Cuyamaca Peak
At 6515 feet, Cuyamaca Peak is the second highest peak in San Diego County. There are lovely views along this hike especially of Lake Cuyamaca, and there are extensive views at the peak. We will pass through pine and oak forest, meadow and chaparral. The first couple of miles are via fire roads that can be a bit steep. After that, the grade is gentle until the last 0.4 mile which is on a paved road and is very steep. This last 0.4 mile can be OPTIONAL.
Hike Start Time and Location: 9:00am Start at the West Mesa Trailhead parking turnout. https://maps.app.goo.gl/1JcryLxmCFNAFz4j9
Hike Length: 12 miles with optional .8mi summit push at the end
Hike Elevation Change: 2150 ft
Hike Difficulty Rating: Moderate to Challenging
Estimated Hike Time: 6 Hours - 7 Hours including a nutrition stop and a lunch break
Hike Type (out-and-back, loop, shuttle): out-and-back
Hiking Trail Details: West Side Fire Road to Fern Flat Fire Road to West Mesa Trail to Burnt Pine Trail to Lookout Road
Hike Specific Challenges (scrambling, narrow passages, allergens): steep sections
Route: Start West Mesa Trailhead Parking area to West Side Fire Road and then to Fern Flat Fire Road. From there we get on the West Mesa Trail to the Burnt Pine Trail to the Lookout Road (this is the last 0.4 mile). Our return is along the same route.
There will be a short nutrition break halfway up to the peak and then lunch at the peak.
Parking Information: I-8 to CA-79N to Cuyamaca State Park. Continue north to the West Mesa parking area/trailhead. It is about a mile past the visitor Center/Camp Cuyamaca driveway sign. No passes are required to park at this trailhead.
Costs involved: None
Pets Permitted: Not permitted
What to Bring in Addition to Your 10 Essentials*: Bring water, snack, lunch, and your ten essentials. There are no rest rooms.
Who to Contact with Questions: Trip Leader Scott Opis [email protected] or 202-257-2833
*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.
