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    Pacific Crest Trail At Penny Pines

    4.9 (22 reviews)

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    Anna-Marie T.

    Beautiful hiking trail located in the Cleveland National Forest. This was my first time here and I'm already planning my next trip back (especially since the PCT runs through here). Despite the hot and dry weather the tail was a mix of beautiful fall colors mid-December. The trail was moderate and the views were beautiful. Tips for a successful trip: - wear long pants; shrubs are prickly -buy and adventure pass - parking at the trail head looks like a regular turn out but the trail name is stamped on a rail - bring water - bring snacks to eat at the top - read/leave encouraging notes at the GeoCache box at the top Enjoy!

    The Salton Sea through the thick of fog
    Jessica S.

    Maybe it's unusual to Yelp about nature, but everyone deserves to know about a little fresh air and natural scenery. Located near Mount Laguna, you can easily make this trek within 1 hour if coming from central San Diego. Parking consists of two turnouts on either side of the road which can fit maybe 5 cars each. You can hike the Noble Canyon Trail and Big Laguna Trail across the street or proceed to a portion of the famous PCT at Penny Pines. Hiking North leads you on the PCT towards Garnet Peak, while going South will eventually take you to Monument Peak. A hike to Garnet Peak is a happy distance at a very easy 4.2 miles roundtrip. The trek up beyond the base is a constant 0.5mi incline and a bit rocky, but definitely doable. I took my senior Lab on this hike and she finished it like a champ (although sore later). We went on a foggy day in the mountains, so we couldn't see much but still caught glimpses of the Anza Borrego and Salton Sea every now and then. Fantastic outing and will return!

    Doris W.

    Hiked Saturday August 15, 2015 Penny Pines to Garnet Peak Mileage: 4.4 miles Time: 2+ hours First off, there is no shade on this trail. NO SHADE AT ALL. Wear plenty of sunblock and bring water! We hiked it in 95 degree weather. It was hot, very hot. Directions: We camped at Laguna Campground, so this hike is just down the street from here. When you come out of Laguna Campground go left, you pass the lookout to the right and keep going. Watch out for the mile markers, once you pass mile 27.5, go a little further and Penny Pines will be on the right. If you go pas mile marker 27, you've gone too far. From what the ranger station told us, you don't need an adventure pass to park on the side of the street. I wasn't too sure, so I still put my year pass on display. Trail: So you do probably a little under 2 miles one way on the PCT and you will get to the Garnet Peak Trail on the right hand side. Once you get to that point, it's pretty much a straight shot up to the peak. It was so hot when we went, I was going so slow! Great views at the top though of Anza Borrego! Not a very long hike, but it's a nice one and it's part of the PCT!

    Natasha K.

    Started at penny lane trail head and hiked to garnet peak and back . Some of the most amazing views and thousand feet drop offs :) We did this on a Sunday in October , weather was perfect and it took us 3 hours because we like to play around and investigate everything . Had a great snack break at the top of garnet peak , which is a little bit of a climb up at 5,000 ft elev. but nothing harsh. Get your pass at the Mt Laguna lodge before you hike $5

    Lauren S.

    Amazing hike and unlike many in San Diego, there are not truckloads of people on the trail. You may run into one or two who are beginning the PCT journey which is super interesting. The trail meets them about 50 miles into their 1300 mi journey south to north.

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    11 years ago

    So close to San Diego but it feels like you are really in nature. The hike is fun but open to any skill level. My dog loved it!

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    10 years ago

    Someone messaged me saying the $5 pass is no longer needed... check into it before you go!

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    Awesome hike! So may different trails to take!

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    Review Highlights - Pacific Crest Trail At Penny Pines

    From what the ranger station told us, you don't need an adventure pass to park on the side of the street.

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    Cottonwood Creek

    Cottonwood Creek

    4.7
    (7 reviews)
    5.9 mi

    It's a great river swim with the family…read more However be very careful.. I feel in a whole in Sept 5th,2022 and twisted both ankles. Which I'm still suffering pain from Two month in my injury. My family had lots of fun( I didn't since I was in pain but since it was 2hr drive I suck it up for them). My toddler love it.. we went when LA hit over 100* heat... it very nice in the water!! Many ppl with floating I do suggest to make sure everyone know how to swim as its now drag ppl down the stream..

    I could see this being a 3 or 4 star hike depending on the season and weather conditions you do the…read morehike in. I hiked it on 2/24/19 and found the conditions to be ideal for my enjoyment! Location- it was only about a 30 minute drive for me since I spent the night after attending a party at a family member's house in El Cajon (suburb of San Diego); I jumped on the 8 East and as the elevation reached 3,000 ft I could begin seeing snow on the hills near the fwy and I got even more excited for this hike- took Exit 47 for Sunrise Hwy and the trailhead parking was about 2 miles away from the fwy and there was a large lot on the side of the hwy to park Trail- you access the trail by walking across the road and going to the right of the metal barrier...the snow was the deepest on this portion of the hike for about half a mile and the first part of the hike is where the trail is the narrowest with portions where you have to bend over and get low to continue past low branches; at about 3/4 of a mile you will get down to creek level and make a left to get to the waterfalls...I carefully climbed up to reach about 4 parts of the waterfall and it was flowing really well with all of the recent precipitation of this winter and it was a pleasant surprise to find this so close to the city of San Diego; it is about 2 miles RT and not anything too extreme in the way of incline and I loved having the trail/falls all to myself for the nearly 2 hrs I was there *I used microspikes just to be safe but I could see it being fine with just hiking shoes

    Photos
    Watching from the bank since I was injured I would walk my ankles were beyond swallowed...
    Watching from the bank since I was injured I would walk my ankles were beyond swallowed...
    Seeing the lake before getting to the river
    Seeing the lake before getting to the river
    Cows on our way to the river.. leaving LA behind us

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    Cows on our way to the river.. leaving LA behind us
    Enjoy the Mountain San Diego

    Enjoy the Mountain San Diego

    4.3
    (10 reviews)
    7.4 mi

    We had a great time with Emil on a 1 hr ride through rain and snow flurries. The ride was safe,…read morewell paced and super fun. I would recommend wearing some waterproof pants/jacket if you are going during such weather. This is my new favorite activity! Can't wait to do it again.

    I booked this adventure for 2 reasons: (1) to FINALLY get out of the house during this pandemic…read moreespecially since all we have been doing is working and we have been working more than ever since our job is considered 'essential', and (2) celebrate my boyfriends 30th birthday. This was my first time on a quad/ATV and my boyfriend has been riding dirt bikes since he was like 6yrs old. I love being outdoors & going on new adventures, and he loves riding ... so the mixture of those things i came upon this place. For birthdays I love and prefer creating memories instead of giving materialistic gifts. Example: For his 28th birthday I booked us a little personal speed boat in San Diego. Upon arrival check-in was easy, quick, and they gave us hand sanitizer so we felt assured. They had helmets and other PPE lined up and available for us to use, however we had brought our own (riding gloves, riding jerseys, riding DOT certified helmets, and googles) which they allow. Our guide Jorge was funny and very easy going. The ride overall was really fun!! During our ride our guide also took pictures of us and he took some awesome ones with amazing backdrops! The only complaint I have was that I only booked us the 1 hour ride. Next time we are doing the 2 hour ride for sure! And maybe the Big Bear location as well.

    Photos
    Enjoy the Mountain San Diego
    Through the rocks
    Through the rocks
    Let's take a break

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    Let's take a break
    Corte Madera Mountain

    Corte Madera Mountain

    4.4
    (8 reviews)
    12.9 mi

    This mountain is one of the 6 peak San Diego challenge. It's about 7 miles and 1,500 ft elevation…read moregain. It is very doable for folks of all levels. Beginners can take it slow. Beautiful view from the top! I'm all about the summit pictures. Please come and create your own adventure.

    I did this hike for the first time on 5/27/18 and REALLY enjoyed the hike. I did this as part of…read morethe Tardigrade Tough 8 Challenge which comprises 8 of the hardest hikes in the San Diego area. If you are interested follow @tt8challenge and/or @resilientsquad on Instagram. Here are the main details of the hike: Name: Corte Madera in Alpine, CA (east of San Diego) Distance: 7 miles Elevation Gain: 1,500 ft Elevation at Peak: 4,657 ft. Duration: 3-4 hrs Difficulty: Moderate *I used the directions from the All Trails App, not the directions here...which the directions are essentially the same up until the last part...basically the 8 East to Exit 51 Buckman Springs Rd, turn right and in 3.3 miles you will turn right on a small side road named Morena Stokes Valley Rd which is a narrow somewhat paved/dirt bumpy road and in 4.8 miles you will see a green metal gate with a red cross on it...parking for about 5 or 6 cars on the left of the road and the hike starts at the metal gate We arrived at 6:15 am and we were the first to park in the parking area. We saw no one on our way to the peak and saw less than 10 people on our return from the peak. I really enjoy hikes where there are little to no people and there are no sounds of cars or noises except for nature. For the first .7 miles of the hike you are on an access road lined with oaks provided cover until you reach a metal garbage can with a wooden sign that says Espinosa Trail on the left, this is the way you need to go and you will now be on a narrow single file trail. At 1.5 miles you will come to an official metal sign which indicates Los Pinos Peak to the left and Espinosa Trail straight, just below this sign is a handmade looking wooden sign with "Corte Madera Mt" and an arrow pointing to the right...follow this sign. At 1.9 miles you will see an official sign indicating you are entering a nesting area for birds of prey with a wooden handmade sign pointing the way to "CM" and an arrow...follow this sign. At about 2.6 miles you will see the destination off to your left and you will see why it is called by some the San Diego Half Dome. The final .9 miles to the peak will curve around to the left and you will make a half circle to the peak when you reach about 3.4 to 3.5 total miles. There was no sign at the peak but there was a green metal container with the name and elevation on it. There is a variation to the scenery on this trail with some shaded and some exposed areas and some cool rocks and there was a nice variety of colors (green, yellow, and violet), but most importantly were the great views at the top. On the day we hiked it was misting in the beginning and lots of fog/low clouds, but by the time we got within a mile from the top we had hiked high enough to be above the clouds and it was clear and beautiful up there. It is definitely worth the drive to do this hike and I highly recommend it.

    Photos
    "Jason Travolta"
    "Jason Travolta"
    Obligatory group picture at the top
    Obligatory group picture at the top
    Creating epic moments

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    Creating epic moments
    Merigan Trail

    Merigan Trail

    4.7
    (3 reviews)
    9.5 mi

    An outstanding "under the radar" waterfall hike is right here in Descanso. The Merigan Trail (aka…read morethe Merigan Fire Road) is closer than you think at just five minutes off the 8 freeway. Once at the trailhead, you will start your hike through an open meadow, passing some shady oak groves then finishing with waterfalls crashing on large boulders. I was introduced to this gem when I was at sixth grade camp, at Camp Oliver. I knew the Merigan Trail was great even then, but now I can truly appreciate how this area was left untouched after all these years. If it is your first time here, you will be back. FYI..there was still snow on the ground when we went in early January. There is no official address, but the place is right off Viejas Boulevard at Mitzpah Lane. Since it is part of the Cuyamaca State Park, they have their own signs, dirt parking lot, port-a-potties and the "honor system" check in station. I guess they ask for an 8 dollar fee to park. From the parking lot, walk to the trail head going left that passes right in front of a ranger's cabin. You can't miss the trail, since it is wide enough to drive a truck through. Stay on the trail and you will pass through a meadow, then an oak grove, this will then turn into a few mild inclines on the trail that will eventually lead you to a fork in the trail. At the fork, you will see a sign with the option to go to the "Dead Horse Trail" or stay on the "Merigan Fire Road." I always take the Dead Horse Trail, and go left at the fork in the trail to get to the waterfalls. The hike to the waterfall takes about 30-40 minutes for the average hiker with a few stops to admire the scenery. On a scale of 1-10 for difficulty, I would rate it at a 3. There are some inclines, but nothing too bad. Remember, my entire 6th grade class made the hike. Although I love Mission Trails and Cowles Mountain as much as the next hiker...those spots are flooded with way too many bodies. Just when you think you hear a coyote or deer up ahead, it always ends up being another hiker. Kind of a buzz kill. The Merigan Trail has always been the opposite of that experience for me.

    We did this hike based on the review above. There's something about the adventure of trying to…read morefind a waterfall based on one yelp review that sounded fun. It's pretty much just as the above review describes. Drive east on I-8 two exits past the Viejas outlets to Japatul rd and make a left. Make a left at hwy 79 and then an immediate left on Viejas Blvd. Look for Mitzpah rd and park in the dirt lot. Parking is $8. The hike to the waterfall is about 30 minutes. Take the fireroad and make a left at the fork down towards Dead Horse Trail. You will start to hear water. The falls aren't big and majestic, but it's quiet and uncrowded. We had 4 kids with us ranging from age 6 - 9 and they all had a good time.

    Photos
    Boulder moss thing.
    Boulder moss thing.
    3 Year old and Daddy wading in the swimming hole
    3 Year old and Daddy wading in the swimming hole
    Snow was still in the shady parts of the trail.

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    Snow was still in the shady parts of the trail.
    Monument Peak Hike

    Monument Peak Hike

    4.7
    (3 reviews)
    1.0 mi

    A great (Loop) hike that is best experienced during fall…read more.. There are many ways to hike this trail, but mine is a 5 mile loop hike. Follow my suggestions and get a great family-friendly hike with great views, fresh air, and you'll get up close to microwave towers, a USAF Doppler radar ball, and cellular towers. Soo cool. Okay, you've put this hike on your list based on the pictures but there are a few thing you need to know. I started at the Desert View picnic area. This is a great parking area but you MUST have an adventure pass to park here. You'll have to buy a day, or annual park pass at any sports/adventure store. OR, I found a free parking alternative. Okay here we go. I'll talk about the free parking..If you're at the picnic area just hop on the PCT and head north.. The access to the free parking area it's the next North turnoff past the Desert View picnic area. Drive up the road to the lot and park in the dirt lot.. Check out the view!! For your reference look up the road and you'll see a big black gate.. this is where your loop hike will END... Don't worry, you will not be trespassing on this hike. That gate only blocks cars, not hikers. My loop starts at the Pacific Crest Trail, so if you parked at the free area walk down the road and look for the trailhead on the RIGHT side of the road.. TIP - Because this area doesn't have reliable cell service you will need to use GPS via Google Maps (or a hiking app) to find the actual "unmarked Monument trail". TIP if you can't use google maps, you'll have to look for the PCT marker that's at the base of a small hill.. just look for a tight opening through manzinita trees on the right just before that sign. The monument trail is tight, but you can do it. Hike to the top and hike around the various government installations..take pictures..have fun. To complete the loop, continue to walk down the service road past more towers and dome heading south.. it will take you all the way back to the viewpoint parking lot.. TIPS - Put the location of the Desert View picnic area in your google maps app for reference BEFORE you enter this area (no internet coverage up here). Remember if you park at the picnic area you need an adventure pass. No pass required if you park at the viewpoint lot. This loop didn't have a single no trespassing sign. So do walk the service road on the loop back.

    The views at the top are spectacular. Tall Pines to the west, dry desert to the east. This peak…read morelies on what is known as a ecotone. A boundary between two distinctly different habitats. I used the directions provided here and they got me to a parking area off the shoulder on Sunrise Highway, about mile marker 25. The trailhead has between a barbed wire fence and the trail unmarked. You walk in a northerly direction for about half mile or so through a trail that looks vague in places do to lack of use, apparently. I got this info from a great hiking book called Afoot and Afield San Diego County by Jerry Schad. You'll walk until you get to another trail that intersects, and it's not marked. Follow it right on you'll be on the Big Laguna trail. Walk about 100 yards until you get to another trail intersection. It's the Pacific Crest trail and you'll follow it left. At the summit is a few radio and microwave antennas. Of interest was a laser target, standing about 6ft tall. I snapped a photo and uploaded it. When at the summit you'll appreciate the beautiful contrast of habitat as you pan around 360 degrees. It was especially windy this day, but very clear providing great views. Mount Stephenson and the large round white antennae towers can also be visited very near by. The views of the desert are amazing. This is an easy hike of about 4 miles out and back. Elevation gain 500 feet

    Photos
    You can see forever
    You can see forever
    Side hike to Stephenson Peak. Observe these signs. Government is not kidding
    Side hike to Stephenson Peak. Observe these signs. Government is not kidding
    Monument Peak Hike

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    Harvey Moore Trail

    Harvey Moore Trail

    4.7
    (3 reviews)
    5.3 mi

    Backpacked to Granite Springs on parts of Harvey Moore loop. Nice trail with wildlife sightings and…read moregood primitive group camping.

    Here is a real nature experience…read more Coming from San Diego, most of my hike outings have been relatively close to residential and other 'hikers' are plentiful. It's nice and all, but at times feels a bit fake. But Descanso, our neighbor to the not so distant east, finally quenched my Real Nature Thirst. It's definitely a different environment: rolling open fields, erie sleep hollow trees (even one fun to climb and get all sooty! [from its burnt state], ridges with flowing water below, creeks, forest-y parts...it really has it all! oh, including ticks that carry lyme disease, too - FYI. Some fellow hikers gave us the heads up to continuously check your socks and skin. There are some good climbs but mainly it's a distance factor that gives you your work out (roughly 14 miles). For the most part we were left to ourselves and nature, only occasionally running into horseback riders, and a a few hikers - could have been partly due to being Easter Sunday, but something tells me it allows for less foot traffic in general compared to other hiking areas. The funniest aspect of the visit was getting overly excited at spotting wild turkeys. That's how wilderness-starved I have become! This is definitely a great area to explore as a 1/2 day trip. If possible, acquire a map of the grounds before heading out. The trail markers can get confusing and it's easy to question if you are heading the right direction. Even GPS won't save you out here because reception can be lacking. We were lucky to run into 2 rangers on horses to verify getting back to our starting point. Added bonus to coming here: head to the store off the main road for some Dudley's Julian apple pie...ab-so-lut-ely delicious and satisfying end to all the calorie burning you just did! mmm.... Dudleys.

    Photos
    Harvey Moore Trail
    Harvey Moore Trail
    Harvey Moore Trail

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    Pacific Crest Trail At Penny Pines - hiking - Updated June 2026

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