Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Arroyo Seco Circuit Hike
Saturday Dec. 20, 2025 @ 9am
We begin at the East Mesa Trailhead on HWY 79 and then head north to the Sweetwater parking area. At Sweetwater we cross Hwy 79 to the Monument trail. We climb the Monument Trail to the Arroyo Seco trail which has long and beautiful views when we descend. From there, there is a short connector to the Pine Ridge Trail that leads to Green Valley Campground. We cross back across HWY 79 and head south to our cars.
Hike Start Time and Location: 9am Sharp at East Mesa Trailhead, rain cancels.
Hike Length: ~9mi
Hike Elevation Change: ~1,400 ft
Hike Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Estimated Hike Time: 5-6hrs
Parking Information: Take SR (HWY) 79 North from Interstate 8. The East Mesa Parking area/Trailhead is about a half mile past the Park entry sign (past the Oakzanita parking area and before the Green Valley Campground). No parking pass is required to park here. There are restrooms at Sweetwater and at the Green Valley Campground.
Costs involved: N/A
Pets Permitted: No.
What to Bring in Addition to the 10 Essentials*: Pack water, lunch, and snacks.
Who to Contact with Questions: Scott Opis at [email protected]
*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
Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement
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.
