Palomar Mountain State Park
Palomar Mountain State Park, located in southern California, United States, attracts approximately 70,000 visitors each year who enjoy its modest yet delightful offerings. The park features two mountains named Boucher Hill and Lone Fir Point. A small mountain park in southern California, Palomar Mountain State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is within San Diego County and can be reached in about an hour and a half by automobile from the southwesterly city of San Diego.
The desert lowlands of Southern California provide a striking contrast to the wooded hills. Palomar Mountain State Park is rich in flora and fauna and has several interesting human inhabitants. The southern mule deer and the striped skunk are just two species visitors may encounter. Although mountain lions and bobcats are occasionally spotted at Palomar Mountain State Park, these encounters are uncommon.
Hiking At Palomar Mountain State Park
Palomar Mountain State Park is a great place to take the kids hiking. More than 11 miles of paths lead hikers through renowned oak groves, verdant meadows, and towering fir and cedar groves. We’ve compiled a list of trails that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their fitness or experience.
Doane Valley Hiking Path
The length of this short, flat, and child-friendly trail is almost exactly one mile. The trail follows a loop through a forested area that provides welcome shade and features interpretive plaques detailing the area’s flora, fauna, and history. There are two beautiful stream crossings on this pleasant hike. Keep in mind that this trail has several challenging inclines.
Weir Trail
Hike the Doane Valley Nature Trail for a quarter mile before taking the fork to the Weir Trail from the Doane Pond parking area. It leads to the medieval weir, next to a picturesque creek with a few minor waterfalls. Go back the way you came or follow the signs to the French Valley Trail. A circuitous route through French Valley and back to Doane Pond adds up to under four kilometres. Making this an out-and-back hike is possible by only taking the Weir Trail.
Scott’s Cabin Trail
The three-mile path boasts breathtaking scenery. Walking up roughly 700 feet in height will allow you to see the local fauna in and amid the enormous, shady trees. Extend your hike by linking with nearby trails, including the Thunder Springs Trail, Chimney Flats Trail, and more.
Camping At Palomar Mountain State Park
Located at an average elevation of 5,000 feet, Palomar Mountain State Park boasts pleasant evening temperatures for camping in the summer. The Doane Valley and Cedar Grove Group Campground are located within Palomar Mountain State Park.
Doane Valley Campground
With 31 sites, the Doane Valley Campground is more typical. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring, BBQ, and food locker to keep your provisions secure and the local wildlife safe. Access to running water, flush toilets, and hot showers is provided.
Cedar Grove Group Campground
Bigger gatherings like family reunions are best accommodated at the Cedar Grove Group Campground. Pick three distinct locations, but only one is easily accessible. The maximum number of campers who can stay at Group Camp I is 25. Both Group Camps II and III have a capacity for only 15 kids. If you have a trailer or a camper van longer than 21 feet, Group Camp I is the best option, as the other two campgrounds are better suited to tents. Cedar Grove Campground also has a bathroom for campers to use.
Location: State Park Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA, United States, California
Phone Number: +1 760-742-3462
Email: palomar.interpreter@parks.ca.gov
