Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

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Geography

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Page Type: Area

Location: California, United States, North America

Lat/Lon: 32.93147°N / 116.57043°W

Trail Type: Cross Country, Downhill, Mountain, Paved

Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Page By: Cedar

Created/Edited: Nov 25, 2007 / Nov 25, 2007

Object ID: 264735

Hits: 690

Page Score: 87.12% - 5 Votes

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Table of Contents

Intro

Lookout Fire Road and Cuyamaca Peak.

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is located in Southern California. The park, from the fires of 2003, is heavily charred. Recovery though, can now be seen throughout the park.

Although the park is dwarfed by many of its neighbor, Anza-Borrego Desert SP, it still has plenty enough for the modest biker. These vary in difficulty though none are truly technical.

Ranging from 3000' to 6512', Cuyamaca experiences much of the extremes seen by So. Cal. In winter, it may snow in the higher elevations. In contrast, temps may soar over 100 degrees in the lower elevations during summer.

Water, as always, is an essential. The dry climate of the region means rivers and lakes may unexpectedly run dry, pipes may break and ect.

Directions

Cuyamaca is easily accessable to those in Southern California. It is divided in two by CA-79 and surrounded by towns and cities, most notably, San Diego.

From the downtown area, drive eastbound on I-8 to Descanso. Exit the freeway and turn left onto CA-79 north. Bear left again in Guatay following the highway which should soon enter the park.

Rules & Regulations

Biking is permitted only on designated mountain biking trails. Watch for hikers and horse riders as they are commonly found here as well. No permits are required for biking.

Campgrounds

On Stonewall Peak (closed to bikers).

There are a number of campgrounds throughout the park, primarily, two developed ones: Paso Picacho and Green Valley. Fees for these are $11-25. Also, there are several primitive campsites away from the roads. They charge $9-15.

Paso Picacho

This campground sits in between two major peaks: Cuyamaca, the park highpoint, and Stonewall, an impressive peak with a summit of stone. It is very popular among dayhikers.

Green Valley

Green Valley Campground is situated along the banks of a running river. This is typically not as crowded by hikers but still fills up quickly by campers.

Useful Sites

Here are some useful sites to visit.

CA State Parks- Cuyamaca's page on the California State Park's site.

Cuyamaca Rancho SP Interpretive Association- A group which maintains an informative site on the park.

NWS- Julian, CA- Weather forcast for Julian, just north of the park.