Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Southern California → San Diego Area → East County → Garnet Peak

Location: Laguna Mountains, Cleveland National Forest, east of San Diego

Distance: 2.4 miles roundtrip

Elevation Ascent/Descent: 500 feet/500 feet

Time Required: ~1.5 hours

Red Tape/Notes: National Forest Adventure Pass required. A gps of the route can be found on AllTrails here.

What’s Nearby?: Kitchen Creek, Indian Creek-Pacific Coast Trail Loop, Oasis Spring

On a clear day, this trail provides an ideal opportunity for some outstanding views. Considering the whole effort only takes around an hour and a half, it’s well worth it if you’re in the area. The first half of the trail slopes gently upward across desert/mountain terrain before crossing the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail becomes steeper after crossing the PCT, slanting along the shoulder of the peak before the final brief section where the trail ascends a layered cluster of rock at the summit. From the peak, you can see down Storm Canyon to the desert and out to the Salton Sea, and behind you are the green hills of the Laguna Crest. It’s a true 360 degree panorama of beautiful views.

Epic Travel → North America → The West Coast → Southern California → San Diego Area → East County → Garnet Peak