Palomar Mountain

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Palomar Observatory Trail

Palomar Mountain, California

4.83 mi / 764 ft gain

Hike to Palomar Observatory from the Palomar Observatory Campground

Palomar Mountain, California

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. Drinking water, coin-op showers, grills, campfire rings, picnic tables and flush toilets are provided....

Oak Grove Trail to High Point

Warner Springs, California

13.43 mi / 3655 ft gain

Camp at Oak Grove Campground

Warner Springs, California

/ 2772 ft gain

Apart from being visually appealing, the campground features open, yet secluded sites that are perfect for stargazing and shooting-star spotting. Each campsite has a picnic table and a grill. There are vault toilets and flush toilets. There is also potable water. If you are interested in seeing birds and other wildlife, you'll be pleased to read that mountain lions, mule deer, coyote, gray fox,...

Barker Valley Spur Trail

Warner Springs, California

7.48 mi / 1145 ft gain

Hike Thunder Spring and Chimney Flat Loop

Palomar Mountain, California

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 completely different from the last. If you go in the early morning on a late fall day, chances are you wi...

Hike to French Valley

Palomar Mountain, California

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 option, more stunning and is dotted with massive pines.The entire trail is a short 3.8 mile jaunt with m...