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  • Palomar Mountain, California

    Palomar Mountain, California, is a must-visit destination for outdoor adventurers. The area is home to some of the best trails and activities in the region, offering scenic views and adventures. Popular attractions include Palomar Observatory, the Palomar Mountain State Park, and the Doane Valley Campground. Whether you’re looking for a hike, a picnic, or a campground, Palomar Mountain has something for everyone. So go out and explore this top outdoor getaway.

    Top Spots in and near Palomar Mountain

    • Palomar Mountain, California

      Hike to Palomar Observatory from the Palomar Observatory Campground

      5.0
      4.4 mi / 718 ft gain
      Situated in the Palomar Mountains of Cleveland National Forest, Palomar Observatory Campground offers many amenities for enjoyable camping and exploring the area.  A portion of the campsites loop has been cleared of trees with level cement pads to allow campers to set up their own telescopes.  Dr...
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    • Palomar Mountain, California

      Hike Thunder Spring and Chimney Flat Loop

      3.0
      4 mi / 900 ft gain
      Palomar Mountain is the hidden gem of San Diego. Well, not so hidden per se- but most don't know that the little climb up the mountain can transport you from the prevalent brush-filled terrain of SD to a lush, diverse forest.The great thing about Palomar is that every day you visit could be compl...
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    • Palomar Mountain, California

      Hike to French Valley

      5.0
      3.8 mi / 450 ft gain
      When it comes to Palomar Mountain State Park, most people stick to Doane Lake and Upper Doane Valley. Yet on the far right of the parking lot at Doane Pond, there is actually a trailhead that will guide you to a completely different section of the park. The Lower Doane Valley trail is, in my opti...
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    • Temecula, California

      Dripping Springs Trail

      4.0
      13.68 mi / 3287 ft gain
      The trail immediately begins to climb out of the campground on a well-graded incline. The next mile contains some climbing leading to a set of switchbacks. A long strenuous climb ensues until the 3200' elevation is reached. The trail then makes an easy southward traverse to the basin before resum...
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    • Aguanga, California

      Vail Lake Loop

      4.0
      7.25 mi / 922 ft gain
      Vail Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Temecula, California.
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    • Warner Springs, California

      Eagle Rock via the Pacific Crest Trail

      5.0
      6.2 mi / 807 ft gain
      With doing more hikes in the SoCal area, I've realized half the battle is just trying to find the damn trailhead.Technically you have 2 ways to enter this trail ... Start from 79 and add a very enjoyable extra 3ish miles, or start from the Warner Springs Fire Station, for a total 7 mile hike.We c...
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    • Ramona, California

      Explore the Sutherland Dam

      2.0
      1 mi
      Once your on Sutherland Dam Rd, follow it until your right next to the dam. Park on the side of the road where you see a small turn-out. Walk down to the side of the dam and drop down onto the concrete flooring of the dam. Walk on-top where allowed, and check out the views of the lake and the mo...
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    • Escondido, California

      Camp at Dixon Lake

      2.1 mi / 295 ft gain
      Dixon Lake is Escondido's best kept secret! A man-made reservoir located right next to Daley Ranch, Dixon Lake offers overnight camping, boat rentals, fishing, and hiking, along with picnic areas, a kids park, and more.  The campground is open year-round and is located next to the lake with a lof...
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    • Santa Ysabel, California

      Hiking in Santa Ysabel

      3.0
      Starting at the trailhead on Hwy 79, enter through the gate and make sure to close it behind you - the preserve is open range area for herds of cows, make sure not to disturb them when hiking. From the gate you'll see the sign with a detailed map of trails that are available for hiking. The trail...
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    • San Diego County, California

      Hike Sheep Canyon

      5.0
      3 mi / 1000 ft gain
      Sheep Canyon is probably the most remote palm canyon in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California. While Palm Canyon is easily accessed from the State Park campground, Sheep Canyon is on a dirt road that requires stream crossings and potentially a high-clearance 4WD vehicle.  The canyon is nam...
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    • Hemet, California

      Hike South Fork Trail

      5.4 mi / 1056 ft gain
      Begin by following the unsigned but visible trail on the south side of the turnout. You climb steadily through bushes and past granite boulders. At half a mile, you pass over to the western slope of the hill where the trail bends southeast, providing your first look of the river valley far below....
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    • Fallbrook, California

      Hike the Santa Margarita River Trail

      5.0
      5 mi / 469 ft gain
      Santa Margarita River Trail is a 5 mile out-and-back hike that takes you near the river in Fallbrook, CA. This trail provides some shade which is helpful on hot days. If you bring your swimsuit you can hop in for a dip on hotter days.  Make sure you wear good hiking shoes due to some rocky terrai...
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    • Mountain Center, California

      Lion Peak Trail

      9.39 mi / 1722 ft gain
      Lion Peak Trail is an out-and-back trail that is moderately difficult located near Mountain Center, California.
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    • Escondido, California

      Bernardo Mountain Summit Trail

      5.0
      7.15 mi / 1060 ft gain
      Bernardo Mountain is located on the Coast to Crest Trail in San Dieguito River Park. The 7.15-mile out-and-back trail to the 1060 ft. summit starts on the east side of I-15. It's a relatively easy hike all the way to the top. It picks up a little once you make it to the Summit Trail junction, wh...
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    • Borrego Springs, California

      Hike through Borrego Palm Canyon

      5.0
      3.25 mi / 450 ft gain
      Borrego Palm Canyon Trail is located just north of the park visitor center, making it a convenient place to begin your exploration of the Anza-Borrego Desert. To reach the trailhead, drive through Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, the largest developed campground in the park, where an $8 day use fe...
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    • Borrego Springs, California

      Camping in Anza-Borrego State Park

      5.0
      With over 600,000 acres, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is the largest state park in the contiguous United States. 500 miles of dirt roads, 12 wilderness areas and miles of hiking trails provide visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonders of the Colorado Desert. The park i...
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    Camping and Lodging in Palomar Mountain

    Observatory Campground
    Palomar Mountain, California

    Observatory Campground

    Fry Creek Campground
    Palomar Mountain, California

    Fry Creek Campground

    Oak Grove Campground
    Warner Springs, California

    Oak Grove Campground

    Dripping Springs Campground (Ca)
    Temecula, California

    Dripping Springs Campground (Ca)

    Temecula KOA at Vail Lake
    Aguanga, California

    Temecula KOA at Vail Lake

    Ribbonwood Equestrian Cg
    Mountain Center, California

    Ribbonwood Equestrian Cg

    Guides, Insights and Stories from Palomar Mountain

    Do Not Eat Hot Wings Before Hiking

    Do Not Eat Hot Wings Before Hiking

    Aaron Rickel Jones

    The Adventure-side of Oceanside - 4 Days of Sending it in the Heart of SoCal

    The Adventure-side of Oceanside - 4 Days of Sending it in the Heart of SoCal

    William Woodward

    The Adventure-side of Oceanside Essential Gear

    The Adventure-side of Oceanside Essential Gear

    Josiah Roe

    Check out these Native American businesses in CA

    Check out these Native American businesses in CA

    The Outbound Collective

    Two Native-owned and -operated organizations to support in CA

    Two Native-owned and -operated organizations to support in CA

    The Outbound Collective

    The Hike that Humbled Me

    The Hike that Humbled Me

    Cameron Catanzano