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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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| If you’re looking for
a serene getaway close to home, than Cuyamaca Rancho State
Park should be on your list. It is truly one of the jewels
of southern California. Situated east of San Diego and just
south of Julian, it is 25,000 acres of God's country and
best of all--you can get there in an hour from anywhere
in downtown San Diego. The park
contains a plethora of different climates, terrains --
mainly made up of oak woodland forest, with a few pine
trees and several meadows with seasonal creeks-- historical
sites (both Indian and Californian), and loads of adventure.
You can camp, hike, ride horses, mountain bike, fish,
watch birds, and see an abundance of native wildlife and
vegetation. Bear in mind that much of the park burned
in the 2003 Cedar Fire, but it is amazing to watch Mother
Nature do her thing, as a great deal of life has already
recovered.
There are over 100 miles of trails strewn
throughout the park, several that take hikers on an arduous
journey to one of the parks three mountain peaks. Cuyamaca
Peak is the high point of the Cuyamaca Mountains and is
climbable all year. It is a short but steep ascent from
Paso Picacho, and affords incredible views in all directions,
including a stunning view of the Pacific to the west,
to the edge of Mt.Laguna and the desert beyond.
Stonewall peak is also a quick climb from Paso Picacho,
and worth the trek, offering adventurers a breathtaking
observation point of Lake Cuyamaca at the bottom. Keep
your eyes open and you might spot mule deer, coyote, gray
fox, turkey and even the occasional bobcat. |
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Cuyamaca State Park |
All of the main trails are well marked,
and can accommodate hikers, bikers, and horses. In addition,
they connect too many other trail networks --notably the
California Riding and Hiking Trail that runs 36 miles
from the Black Rock Campground to the Twenty-nine Palms
Visitor Center. It can take several days to travel the
entire route, and there are many excellent places to camp
in the backcountry.
Make sure you visit the Gift Shop located
where the old Dyer House was. This historic house was
burned during the wild fires, but it has been rebuilt
and there are books and maps that you can purchase for
use during your visit.
With two family campgrounds, Paso
Picacho and Green Valley, there are plenty of open
sites for camping. Green Valley has small seasonal waterfalls
that are fun to splash around in, while Picacho is situated
in a good location because of its access to the areas
hiking trails.
There are also several small cabins that hold up to four
people, if you want a little more than a spot to pitch
a tent. However, they are primitive with no utilities,
but do have full size bunk beds, a wood stove, picnic
table, BBQ, and fire ring.
As you near the northern end of Cuyamaca
Rancho State Park, you will see Lake Cuyamaca begin to
show itself. The 110-acre lake offers lots of amenities
for the entire family including camping, cabins, boat
rentals, fishing, picnicking and hiking--and you can rent
or buy any needed fishing gear, bait and licenses you
need at the tackle shop next to the wonderful little authentic
German restaurant with a great deck overlooking the lake.
Don't miss going across the bridge in the middle of the
lake towards Fletcher Island. It's an easy hike up to
the top that features an amusing carved bear statue and
nice view of the lake and surrounding Cuyamaca Mountains
as you take time to feed the resident ducks.
The lake is stocked year-round with over
44,000 lbs. of fish, and anglers regularly catch trout,
Florida bass, small mouth bass, channel catfish, crappie,
bluegill, and sturgeon. Free fishing classes for adults
and kids are held Saturday at 10 am.
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Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Peak |
Cuyamaca Lake |
If you’re looking for lodging near
the water, there are two rental condominiums, three sleeping
cabins, 40 RV campsites with hookups, and 10 tent sites
are available at Chambers Park with reservations.
Summer in the area can get very hot and
dry with high temperatures in the upper 90s to the low
100s.
While you are visiting, you may want to
make the short drive to the fantastic little historic
town of Julian, famous for its apple pies and quaint Bed
and Breakfasts’. By Matthew Martz
Located at 12551 Highway 79 Descanso, CA
92016. Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is about 30-40 minutes
max east of San Diego proper. Take the 5 or 15 freeways
then proceed onto the 8 freeway east until you get to Highway
79, following the signs for Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. |
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Julian
enjoya piece of famous apple pie and take
a walk around the historic mining town. |
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Oak
Glen famous for Apples, Cider, Antiques,
apple orchards and fruit stands. U-Pick |
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Lake
Cachuma is located in the beautiful
Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County |
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