Stonewall Peak Day Hike
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Sunday Oct. 26, 2025
We will begin by hiking south on the Los Caballos trail. Then, turn right onto the CA Riding and Hiking trail for 0.3 miles and then to the Cold Stream trail. After a mile we will arrive at the base of Stonewall Peak. At this point the group can decide to cross the highway to Paso Picacho where there are bathrooms before we continue to the top of Stonewall where there are great views. We will have a snack while on Stonewall peak.
After enjoying the views from atop Stonewall, we will descend the backside to the Vern
Whitaker trail and go on to the Vaqueros Group Horse Camp where we will break for lunch. (Bathrooms and picnic tables) After lunch we will take the Marty Minshall trail back to our vehicles. We should be back at the Trailhead about 2:30 PM.
Hike Start Time and Location: 9 am at trailhead
Trailhead: Trout Pond - mile marker 10.7 on Highway 79.
Note: There are no facilities at the Trailhead.
Hike Length: 9mi
Hike Elevation Change: 1200 feet
Hike Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Parking Information: Off 79
Costs involved: N/A
Pets Permitted: Not on unpaved trails
What to Bring in Addition to the 10 Essentials*: Be sure to bring at least 2 liters of water and snacks/lunch and wear a hat and sunscreen.
Who to Contact with Questions: Scott Opis [email protected]
Note: Rain cancels.
Directions to Trout Pond: Take Interstate 8 to Highway 79 (Cuyamaca Rancho State Park) and head north to mile maker 10.7. Parking is on the right. No pass or permit is required to park at Trout Pond.
*Note on the 10 essentials - The 10 essentials are a collection or system of items that significantly increase your safety on any hike or outdoors trip. This is not an exhaustive list of anything you could ever need. You can visit the link included Here but one version of this list is as follows:
1. Navigation
2. Headlamp
3. Sun Protection
4. First Aid
5. Knife
6. Fire
7. Shelter
8. Extra food
9. Extra water
10. Extra clothes
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Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.
