Garnet Peak Trail offers one of the most stunning panoramic views available anywhere near San Diego. For its minimal climb, you’ll be amazed at how high up you are, and how far you’ll be able to see. Though you’ll likely see some people, don’t expect to encounter nearly as many hikers as you would at Cowles Mountain or Potato Chip Rock. You’d be surprised at how few San Diegans make the hour plus drive here.
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Park to the right of Sunrise Highway on the dirt, where there is room for several cars. You will see a brown metal gate labeled ‘Garnet Peak Trail’ at the trailhead. Step over the gate and begin your hike toward a view that you may never forget. Thanks to Ben & Javiera for modeling your starting point!
Detailed directions for finding the trailhead:
Take Fwy 8 and exit at Sunrise Hwy, exit #47. Take a left onto Sunrise Highway, which likely shows up in your GPS as County Road S1 / Old Highway 80.
Though you can park at the Penny Pines Trailhead and get to the same destination, this is a longer hike – if you looked at the Hike Specs and this distance sounds ideal, here’s how to find it, as this trailhead’s marking is only noticeable once you’ve parked.
Please pay close attention to the mile markers along Sunrise Hwy. You exit the 8 Fwy and enter Sunrise Hwy at about mile 13.5. You will notice the mile marker signs on the right side of the road.
Drive north as the highway winds higher and higher (meaning the view will get better and better) until mile 27.8 and look for space to pull off the road to the right.
The hike itself can be anywhere from an hour to two hours depending on how much time you spend at the summit. It takes about an hour to get to the trailhead from downtown/coastal San Diego, and if you want to continue on up to Julian that adds another hour of driving (total).
Snacks for the hike are never a bad idea, but aren’t essential as long as you plan to stop to eat somewhere after the hike.
- National Forest Adventure Pass
- Layers (even in summer, a light jacket isn’t a bad idea as it is often windy at the summit)
- Hiking boots or the most solid pair of sneakers you own
- Day pack backpack with these items:
- Water
- First Aid supplies
- Fully Charged Phone
Julian Pie Company
Romano’s Italian Restaurant
Volcan Mountain Winery
Menghini Winery
Julian CiderWorks
Alpine: Janet’s Montana Café
Alpine Beer Company Restaurant
That’s Nashville the dog enjoying the view from Garnet Peak Trail. Thanks to npriester on Instagram for this photo.