hike the Garnet Peak-Champagne Pass Loop

Hiking the Garnet Peak to Champagne Pass Loop can be done as a day hike or an overnight backpacking trip. You will hike on the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail), climb to the top of Garnet Peak and relish in the views of the Anza Borrego Desert. There are optional side trails that you can take (to Storm Canyon, Monument Peak) so bring a map/ compass if you feel like tackling those. It's a pretty straig...

Hike Garnet Peak Trail

While there are a few trail options, the designated Garnet Peak Trail begins off of Sunrise Highway at Mile Marker 27.8. There is a small pull-off on the east side of the road with a sign denoting the trail. An Adventure Pass is required for parking in this area of Cleveland National Forest.The first portion of the trail takes you northeast along a dry wash bed through the burn zone of a Jeffer...

Hike a Portion of the Pacific Crest Trail

Noble Canyon Trail is used by hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. The trail is mostly dirt with an occasional rock patch and low shrubs on both sides. The hillside is lightly covered with oak and pine trees. In the occasional break between the trees, views to the northeast reveal Garnett Peak.Bear right at the Y-junction and head west on the northern part of the hillside. As you continue to...

Camping at Paso Picacho

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike Cuyamaca Peak

Hike Stonewall Peak

Hiking to the 3-Sisters Falls

Hike the Garnet Peak-Champagne Pass Loop

Hike Garnet Peak Trail

Hike a Portion of the Pacific Crest Trail

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps