Palomar Observatory Trail

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....

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...

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...

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 resuming a climb to the southwest. A ridge ascent leads to another traverse and the crossing of the only ...

Vail Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Temecula, California.

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 came in from San Diego (Encinitas) on 79 just as you get into Warner Springs. I dropped the pin on th...