Cuyamaca Peak Hike

Cuyamaca Peak Hike
Saturday, May 21, 2022
8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Join the Rock Church Hiking Ministry Family for a challenging hike to Cuyamaca Peak, at 6,512 feet, the second highest peak in San Diego County.

This is for advanced-level hikers due to the elevation gain and high altitude. 

Please self-evaluate your hiking and fitness levels, this is an advanced-level hike

We will be hiking Azalea Glen Trail with beautiful pine forest views to the west then ascending through one of the most beautiful dense forest trails in the park. The trail quickly morphs to a granite rock trail. Finally it becomes a wall trail hugging a steep drop! The views on this hike are fantastic, both to the East County Mountains and Lake Cuyamaca. Finally, the trail merges with the paved fire road 1/2 mile from the top of Cuyamaca Peak. On a clear day the views from the peak are spectacular! After taking a break to refuel, rehydrate and take in the views at the peak, we will descend the way we came.

If there is interest, we can go out for lunch afterwards.

More info on the hike can be found here.

See a map of the park here.

Parking at Casa Picacho Campground costs $10. Payment is through the Yodel app or by paying at the campground entrance.

"When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; and if you run, you will not stumble" - Proverbs 4:12

Itinerary

• Meet at the Day Use Parking area at 8:30 a.m.
• Hike starts at 8:45 a.m
• Worship will be at the Cuyamaca Peak summit

Cuyamaca Peak Hike Info

• Difficulty: STRENUOUS, ADVANCED-LEVEL HIKING
• Distance: 7.7 miles (Round trip)
• Elevation Gain: 1,883 ft.
• Peak Elevation: 6,512 ft.
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours 
• Not suitable for dogs and kids
• Weather: Hike will be canceled if it rains.

What to bring?

• $10 parking fee at Paso Picacho Campground
• Good running or hiking shoes
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothing, wear layers 
• Jacket, as it may be windy at the summit
• Hat or visor
• Hiking Poles (optional, recommended)
• Water (at least 2 liters recommended)
• Snacks
  
  

Trailhead Address

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Paso Picacho Campground

12551 Hwy 79, Descanso, CA 91916

Carpool Address

No carpools for this hike

Directions

Take I-8 East to the exit 40, CA-79 N/Japatul Valley Road. Turn left and follow SR-79 north (towards Julian). After 2.7 miles, there is a sharp left to stay on SR-79 – make sure not to miss this turn (follow signs for SR-79 and Cuyamaca Rancho State Park). Continue on SR-79 for about 9 more miles to Paso Picacho campground on the left hand side. Pay the parking fee at the kiosk and park in the Day Use parking/picnic area to the right. There is a $10 day use fee to park at Paso Picacho campground (the park rangers take cash/credit cards or you can pay via the Yodel app). The trailhead starts at the parking lot in the Day Use area.

If you have any questions, contact Vinnie at hike@sdrock.com