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 Reporter |
Summary: A hike along Observatory Trail on Palomar Mountain is like a "three-for-one" deal at the supermarket: for the price of sweating out a hike on one beautiful, coniferous, oak-lined trail, you reap the benefits that normally only result from having hiked along at least three other trails: a good aerobic climb, magnificent scenery along mostly good trail, and access to a world-famous observatory. The trailhead is easy to find within the Observatory Campground (Forest Service Adventure Pass required to park here), and the trail itself is clearly defined throughout. A spectacular view of Mendenhall Valley is offered from an observation platform within a half-mile of the start, and wildflowers are profuse during the months late in the spring. At trail's end (after slightly more than 2 miles), one can continue up to the Palomar Observatory just to the right of the trail's end and visit the 200-inch Hale Telescope or retrace one's steps back to the campground. Trailhead: From Interstate 15, near Fallbrook, drive twenty-one miles east on Highway 76. Turn north on Road S6 (South Grade Road), continue 6.5 miles to the junction with Road S7, then continue three miles north along Road S6 to the Observatory Campground (located across from the Forest Service Sign on the right side of the road). The parking area for the trailhead and the amphitheatre is located toward the back of the campground "loop" and is signed. A Forest Service Adventure Pass is required to park at the trailhead. (Lat:33.34346 Lon:-116.87767) Trail Guides for Palomar Mountain-Observatory Trail: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Cleveland National Forest-Palomar Ranger District (760) 788-0250 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Patricia Barnes, who has posted 23 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jason M on 10/21/2007 We hiked the Thunder Springs-Chimney Creek-Scotts Cabin trails and even wandered off to the Baptist/Weir route on the way back - to see the historic site and small waterfalls (left trail). It was an amazing trail and we would definitely recommend it to beginner's to moderate hikers. The weather was windy but not too bad and we even heard a few tree's fall in the distant forest. There were no bugs and the only growls we heard were from our stomach after the 6 mile hike was over.. We will be back and do it again soon. 
Reviewed by Rene on 10/14/2007 A great hike: 55 minutes up and 40 minutes down. I handle moderate trails of 4 miles out and back length, with greater elevation gain, but at lower altitude. (e.g. Rattlesnake Ledge, in WA state). The trail is sometimes difficult to make out at spots, however. According to the signpost at the observatory end, the trail is 2.2 miles long, one way.
Reviewed by JM on 1/10/2007 The trail is absolutly lovely year round. As a side note to the post below me. There are no jaguars in California. Just mountian lions. 
Reviewed by shoshana on 1/8/2007 beautiful hike but would not do it again. while hiking me and my friends heard an interesting growl. it was low and was not any animal you would think you would run into up there. at first we thought of bear but in fact it was a big cat that is in fact deadly, a jaguar. it followed us for a while until we took our food out of our backpack. my advice is do not bring food on trail with you, you might attract an unwanted guest.
Reviewed by nope on 7/22/2006 not the best hike for the summertime. take the posters advice below and bring a net or SOMETHING to keep the bugs away. they seriosly ruined it for us. noticed lots of bees around over certain parts of the trail, enough that you could stop and listen to the group of them buzzing. trail is adequately groomed with a few rough patches, saw lots of poison oak around. would go again, but during a different time of the year i think john on 6/22 needs to relax...
Reviewed by DDM on 5/5/2006 BEAUTIFUL SCENERY, MODERATE EXERCISE, ABUNDANT PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE MAKE THIS A GREAT HIKE. ON THE DOWNSIDE: THE TRAIL IS NARROW, AND SUMMER DOES BRING OUT FLIES, AND KNATS. WEAR A NET HAT TO KEEP THE BUGS OUT, AND IT WILL BE NO PROBLEM. TO SAVE MONEY, PARK IN THE OBSERVATORY PARKING LOT, AND HIKE DOWN, AND BACK UP AGAIN. IF THE TRAIL IS TOO TOUGH, HIKE UP AND DOWN THE ROAD TO THE OBSERVATORY.ITS MUCH EASIER. I HAVE HIKED THERE IN WINTER, WITH SNOW ON THE GROUND, AND IN HOT SUMMER TEMPS, ALWAYS HAD A GREAT TIME. MUCH RECOMMENDED.
Reviewed by Steve and Trish on 4/10/2006 This was a great hike. There are a lot of trails to choose from including the hike up to the observatory. We saw deer, blue birds, wild turkeys and hawks. Parking was only $6 for over 2 hours of entertainment, totally worth it, would definitely visit again.
Reviewed by Scout on 1/29/2006 A very cute trail. We went in winter, when there are patches of snow/ice to gather up and throw at your companions :) The path is easy to follow, but wear decent shoes. It isn't exactly a pristine walkway. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, San Diego County Hiking, San Diego County Trails, San Diego County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||