Palomar Mountain State Park
November 6-9, 2026 for 3 Nights!
Who says you have to book a flight to Mammoth just to see fall colors? Less than ninety minutes from San Diego, Palomar Mountain State Park serves as a lush, dramatic, floating oasis. Thanks to a moody unique microclimate that regularly traps coastal mist and heavy mountain fogs, this alpine island thrives in conditions far wetter and cooler than the dry valleys below. Wandering through its deep, shaded canyons, you’ll encounter magnificent stands of white fir, incense cedar, and massive pines—a majestic sanctuary with a rugged, high-altitude character that is giving total High Sierra energy. It’s a stunning, mist-shrouded escape where classic, crisp autumn magic is incredibly close to home.
To all those New England transplants swearing SoCal only has two seasons, take a hike! Under an autumn canopy, that is. Early November brings a spectacular transformation to Palomar Mountain's higher elevations. Sheltered among the deep green conifers, the native California black oaks (Quercus kelloggii) reach their peak peak color right around this time, erupting into brilliant crowns of vivid gold, copper, and warm orange.
Tired of getting fished on the apps? Time to head up the mountain and do it right. Kept perfectly chilled by the high altitude and regularly stocked with rainbow trout, Doane Pond is the ultimate spot to cast a line this weekend. Whether you're actually trying to reel something in or just looking to enjoy a quiet morning surrounded by gorgeous autumn leaves, the views here are a total catch.
Parking: No more than five cars are allowed at this campsite, we encourage folks to self organize carpools. Due to liability concerns Great Outdoors is not able to organize carpools. No RVs, tent camping only.
Cost:
- Driver (Tent Camper w/ parking space) – $75
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- Note: Given our limited parking, please consider being available for a carpool to allow for additional participation. Thank you in advance!
- Passenger (Tent Camper, no parking space)– $40
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- Note: The “Down-the-Hill” Backup Plan - There is absolutely zero overnight overflow parking allowed inside the State Park. If we run out of the 5 campsite parking passes, extra cars must park overnight down the hill at the free Caltrans Park & Ride lot (at Hwy 76 & Valley Center Rd) and carpool up the mountain from there in one of our official campsite vehicles. The lot is safe, free, and located 15 miles (about a 25-minute drive) from the campground.
- Day Tripper – $10
Amenities: flush toilets, showers, potable water, picnic tables, fire ring/grill
Location: Cedar Grove Group Campground, Campsite #3
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kQ3SDnbSKUFYBM7c7?g_st=ic
Contact/Questions - If you have any questions not addressed by the information above or on our registration page, please feel free to contact the trip leaders: Tyler or Tavo at 619.240.6087
Schedule
Friday 11/6/2026
2 PM - Check in after 2 PM
5 PM - Meet and Greet; dinner on your own
Saturday 11/7/2026
Breakfast - on your own
10 AM - 3-mile hike Scott’s Cabin & Boucher Hill loop (800’/800’; moderate)
2 PM - Grub Time! Carne asada (Bring your own beverage!)*
*Note: The plan is to make micheladas (michelada mix). Bring your favorite beverage/NA beer or sparkling water!
5 PM - Campfire
Sunday 11/8/2026
Breakfast - on your own
9 AM - 4-mi hike Thunder Springs & Chimeny Flats loop (900’/900’; moderate)
12 PM - Pack up & Depart
Sitting at 5,438 feet, the historic fire tower on Boucher Hill offers the ultimate vantage point. Clear November days completely strip away the usual coastal haze, cutting the distortion so you can see straight across the Pauma Valley and past the Pacific coastline. On a crisp day, you can see all the way to Catalina Island floating on the horizon—no filters required. Has been listed in the Sierra Club's "Hundred Peak Section" since it was first published in 1946.
Dogs: leashed Dogs allowed in the campgrounds, on designated paved park roads, Myers Fire Road, but not on state park trails.
FIREWOOD : Due to the threat of the Goldspotted Oak Borer spreading throughout San Diego County, OAK firewood will NOT be allowed into Palomar Mountain State Park. Wood sales ARE available at our kiosk when the we are open. Please be aware that wood sales will NOT be available while the kiosk is CLOSED. You ARE allowed to bring other species of firewood, such as pine or eucalyptus.
What to Bring:
- Camp chair and sun protection
- Personal food, cooking gear, and reusable plates/utensils/cups
- Layers (night temperatures can drop into the 40s°F)
- Locally purchased firewood IF OAK (available at camp or store outside park entrance)
- Ten Essentials*
This one’s for the nerds! Get the Sheldon in you ready to geek out at Palomar Observatory. Owned and operated by Caltech, Palomar Observatory has been a powerhouse of deep-space research since it opened in 1948. The massive, Art Deco-styled dome houses the historic 200-inch Hale Telescope. When it saw first light in 1949, it was a triumph of engineering, reigning as the world's largest effective telescope until the late 1970s. Please note, however, that guided tours will not be available this weekend.
https://sites.astro.caltech.edu/palomar/visitor/
Cancellation and Refunds
You may cancel your reservation and receive a full refund up to 3 weeks before the trip start date. less a processing fee of $5 or 5% of registration costs (whichever is greater).
Directions
From San Diego
• Drive Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes (approx. 62 miles)
• The Route: Take I-15 North out of the city. Take exit 46 for CA-76 East toward Pala. Follow CA-76 East for about 21 miles, then make a left onto South Grade Road (S7). Wind your way up the mountain, turn left onto State Park Road, and it will take you right to the park entrance.
From Orange County
• Drive Time: ~1 hour 50 minutes (approx. 98 miles)
• The Route: Take I-5 South down the coast, then cut inland on CA-78 East toward Escondido. Merge onto I-15 North, and quickly exit onto CA-76 East toward Pala. Follow CA-76 East to South Grade Road (S7), turn left, and climb the twisty roads up to the park.
From Los Angeles
• Drive Time: ~2 hours 5 minutes (approx. 120 miles)
• The Route: Take your preferred freeway to I-15 South heading toward San Diego. Keep south past Temecula. Take exit 58 for CA-79 South (Temecula Parkway) toward Indio. Stay on CA-79 South for about 18 miles, then turn right onto S2 Reche Road, which connects to S6 (Palomar Mountain Road/East Grade Road). S6 will take you all the way up the back ridge of the mountain straight into the high country.
From Ventura / Santa Barbara (Direct Route to Camp)
- Drive Time: ~4 to 5 hours (approx. 216 miles—highly traffic dependent).
- The Route: Take US-101 South through Ventura and into LA. Cut east across the basin (via I-210 East or I-10 East) to hit I-15 South. Keep south past Temecula and take exit 58 for CA-79 South (Temecula Parkway). Stay on CA-79 South for 18 miles, turn right onto S2 Reche Road, then turn right onto S6 (East Grade Road) up the mountain. Turn right onto State Park Road and follow it to the dead end.
From Palm Springs
• Drive Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes (approx. 102 miles)
• The Route: Take CA-111 South out of Palm Springs, then turn right onto CA-74 West (the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway) to climb out of the desert. Turn left onto CA-371 West toward Aguanga. When it hits CA-79 South, turn left. Follow CA-79 South for just a few miles, turn right onto S2 Reche Road, and then hook left onto S6 (East Grade Road) to scale up the mountain.
Cell Phone Service: Very spotty. You might have to drive out of the park to get some reception.
Health Problems/Allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with a trip leader if you wish.
*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
Land Acknowledgment
We respectfully acknowledge that our campsite on Palomar Mountain is located on the unceded ancestral territory of the Payómkawichum (Luiseño) people, who have lived on and cared for these lands since time immemorial.
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.
