Palomar Divide Trail
Went for a nice off-road outing today north of San Diego.
About 20 miles of back country road up to the top of a 6100 foot peak and down the other side. At the top is a manned fire lookout. Can't go up the look out here, but the views are 360 and amazing.
We left Escondido, travelled up north to Temecula, then took the 79 out to Aguanga. 0.4 miles past the 371 turnoff is a paved road that leads to a resort. The road turns right and straight ahead is the start of the Palomar Divide Trail.
There is a No trespassing sign, but that is mainly meant for any and all the offshoots of the county road which are all on private property. It is ok as long as you stay on the main trail though the private property area.
The road goes up along a ridge to the base of Palomar mountain then winds it way steeply at times up to the top. The passenger will be looking down a STEEP decent nearly the entire way to the top. The views are almost like being in a small plane.
At the top is a fire watch tower. You are not technically allowed up to the base of the tower. And definitely not allowed ON the tower. But there are no signs saying keep out. We ended up going up and parking and the rangers on the tower waved at us and were friendly. Asked where we had come up.
Looking across to Palomar's other peak where the famous observatory sits... You cannot drive over there from here though.
Heading down the other side is much more serene. One former point of interest was an old building at the Ware Mine. But apparently that property is now owned and there is a new fence and a trailer on the lot so you can't explore it any more...
Lake Henshaw down the south side.
Once at the bottom you are basically at Hemet. We headed south on the 79 (Same road we turned off of 20 miles earlier) and headed into Santa Ysabel then into Ramona for a HUGE lunch. Then on back to Escondido. 6 hours total and a half tank of gas.
The trail rates a 3/10 for difficulty. It is maintained so no huge ruts or rocks but you still need a high clearance vehicle, at least for the section from Aguanga to the top. 2wd might make it though I was glad to have 4 in a few small places like a steep sandy corner at one point.
Super awesome views the whole trip!