Standing at 6512 feet, Cuyamaca Peak holds the top spot on the Sierra Club’s 100 Peaks of San Diego County list, and is officially the second highest point in the county. During the winter, Cuyamaca is one of the few places in San Diego that’s almost guaranteed to get snow. The hike along the paved Lookout Road to the summit isn’t that noteworthy, but the panoramic views from the summit are better than any you’ll find in the county.
Cuyamaca Peak trail info.
- Distance: 6 miles (round trip)
- Hiking time: 3 hours
- Type: Out and back
- Elevation gain: 1700’
- Difficulty: 6/10 (elevation gain)
- Elevation: 6512’
- Rank on 100 peaks list: 1/100
- Usage: Hiking, Mountain biking, Camping, Dogs allowed
- When to go: Spring, Fall, Winter
- Permits Required: Day use fee ($8.00)
- Agency: Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Map & directions for Cuyamaca Peak
- Trail map
- Directions to trailhead (via Google Maps)
More trails near Cuyamaca Peak
Related posts
Additional links & resources
- Trail report: ModernHiker.com
- Trail report: HikingSDCounty.com
- Trail report: 100peaks.com
Photos of Cuyamaca Peak
Robb is a native San Diegan and avid hiker, backpacker, and picture taker. He created Getgo Outdoors with the goal of giving back to the outdoor community and inspiring others to get outdoors.
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