Palomar Mountain, nestled in the Cleveland National Forest of Southern California, is a haven for nature lovers seeking serene landscapes and thrilling outdoor adventures. Known for its pristine environment, Palomar offers a variety of activities including hiking and camping, making it an ideal destination for both casual visitors and adventure enthusiasts.
The mountain's diverse ecosystem offers shaded areas along trails, especially towards higher elevations, but visitors are advised to bring adequate water and bug repellent due to the prevalence of insects in forested regions.
Palomar Mountain is more than just a destination; it's an experience that connects visitors with nature's untouched beauty and offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
It’s a beautiful drive to there and back. It’s many places to camp. Lots of beautiful trails. Some easier than others. Most of them are flat. It’s worth the drive.
I hiked up to High Point on Palomar Mountain from Oak Grove Trail on a sunny October day. There was plenty of free parking in the parking lot right off 76. The trails and roads are very well maintained although at times it was a bit tricky to find my way and I had to rely on my map to make sure I was on the right trail. The mountain views are absolutely beautiful. There are some welcome shady areas on the trail especially towards the end but for the most part there’s not much shade so prepare accordingly. I recommend bringing a gallon of water as it is a 14 mile or so hike. The first couple of miles are the steepest and hardest of the whole thing. Last thing to be aware of is there are a ton of little bugs that will follow you when you get to the shady forest area. Have spray or better yet a face net and your whole body covered to deal with them. Enjoy the views and happy hiking!
Nov 27 2022 Freezing 🥶. Beautiful night hike, so many 🌟. Feb, 11, 2017.
Beautiful and not very crowded. Lots of lupine and Calif fuscia blooming. Don’t expect to get a tour of the observatory - might be closed to the public. Be sure to check out the state park. Skip the county park.
For the first time in a long time, the pain in my hip allowed me the freedom to get in the car, on a longer jaunt, to Palomar Mountain. My wife & I were treated to a Photographers Heaven, with crazy blue skies, & impressive light play, the result of bright sunlight escaping truly massive clouds & cloud ceilings. We waited about 10-15 minutes, to be able to continue to PMSP entrance, due to a road repaving inconvenience, up near Palomar Mountain SP, where road crews were hitting it hard. The roadwork this crew had already done, the bottom third of the way up the mountain, felt super smooth in my Rav 4.