Description

  The Laguna Mountains are located in eastern San Diego County. There are a variety of trails that provide for great hiking. The Pacific Crest Trail winds throughout the area. The mountains reach to altitudes of over 6,000 feet. The range encomposses over 8,000 acres. Typical vegetation includes pines, cedars, and oaks. Occasional snowfall occurs during the winter. There are a few campgrounds throughout the Laguna Mountains (see links page). Day fees are $5.00.

Facilities

  Visitor Center, lodge, campgrounds, fire department, and store.

Directions

  Coming form the City of San Diego, take the I-8 and head east for about 40 miles.  Exit Sunrise Highway North, and drive until you reach the trailheads.  They are scattered alongside Sunrise Highway.

                Length = 1.8 miles round trip.

                Highlights = Trail follows a flowing stream (April to July), natural swimming hole, metamorphic rock outcroppings, waterfall, overnight camping.

                Directions = Take I-8 towards the Laguna Mountains, exit the Sunrise Highway and drive north. Trailhead is approximately .4 miles north of the I-8 along the Sunrise Highway (right-hand side).

                Length = 5 miles (one way).

                Difficulty = Moderate to difficult.

                Highlights = Nice campsites along the trail, water available from the canyons stream (not potable), views of San Vicente Peak and San Gorgonio, variety of wildflowers, trees and cactuses.

                Directions = Take I-8 towards the Laguna Mountains, exit the Sunrise Highway (S1) and drive north. Penny Pines trailhead is 27.3 miles north of I-8 along the Sunrise Highway (S1). To start from the Noble Canyon Trailhead take I-8 towards the Laguna Mountains, exit Pine Valley Rd (Highway 80) and drive north. Turn right onto Pine Creek Rd and the trailhead sign will be on the right-hand side.