Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
California

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Photography
  • Picnicking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Biking
  • Historic Sites
Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park in San Diego County features 100+ miles of trails, Stonewall Peak with ocean-to-desert views, camping at Paso Picacho, and stunning mountain scenery at 4,000–6,500 ft elevation!

🦁 Mountain Lion Country

Hike in groups, keep children close, don’t hike alone at dawn/dusk. If encountered: don’t run, appear larger, make noise.

Stonewall & Cuyamaca Peaks

PeakDetails
⛰️ Stonewall Peak5,700ft—2mi hike, ocean views!
⛰️ Cuyamaca Peak6,512ft—2nd highest in SD County
👁️ Views360°: Pacific, Salton Sea, desert

100+ Miles of Trails

Popular TrailDetails
🥾 Stonewall Peak4mi RT, moderate, best views
🥾 Cuyamaca Peak3.5mi, Lookout Fire Road
💦 Green Valley FallsEasy, seasonal waterfalls
🐴 EquestrianMulti-use trails

Paso Picacho Campground

Camping InfoDetails
Sites85 (year-round)
🏠 Cabins4 cabins available
💵 Fees$30–$45/night
🐕 DogsCampground only (not trails)

Lake Cuyamaca

Adjacent Lake Cuyamaca (operated by Helix Water District) offers fishing and a 4.6-mile lakeside trail—perfect for easy hiking!

FAQ

How hard is Stonewall Peak?

Moderate—2 miles one way with 850ft elevation gain. The final section has stone steps carved into granite. Views from the top are spectacular!

Are there mountain lions?

Yes, they live here. Hike in groups, keep children close, avoid dawn/dusk solo hikes. If you see one: don’t run, make yourself big, shout, throw objects.

Can I bring my dog on trails?

No—dogs are not allowed on trails. They’re permitted in campgrounds, picnic areas, and on paved roads and Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road only.

🏔️ San Diego’s Mountain Escape

Visit California State Parks website.

State Parks Team
Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The State Parks Team is a group of outdoor enthusiasts, researchers, and travel writers dedicated to showcasing America's state parks. Drawing on collective experience visiting parks in all 50 states, the team creates detailed guides, curated park lists, and practical tips to help visitors make the most of their state park adventures. Our mission: making America's state parks accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Last updated: February 20, 2026

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