Hiking Trails |
Parking |
Family Campsites |
Picnic Areas |
Group Campsites |
Reservations Recommended |
Exhibits and Programs |
Restrooms |
Showers |
Campers
(27' max) |
Fishing |
Trailers
(24' max) |
Guided Tours |
Vista Point |
Nature Trails |
Wildlife Viewing |
Cultural History |
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The beautiful forest
and mountain meadows of Palomar Mountain State Park are in northern
San Diego County on the west side of Palomar Mountain. Large pine,
fir and cedar trees make the park one of the few areas in southern
California with a Sierra Nevada-like atmosphere. The park features
camping, picnicking, hiking, and fishing (trout) in Doane Pond.
Coniferous forests cover much of the 1,862 acres, in contrast to the
dry lowlands surrounding the mountain.
Elevation within the
park averages 5,000 feet above sea level, making evenings cool even
during the summer. A number of vista points offer spectacular
panoramic views both westerly toward the ocean and inland toward the
desert, particularly from Boucher Hill
Summit. There, you'll also find the historic
Boucher Hill Fire
Lookout.
The park is open from
dawn 'til dusk daily. However, call or check the banner at the top
of this page for possible changes due to budget cuts.
From Highway 76, either of two
roads can be used to reach the park. The one from Rincon Springs
(County Road S6) is scenic but rather steep and winding. County Road
S7 from Lake Henshaw is longer, but its gentle grade makes it more
suitable for heavily loaded vehicles and those pulling trailers. To
the east, beyond the limits of the park, is the world-famous Palomar
Observatory and the highest point of the 6,100-foot mountain. Many
park visitors make the eight-mile trip up the road to the
Palomar Observatory,
which is operated by the California Institute of Technology and open
to the public.
Go here for maps, directions and
important tips to make your
visit to Palomar as pleasant as it can be.
CULTURAL HISTORY
NATURAL HISTORY
CAMPING
HIKING
FISHING
PICNICKING
MAPS, GUIDES & DIRECTIONS |
