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 Reporter |
Summary: This excursion is of gentle switchbacks thru canopies of old growth black oaks, sycamores, and coniferous trees. The trail is one of the most popular in Cuyamaca State Park. The most unique feature of Stonewall is there are boulders to climb, to reach the peak! Don’t worry steps have been carved out of the granite and a rail installed to aide all those whom make the summit. Great views of Anza Borrego, the Laguna Mountains and 30 plus miles to Palomar Mountains are the reward for all who make the ascent. Trailhead: The trailhead is easily located across highway 79 from Paso Picacho campground. The trailhead sign tells families about the trail of switchbacks they are about to encounter. This is a great trail for the entire family. (Lat:32.57 Lon:-116.34) Trail Guides for Stonewall Peak: Afoot & Afield in San Diego County by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: California State Parks (760) 765 0755 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kevin Vasquez, who has posted 7 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by JLL on 6/7/2009 This is a beautiful hike. I just did it a few days ago and the trees have grown back nicely since the fires. I would recommend this as a nice hike for anyone of any fitness level. 
Reviewed by A. Riedel on 12/26/2008 Wow - it doesn't look like that anymore. I miss the Cuyamacas before the fire - stupid flare gun fool!
Reviewed by Mark on 12/7/2008 Hiked first time today 12/7. Not the greatest weather but still a good workout if you keep a quick and steady pace. Nice views at top but the hike across the street to Cuyamaca Peak Loop is better workout/higher up & longer. I combined this with the Five Oaks Loop at Volcan Mtn Preserve & made for a full day outside. Then hit up Julian for a slice of apple pie & coffee. Nice.
Reviewed by G on 10/18/2008 My wife and I hike this trail two different times this year. Once in late April and the second time in October. Both times were just as rewarding. In April there were a lot of wildflowers at the edge around the lake that was just amazing to see. October 10 we hike it again. It was a slightly cool crisp fall day. Clouds were very active and gave us a beautiful sight during the hike. Have done this hike twice and plan on doing it many more times. Long enough to feel accomplished at the top but . It is a nice stroll full of beautiful park views but it still gives you a pretty good workout. Bring your camera!!
Reviewed by AJ on 7/21/2008 We hiked the Stonewall Peak Trail yesterday and hade a great time. It was warm in the beginning of the hike, especially when hiking along the windless side of the trail. The trail is in great shape and we managed to get to the top in about 2 hours or less. A storm front was moving is and we were warned to be off the top in it starts raining by the State Park staff due to lightning. There was very little breeze at top which was a surpsise. The summit was much smaller than we anticipated and had a great view. I'm planning of going back and staying at the Paso Picacho Campgorund in the future.
Reviewed by Nick on 6/2/2008 I had hiked this trail a few years back before the Cedar fire and I had some fond memories going into this hike. The oak trees are gone - destroyed by the fire - but the ground vegetation is out in full force and many of the bushes are about 6 -7 feet tall. While the shade from the oak trees is gone the bushes are providing good shade along the route. Round trip time was about 3 hours. Two hours up and one down. The view is spectacular from many places on the trail. When we got to the top we could see down to Lake Cuyamaca, over to the observatory on Mount Laguna, and all the way to the Salton Sea.
Reviewed by JP on 1/17/2008 We hiked this wonderful trail on 1/12/08 at 10:30 am. It was a perfect day with no wind. When we got to the top, we saw the Palomar Observatory and the snow covered peaks to the north. We loved it and so did everyone we encountered! Not at all strenuous, which is good for us older folks!!! We do it every year, after the snow melts. It is recovering nicely from the 2003 fire that eliminated all the beautiful trees. Lots of new growth. Watch for burnt, fallen trees across the trail.
Reviewed by AM on 11/25/2007 Hiked this on ThanksGiving day (11/22/07). Great Hike, very shady, nice views of lake cuyamaca on the way up as well as on top. 360 degree views on top. should be able to see the Salton sea on a clear day. I would rate this as easy to moderate. Elevation gain mentioned here is incorrect, as mentioned by other reviewers... it is about 800ft. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||