The beautiful park offers camping and hiking in an oak
woodland forest, with a sprinkling of pines and lovely meadows with creeks.
There are over 100 miles of trails which accommodate hikers, bikers, and
equestrians. The two family camps, Paso Picacho and Green Valley, are open and
on the reservation system spring through fall. Green Valley sits at an
elevation of 4,000 feet and has a creek which runs through the middle of the
campground. The day use area offers sets of cascades and shallow pools, great
for water play on hot days. Green Valley has 81 campsites.
Paso Picacho, 5 miles north, sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The most
popular hikes start from this camp, including the 2 mile hike up Stonewall Peak
(elevation 5,700 feet), and the 3.5 mile hike up Cuyamaca Peak (elevation 6,512
feet), both which offer breathtaking views of the deserts to the east, the coast
to the west, and Lake Cuyamaca at the bottom. Lake Cuyamaca, operated by the
Helix Water District, is two miles north of Paso Picacho and offers boating and
fishing. Paso Picacho campground has 85 campsites.
Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Restrooms with flush
toilets and pay showers are in the campground. Water faucets a located every
few campsites. There are no hookups. Each campground has a dump station.
Firewood may be purchased at the camps. Interpretive programs are offered
during the summer season. Campsites are $20 per night May 15 through September
15, and $15 the rest of the season. Reservations are necessary for weekends
April through October. The camping fee includes one motorized vehicle. Extra
vehicles are $6 per night. There is a limit of 8 persons per campsite. Dogs
are allowed but are restricted to the campgrounds, picnic areas, and paved roads
and Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road. They may not be left unattended. Reservations may
be made through ReservAmerica at 1-800-444-PARK.
Day use visitors may use the picnic areas provided at the campgrounds for $6
per vehicle. The receipt is good for the entire park for the day. The picnic
areas offer tables, restrooms, and barbeques. Visitors may also park in legal
turnouts along the highway and hike for free. Fire is not allowed anywhere
except in the developed picnic areas and campgrounds. The park is located
approximately 50 miles east of San Diego on Highway 79. It is 15 miles south of
the quaint historical town of Julian.
Though fires came through the park in the fall of 2003, the park has
recovered nicely. The group camps are in the process of being rebuilt, and for
the summer of 2005 Los Vaqueros group horse camp has been converted to an
equestrian family camp. Reservations for that camp only may be made by calling
760-765-0623. Los Vaqueros offers chemical toilets and no showers during this
transition. The fee is $15 per night which includes, and is limited to, one
motorized vehicle and one trailer. The camp will close after Labor Day and
reconstruction on the restroom there will begin.
For the most current information on the park, go to www.cuyamaca.us . This
website also covers our tremendous volunteer program and its opportunities. The
park phone number is 760-765-0755. Come visit this park rich in beauty and
history!
Location – Directions
East of San Diego, the park is on Highway 79, five miles
north of I-8.
Latitude/Longitude: 32.9547 / -116.6014 Telephone:
760-765-0755
Suggestions & Comments:
cuyamaca@parks.ca.gov
Operating Hours:
dawn ‘til dusk
Address:
12551 Highway 79
Descanso, CA 91916 |
