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Palomar Mountain State Park Hike

Where – Palomar Mountain State Park

When – Friday May 28, 2025 9:30

Rating – M5B

Leader – Dave Dohren (619) 517-8867 dohren.dave@gmail.com

Palomar Mountain State Park is one of the few mountainous areas of San Diego County with a mature pine forest. This 5 mile figure 8 loop hike is scheduled for Wednesday May 28 starting at 9:30. We will begin the hike from the Doane Pond parking lot within the State Park. The plan is to hike along the Thunder Springs Trail up the Chimney Flats Trail then following the Scott’s Cabin Trail and returning to the parking area on the Cedar Trail. After this 4 mile loop and a brief rest, we will head out on the Nature Trail to the Weir Historic Site Trail and then cutting through the French Valley and the Doane Pond Campground on back to our vehicles. About 900 feet of overall elevation gain. 

Palomar State Park requires a registration fee of $10 per vehicle. You can pick up a pass at a local SD Library. It’s a long way up the mountain so allow yourselves adequate time for travel.  Temperatures forecast over 85 degrees or rain will cancel the hike. Bring plenty of water, hiking poles, a snack/lunch and good hiking boots.

Directions: Palomar State Park - From CA -76 go up the mountain on S -6 South Grade Road/Palomar Mountain Road for 6.7 miles until the intersection. Turn left to stay on S – 6. Turn left again immediately on S -7 (State Park Road) just before the store/restaurant. Go 3.1 miles to Park entrance. Register and Pay fees. Go 0.2 miles past kiosk and turn right at the stop sign. Go 1.4 miles following the signs to School camp and Doane Pond. Large parking lot on the right. Rest rooms adjacent to parking lot. Carpools will be arranged.