Blooming Anza-Borrego wildflowers will enrich any desert visit. California wildflowers are beautiful to see all across the state, but the Anza-Borrego Desert is known for showing off in Spring. The typical sandy landscape is transformed into a carpet of vibrant colors during historical “super bloom” seasons. In this portion of our guide to Anza-Borrego with kids, we cover all you need to know about enjoying the Anza-Borrego wildflowers.
I highly recommend planning a visit during wildflower Spring blooms. Wildflower blooms begin in February and peak in mid-March through April. I also like to check the Anza Borrego Desert Natural History Association’s current wildflower update to know what is going on in the park before we head out.
Depending on the level of rain during the previous winter, in combination with colder temperatures (that hold the moisture in the ground), a potential “super bloom” can cover the valley floor. We had a great visit during the 2017 super bloom. More on that visit and strategy for super bloom weekends below.
WHERE CAN I SEE THE WILDFLOWERS?
Anza-Borrego wildflowers bloom throughout the park in Spring, but some areas are known to pop with extra color. These are our favorite places to view the blooms.
ANZA-BORREGO STATE PARK VISITOR CENTER WILDFLOWERS
I always recommend checking in with the Visitor Center before visiting Anza-Borrego to ask about current conditions. However, this is an especially convenient strategy as the Visitor Center landscape is one of the best places to see the Anza-Borrego wildflowers!
BORREGO PALM CANYON TRAIL WILDFLOWERS
As one of Anza-Borrego State Park’s most popular hikes, The Borrego Palm Canyon Trail leads to a lush oasis in the desert. At a 3-miles round trip, this hike is family-friendly and a great option any time of the year. In addition, due to the water in the area, this hike is a top pick when exploring Anza Borrego wildflowers. You can read this post for more about the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail.
DESERT MEADOW ALONG HENDERSON CANYON ROAD
The open desert landscape becomes a beautiful meadow during wildflower season. The surrounding mountains and flowers that seem to go on forever make this a fun place to explore. In addition, when other areas like the Visitor Center and Borrego Palm Canyon Trailhead have no parking available, these meadows are accessible by just pulling over on the side of the road.
DESERT MEADOW ALONG DIGIORGIO ROAD
This is another meadow we love that is easily accessible by pulling off the side of the road. These meadows are especially great with kids, as they can hop out of the car and roam. They also make for some beautiful pictures with your kids.
HOW CAN I ENJOY A VISIT DURING SUPERBLOOM?
DO NOT SPEND HOURS WAITING IN TRAFFIC, FOR PARKING, FOR MEALS, ETC.
Super bloom years, like 2017 and 2019, draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to Borrego Springs searching for the colorful blooms blanketing the desert floor. In 2017, visitors to Anza-Borrego were at an all-time high, and traffic was horrendous. What usually takes about 10 minutes coming down the hill was backed up over two hours. Parking for one of the best places to see blooms, the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, was packed full by 8 am. Here is our strategy for a successful family trip to see the Anza-Borrego super bloom.
SUNRISE ARRIVAL
We are NOT morning people, but after reading about how impacted Borrego Springs was by all of the visitors, I knew we needed to take a more drastic approach to our visit. So we left North County San Diego around 4:30 am, with the goal of parking shortly after sunrise. It was very early, but we had just moved our son in pajamas, and he continued sleeping in the car. We packed had a picnic packed to avoid the hours of waiting we had read about in town.
Although the majority of the drive was in the dark, as we came over the hill, the sun began to rise. The drive into the desert is something I always love, but this time was even more spectacular. Our excitement was building, knowing we would soon be some of the first to explore.
HIKE BORREGO PALM CANYON TRAIL
Our early morning strategy did not disappoint. We pulled into the Borrego Palm Canyon Trailhead with ease as the sun began shining over the valley. Although shortly after 6:30 am, cars were already filling in behind us. We headed out into one of the best places to view Anza-Borrego wildflowers, the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail. You can read more about this trail here.
Due to our early arrival, we were leaving the trail shortly after 9 am. This also allowed us to beat the desert heat that was starting to pick up. The backup to get down the hill and into the parking area for the Visitor Center and Borrego Palm Canyon Trail was VERY long and looked incredibly frustrating. We knew immediately that our early arrival was key.
EXPLORE AND PICNIC IN THE DIGIORGIO ROAD AND HENDERSON CANYON ROAD
After our hike, we headed out to the meadows on DiGiorgio Road and Henderson Canyon. The rangers at the Visitor Center told us that these were some of the best spots to see the wildflowers. In addition, they make an easy stop with kids because you can pull off on the side of the road. We were able to have our late morning picnic lunch here as well. I HIGHLY recommend packing a picnic as the lines in town during super blooms are VERY frustrating.
LEAVE TOWN BEFORE THE AFTERNOON CROWDS AND HEAT PICK UP
At this point, you will have been up almost 8 hours and hiked over 3 miles. As the afternoon heat and crowds pick up, you will probably find that trying to do more will flip the mood of your trip. We recommend leaving town on the 78 towards Julian and stopping in for a beverage when you get there. Also, don’t forget to enjoy the daffodils blooming near the Julian Library and Wynola Pizza.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT TO DO IN ANZA-BORREGO
Click the images below to read more of our favorite things to do in Anza-Borrego State Park and Borrego Springs.
In this portion of our guide to Anza-Borrego State Park, we will cover the marvel known as the Galleta Meadows Estate. You may recognize these iconic sculptures from photos you have seen of the Anza-Borrego Desert and Borrego Springs. The Galleta Meadows Estate is a stop you do not want to miss when visiting Anza-Borrego State Park!
Galleta Meadows is the unique creation of Ricardo Breceda that can be seen throughout Borrego Springs. Locals refer to the sculptures as “Sky Art.” The free-standing sculptures attract visitors of all ages to Borrego Springs. The sculptures were commissioned by Dennis Avery (yes, Avery, like your printer labels). He loved the town of Borrego Springs and purchased over 3,000 acres in the 1990s to keep it protected from development. He wanted his land to become an outdoor gallery for all to enjoy. As a result, Galleta Meadows now has over 130 statues scattered across the estate.
The giant free-standing statues can weigh up to 1000 pounds. The sculptures are a tribute to the prehistoric animals that once roamed the desert land. The designs have cultural and historical significance to the area. Fossils similar to many of the prehistoric designs have been found nearby. You will see giant birds, sabertooth cats, mammoths, dinosaurs, prehistoric animals, and the famous Borrego serpent.
HOW TO TOUR GALLETA MEADOWS
Touring the statues is fun for kids of all ages. As you head into the dirt roads of Galleta Meadows, the paths around the statues curve around cactus and other native plants. There is no one correct way to drive in or out. There are multiple areas to explore around Borrego Springs. Although we have visited several times, we still have not seen all 130 statues! Several creatures are located behind the Borrego Chamber of Commerce, making it an excellent stop for pictures and information!
In my opinion, there is no better way to end a day in the desert with kids than to watch the cotton candy skies appear in Borrego Springs in Galleta Meadows. We love to pick a new statue from the map, park our car, and set up our camping chairs or picnic blankets to watch the sun go down. Then, as the pink fades away, the stars come out, and you are left in awe of the incredible sight.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT TO DO IN ANZA-BORREGO
Click the images below to read more of our favorite things to do in Anza-Borrego State Park and Borrego Springs.
When you are planning a visit to Anza-Borrego, you will want to take some time to explore Borrego Springs. The desert town is surrounded by Anza-Borrego State Park and makes for a great stop with kids. With over 2,000 residents, the town offers a unique view of desert living. Although small and seemingly quiet, Borrego Springs has a variety of restaurants, hotels, and shops that line the downtown area. So, if you are looking for a hotel, restaurant, or market in the Anza-Borrego Desert, Borrego Springs is where you will need to be.
The town of Borrego Springs is the most popular and central place to stay (with the exception of camping) and dine when visiting Anza-Borrego State Park. There are no stoplights in town, and all roads lead to different parts of Anza-Borrego State Park. Scattered around town, you will see the massive animal sculptures of Galleta Meadows. Most shops and restaurants are a walking distance from the town center, Christmas Card Circle (a park inside a roundabout). At night, the skies above Borrego Springs transform from cotton candy pink to a star-studded panorama.
STARGAZING IN BORREGO SPRINGS
Borrego Springs is the only town in California designated as an International Dark Sky Community, making it an incredible place for stargazing. In addition, the city works to preserve the night sky for generations to come by using responsible outdoor lighting and educating citizens about light pollution. Between these conservation efforts and the wide-open landscape, stargazing is a must when visiting Borrego Springs.
SELEY RANCH RED GRAPEFRUIT
When I first heard about grapefruit in Borrego Springs, I was skeptical. It did not fit the typical desert landscape I thought of when I pictured our visits to Anza-Borrego. However, I will never visit Borrego Springs without taking home a bag of these delicious, oh-so-sweet Seley Red organic grapefruits.
There are several farm stands in town. We opted to check out the farm stand by the ranch entrance at 901 Borrego Valley Road. The fruit stands operate on the honor system, so cash is necessary. At the farm stand by the ranch, we grabbed a bag of 13 giant grapefruits for $4. Unfortunately, the farm was closed on the day of our visit, but you can always reach out to Seley Ranch to see if you can stop by to say hello. The citrus orchard has been a family-run business in Borrego since 1957.
Just along Christmas Circle, you will see the blue Kiwanis building pictured below in the heart of town. Here, you can grab a bag for $5 as you explore the city of Borrego. Either way, you will be thrilled to have these to enjoy once you are home.
WHERE TO EAT IN BORREGO SPRINGS
CARLEE’S PLACE
When we first drove through Borrego Springs, the large neon sign had me thinking Carlee’s Place was a liquor store or biker bar. I wanted to know more about it, and I am glad I looked into it! It has become one of our favorite places to eat in Borrego Springs. Carlee’s Place is a staple in the community and has been a part of town for many years. Carlee’s Place serves classic American fare and is open for lunch and dinner.
We visited during COVID, so we could not enjoy the pool table or live music that is a staple on weekends at Carlee’s Place. However, we enjoyed our time on their outdoor patio. We had Carlee’s burger because I had heard so much about it, and it was delicious! Everything is made from scratch, and the burger was cooked to perfection. Carlee’s Place is a family-friendly place with a wait staff that makes you feel welcome and comfortable. In addition, they have a full bar and craft beer list to please any beer lover!
RED OCOTILLO
Red Ocotillo serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner just off Christmas Circle in Borrego Springs. They have delicious farm-to-table cuisine. The menu includes fresh garden salads, burgers, steaks, pasta, soups, and desserts. Red Ocotillo has a full bar with signature cocktails, mimosas, beer, and wine. The patio has been expanded due to COVID restrictions on dining, and the patio is pet-friendly. The twinkle lights wrapped all around the surrounding have me dreaming of a steak and glass of wine under the twinkling stars of Borrego’s fantastic night sky. Next visit!
We loved our breakfast here. The breakfast burrito ingredients were all chopped finely and not overwhelming. The variety of signature benedicts all sounded delicious, and we opted for the crab cake benedict, which did not disappoint. The garlic and rosemary potatoes as our breakfast side dish were perfectly crispy on the outside and smooth inside. Our OJ was freshly squeezed, and they even surprised us with slices of coffee cake while waiting for our meal.
KESLING’S KITCHEN
I have wanted to try Kesling’s Kitchen for a long time. The menu changes daily, and the focus of the restaurant is the wood-fired stove in the kitchen. Next door to the Borrego Art Institute, the food and desserts are forms of art themselves. The menu plays on all cuisines, and the food is unique. Unfortunately, there are no options for kids, so if your child is not open to various new flavors, be prepared to get creative while paying full entree prices. Check their Facebook page for the updated menu to know if it will work for your family that day!
During our COVID-era visit, the restaurant had packed many dishes to-go, and the patio had plenty of options for outdoor dining. We ordered at the counter, and our son was incredibly excited about the cookie and dessert options. In addition, they have a large cooler with a great beverage selection. This is ideal on a hot desert day! I was thrilled to see kombucha options and LOVED this lavender lemonade option!
We stopped for lunch, and my husband and I shared the fish tacos and Asian pork tacos. We loved all of the flavors and sauces. Our son had the fried chicken sandwich plain as it was the best option for him. We loved adding everything back on the second half to share! Our table neighbors got the Asian BBQ ribs box for two, and it looked great. They said it was delicious as well! It is a fun idea to take for a sunset picnic out by the sculptures in Galleta Meadows.
ONE FINAL THOUGHT
I need to say that although the food was tasty, the woman working was pretty rude and left us feeling like the visit did not live up to what I had hoped. I like to think of us as pretty easygoing, and we both understand what it is like to work in restaurants. The guy working the cash register was super nice, but the woman running food was just… not. We were pretty surprised.
I know COVID has drained everyone, and restaurants in CA have suffered immensely. I will not judge the whole restaurant on this part of the experience, but I do see it in other reviews. We want to try Kesling’s Kitchen again and will update you after our next visit. I feel like I have to be honest with my people! And please let me know if you have a different experience.
BIG HORN BURGERS & SHAKES
Big Horn Burgers & Shakes is the counter order restaurant in the Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort. This is an excellent hotel for families, and the burgers and shakes are great here. The menu is super easy to customize, and the restaurant has plenty of outdoor and indoor seating. The menu is simple but will appeal to most visitors of any age.
We had a 1/4 beef burger with caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, ketchup & mustard. It was delicious! We let our son have a taste test between the vanilla and Oreo shake! He voted Oreo, and we all agreed they were both excellent. They also had an “adult” shakes menu that would be fun to sip by the patio heaters under the starry sky. Big Horn Burgers and Shakes makes grabbing dinner with your family easy after a busy day exploring Anza-Borrego State Park.
CENTER MARKET
Center Market is central in town and a go-to place for whatever you need to pick up last minute. Water bottles, band-aids, sunscreen, souvenirs- you can find it all at the Center Market. NEVER head out to explore in the desert without food and water. I was excited about the deli and the idea of picking up deli sandwiches, pasta salads, and drinks on our way out for some desert adventures. However, we quickly realized the deli is not always staffed. Premade sandwiches and sides like pasta salad, potato salad, and broccoli salad were available in the deli coolers.
We tried the deli at Center Market on a Saturday, and nobody was available to make sandwiches. We tried again on a Sunday by texting in our order as it says online and received a text saying they were “unable to confirm our request.” So not too sure the texting option works. On Sunday, we ended up grabbing roast beef sandwiches to-go, but by Sunday, the side salad options were gone. This visit was during peak season, but also COVID, so hard to know if this is the norm.
WHERE TO STAY IN BORREGO SPRINGS
LA CASA DEL ZORRO
La Casa Del Zorro is a luxury resort outside of town. Although we have not stayed here, I know we will soon enough and love it. We have friends that love coming here each year, and it is the place to go in town for a desert resort-style stay. The property is filled with historic adobe buildings, several pools, fountains, lush gardens, and beautiful rooms. Just outside of town, the resort offers food and beverage options along with family-friendly casitas and pools. Prices start around $280-400/night. We always book with Expedia to ensure a competitive rate.
PALM CANYON HOTEL & RV RESORT
The Palm Canyon Hotel & RV Resort is an excellent option for families. The entire hotel is built with a wild west theme that our son LOVED. In addition to your room needs, there are RV sites and vintage Airstreams available as well. There is a pool to cool off in, and Big Horn Burgers and Shakes will take care of all of your food and beverage needs. In addition, we received chocolate chip cookies and two saloon drink coupons at check-in. Something for the whole family!
More of a motel style, the rooms have everything you need for a comfortable stay. We had two queen beds, a refrigerator, and a microwave. Although our room did not have a balcony (some do), we had a great view from our front door. Another highlight was stargazing from right outside our room once our kids fell asleep. I highly recommend this hotel for families planning to be out and about in Anza-Borrego State Park during the day. Palm Canyon Resort runs $120-$180/room on Expedia, depending on the season. Your rate includes free parking, free Wifi, and fresh cookies upon arrival!
GLAMP at the DESERT SANDS VINTAGE RV RESORT
Next door to the Palm Canyon Hotel and RV Resort is the Desert Sands Vintage RV Resort. Although we have not stayed here, the vintage trailers look like a fun way to enjoy the desert. Most trailers require a two-night minimum, but they offer a fun way to feel like you are camping with everything set up for you! I will update here once we can check them out!
CAMPING IN ANZA-BORREGO STATE PARK
Anza-Borrego State Park is unique because they allow dispersed camping in the park. Unlike so many state parks, you do not need to plan months in advance to score a campsite. This is especially helpful in our new COVID-era. Even more remote, 4WD can take you deep into the desert camping under the stars with NOBODY around you. Camping rules require you to not park your car more than one car length off the road and at least 100 yards away from water. Please keep in mind that no campground also means no amenities, so make plans for responsible fires, bathroom use, and pack out what you pack in! Always check the weather before setting up camp yourself. Desert rains can quickly turn into flash floods.
Less than two hours away from San Diego, Anza-Borrego State Park is the largest State Park in California. The desert is an exciting and beautiful place to escape as a family and explore for the day. Some may wonder what to do in the Anza-Borrego desert. The goal of our guide is to show you that time in the desert is time well spent! With over 100 miles of paved road and five times that in 4WD roads to explore, Anza-Borrego State Park is sure to quench your thirst for adventure.
Our family-friendly guide will help you decide what to do in Anza-Borrego. Check out all of the adventures to help you plan a perfect experience for your family. You can spend the day exploring the art scene in Borrego Springs, off-roading to some incredible landforms (4WD required), hiking a variety of unique trails, or taking scenic drives along the highway with short stops along the way. Watching the sun go down under the cotton candy skies of Borrego Springs is a must-do for all. Not to mention the stars that come out at night! Wildflowers are abundant in spring and should not be missed. So, let’s get started planning your next adventure!
Anza-Borrego State Park is about an hour and 45 minutes from San Diego. Although a bit of a longer stretch, you can do it in a few different ways. No matter the route you choose, coming down the hill into the desert is spectacular.
FROM SAN DIEGO
The highlighted route that heads through Ramona is how most GPS will take you to Anza-Borrego State Park from San Diego. This route almost takes you into Julian, but you turn off Highway 78 in Santa Isabel. We have gone this way several times, and it is a pretty direct and scenic route.
If you live in East County San Diego, you can also head through Cuyamaca Rancho State Park into Julian. You will then head east on Highway 78 to enter Anza-Borrego State Park. This route provides exciting scenery, including Lake Cuyamaca, but the roads are very windy and not ideal for anyone prone to carsick.
I love to leave Anza-Borrego through Julian. The town of Julian is a favorite of ours. We enjoy stopping in for a beverage after a hike in the desert. This also gives you a bit of a loop home, which is always an excellent option to change up the scenery.
FROM NORTH COUNTY SAN DIEGO
Coming from North County San Diego, our favorite way to the desert is to take the highlighted route below. This drive takes you through Cleveland National Forest by Mount Palomar and Lake Henshaw. The scenery is lovely, and we enjoy being in the mountains and pines and then coming down into the desert. There are several vista points on this route to step out and stretch your legs as well.
ANZA-BORREGO STATE PARK VISITOR CENTER
If you follow my blog, you know we love a good old stop at the Visitor Center on the way into a park. I love collecting park maps, information and checking in with park rangers on suggestions for hikes, exploring, and current conditions. Our son loves picking up his Junior Ranger booklet to complete as we explore the park. I highly recommend you do the same. Stop at the State Park Visitor Center to ensure you are headed in the right direction. Rangers are a great resource to help you decide what to explore during your visit on that particular day.
The Anza-Borrego State Park Visitor Center is a unique stop because the actual building is built into the desert landscape. It has several desert exhibits and shows five different 15-minute films about the surrounding Anza-Borrego desert. In addition, park rangers and volunteers are available with information, maps, and hiking guides. The Anza-Borrego State Park visitor center is always our first stop coming into town. Please note cellular service is not reliable in Anza-Borrego. Hence, it is great to have hard copies of photos of the information you hope to reference during your visit.
EXPLORE THE VISITOR CENTER GROUNDS TOO!
The Visitor Center is surrounded by a desert garden that gives a glimpse into flora and fauna of the surrounding park. The garden also includes a pupfish pond, which kids will enjoy seeing. These fish date back to the ice ages and have continued to adapt for survival. They can survive in fresh and salty water, desert heat, and near-freezing temperatures. In addition, the garden offers picnic tables and walking trails for exploring.
Both designated trails are flat and paved, making them accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. In addition, a short, 15-minute all-access Nature Trail leaves from the Visitor Center entrance and includes interpretive panels about the surrounding area. There is also a 1.4-mile trail to the campground and back that teaches visitors about the area’s plants and animals. Dogs are allowed on this campground trail.
WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT ANZA-BORREGO STATE PARK?
Although the park is open year-round, the desert heat can peak June through September. Visits from October through May offer more comfortable temperatures for exploring and hiking. Wildflowers are abundant in spring. There is a $10 parking and day-use fee when using the Visitor Center area to explore. An annual pass for CA State Parks, including the beach parking pass, will cover your day-use fee anywhere in the park! Machines like the pay & display below are available for credit card payments.
CHECK CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS
If you are interested in exploring some of the 4WD roads, the volunteers at the Visitor Center will have the most updated information about specific road conditions. The desert road conditions frequently change due to flooding and heat, so I HIGHLY recommend checking in before heading out on a 4WD adventure. I also recommend taking a picture of the updated info, so you can access it while exploring the park.
We have a Subaru with AWD, so we were disappointed to find out during a recent visit that the road to Font’s Point was not a great option for us in its current heavy, thick sand state. The volunteers at the Visitor Center informed us that even Jeeps have been getting stuck in the sand. Between no cell service and the closest tow coming from Ramona, being stuck in the sand with hungry and hot kids is not a way to kick off a family-friendly adventure. Therefore, checking in on CURRENT road conditions is essential for a successful experience.
Now that you have the CURRENT information you need for an incredible trip, you are ready to get out and enjoy all that Anza-Borrego State Park has to offer!
LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT TO DO IN ANZA-BORREGO
Click the images below to read more of our favorite things to do in Anza-Borrego State Park and Borrego Springs.
Felicita Park is an excellent place for a morning or afternoon adventure with kids. Located just north of San Diego in Escondido, California, the park is filled with trails to explore. The park was once a Kumeyaay Indian Village and is surrounded by climbing rocks, oak trees, a creek, and a waterfall. In addition, San Diego County has enriched the park with playgrounds and picnic areas to enhance your visit.
FELICITA COUNTY PARK INFORMATION
Felicita County Park is located in Escondido, California. The park is open 9:30 am – sunset. There is a $3 charge to park. Although there is a credit card option, it is not always reliable. I recommend bringing $3 cash for the parking machine. If you bring a $5 bill, your change comes in Andrew Jackson or Susan B. Anthony $1 coins which our son enjoyed! He thought he had found gold!
FELICITA PARK FACILITIES
In addition to the 2.5 miles of trails to explore, Felicita County Park has two large playgrounds for children to enjoy. Seven large picnic sites can be reserved in advance for up to 100-300 people depending on the site. This is a beautiful location for a family event or company picnic. Check this link for more information on the individual picnic sites. There is also a wedding and reception venue. Alcoholic beverages under 20% alcohol are allowed on site. In addition to the large reservable picnic areas, many individual picnic tables and areas are scattered throughout the park.
SAN DIEGO COUNTY PARKS KIDS IN PARKSPROGRAM
Not only is Felicita County Park a great place for hiking with kids in San Diego County, but they also participate in the Kids in Parks program. If you follow my blog, then you know I love anything Junior Ranger for the kids! This excellent program provides nature-based scavenger hunts during hikes, bicycle rides, and frisbee golf games for kids.
Before your visit, sign your child up to track your Felicita County Park adventure online. Then, when you arrive at the park, look for the display sign and brochures near picnic area 7. Grab a pamphlet, and let your child lead the way. The brochures keep your child engaged through the hike. Our son loved the “Felicita Scavenger Hunt” and “The Need for Trees.”
After your adventure, have your child “track” their adventure online. As your child submits hikes and experiences, Kids in Parks will mail them prizes for their progress! Our son was thrilled to receive a large package that was filled with prizes from recent hiking adventures! Check out this post for more details on the Kids in Parks program, available in six other San Diego county parks.
FELICITA COUNTY PARK TRAILS
Felicita County Park offers easy trails that loop through the park and along Felicita Creek. We enjoyed looping up by the playground and wedding venue before heading down along the creek towards the waterfall. Our son loved climbing on boulders, exploring around the creek, checking out the large oak trees, and using his Kids in Parks TRACK trail guide to tell us about Felicita County Park.
As we followed the creek towards the waterfall, my son and husband opted for a more adventurous way to cross the road.
The dirt path is wide and reasonably flat. Although we carried the baby in the Ergo, a stroller (like our BOB Stroller) would do great on this path. As we approached the waterfall, we found a place to have a small picnic and kombucha before looping back on the other side of the creek.
After our picnic, we crossed the creek and headed back up the creek towards the picnic areas and parking. There is a small museum about the cultural history of the area and the Kumeyaay Native Americans that once lived on the land. The park brochure explains this history in more detail. Our son loved seeing the metates, or rocks that the Kumeyaay used to grind acorns. He remembered seeing this same style of Native American “kitchen” in Sequoia National Park!
Felicita County Park is a great place to explore with kids. You can pack a picnic (or happy hour) to extend your visit or enjoy a morning hike and lunch nearby. My pick would be lunch or dinner in the gardens at nearby Stone World Bistro & Gardens – another excellent place for kids to explore AND a delicious adult beverage selection for you! Cheers!
Mount Laguna is one of our favorite places to visit for a hiking day trip or camping weekend away. We have spent many weekends enjoying the hiking trails of the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area in beautiful weather. However, after a winter storm rolls through the San Diego area, the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area becomes a hot destination for snow play in the days that follow.
A little over an hour away, San Diego County families flock to the mountains in masses to enjoy the fresh powder. A snow day on Mount Laguna can lead to lifelong memories for your family if carefully planned. Here are some of my tips to ensure a safe and successful day (versus frustration with crowds and parking) while respecting the beauty of the mountains and local community.
Obviously driving into the mountains in search of a snowy adventure without checking the weather is not a great plan. Weather conditions can change suddenly, so be aware of what is expected. We always check the weather in advance and I love checking the Laguna Mountain Lodge webcam to see real-time footage of what the snow looks like on the ground. The Mount Laguna weather webcam is available year-round and gives you a heads up on current conditions.
CHECK CURRENT DRIVING CONDITIONS
Knowing current weather and driving conditions is a must. Just a few days before our last visit, CHP completely shut down the Sunrise Highway from Highway 8 due to crowds. The roads can be closed due to snow before plowing as well. I HIGHLY recommend checking this info before heading up the mountain. You can read more about our favorite routes up the mountain here.
CHECK THE LAGUNA MOUNTAIN LODGE FACEBOOK PAGE
The Laguna Mountain Lodge Facebook page is another great resource to check before you head up. During the winter, they usually post each morning with a picture of the view, inches of snow on the ground, the current driving conditions, current trail/recreation area closures, and other important info. The Laguna Mountain Lodge Facebook page also shares current links from the CHP and National Forests.
THE LAGUNA MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE PASS
If you are not familiar with Mount Laguna, check out my post about some of the basics to “Know Before You Go.” The US Forest Service requires an “Adventure Pass” to recreate and park in many of the areas on the mountain. Make sure you are prepared to avoid a ticket. A ticket is one way to bring down a fun day and can easily be avoided by planning. Not all areas require an adventure pass, so you can always check here for updated info on what areas require the pass.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR SNOW ADVENTURE
The beauty of a day trip after a snowstorm is chances are you can enjoy some beautiful blue sky! Temperatures will still be cooler (like 45-50°), so you definitely want to pack in layers. When planning a family day, I always plan on the kids being hungry and getting soaked at some point. I love having lots of snacks and backup layers. I also plan on something warm for them to put on before we drive home. My son loves taking off his shoes and putting on his cozy socks to warm up with on the drive home. You know your family’s needs best, but here are some of the things I recommend you consider!
PACK FOR COMFORT AND SUCCESS
If you have snow gear for your kids, it is great to bring for a snow day on Mount Laguna! If you don’t have snow gear for your kids, do not panic. Please remember, I am talking about a day trip in sunny weather. If you are planning something more, you should definitely organize full-blown snow gear for your kids. Nothing ruins a day faster than being wet and cold, especially for kids. We have cut some corners for our day trips.
This advice is not for the seasoned snow family, more of the “we live in San Diego and want to be comfortable while we play for the day” family! Target & Amazon have great snow gear options you can order online if you are planning ahead. Also, ask your friends! You may be surprised what you can borrow. Local Targets usually have some great options for hats and gloves in-store that you can order for pickup on your way out of town. Sometimes these adventures need to come together quickly.
SNOW GEAR HACKS FOR KIDS
My son does not have snow boots in his size right now, so we have done thick socks with rain boots or he has also used his hiking boots and been more than happy for the day. I always bring a change of socks in case he falls in a puddle or something so the day doesn’t go downhill. Worst case you can also double layer socks with ziplock bags in between. Again, I am talking about throwing things together for one day in sunny weather! We layer him up in long sleeves, sweatshirts, a jacket, and his snow hat that he loves. We do make sure to bring gloves because our son LOVES a good snowball fight and his hands get cold quick.
For the baby, we layer her up the same. She is not playing in the snow yet, so layers are key for her. We were gifted a cozy suit like this one and it was perfect! Paired with a beanie underneath and she was good to go. I have read these baby booties are amazing for bigger snow adventures or hikes with toddlers. I will update once we get to that stage with our girl.
For the adults, just remember layers. My husband tends to be the one targeted with snowballs the most or getting the most involved in sledding runs. Layers are key. However, he did jeans and Nike shoes during our last visit and was fine. We both do gloves though, because… snowball fights. They can be intense with a seven-year-old.
SNOW PLAY GEAR
If you have a snow sled, definitely bring it! If you don’t, the Laguna Mountain Lodge sells snow gear and sleds to fill in what you are missing. Or just get creative with what you have. We looked around our garage the night before we headed out and grabbed two kickboards that worked great! Very silly but did the trick. I am planning to order a disc like these from my childhood for future trips. If you have snowman accessories, throw those in too. Otherwise, the nature surrounding you will provide you with all you need to create a perfect “Frosty!”
FOOD & SNACKS
When heading to Mount Laguna, we always pack a picnic. There are only two restaurants/bars on the mountain- the Blue Jay Lodge and the Pine House Cafe & Tavern. Due to COVID, these have been closed quite a bit. You can read more about the Pine House Cafe & Tavern in my Mount Laguna post. We are excited to try this restaurant during our next visit, but we have been enjoying picnics (or our campsite) on recent visits during COVID times. We feel a lot more comfortable avoiding crowds during COVID, so picnics have been our go-to! Another option is leaving town through Julian and grabbing food there. The Laguna Mountain Lodge Store also sells a variety of snacks and if you need to grab any snacks.
4WD/AWD/CHAINS FOR SNOW ON MOUNT LAGUNA
If you do not have AWD or 4WD on your car, bring your chains if you want get away from the crowds. If you don’t have chains, it does not mean you cannot enjoy the mountain, you just need to be VERY aware of where you are driving and what the weather is planning next. You don’t want to get stuck! We watched a family venture down the road too far in a Prius and get stuck in the snow. That stress will not lead to an exciting day!
WHERE TO SIT/RELAX
As I mentioned above, we love a picnic. In the snow, you are not just going to throw a blanket down so creative thinking is a must. We had a truck during our last visit, so the bed of the truck was an ideal spot. We saw other visitors with lawn chairs and coffee carafes in the snow. You can always pack a waterproof blanket as a resting place. My favorite was a couple relaxing in their hammock between the trees. Definitely packing our camping hammock for our next snow day on Mount Laguna. If you have young kids, it is nice for them to have a space to sit when they need a rest during snow play.
ROAD TRIP EXTRAS
For general tips on road trips with kids, check out my post on our favorite things to pass the time.
On a less exciting note, we always have Dramamine for Kids packed with us on our way to Mount Laguna. Our son tends to get carsick, and Dramamine has been a lifesaver when we take the windy roads through Julian. Before I knew they had a kid version, we used these vomit bags to prevent messes that can put a stop to your day. Not the most exciting thing to pack, but it only takes a time or two when you don’t have a bag to help you remember to always have one in the car.
As always, plan to pack out whatever you take in when enjoying the beauty of the mountains. We keep extra grocery bags in the back (who isn’t overflowing with them since COVID?!) so we always have a trash bag in the car. I saw pictures of the trash left behind after the recent rush to snow play that shocked me. Don’t add to that problem. Respect the land and local community that is sharing it with us. Be prepared to take everything off the mountain that you bring up!
WHERE TO FIND GREAT SNOW PLAY ON MOUNT LAGUNA
No matter what side of the mountain you drive up, you will begin to see the snow and cars start lining the road. The snow on the Anza-Borrego (East) side of the mountain tends to melt quicker. That side also tends to have cliffs with great views for stopping along the route, but not ideal for snow play, especially with kids.
Kwaaymi Point – Great views, but less snow and lots of cliffs
SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY– IN A SAFE/DESIGNATED PARKING AREA!
EVERYONE SEEMS TO BE DOING THIS AND NOT NECESSARILY IN A LEGAL/SAFE WAY
Although we had a great day earlier in 2020 pulling off the side of the road, I do not recommend this during more crowded times. During this visit, snow was scarce and there was no big rush to the mountains for snow play. During peak snow days, cars will be sticking out all over the Sunrise Highway, groups of people can be seen trespassing and sledding through local’s properties while also setting up large groups on sled runs along the highway. This is not ideal and not appreciated by the local community.
If you choose to pull off the side of the Highway, please make sure you are in an area where parking is allowed and you are parked safely, not halfway in the highway. This sounds silly, but when you see how some people are parking you will understand. Please respect the land and do not trespass on private property. In addition, with the surge of COVID numbers during our last visit, massive crowds on a sled run are not where any of us should be.
Remnants of a snowstorm on Mount Laguna
OUR PICK: EXPLORE A SIDE ROAD IN A DESIGNATED RECREATION AREA
BY SHORT HIKE OR DRIVE OFF SUNRISE HIGHWAY
During crowded times, I HIGHLY recommend venturing off the Sunrise Highway to a planned destination in a designated recreation area. The roads are plowed fairly quickly, so depending on the amount of snow and conditions, taking a road a small distance off the main Highway does not always require chains. Another option is to park on the Sunrise Highway and walk further down a road (not through private property) away from the crowds. To give you an idea of the conditions, we visited 5 days after a snowstorm that reported 9″ of snow. On the day we visited, the am report was 3″ of snow. You can see how fluffy so much of the snow still was.
*WOODED HILL NATURE TRAIL*
A GEM DURING ANY SEASON
Our favorite spot for snow play is the Wooded Hill Nature Trail. The road to this trail is located between mile markers 22 and 21.5 and has a sign for the Wooded Hill Group Campground and DOES NOT require an Adventure Pass (check here to confirm before you go). It is about .3 miles down the road to the parking for the trailhead. I love this family-friendly hike throughout seasons, (more info about the hike here) and it did not disappoint in winter. It gave us an incredible snow day. I would love to post a picture of the sign for the road, but unfortunately, the cars on Sunrise Highway were piled up all over and the sign was hidden. If you find yourself in a similar situation, it is the second right after passing the Pine House Tavern coming from Julian.
We were able to park right where we were playing and we practically had the place to ourselves. A few hikers and cars passed by and another family was enjoying the snow at the top of the hill. No crowds, no gross snow from people trampling all over it for the last 5 days. We knew we were visiting a little late after the storm and did not know what to expect with snow quality. Some of the main spots on the highway were well trafficked. Having the car close was key with the baby for nursing and diaper changes. In addition, we could picnic, change clothing and take a rest right in the “play zone.” Baby and I were able to hang on the back of the pickup to watch my son and husband sled. It was a great spot that we are sure to return to.
*BIG LAGUNA TRAIL AT PENNY PINES TRAILHEAD*
Penny Pines Trailhead is one of our favorite places to explore throughout the seasons. At this point, Penny Pines Trailhead DOES NOT require an Adventure Pass (check here to confirm before you go). When parking at the Penny Pines trailhead, you can head west towards the Big Laguna Trail out to the Laguna Meadow. This is a bit of a hike, about a mile, so you will be away from your car. Make sure to pack for your adventure (and have what you need to pack it out!) so you are not running back and forth. However, this meadow is beautiful no matter the season and is a great place to get away from the crowds and enjoy a snow day on Mount Laguna!
Have you enjoyed a day in the snow on Mount Laguna? What are your favorite ways to escape the crowds?
Idyllwild is a great spot for a day trip of exploration or a weekend away. We have loved heading up for a day trip from San Diego several times and we have loved staying longer to camp for the weekend. No matter how you choose to adventure in Idyllwild, you will not be disappointed. With live music almost daily, funky art, and unique food, there is always something fun to check out in Idyllwild. There is something so unique about the west side of Mount San Jacinto.
The Idyllwild Nature Center is a must-do visit for anyone, but especially with kids! The Nature Center not only has hands-on educational exhibits for the kids, but the surrounding trails offer several options for family-friendly hiking. Our favorite, the flat, less than one mile, Nature Trail walks you through the history, flora, and fauna of the region. It makes for a great walk with kids, with lots of nooks to explore. The trail has numbers along the way that corresponds to information on the trail guide you can pick up when you pay your fees. Check out the top of the cedar tree at stop #4 for a raven’s nest! It has been there for multiple years now. We love to park in the first lot off Highway 243 and walk to the museum portion of the Nature Center on this trail.
The Nature Center is located about a mile outside of town and has two small parking lots that we have always been able to park in. They are open Thursday – Sunday 9 am – 4 pm. The Nature Center collects fees that support the programs and facilities. Day use fees are $4/adult, $3/child (12 and under), and $1/leashed dog. These fees cover your parking, allow you to hike the trails, explore the museum, and use the picnic areas and facilities. After you park, you pay your fees in the Nature Center and the volunteer will give you a Nature Trail Guide and trail map and can answer any questions you may have.
NATURE CENTER HIKES
After visiting the museum, make sure to head up the Perimeter trail and take in the beautiful views of the San Jacinto Wilderness. We love picnicking up here or having a kombucha and snack. Our son has so much fun exploring the rocks and checking things out with his binoculars from this spot. If you want a longer hike, keep going on the Perimeter Trail. We haven’t completed the loop, but this post goes into great detail about the route! This is also a starting point for the Deer Springs Trail. Don’t miss the Nature Center when checking Idyllwild out with kids!
HUMBER PARK
Humber Park is in the San Bernardino National Forest and makes for a great stop. It is a beautiful spot to park and explore. There are picnic tables and facilities to enjoy in the area. Most people are using the site as a starting point for two major trailheads – Devil’s Slide and Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail. The Devil’s Slide Trail requires a permit to head into the San Jacinto Wilderness. This area also requires an adventure pass (like Mount Laguna) or National Park Annual Pass to park. My husband is working on completing the Devils’ Slide hike up to the Palm Springs Tramway so I will report back on that soon. The kids and I will be waiting in a pool on the other side of the peak!
IDYLLWILD VILLAGE CENTER
On any given weekend, the center of town is almost always filled with live music. Sadly, Dolly Parton sold her home in Idyllwild a few years ago, but you can only imagine how cool it would be to enjoy live music and see Dolly walk on stage! If nothing is happening in the main square, you can always find music in the variety of restaurants surrounding the center. So many of the restaurants and shops I recommend are in walk distance of the town center.
Art is abundant in Idyllwild so there is no shortage of galleries to explore. You can also check out the “Harmony” wood sculpture carved with a chainsaw by local sculptor David Roy. You may even see David Roy carving different wood animals in front of the sculpture as well. Our son loves watching him work!
Idyllwild is full of culinary adventures, but Ferro has become our absolute favorite. We are both suckers for amazing Italian and the food is delicious. Ferro has three sections of seating – the front patio (all we have experienced – you can see the vibe in pictures), indoors, and the back patio. The back patio looks super fun with live music and room for kids to roam. Ferro makes DELICIOUS food. It is not to be missed! Reservations are recommended. During COVID lockdowns, we took our meal to go to Humber Park for a delicious picnic. If you are traveling without kids, check out the pizza oven bar outside! Don’t skip Ferro for dinner!
Who doesn’t love ice cream at any moment? But especially after a decent hike? There are two spots in town that we love. Idyllwild Ice Cream & Jerky gives you all of your classic flavors with a short walk to several of our favorite shopping spots. This is a great spot to treat your kids for hiking well!
Closer to the campground, the Candy Cupboard is another one of our son’s favorites. The store is filled with candy which is exciting enough for kids, but their specialty is an old-fashioned chocolate-dipped ice cream bar. The bar is rolled in the topping of your choice. This is a hit with the whole family, and as you can see, our son prefers sprinkles!
The Idyllwild Brew Pub is the hot new spot for families in town! Owned by the same people as Ferro, they are bringing A-game food to the pub scene. They have a great beer selection (over 20 draft beers) and space for kids to play. They know what they are doing! The Brew Pub opens at 11 for lunch & dinner.
This restaurant is a go-to! On day trips, we love it for lunch or early dinner. The building is filled with art and doubles as an art gallery. You can almost always find live music here (on hold due to COVID). We had incredible sandwiches and my chicken sandwich came with a raspberry vinaigrette that was delicious. Cafe Aroma serves breakfast, lunch & dinner. Although we have only had lunch outside, the main dining room looks cozy and cute for a snowy day. I also love the “Idyll-Beast Yeti Crossing” sign as Idyllwild is known for its rumored Yeti sightings.
La Casita has great Mexican food. You can sit outside on a beautiful deck surrounded by pines in summer or opt for inside the dining room in winter! The menu has all of your favorites and we loved our burritos (they were super big)! La Casita has margaritas and Micheladas to quench your mid-day thirst as well. We did not have to wait too long for our lunch table. They open at 11 for lunch and dinner.
This is a great date night restaurant as it is a classic steakhouse. The restaurant opened in 1973 and continues to expand on the relationship between food and art. Although we have only visited Idyllwild in summer, I can only imagine this place would be ideal in the snow! The fireplace and dim lighting would make for an exceptional meal. Gastrognome opens at 11 for brunch & dinner.
This was a rad little spot to grab a drink and listen to live music along the creek. You could take your beverage down to explore with several little seating areas scattered along the creek. The freedom to explore making it great for kids. The restaurant was closed during our last visit to Idyllwild but has apparently reopened with a new menu and management. I will update this post once we visit again!
We have enjoyed this chocolate shop since they were in a tiny place right in town. Now they have a larger space for making their amazing chocolates. The chocolates are made with cacao and have nothing added to them. They are divine. Stop in for a treat and coffee and you will not be disappointed.
I absolutely love coming to Idyllwild Gardens during our visits. They carry so many beautiful indoor and outdoor plants. A small Idyllwild succulent is the ultimate souvenir to me when we visit. Even better, I love seeing the new parts of this nursery, as it has only expanded over the years. Every time we visit, there is a new nook to explore. They are doing a beautiful job! I also love scoring a few plants to use as campsite decor before making their home in our yard!
What child is not pumped to go from hiking to an arcade? Our son was so excited to stumble upon this arcade during our camping trip. A classic arcade that excites your kids – and lets parents nostalgia indulge?!? This is a great place to stop after a hike and when cruising through town.
This is a cute “paint your own pottery” store right in the town center. Due to COVID, they now have take-home kits available. Being in a mountain town that thrives in art and music, this makes a fun stop for kids if you are visiting for the weekend. In addition to the experience, you have a fun souvenir to take home with your kids!
This campground is great if you want to be close to town. Although you are within walking distance of the town center, you still feel like you are escaping the busyness of the town underneath the pines. We had an incredible weekend here. There are 31 sites for tents and RV’s. Sites are spread out and have close water and facilities. Our son participated in the Junior Ranger program here and had a great time. This is a great pick for camping in Idyllwild. Sites are $25/night and limited to 8 people max at any time. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance on ReserveCalifornia.com.
Just a little outside of town, Idyllwild Regional Park is another great place for camping. Although we have not camped here, we paid the day-use fees to explore with our son. He was anxious to ride his bike and the trails through the meadow and campground delivered! We used our time exploring to plan a future camping trip that I will update here once we do!
The park is run by Riverside County, the same as the Nature Center. Day use fees are $6/adult, $3/child (12 and under), and $2/leashed dog. Camping sites are $30/night for six people. Reservations can be made online through the Riverside County website. During our walk, we thought that sites 20 & 21 were especially desirable. Many of the sites are very close together and only one car will fit in the parking for the site (additional cars can park in the day-use lot).
Mount Laguna is one of my favorite places to get away to when I am craving nature. The trails are beautiful and the views are stunning. On clear days you can see out over Anza-Borrego Desert and over the Salton Sea. During fall the trees are gorgeous and in spring the wildflowers sprinkle the trails with colors and joy. We have experienced days when you can’t see 10 feet in front of you and the wind is whipping everything around you. We have also played in the snow on the side of the road. A weekend in Mount Laguna will not disappoint, no matter the season.
The Mount Laguna Recreation Area is part of the Cleveland National Forest, which requires an “Adventure Pass” for parking on the mountain in certain areas. Due to COVID, many of the areas stopped requiring Adventure Passes, so I recommend checking here for the latest info on what trailheads are requiring the pass. You can purchase your $5 daily pass online here or opt for the $30 annual pass. To purchase the annual pass, you have several options. In advance, order online here, visit a vendor (Big 5 in Carlsbad or REI in Encinitas sells them) or day-of stop in at the Visitor’s Information Center when entering the recreation area. If you have an “America the Beautiful” national park pass, that will cover your fee here too! Just hang it on your mirror when parking.
LAGUNA MOUNTAIN VISITOR’S CENTER
The Visitor’s Information Center is next door to the Laguna Mountain Lodge Store. This is a great place to quickly stop in for information. There are public restrooms in the parking lot as well. Due to COVID, the Visitor’s Center has been closed, but when open, they are a great resource for maps and other brochures. This is also where you can pick up the Wooded Hill Nature Trail Guide I mention below. The Visitor’s Center is located right off the Sunrise Highway at Los Huecos Road, between mile marker 23.5 and 23.
JUNIOR FOREST RANGER
If you follow the National Park areas of my blog, you know my love for Junior Ranger programs. Although they are not passed out on the mountain, there is still a National Forest Junior Ranger program your child can participate in! You can email to order your booklet ahead (smokeybear@fs.fed. us) to receive one in the mail or download the booklet here to print at home. The booklet is a great additional item to pack for a weekend in Mount Laguna because it keeps your child engaged with all that he/she is seeing out on the trails. I love using them as entertainment at restaurants too! Once your child completes the activities, you can mail in the card for a pin and card.
WEATHER
As with any adventure, check into the weather before heading up the mountain. Mount Laguna can see hot temperatures during summer days, but they drop quickly as the sun goes down. In addition, wind can be a major factor! When we are planning a big hike or camping weekend, I always check the wind to make sure it will be enjoyable. During winter, Mount Laguna will see snow and the Sunrise Highway will sometimes require chains or be closed. So please check weather and current driving conditions before you go!
DRIVING TO MOUNT LAGUNA
The main road through the mountain is the Sunrise National Scenic Byway. No matter the direction you come in, I love the way the road changes as you climb up the Sunrise Highway. The 24-mile scenic byway winds up and down the mountain through pines and mountain meadows with views of the Anza-Borrego Desert below. We usually try to come in one way and out the other to make a big loop.
From North County San Diego, there are two main ways to head into Mount Laguna. You can use the 8 freeway past Alpine to head up the mountain, or you can take the windier, slower way through Highway 78 & 79 past Julian. The direction we go really depends on our plans for hiking and dining. This map gives you an overview of the places I mention in this post so you can plan your route. I usually consider the following factors when picking our route.
Starting on the 8 freeway towards Alpine is faster and more direct. Our son gets carsick so this is an easier way up for him. He does better with the windier roads near Julian on the way out of town. Also, the cell service works better for the initial chunk of the drive if your child is using any device that needs consistent service to function. On colder days, I love a hot coffee in the car while we charge the freeway route to get up. After our time in Mount Laguna, I love stopping in Julian to enjoy one of our favorite places for a snack or beverage before heading home.
Driving up the Sunrise Highway from the 8 near Alpine
The alternative route is to go through Julian first. I love this if you are visiting during summer and have more daylight hours. It allows you to stay on the mountain until sunset later in the evening. Many of our favorite stops in Julian tend to start shutting down around 5pm, so it allows us to stop at the pumpkin patch before heading up the mountain with plenty of daylight for hiking left. The freeway route home is faster when you are exhausted and just want to be home. Leaving through Alpine gives you a straighter route in the dark too, versus the windy mountains roads of Highway 78 out of Julian.
Driving up the Sunrise Highway towards Mt. Laguna from Julian
GARNET PEAK via PENNY PINES
I am jumping right into my favorite hike on the mountain. Garnet Peak is absolutely stunning and will take your breath away. On a clear day, the panoramic views seem to go on forever. When you make it to the top, it is almost emotional staring out at the beauty of the Cleveland National Forest around you and the Anza-Borrego Desert below you. There is an old coffee can with a notepad where people sign a note saying they have made it to the top. You can see messages from people who just overcome trials like beating cancer, hiking to heal from grief associated with extreme loss or are celebrating with family. As you sit at the top, you can’t help but think of all the emotions that have been processed on this peak. It really is a beautiful place.
There are two ways out to the Garnet Peak Trail. You can park on Sunrise Highway and head straight up the peak (about 2.2 miles), but we prefer to park at the Penny Pines Trailhead (27.8-mile marker) and take the longer 4-mile route. This trailhead is closest to the Julian side of the mountain, so it is a great first stop if heading up from Julian (or last stop if you come in from Alpine). There will be cars parked along the road at Penny Pines. This section of trail takes you east for a bit and then north on the famous PCT before hitting the Garnet Peak Trail. The views this way are stunning and Penny Pines is a great area to explore and enjoy even if you don’t want to take the longer hike to Garnet Peak.
Penny Pines Trail on Mount Laguna
PENNY PINES TRAILHEAD
We have stopped here several times without heading all the way up to Garnet Peak. This portion of the trail is less than a mile and gives you a taste of the views you will see once you reach the peak. We have been here on beautiful clear days like you can see above, and also on windy and foggy days where you cannot see anything! Mt. Laguna in the fog is fun to see for different reasons, but clearly, the views will not be as exciting!
We knew this day would be foggy, but we decided to adventure out anyway, The fog gave us a new view of a trail we love. However, we ended up turning back from Garnet Peak early because the wind was so strong it felt like our son could blow off the trail! The fog did begin to burn off as we returned to the trailhead. Make sure to keep wind and weather in mind when planning your Mount Laguna adventure.
During spring, the trail is filled with beautiful wildflowers. In fall, you can see the changing colors of the forest surrounding you. Our son does great on this trail. Whether only heading out for the first mile, or taking the full 4-mile out-and-back trail to the peak, he loves this trail. In the beginning, some of the brush is overgrown and you may feel like you are squeezing yourself through, but stay on the trail. It will soon open up to expanse views of the Anza-Borrego Desert.
GARNET PEAK TRAIL
The full 4-miles to Garnet Peak will give you an elevation gain of about 700 feet. We always pack a small picnic to enjoy along longer hikes, and there are several areas along this trail to sit on the rocks to enjoy a snack. Once you see the “Garnet Peak Trail” sign, you have merged onto the Garnet Peak Trail and the climb begins.
If hiking with kids, it is a good idea to make sure they have proper shoes for this hike. The last portion towards the peak does get very steep and rocky. When our son was younger, we did put him in the carrier for this final portion of the trail. At the top, there are many areas to sit and enjoy the view. When our son was younger, we kept him close! On a clear day, you can see the windmills out towards Palm Springs! Definitely pack some binoculars for the views on top!
PINE HOUSE CAFE & TAVERN
This restaurant recently changed ownership, and I have not been since the change due to all of the COVID madness. However, the location is great and the mountain vibe is the same. This log cabin style restaurant has been around since 1942 and has been feeding PCT hikers for many years. The cafe is right next to Burnt Rancheria on Sunrise Highway, across from the Laguna Mountain General Store. The cafe is open Thursday – Sunday and has breakfast, lunch, dinner & take-out picnic options available. Our son loved the mac and cheese and we love a cold beer on the patio after a long hike! The menus below are current in October 2020. You can check out the current hours and menu offerings on their website. I can’t want to check this place out next time we are on the mountain!
BURNT RANCHERIA CAMPGROUND
We love this campground! It is beautiful and the camp hosts are so helpful. The campground is open from April – October. Pets are allowed on a 6ft max leash at all times. The campground is made of several loops, and sites in the Pinyon, Lilac and Yucca Loop can be reserved in advance on recreation.gov. The rest of the 108 sites become first-come, first-serve. This map can give you an idea of where the sites are in relation to facilities. All sites have a table and fire ring. The camp hosts sell firewood for $6/bundle. You can call the campground with any questions at 619/473-0120 or follow the campground facebook page for updated information.
Our son loved this campground. I had been checking cancellations and scored a one-night opening during COVID when the campground had been full every day. We were thrilled, but then the 60mph winds had us hesitant. After our windy Garnet Peak hike, we came to the campground to picnic on our site and decide what to do next. During our picnic, we looked over at our fire ring and saw this snake cruising through our site! It may be hard to see in the picture, but we quickly realized all of the snake warning signs are up for a reason!
We were in site 45, which was right next to the bathrooms. All of the sites are spread out, which was especially enjoyable during COVID. The campground borders the PCT and The Desert View Trail left right by our site which made for an easy late afternoon hike. Walking through the campground later in the evening showed us the beauty of the sun setting in the Mahogany, Redberry & Cherry loop. During non-COVID summers, you an easily walk up to the Sunrise Highway to grab dinner or a beer at the Pinehouse Cafe before setting up for smores at night.
DESERT VIEW TRAIL & PICNIC AREA
The Desert View Trail gives you panoramic views of the Anza-Borrego Desert 6,000 feet below. The trail leaves right from the Burnt Rancheria campground next to site 44. It is pretty amazing to be looking down at the desert and surrounded by pines. The one-mile loop heads up to the Desert View Picnic Area which has several picnic tables and nooks to take a break and enjoy the scenery. The PCT runs along here too, so you may share the trail with PCT hikers for a bit.
We were visiting in June, and the wildflowers along the hike were my favorite. I just love the bright colors sprinkling the landscape along a hike. We headed back to our campsite through the campground (vs the trial back to site 44) and enjoyed the views of the sun setting on the different loops in Burnt Rancheria.
If you are not camping in Burnt Rancheria, the Desert View Picnic Area has parking and you can loop staring there and back up. The views are fabulous and you can see the Salton Sea on clear days. It was an easy trail for our son too!
WOODED HILL NATURE TRAIL
This trail is an easy 1.6-mile loop that is great for families! The trail is a figure-8 shape, with a smaller .5 mile loop option. It is also a self-guided nature trail, with exhibit numbers painted on rocks to teach you about local plant life. You can pick up the trail guide at the Visitor Center. Due to COVID, we were unable to get the pamphlet, but we still loved the hike. To find the trailhead, follow the small road (between mile markers 22 and 21.5) towards the Wooded Hill Campground. After about .3 miles, you will see cars parked along the left side of the road at the trailhead.
At the trailhead, there are two trails. We headed up the left side to start and we were happy with that decision in the end. Not only do the numbers on the pamphlet begin on the left, but we found the direct climb up the hill better on the left than the switchbacks on the right side. We started to head into the forest through the dry grass. Before long, we were surrounded by beautiful autumn colors between a forest of pine and oak trees.
After about 1/4 mile and a bit of a climb uphill (the hike has an elevation gain of 234 feet), we reached the middle of the two loops. We turned left, heading up for the longer 1.6-mile loop. Our son loved all of the boulders along the trail and the pinecones all over the ground. The clouds above us were moving, which gave us great views as we climbed the trail. From spots on the trail, we were able to see the Anza-Borrego Desert, the old US Air Force station, and the Laguna Mountain Observatory.
The top had great views and lots of boulders for our son to explore. We were wishing we had a picnic packed to enjoy once we were up there. It took us about 40 minutes to get to the top – we had a lot of stops for rock climbing and even a mid-trail diaper change!
We had a snack and kombucha, enjoyed the views and started our way down on the other side of the loop! This way down had many switchbacks that made the downhill steady. It was beautiful weaving through the forest. It took us less than 30 minutes to make it back down to our car. Although this trail is not stroller-friendly, it was a great hike for families with kids of all ages! I loved the fall colors during our October visit, and I can only imagine how beautiful the wildflowers must be in Spring!
This area is also our favorite to explore for snow play. You can read more about snow play on Mount Laguna here.
SUNSET TRAIL to WATER OF THE WOODS
This is a great hike to do with kids. To access these trails, you park at the Sunset Trailhead (mile marker 19.1). There will be a lot of cars parked on the highway here as this is a popular area for hiking and mountain biking. The 8-mile Sunset Trail to Laguna Meadows Loop leaves from here as well. The Big Laguna Trail is a popular mountain biking trail that splits off of the Sunset Trail after a few minutes. To make sure you are on the Sunset Trail, stay left, heading West. The Big Laguna Trail will have bikers and bike tracks in the dirt and head to the North, on the right.
Our son loved this trail because he could walk around and explore different areas of the mountain. The trail starts by heading into a pine forest, and eventually comes out into the large Laguna Meadow. The Water of the Woods is a large pond in the middle of the giant mountain meadow. We took time to snack here, and instead of heading back on the Sunset Trail for a 3-mile loop, we hooked onto the Big Laguna Trail (the biking one) and looped back along the meadow. This meadow is home to many cows and you will pass through cattle guards on the trail. Our son loved the different scenery on this easy hike with very little elevation gain. We first hiked this trail in fall and the colors did not disappoint. I have read that the wildflowers are stunning in spring too!
A FEW QUICK STOPS WORTH NOTING
Mount Laguna is filled with scenic points all along the Sunrise Highway. We love pulling off to take in the views for a moment. During COVID closures, these scenic points gave us picnic areas to enjoy in a socially distant way. I highly recommend taking your time heading through to pull off and take in the view! Kids can have a moment to snack and use their favorite binoculars while parents can enjoy a kombucha (or your beverage of choice) and, of course, a snack too.
KWAAYMII POINT
Kwaaymi Point is on the left side of the Sunrise Highway when coming up from Julian (mile marker 30.3). The point is right at the border between the Anza-Borrego Desert and Cleveland National Forest. A short road, Kwaaymi Point, takes you out to the overlook. At 6,000 feet elevation, this point is popular with hang gliders. The area has also become a memorial to hang gliders that have lost their lives and unfortunately, many spots have been tagged with memorials as well.
There is a short 1/2 mile hike that takes you on a portion of the PCT. The views here are beautiful, but there are no guard rails and the drops are steep along the trail. Those with little kids may want to enjoy the overlook and not explore the trail. A portion of the hike is on the old Sunrise Highway from the 1920’s. Our son enjoyed rock climbing (away from the cliff) and we enjoyed the views and a short picnic. This is also a great spot for stargazing!
DESERT VIEW OVERLOOK
Coming from Julian, shortly after mile marker 24, just before the Desert View Picnic Area, turn left up Monument Peak Road towards the old Mt. Laguna USAF station. The road dead-ends at the gate, but has fantastic views at the top. This is another great spot to stargaze, or even get up early from Burnt Rancheria Campground and watch the sunrise. Coffee or wine in hand, pop up a chair and enjoy the views.
OUR FAVORITE TURNOUT
We have another favorite stop on the left side of the mountain heading towards the Sunset Trail from the summit. It is the middle of three turnouts and is just past mile marker 20. I love this spot as we picnicked here several times during COVID and if offers fresh mountain air and views.
LAGUNA MOUNTAIN LODGE STORE
The Laguna Mountain Lodge Store was built in 1930 and has all you may need for a weekend in Mount Laguna. They carry groceries, beverages and camping gear. The store also carries ice, firewood and charcoal. They carry a variety of local souvenirs and even have snow gear. Campers can grab a fresh coffee in the am and they even have a gift shop for visitors. They have you covered for last minutes necessities during a week in Mount Laguna.
SNOW PLAY
Mount Laguna is known for its beautiful winter snowfall. An adventure up the mountain for family-friendly snow play makes for a great day! Check out my post on snow play in Mount Laguna for all my tips and info. Sometimes chains are required on the Sunrise Highway and in extreme weather, the Sunrise Highway will be closed. Mount Laguna is beautiful during every season which makes it a fun place to explore with family all year.
There is so much to do with a day in Julian, California. Less than 90 minutes from San Diego, Julian is a great day trip for the whole family. I love the different offerings throughout the seasons. Julian is an old mining town that is now known for its incredibly busy apple picking season. Although we always head to Julian for fall adventures like apple picking and the pumpkin patch, I also love visiting during the other seasons. Spring offers beautiful daffodils and wildflowers, summer offers fresh berry picking and winter will bring you snow play! We have had so many adventures in Julian over the years, so instead of a one-day itinerary, this post is broken into some of our favorite things to do when we head up!
This is one of our favorite things to do in Julian throughout the seasons. The farm is owned by the sweetest family and offers a variety of seasonal activities. During summer, you can pick fresh strawberries and blueberries on the farm. During the fall, the farm is our go-to pumpkin patch. You can pick pumpkins from the displays or head into the patch to pick your own. They offer hayrides, cider pressing, barnyard animal visits, and ax throwing.
The farm always has a variety of barnyard animals for kids to enjoy as well. This summer, they had three new baby goats that our son LOVED and was able to pet. The farm is a fun place to wander and the tire swing on the tree next to the pumpkin patch is a do-not-miss for kids. When heading to Julian, check out their website for the latest info on what the farm is offering during your visit. We love to stop by the farm closer to closing to avoid mid-day peak crowds. Don’t miss the farm when spending a day in Julian, California.
JULIAN MINING COMPANY
4444 State Highway 78
On the other side of Highway 78 is Julian Mining Company, owned by the same family that owns Julian Farm & Orchard. The mining company is another great stop for families. Kids will have a blast as they “mine” for gold and/or gems by the creek where the real gold was first discovered in Julian. The panning is set up in troughs under a beautiful walnut tree. The grounds have lots of funky areas to explore as well. The Julian Mining Company is open year-round. Check their website for updated hours, but they usually close by 5 pm.
VOLCAN VALLEY APPLE FARM
1284 Julian Orchards Drive
This apple farm has been a family tradition for all of our son’s life. It is our favorite place to go apple picking in Julian each fall. It has changed ownership over the years but only gotten busier. We plan on a weekend visit to Julian somewhere around Labor Day, but I recommend following them on Facebook to get the most updated info on the season. This year (2020) the season was picked over and closed after three weekends! Bags were $15 and include admission for 1. Additional admissions are $5, with children under 5 free. They grow a variety of apples and depending on when you go, certain varieties may be unavailable if they are not ready yet. The apple farm is located just outside downtown Julian and we usually head there first thing on our day trips. Apple season tends to coincide with hot weather in Julian, so come prepared with water, sunblock, and hats! You can find our favorites here!
I always recommend packing a picnic before heading up to Julian, enjoying the apple picking, and then heading next door to Menghini Winery for your lunch with some local wine by the apple orchard. There is a winery across from the orchard that has changed over several times, It is always packed because it is right by the apples, however, head down the road to avoid the lines and enjoy the views at Menghini.
BEST FOOD & DRINKIN JULIAN
HEROES RESTAURANT
218 Main Street
Heroes Restaurant is a delicious stop for lunch. Although open until 4 or 5, Heroes is a VERY popular spot that tends to close a bit earlier in the afternoon due to crowds. Put your name on the list and enjoy downtown Julian until they text you. The restaurant is focused on honoring the men and women that serve our country – military and first responders. They offer a 10% discount to military patrons. The dining room is filled with military and first responder memorabilia, patches, and flags.
If you are looking for a delicious burger or beer in Julian, Heroes is your spot. You cannot go wrong with anything on their menu, but my personal favorite is the Jammin Burger. The apple-cranberry-almond coleslaw is delicious too. Our son loves ordering the burgers too, but unfortunately, they do not have a kids burger on the kid’s menu, so expect the full price ($14) burger on your check. The restaurant is pet and motorcycle friendly which makes the patio very popular on crowded weekends. Don’t miss your chance to watch the action on Main Street from their patio seating.
MENGHINI WINERY
1150 Julian Orchards Drive
This is one of the first places we ever discovered in Julian and we have been coming back since. The boutique winery is just down past Volcan Valley Apple Farm on Julian Orchards Drive. They have a large property of grass, beautiful trees, picnic tables, and apple trees. They encourage you to picnic and their location is perfect for it! You can taste, buy a glass or bottle to share. If you are not picnicking and want to be close for tastings, you can enjoy a glass on the back patio among lush greenery and enjoy the views of the orchard. This is a great spot for lunch after apple picking before heading into town! Hours are 11-4 or 5 pm depending on the day. You can check their website for current hours.
WYNOLA PIZZA & BISTRO
4444 State Highway 78
This is our favorite place to grab a casual lunch or dinner with family. Wynola Pizza & Bistro has a great patio, live music, and craft beer selection. Our favorite is the “Joe’s Godfather” pizza for sure. I also love the “Pizza Crust Salad.” Everything is delicious and their location is ideal, just off Highway 79, right next door to Julian Farm & Orchard. If you are anxious to beat sunset down the windy mountain roads, it is a great place to stop in and grab pizza to-go after a day in Julian, California. It is also perfect for grab-n-go when camping nearby!
JULIAN PIE COMPANY
21976 State Highway 79 or 2225 Main Street
Julian is known for their apple pie and the line outside of Julian Pie Company in downtown Julian never ceases to amaze me. My advice is to skip the Julian Pie Company in downtown Julian and opt for the bigger, less crowded Julian Pie Company in Santa Isabel. We always enjoy the classic apple pie with vanilla ice cream, but Julian Pie has other unique combinations too. You can top your slice of pie with whipped cream, caramel, or even a slice of sharp cheddar cheese! The apple cider donuts (and donut holes) are delicious, too! A slice of pie on the way out of town is a great end to a day in Julian, California.
JEREMY’S ON THE HILL
4354 State HIghway 78
We absolutely love this restaurant. If you are looking for a nicer meal, Jeremy’s is your spot. This is farm-to-table local cuisine that will not disappoint. We have had a variety of meals here – full course dinner and late afternoon appetizers. With the Julian Farm & Orchard across the street closing at 5 pm, Jeremy’s is a great spot for an early dinner on the patio with your family! Whatever season it is during your visit, Jeremy’s is sure to compliment your day in town! Jeremy’s is delicious, fresh, seasonal and dinner here is an amazing way to end a day in Julian!
BLUE DOOR WINERY
2608 B Street
Blue Door Winery is located in the center of downtown Julian. The tasting room is located in the town’s old livery stables. The winemakers are the nicest people too and the wine is great. Their signature sangria is fantastic on a hot, Julian summer day. You can grab a growler of the Sangria to go as well. I definitely recommend stopping in for a beverage during a visit to Julian! They have an urban winery on Morena Blvd. in San Diego so if you want to become wine club members you can taste and pick up at either location!
NICKEL BEER COMPANY
1485 Hollow Glen Road
This brewery is right outside of town and a fun place to stop in for a refreshing beer. They have over 16 beers on tap and have different food truck options. We especially love swinging by after a big hike. We once had an incredible sunrise hike in Anza-Borrego and stopped in for a beer on our way into Julian. More on that in a future post. They have a large, pet-friendly outdoor seating area. During the spring, you can enjoy the daffodils popping up all around the hills surrounding the brewery. If you enjoy beer, definitely stop in for a pint or two during your next day in Julian!
CALICO CIDERY
4200 State Highway 78
This is a great new spot in town! The ranch has been around for years, growing apples and pears and making cider for family and friends. The ranch has been selling fruit and recently opened for retail cider sales last year. The location is beautiful which makes it is a must-stop for us! There is a large seating area in the shade along Highway 79 in front of the cider, but the gem is the orchard behind. Tables are scattered throughout the orchard under the tree. Pick up a tasting flight of the four ciders on tap and enjoy the scenery. Calico Cidery is open on weekends and is a great place to meet up with friends and escape the crowds in downtown Julian.
JULIAN HARD CIDER
4470 Highway 78
Julian Hard Cider has been around for years and is always a fun place to pop in and taste. They have super friendly staff members and I love all of the recommendations that come with the ciders. The “Apple Pie” cider is a delicious treat to break out during dessert at your Thanksgiving celebration. The “Black and Blue” is a great tasting cider alone, and is also fabulous boiled down into a reduction over brussel sprouts. The tasting room for Julian Hard Cider is located in the Julian Station shopping area and is a great place to check out on your way in or out of town.
WHERE TO SHOP IN JULIAN
JULIAN STATION
4470 Highway 78
Julian Station is a great place to stop on your way in or out of town. The property is actually an old apple packing facility and cider house turned into a marketplace of unique vendors, boutiques, food, and drinks. I always have fun cruising through, checking out the different shops, and tasting at Julian Hard Cider. Your kids will love the coin-operated rides like the ones outside of grocery stores from when we were kids. They even have a small fenced-in toy area for the kids too! Julian Station is a great little stop to check out with a day in Julian!
ECCENTRIC APE
2000 Main Street
This store is located in downtown Julian between B & C Street. This was such a unique shop to stumble upon. They have a great tapestry selection. We use ours for a picnic/beach/park blanket and camping tablecloth but you can also hang them as art or use them as a comforter cover. I am always getting compliments on the one we purchased. The store also has a variety of incense and related supplies. Definitely, a place to check out with a day in Julian if you are into this vibe!
THE CANDY MINE
2134 Main Street
Our son loves this place. It is his favorite stop. When you first walk in, you will be in the small Miner’s Diner restaurant. However, in the back, follow the sign to the Candy Mine. Head down the stairs and you will be surrounded by buckets of candy. They carry all of the old-time candies and favorites. There is definitely something for everyone. It is a hit with my son. He brings it up every time we go to Julian. I love that he will always remember heading down the dark stairs complete with mining sound effects. It is a quick stop, but a fun one with kids! It is also on the main stretch where chances are you have parked and are cruising around if you are spending a day in Julian.
CROW & LILAC
2608 B Street
My friend and I stumbled upon this store while enjoying Sangria from Blue Door Winery next door. The store smells amazing and is full of natural body & home products. I have several linen sprays from the essential oil line that are incredible. I also have the “after sun spray” that is so rejuvenating on your skin after a shower post-beach day. Crow and Lilac is a great place to check out while you enjoy your Sangria.
JULIANTLA CHOCOLATE BOUTIQUE
2608 B Street
Next door to Crow and Lilac, this boutique has some delicious candies and chocolate treats for the entire family. In addition to chocolates and candies, they carry pastries, cakes, and apple pies. Everything is made locally and they have a large vegan selection. Juliantla Chocolate Boutique is another great place to check out while having your Sangria from Blue Door!
HIKING & CAMPING IN JULIAN
SANTA ISABEL COUNTY PRESERVE
You pass the Santa Isabel County Preserve coming into town from San Diego. The Santa Isabel West trails are an easy place to take kids out hiking, however, it can be very hot. There is a lot to explore and we enjoyed heading out among the rolling hills and oak trees. The entire loop can be up to 8 miles, or you can head out and back a few miles as we did with our son. There are many cows on the trail and very little shade. If you want an easy hike with minimal elevation, this is a great place to explore! Make sure to watch out for rattlesnakes, especially with little kids! I recommend this hike on a cooler day.
WILLIAM HEISE COUNTY PARK SELF-GUIDED NATURE TRAIL
William Heise County Park is a great place to hike and camp in Julian. The park is filled with hiking trails that can make a day out of adventuring. We had an enjoyable, .5mile hike along the self-guided nature trail loop. The loop left from the campground, not too far from our site (site 72). My son brought his scooter because we started by cruising through the campground and ended up on the hike. The hike is not scooter/stroller friendly, but it was easy enough to carry his scooter on the .5 mile loop. The hike takes you out into the county park, with information about the vegetation as you go. It is a great way to get out into nature in Julian. The county park does charge $3 for parking.
CAMPING AT WILLIAM HEISE COUNTY PARK
Camping at William Heise County Park is a great way to turn your daycation visiting Julian, Ca into a weekend getaway! The park has tent and RV hookup sites, as well as cabins and group-camping options. The cabins are insulated and include lighting, wood-framed beds (no linens), a table, and chairs. Use this link to view the park brochure and campground map. In addition to the 11-miles in hiking trails, there is a playground and ranger activities on the weekends. We had a wonderful time camping at William Heise during apple season.
Camping in Joshua Tree is an unforgettable experience, no matter where you end up. The stargazing is phenomenal, and sitting around a campfire next to massive piles of boulders or Joshua Trees makes for an unforgettable experience. There are several National Park campgrounds to choose from, but for reasons I will talk about below, Black Rock Campground is our favorite for camping with kids. If you are looking for more info on visiting Joshua Tree with kids, make sure to read this post!
JOSHUA TREE CAMPGROUND OPTIONS
Joshua Tree has eight campgrounds – five requiring reservations during the peak season of September to May (Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, Ryan).
BLACK ROCK CAMPGROUND – 99 sites, $25/night, water, flush toilets, fire grates, dump station
COTTONWOOD CAMPGROUND – 62 sites, $25/night, water, flush toilets, fire grates, dump station
INDIAN COVE CAMPGROUND – 101 sites, $25/night, water at ranger station, pit toilets, fire grates
JUMBO ROCKS CAMPGROUND – 124 sites, $20/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
RYAN CAMPGROUND – 31 sites, $20/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
BELLE CAMPGROUND – 18 sites, $15/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
HIDDEN VALLEY CAMPGROUND – 44 sites, $15/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
WHITE TANK CAMPGROUND – 15 sites, $15/night, NO WATER, pit toilets, fire grates
WHY CHOOSE BLACK ROCK CAMPGROUND FOR FAMILIES?
Little “luxuries” can make a huge difference when camping with kids. Safety and convenience factors go a long way, especially with younger kids. You can read more about our favorite things to pack when camping with kids here. We love Black Rock Campground in Joshua Tree for the following reasons.
SPACIOUS SITES
We picked site #30, the campsite at the northern tip of the campground, where several trails begin. Although this campground does not offer the fun rock climbing that the more popular Jumbo Rocks and Indian Cove do, it is the only campground where you can sleep under a Joshua Tree! In addition, site 30 was secluded, a short walk from the bathrooms, and had total privacy!
Some of the middle sites are pretty close together, with nothing separating them. We were thrilled to be secluded and have plenty of space for our set-up, especially during COVID. There was plenty of room for our large tent, and there was plenty of space for another family to have joined us.
CELL SERVICE
So obviously, cell service is not something you expect or necessarily want when getting into nature. Still, the reality of our “always available world” is that sometimes it is necessary to getaway. Due to COVID, our son was distance learning and could check-in via Zoom while setting up our tent. My husband also had to manage any pressing issues at work. It was great to stay where he occasionally could check on email, as Joshua Tree has NO CELL SERVICE. I know this isn’t the point of camping, but when ducking out of town early on a Friday, it was nice to have service to manage school and work issues that came up!
FLUSH TOILETS
Black Rock Campground has real bathrooms with flush toilets and sinks. Real toilets are great for camping with kids. Although some of the more popular campgrounds like Jumbo Rocks, Indian Cove, and Hidden Valley are at the top of the “best campgrounds in Joshua Tree,” they only have pit toilets and no water available. When camping with kids, real bathrooms and sinks are very helpful!
WATER
In addition to bathrooms, Black Rock Campground has running water available throughout the campground. When I was 27 weeks pregnant, we camped here, so I appreciated an actual toilet and running water. Also, a water spout nearby makes washing dishes easier and assures you will have what you need to put your fire out at night. When camping with no water, you need to pack A LOT of water, especially in the middle of the desert. Water available in the campground alleviates this extra step.
LOCATION
Black Rock Campground is located inside the boundaries of Joshua Tree National Park. However, it is not located inside the main entrances. Just a few minutes off of the highway, the campground offers the beauty and quiet of Joshua Tree, with the convenience of 7-11 and Walmart not too far away. Since Joshua Tree is a park you are primarily driving through and stopping along the way, we found this super convenient for picking up firewood and ice each evening. The drive to the main entrance was only about 15-minutes each morning, and then we enjoyed stopping at our favorite places along the way as we looped through the park.
BLACK ROCK CAMPGROUND NATURE CENTER
Several trails leave from the Black Rock Campground, and the campground is home to the Black Rock Nature Center. Although closed during our COVID visit, the Nature Center is fun for families to explore and learn more about Joshua Tree National Park. The Black Rock Nature Center is also an excellent place for kids to work on their Junior Ranger books!
ABILILTY TO PLAN AHEAD
HOW TO MAKE RESERVATIONS
Although we were visiting when sites were first come, first served, reservations are available for Black Rock, reservations are available August-early June. You can make your reservation on Reservation.gov six months in advance. A reservation lets you know exactly what site you have and takes away the worry of “where will we end up?” Spots fill up fast, so signing on at 7 am is best EXACLTY six months before you want to go. Another option is to sign up for a service like Campnab that will monitor cancellations for you in real-time.
FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SEASON
Due to Black Rock Campground’s entrance being shortly off of the highway, you do not need to go through the main entrance to get there. This saves time when trying to score a great campsite (especially on a holiday weekend). We talked to the ranger on our drive out that said it is always best to try Black Rock or Cottonwood Campground before heading to the more popular Jumbo Rocks, Indian Cove, or Hidden Valley. You lose time driving into the middle of the park and will almost certainly be met with “Campground Full” signs on a busy weekend.
No matter what campground you choose, during first come, first served, all you do is grab a yellow envelope when you enter the campground. Then, pick an available site and begin setting up. Within an hour, make sure to fill out all of your info on the envelope, put your payment inside and clip it to your site marker. The key is finding a site with no yellow envelope clipped to the number- meaning it is vacant!
CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CAMPING IN JOSHUA TREE
Joshua Tree is a beautiful National Park but also an isolated park. When you plan your family’s camping trip, there are several things to consider. First, always remember there is no cellular service inside the park.
FIREWOOD
Joshua Tree DOES NOT SELL FIREWOOD in their campgrounds. Please make sure to purchase your bundles on your way into the park. There are plenty of stores along the highway that sell firewood. Remember always to buy the firewood you burn locally. We found Black Rock Campground the most convenient because we could grab ice and firewood on the way back each evening.
WATER
Unless your campground has water available, like Black Rock Campground, you will need to bring all of your water with you. It is essential to overestimate as you are in the desert. Due to high desert winds, you want to make sure you have enough for drinking, washing up, and putting out your fire each night. You will want to have at least 1 gallon per person, per day, just for drinking. It would be best if you planned to double that in hotter temperatures.
PETS IN JOSHUA TREE
Pets are NOT ALLOWED on the trails in Joshua Tree. The answer to that is not to leave your pet unattended in the car while you hike!! The temperatures in Joshua Tree can soar to 100° plus. We all know that the car heats up much faster than the outside feels.
Pets are allowed on paved and unpaved roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds. You can read more specific details about where dogs are permitted in Joshua Tree here. Pets must be on a leash at all times. All leashes (or camping tie-ups) must be less than 6ft long. We all know you need to clean up after your pet.
CAMPSITE RULES
Joshua Trees are very fragile, and hanging anything from them (hammocks, string lights) in your campsite is not permitted. So leave your hammocks at home. However, generators are allowed during certain hours. This is important for us as our son has Cystic Fibrosis and needs to do nebulizer treatments.
HOLIDAY WEEKEND ADVICE
Joshua Tree is only gaining in popularity. Getting a campsite is becoming harder and harder, especially when competing in the first, come, first served scenarios. Here are my tips for being successful when the competition is intense.
CALL THE RANGER STATION – (760) 367-5522
When we visited for Memorial day weekend, everything was first-come, first-served. News stations reported that the heavily sought-after Jumbo Rocks Campground was almost full by Wednesday night. We had no idea where we were going or what we would do there. So I started by calling the ranger station to ask about the status of the campgrounds.
Calling ahead was a great choice. The ranger gave me an idea of how full the different campgrounds were. It was still early, so the ranger station did not have the current count of sites that were left, but he was able to give me a general idea of what was already pretty crowded and probably full. This saved us a lot of time. The ranger advised us that during overcrowded times, you should always head straight to Cottonwood or Black Rock, whichever one is first on your route towards the park.
ARRIVE EARLY
When things are hectic, and everyone is competing for the first-come, first-served campsites, early arrival is essential. I am not talking about an early morning Friday arrival, but ideally, an early week arrival. Some people send members of their party out on Wednesday or Thursday to scoop up a site for the weekend.
If you can’t pull the kids out of school early, definitely get to Joshua Tree as early as possible. When we left our site and returned a few hours later, the campground was a zoo. Lights circled all night with people driving around looking for a site (don’t be those people)!
OUR BLACK ROCK CAMPGROUND WEEKEND ITINERARY
We left San Diego with our car packed in hopes of scoring a campsite shortly before 8 am. Unfortunately, the whole country was kind of chomping at the bit to get out, as quarantine had been going strong for about 12 weeks. We were initially heading to Mount Laguna but after a call with the camp host, we realized the trip would probably be a waste of time and immense disappointment (who wants to do all the organization/packing for camping for no campsite?!?!). So we quickly turned around and headed north to Joshua Tree. I immediately began finding a campground to target and piece together an itinerary.
DAY ONE – 85°
We were thrilled to find a great site in Black Rock Campground, and we were setting up by 11 am. Our son could even attend his class via Zoom while we unpacked the car. We finished a quick picnic lunch at our campsite, and since we were in the blazing sun and anxious to see the park, we headed in pretty quickly.
WEST ENTRANCE STATION
In non-COVID times, the first stop would have been the Joshua Tree Visitor Center for brochures, Junior Ranger books and recommendations. However, the building was closed, so we headed to the West Entrance Station, where all these materials were available in boxes once you entered.
As we headed into the park, we were all filled with anticipation as it was our first visit to Joshua Tree! It is fun to see the trees surrounding the road as you head into the park. It is impressive how so many of one type of tree can pop up in the middle of the desert. We decided to spend our day driving through the park versus coming back out to exit here again. We could go through east to the North Entrance Station in Twenty-nine Palms or head south towards Indio, to the Cottonwood Visitor Center Exit.
KEYS VIEW
We planned our exploring by heading straight out towards Keys View, the highest viewpoint in that park. It is a 20-minute detour from the main road (Park Boulevard). Panoramic views looking out at the San Andreas Fault, Mt. San Jacinto, Mt. San Gorgonio (the highest peak in southern California), and the Salton Sea. Being from California, you hear so many things about the San Andreas Fault and the earthquakes it has caused. It was fantastic to look out and see part of the 700 miles where the fault runs! Keys View has a short, paved path to the viewpoints, and the entire loop is 1/4 mile long. The park had signs that created one-way traffic on the pathway to help with social distancing. It was a great start to the trip, as we could look out and see how expansive the desert is.
Keys View in Joshua National Park
CAP ROCK
After checking out the desert view, we headed back towards Park Boulevard and stopped at Cap Rock. This was a great stop for our son to explore and rock climb. Cap Rock is a short, .4 mile self-guided loop through boulders, Joshua trees, and other plants. Although it is a loop, we took turns taking our son out to explore for a bit while one of us walked our dog around the picnic area, as dogs are not allowed on the trails. There are pit toilets and a picnic area here, and the parking lot is large, which can only be helpful on busy days.
I knew I wanted to check out the Cholla Cactus Garden, a bit of a drive south in the park, so we started heading in that direction. We drove through Jumbo Rocks Campground on the way to check the status (which was packed) and scope out sites we would want to book in a future trip. More on that in my “next time” list. Next toJumbo Rocks Campground is Skull Rock.
SKULL ROCK
The Skull Rock Trail goes through the campground, so joining it would be easy if you were camping in Jumbo Rocks. We pulled off on the right side of the road atSkull Rock and took turns taking our son in to check it out. I wish we were able to explore this area longer together. I was very cool, filled with boulders, and our son would have climbed all over for hours.
We did get to see the “skull rock,” as it is right off the road at the stop. To complete the trail, you need about an hour or two (depending on how much climbing your little may want to do) as it is a 1.7-mile loop. This was an excellent stop and a trail I would love to hike when we are back without our dog. It is so fun to see all of the kids climbing all over boulders and just LOVING every second of it!
Shortly after Skull Rock, the road ends at a “T,” with Park Boulevard heading north to the North Entrance Station in Twentynine Palms and Pinto Basin Road heading south to the Cottonwood area. I knew I wanted to see the Cholla Cactus Garden in the late afternoon, so we headed south for almost 30 minutes to get there. Sadly, we had to pass the White Tank Campground and Arch Rock on the way. More on that in my “next time” list. In hindsight, we would have stopped here on the way to the cactus garden.
CHOLLA CACTUS GARDEN
The Cholla Cactus Garden is an incredible sight. We took turns taking our son through the 1/4 loop. The cactus garden appears to go on and on, and the colors shining in the sunlight are spectacular. Unfortunately, the needles are sharp, painful, and all around on the ground. The trail and boardwalk keep everyone safe, so stay on the path. The Cholla Cactus Trail is not a spot to let your child wander.
The Cholla Cactus Garden in Joshua National Park
From theCholla Cactus Garden, we headed north to the North Entrance Station park exit. Since we were camping, we wanted time to explore our campground, take care of our son’s breathing treatments and start a fire before dark. We stopped at a gas station to buy ice and firewood for the night in Yucca Valley. We were back at Black Rock Campground before 6 pm.
SUNSET IN BLACK ROCK
The wind was starting to pick up when we were out! We came back to most of our table set up on the ground. We did our best not to let the wind bring us down, and we enjoyed the evening around our campsite. With our site along the trail to the West Side Loop, we could explore the scenery around us while keeping our dog safe!
The wind started picking up even more, so we started our fire early and grilled some hot dogs quickly! It was an easy meal to make in windy conditions. Making dinner under a Joshua Tree is a memorable experience. As the sun went down, the temperature dropped, and the stars came out. Finally, we were able to see what all the hype is about Joshua Tree stargazing. Unbelievable stargazing. We were surprised to be pulling out the sweatshirts we had packed for the mountains. We capped the night with smores (our son’s camping staple) and waited out the wind while we slept.
DAY TWO – 85°
We woke up and were all feeling a little discouraged about how crazy the wind turned through the night. Weather apps said they were about 60mph, and they kept us awake! Meanwhile, I was pregnant and had to pee constantly. So it wasn’t the best night of sleep. However, when the coffee heated (it took forever because the wind was blowing out the stove) and we took in the views, we were ready to go for another day! So if you are camping, know your wind predictions and make sure you have what you need to be comfortable!
Looking out your tent window in the morning at this view – who cares how bad the wind was?
HEMINGWAY
We made a quick breakfast and headed back into the park. As soon as we entered, we could tell that being Saturday, it was far more crowded than the day before. So we decided to stop at a few places we had skipped the day before. We started with Hemingway, which was an excellent spot for rock climbing for our son. It also has an unpaved road where we could walk our dog. We even saw a desert iguana running through the vegetation. Very exciting!
We drove past Hidden Valley and Barker Dam but kept going because the parking was intense. Having our dog with us, we did not have the option to hike the trails. Instead, we headed back to Cap Rock to let our son climb while we walked the dog and enjoyed a picnic lunch. Cap Rock is a less crowded destination but makes for a great time with ample parking. I can see this being great if we were with friends and all in separate vehicles wanting a place to gather for lunch. However, if the crowds feel too much, this is also a great spot to relax.
Cap Rock in Joshua Tree
HALL OF HORRORS
Up next was the Hall of Horrors and my son loved it! My husband took him out on the .6 mile loop so I could stay with our dog. It was an easy loop with lots of rock climbing. Due to COVID, my husband felt uncomfortable with the crowds and had them wear their masks. As I write this in September 2020, it is interesting to think about this now, and masks have become standard. It was just an “idea” that may or may not help back then. They had a lot of fun climbing the rocks and checking out the scenery. Hall of Horrors is an excellent spot for kids.
Hall of Horrors
COTTONWOOD SPRING
From here, we headed south again to check out theCottonwood Spring Trail. We drove for almost an hour, passing the cactus garden we saw yesterday and several campgrounds along the way. As we turned off the main road, we saw the Cottonwood Visitor Center and stopped to see if anything was open. It was not, but a kind ranger in the parking lot checked our son’s Junior Ranger book and swore him in. It was a sweet moment, as masks were brand new and seemed temporary at the time. I cannot say enough about the Junior Ranger program at the National Parks (more on that here).
We headed out to theCottonwood Spring Trail, and each took turns taking our son out (again, our dog!). It is a less than 10-minute walk out to the palm oasis. It was easy enough to do, but it seems like the long walk out to the Lost Palm Oasis would give more incredible views. So unless you plan to leave this way to head out towards Indio or other parts of the desert, I would probably say skip anything south of the cactus garden if you are working with limited time.
We left the Cottonwood area and headed north towards theNorth Entrance Station. It was an hour plus to get back to our campsite, but it was magic when we did. The sun glowing over the Joshua Trees is nuts and obviously why there is so much hype around Joshua Tree.
BLACK ROCK HI-VIEW NATURE TRAIL
Once we got back to our campground, we took a mini stroll to find the Hi-View Nature Trail. We started strong, but our son saw a snake on the trail after a bit. After that, we realized we were going the wrong way, and we headed back to our camp. This trail had a lot of potential, but we were not ready for it. I cannot wait to check it out when we return. As the sun sets, the glow around the Joshua Trees is insane and capped the night with kombucha, smores, and INSANE stargazing.
DAY THREE – HEADING HOME
We woke up pumped on the beauty of the night before. We debated staying another night because it is hard to give up a great spot. But, instead, we decided to make an adventure on the way home. My husband had always wanted to see the Salton Sea from things he had read, so we decided to get a little creative with our day.
PIONEERTOWN
We headed out shortly before 10 am and headed up to Pioneertown. Unfortunately, due to COVID, most things were closed, but we enjoyed checking the vibe and seeing the famous Pappy & Harriets Pioneer Palace. They were serving drinks on the patio, but we were not comfortable yet, so this will hit the “next time” list. This strip looks like a movie set and is worth the 15-minute detour!
THE SALTON SEA
From Pioneertown, we did not take the direct way home. Instead, we headed south to one of California’s lowest points, the Salton Sea. If you are looking for weird, head south from Joshua Tree. The Salton Sea was once a thriving destination. However, the Salton Sea became toxic due to the lack of drainage needed for salt balance in the water. As the toxicity increased, it killed every living thing inside and destroyed the dream of the LA/palm springs lake-side destinations thriving on the salty banks. Coming into town, you can still see the remnants of the heyday. We did a drive-through as the remnants are sad, broken, and not where you are looking to hang out with no destination.
SALVATION MOUNTAIN
In my quest for adventure, I carried us on to Salvation Mountain, a piece of artwork that needs to be seen to be believed. We waited almost 30 minutes to cross the train tracks to get there, but once we pulled up, we knew we had arrived. The message “GOD IS LOVE” can be seen by all from the road not far from Slab City.
