Outside of the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area are also numerous hikes to enjoy and explore. The most popular by far is the 3 Sisters Falls Trail. This is a very difficult trail and we've had many instances of hikers dehydrating and having to be airlifted out of there. This causes a lot of stress on our first responders and we ask that you please make sure you're prepared to undertake this hike. This is not a hike for beginners.

Gaining in popularity, this often crowded, yet challenging hike takes hikers through several ecosystems before leading to the main event - three large waterfalls wedged between tall, rocky mountains. Recently having undergone some new development, hikers will find a safer and more direct route to the falls, which alleviates the requirement to rock/mountain climb, lowering injury risks and casualty rates. Those who are interested in extreme hiking, mountain climbing, rock traversing, or otherwise challenging hikes will still appreciate elements of this trail, particularly if hiking to the third waterfall or traversing the rocky bottom. Those who are new to hiking, or are hiking the trail for the first time, should attempt to complete this in the cooler winter or spring months and allow ample time for the trip down and back out. It is not uncommon to see several heat related air rescues on any given day during the summer months. If you choose to hike this in hotter weather, start early and take at least a gallon of water per person.

Special Features: While the Three Sisters Trail provides wonderful scenery for bird watching and scneic, wide ranging vistas of the Cuyamaca, Sunshine, and El Cajon mountains, it is perhaps best known for the 3 dynamic waterfalls it is named after. During the winter and spring seasons, or during a wet year when the Cuyamaca Reservoir is full, Boulder Creek can experience heavy water flow, resulting in higher than average falls. In prime conditions, the “middle sister” is impressive, with water falls cascading 50 feet into a kidney shaped pool estimated to be about 10 feet deep. Be careful treking this area - the years of water runoff has left the large boulders incredibly smooth, making slips and falls common. Expect water levels to fluctuate with the season. During much of the summer, or in times of drought, the waterfalls and pools can be more of a trickle and a pond, with little in terms visual appeal or swimming potential. If hiking in the spring months when nature is in full bloom, poppies and wild mustard light the horizon with color, while peregrine and prairie falcons prepare their nests for incoming chicks. More info....

The path through Boulder Creek road also offers various hiking opportunities for different skill levels. It is an extremely rich and unique habitat that runs from Descanso to North Peak.

Situated 4,200 feet above sea level in a forest of pines and oaks along the northern extremity of the Cuyamaca Mountain Range in the unincorporated community of Julian sits William Heise County Park. The day-use and camping park spans over 1,000 acres bringing unique features to life, every season, from playful winter snowfall and vibrant spring wildflowers to starry summertime skies and the changing colors of fall. Every trip is a new experience, with new places to visit and new sites to see. Mule deer are frequently seen through - out the park as well as large flocks of Rio Grande Turkey. Other common visitors include the gray fox, bobcats, raccoons, steller’s jay, hawks, golden eagles and the occasional mountain lion

William Heise County Park is home to a number of trails that vary in both difficulty and geography. The Desert View Trail meanders past the Self-Guided Nature Trail to a scenic overlook where on a clear day, views of the Salton Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west can be seen. If you choose to extend your hike, you have the option to connect to the 1.65-mile Canyon Oak Trail. The 5.75-mile Kelly Ditch Trail takes adventurers south all the way to Lake Cuyamaca and offers equestrian and biking options in addition to hiking. The Fern Trail is a 0.5-mile connector of the Kelly Ditch that takes you into a riparian area alongside the tranquil waters of the Cedar Creek. You can expect to find shady, vibrant green foliage with a nice view to the west on the 1-mile Cedar Trail. View the map for locations of these and other trails on site

The Santa Ysabel Preserves are surrounded by oak woodlands, native grasslands and fields of wildflowers. Set in a beautiful natural landscape of gently rolling hills, hikers, cyclists, and equestrians will enjoy an outdoor adventure within this combined 3,800-acre sanctuary. Discover 15 miles of trails through both the East and West Preserves including two loops that traverse through unique habitats – over the river and through the woods!

There are more than 11 miles of open trails on the East side and nearly 4 miles of open trails on the West side of the preserve.

For your safety, stay on trails and avoid playing in the creek. Carry plenty of water, dress in layers, and wear sunscreen and appropriate footwear.

To prevent damage to the trails, after any inclement weather (1/2 inch of rain or any snow), the preserve will be closed until the trails dry out.

Overnight camping is not allowed.

Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve offers approximately 2,900 acres of mixed conifer forest. Hike to the summit for spectacular views from the desert to the coast. This roughly 5-mile round-trip hike is considered moderately-difficult, with steep inclines. Park on Farmer Road and head to the Hubbell Gate. The main trail to the summit is open for hikers, bikers and equestrian. The single track Five Oaks Trail is open to hikers only. Be sure to bring water, a snack, and wear good footwear, and sun protection.

The Volcan Mountain Trail is a moderate 4.9 mile loop and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The trek up is pretty much entirely uphill & definitely keeps your heart rate up. It's a pretty awesome view from the top.

The Laguna Mountain Recreation Area offers various trails from moderate to difficult. The most popular trail is the Pacific Crest Trail, officially designated as the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT). The trail is a long-distance hiking and equestrian trail closely aligned with the highest portion of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges, which lie 100 to 150 miles (160 to 240 km) east of the U.S. Pacific coast. The trail's southern terminus is on the U.S. border with Mexico, just south of Campo, California, and its northern terminus on the Canada–US border on the edge of Manning Park in British Columbia; its corridor through the U.S. is in the states of California, Oregon, and Washington.

The Pacific Crest Trail is 2,653 mi (4,270 km) long and ranges in elevation from just above sea level at the Oregon–Washington border to 13,153 feet (4,009 m) at Forester Pass in the Sierra Nevada. The route passes through 25 national forests and 7 national parks. Its midpoint is near Chester, California (near Mt. Lassen), where the Sierra and Cascade mountain ranges meet.

It was designated a National Scenic Trail in 1968, although it was not officially completed until 1993. The PCT was conceived by Clinton Churchill Clarke in 1932. It received official status under the National Trails System Act of 1968.

It is the westernmost and second longest component of the Triple Crown of Hiking and is part of the 6,875-mile Great Western Loop. A portion of the PCT trail runs through the Burnt Rancheria campground. You can glamp at our site in Burnt Rancheria and be minutes away from the PCT trail.

Penny Pines Trail is another very popular hike just off Sunrise highway. The views from this fairly moderate trail are stunning. Noble Canyon Trail is another popular hike and also offers some of the best mountain biking opportunities in the backcountry.

You can access the Laguna Meadow Trail from the Laguna / El Prado Campground. This is one of the most beautiful trails in the area and features a seasonal lake.

These are just a few of the hiking trails available in the Laguna Mountain Rec Area.

Big Laguna Trail

With exotic wildflowers, panoramic mountain views, and the blissful tranquility that only Mother Nature can provide, The Big Laguna Trail is a rare find in the greater San Diego area. Conveniently located 13 miles north of I-8 on Sunrise Highway, this 10-mile loop traverses oak and pine woodlands, vast meadows, and during certain seasons, a clear blue lake. 

Desert View Trail

Cottonwood Creek Falls

Cottonwood Creek in the Laguna Mountains is home a small set of falls with a series of cascades and small pools. The hike to Cottonwood Creek Falls in Laguna is one of the easiest to a waterfall in the county.  

Foster Point

The Laguna Mountain Recreation Area offers various trails from moderate to difficult. 

Garnet Peak

This trail offers stunning viewpoints at 6000 elevation and an intense workout with a dramatic climbs at the peak. If starting at the Penny Pines Trailhead and hiking through the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) the Garnet Peak offers a 1.2 mile out-and-back uphill incline as a stand alone trail off of the PCT. If parking at the Garnet Peak trailhead, the 2.2 roundtrip trail still packs quite a punch with its aggressive incline, and the views are well worth the trip. It should be noted however, that this trail is extremely rocky, with loose gravel and potential hazards.

Indian Creek Trail

The trail traverses areas of Jeffrey Pine, Black Oak, Coast Live Oak and extensive stands of mixed chaparral. The trail connects to the Pine Mountain Trail and to the East Mesa Trail at the boundary of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Note: The Trail is not Passable to pack and saddle stock beyond the Pine Mountain Trail junction (until the East Mesa Trail is reached)

Kwaaymii Trail

Interpretive brochure is available at the visitor information center when it's open. The trail is a short scenic walk.

Lightening Ridge Trail 

Best time to visit is summer and winter. Semi-sparse brush, many side trails, Laguna Meadows, view of Storm Canyon and the desert.

Noble Canyon Trail

The Big Laguna Trail to Noble Canyon connection, is largely hailed as one of the best rides in Southern California. Those who have not experienced this unique single-track trail, with its challenging inclines and scenic vistas, are missing out on one of the premier recreational opportunities in the country. Popular with mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers alike, the skill level can vary from easy to difficult depending on the chosen connecting trail. On its own, Noble Canyon stands as one for the more ambitious rider or hiker, with nearly 10-miles (one way) of ledge hugging switchbacks, steep slopes, and jagged rocks, finishing the ride can occasionaly require some walking. For an easier route, users can begin at mile marker 19 and trek through Sunset Trail before hitting the fork to Big Laguna and eventually Noble Canyon.

Oasis Spring

Oasis Road is a hiking, biking, and horse trail in San Diego County, California. It is within Cleveland National Forest. It is 0.6 miles long and begins at 5,441 feet altitude. Traveling the entire trail is 1.1 miles with a total elevation gain of 455 feet. The trail ends near the Oasis Spring. This trail connects with the PCT.

Wooded Hill Nature Trail

Pines and Oaks woodland. This is the highest wooded point on Laguna Mt. You can see views of San Diego, Point Loma, and the Channel Islands. Brochures are available on weekends at the Visitor Information Center on Laguna Mt. No equestrians permitted on the trail.

Agri-tourism is a big part of Julian's heritage and we have many farms in the backcountry growing a variety of crops. Some of these crops include; apples, pears, peaches hops, grapes, berries, cannabis and much more. 

Our apple orchards are the most popular and we have a few orchards that offer seasonal apple picking and farm tours. This happens right around September when the orchard are in bloom and we feature our Apple Days season. You can pick apples and learn about the different varieties that grow here and typical growing procedures. You can enjoy some soft or hard cider as well as delicious Julian pie. 

We also have farm to table options and a wide range of local culinary and libation experiences. We have a few local wineries, breweries and cideries that would take a whole day to experience on its own. Our culinary and libation scene are a major attraction in San Diego's backcountry and a lot of the reason people come up to visit.

We are a rich agri-tourism destination that with many other attractions and activities to choose from.

Fort Cross is a family owned and operated outdoor education center with a focus on hands-on activities. Originally centered around living history, they also offer programs that involve music, art, survival skills, team building, and agriculture workshops. ​Jesse and Doreen Cross have created a truly unique, educational & hands on experience on their beautiful 12 acre property!

Activities include archery, tomahawks, slingshot range, petting zoo, music, art, agriculture, hayrides & more! Stop by Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures the next time you're in Julian.

Hidden in the mountains of San Diego, the Julian Mountain Spa is a boutique day spa with “cozy cabin meets zen” atmosphere. Conveniently located on the main street, just above Apple Alley Bakery, we provide a peaceful retreat for healing and relaxation with the irresistible and ever so beckoning smell of apple pie as an extra benefit. We offer more than a dozen massage including couples massage and bodywork modalities as well as Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments, including acupuncture & herbal medicine, holistic skin care, Sound healing and Reiki.