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Welcome to Alter Experiences. We hope that you're as excited about your glamping getaway, as we are to host you!

Our head quarters are in Mount Laguna - Cleveland National Forest in the Laguna and Burnt Rancheria campgrounds. This region is one of the most popular recreation areas in Southern California, due to its remoteness, altitude and concentration of pine, conifer and oak trees. It's a true mountain forest destination and one of Southern California's most bio-diverse habitats.

As your dedicated glamping outfitter, we're here to ensure that you have a safe and memorable time while staying in our National Forest. We work in collaboration with US Forest Service, supporting their overall mission and outdoor recreation development.

By visiting Alter Experiences LLC & the San Diego Backcountry, you're already making a positive environmental choice in destination. We appreciate and need the help of our visitors to conserve and protect the natural resources this region has to offer.

Please be aware that Burnt Rancheria and Launa campground are a communal recreation areas. Your site is private for your group only and includes; a fire pit, picnic table, a glamping kitchen and parking for 2 vehicles. Being a public campground, bathroom / shower facilities are communal. There are communal hot water showers and clean flush toilets that are close to your site. The showers are quarter operated and cost $2 for 15 minutes.

Your exact site location will be provided to you upon booking confirmation. One of our team members will be in touch with you and give you an in-depth briefing about our site, location, accommodations, local attractions and safety.

At Alter Experiences, we believe that every booking is new and unique. We look forward to exceeding your expectations and tailoring an outdoor hospitality experience specific to your group needs. We strive to create nature immersive, meaningful and hassle free experiences in the outdoors.

Each one of our sites has been handpicked with various factors taken into consideration. We strive to create the most nature immersive experiences possible, in areas that are rich in wildlife and bio-diversity. Our minimal impact concept ensures that we're using these spaces sustainably.

Your site comes outfitted with everything you need for sleep, lounging, cooking and eating. All you have to bring is a cooler, ice and food. You can also purchase ice at the nearby market.

Your glamping kitchen includes:

• 5 gallon drinking water dispenser (refilled on site)
• camp shower, dish soap / sponge and bucket (for washing dishes)
• propane stove with two burners
• 17” Blackstone Griddle (grill tools)
• extra propane tanks to last through your stay
• pots, pans, cups, utensils, cutting board, water kettle, kitchen towel and french press
• essential spices, olive oil, coffee, tea, sugar, creamer and hot chocolate
• food storage storage bin

Accommodations - Tree Tent and Bell Tent

Each one of our sites offers a different combination of tree tents and/or bell tents. Please read the individual listing to know exactly what combination of tents are provided in your site.

Tree Tent by Tentsile

Our suspended tree tent called a “Tentsile" is our most popular accommodation. We create a living space suspended between the trees at about 5-6 feet of the ground. For families with children, we'll usually position our tree tents closer to the ground for safety. A ladder or foot stool are provided to climb in & out. These tree tents are safe & comfortable, built with 190D and 240D polyester & secured to the trees by 2.5 tonne webbing straps.

Your site for 6-8 people may come with any combination of 3-4 tree tents:

 - The Stingray accommodates 3 adults (max 880lbs)

 - The Connect accommodates 2 adults (max 880lbs)

 - The Flite accommodates 1 adult or two small children (max 485lbs)

A sleeping pad will also be provided per person along with sleeping bags, pillow an liner. We provide 2 person sleeping bag for couples in the Connect. Each tree tent also comes with portable light & clips for hanging your belongings.

Our tree tents are firm and cozy and allow us to create comfortable "suspended" spaces in the most remote of areas. Your tree tent comes with a rain proof cover, which can be removed to sleep under the stars. The tree tent is enclosed with mesh netting to keep out bugs and critters We also provide a Tentsile hammock to lounge on. We can stack the tree tents to create a multi-level accommodation space. This is especially fun for children and families that want to share a tree tent together.

This set-up is especially suited for families with young kids. In some cases you can rent a site with a bell tent for the adults and a tree tent nearby for the children. This keeps them entertained for hours while the adults can also enjoy a private and intimate time together in the bell tent. 

Bell Tent

Our plush and cozy bell tents were designed with the ultimate comfort in mind! They comes with therapeutic mattress, pillows, linens, comforter, bedside tables, plush floor rugs & pillows & ambient lighting. 

Our bell tents are outfitted with either a queen bed and sofa bed, 2 sofa beds, or two full beds depending on where you're staying. Each of our sites has a different configuration and staging. Please refer to the individual listing for details on each sites set-up.

Lion's Den, Deer Peak and Fox Den feature two bell tents, along with a combination of tree tents. These sites are ideal for families or groups looking for more space. Eagles nest features 1 bell tent with more variety of tree tents, for instance.

A portable propane buddy heater is also provided, which is safe and keeps the inside warm and cozy in the cold winter nights. It's not really needed in the summer months, but provided anyway. Bell tents feature high quality mesh screen door and windows lets you open the tent for a breeze or a view without worrying about bugs or critters. You can close it up tightly at night to keep out cold and the tents stay relatively warm in the summer months. 

The conical shape deflects wind and leaves no place for rain or snow to gather. No sweat canvas keeps water and condensation out.

Food & Beverage

You’re responsible for bringing your own food & beverages for the duration of your stay. We take care of pretty much everything else. Your site comes fully stocked with an outdoor kitchen to cook & serve for your group. Bring a cooler for your food and drink. You can buy ice at the local market.

We have a few restaurants in the area that we highly recommend. The Lake Cuyamaca Restaurant offers lakeview seating & delicious local plates such as their chicken pot pie & famous Julian pie. They also offer a great selection of alcohol, locals ciders & craft beer. Pine House Cafe & Tavern is another great restaurant in the Mt Laguna region featuring artisanal food & craft beer. The historic town of Julian also provides numerous restaurants, wineries & breweries as well as many other tourist attractions.

What You need to Bring

We provide just about everything you'll need during your glamping retreat, aside from food. We do provide water and some basic amenities such as; tea, coffee, sugar, hot chocolate, cooking oils & spices. All cookware and standard kitchen utensils provided. Towels, soap, and shampoo are also provided. Bring your cooler, food & personal toiletries.

• Bring your own food & drinks. We provide drinking water.
• It can get very cold at night in the winter months & we have the occasional summer storm. Bring an extra layer of clothes, heavy jacket & extra blanket.
• Bring cash for wood & other activities. Most venues accept CC but you’ll want to have cash on hand. ATM services are limited.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen & chapstick, especially if you plan on hiking or being on the lake. Bring a refillable water bottle for hiking & days out.

Weather

Weather is on average 10-15 degrees colder due to the higher altitude & temperatures can drop down to the 30’s at night in the winter. Check the forecast & be prepared for potentially cold weather. Our accommodations withstands the elements well. Our tree tents are equipped with a rain fly that creates a great shelter from wind and rain. The bell tent is equipped with a propane heater. We strive for our sites to be warm and cozy in even the coldest winter nights up here.

We allow wood fires in designated fire pits only and that's the ideal way to keep your group warm in the cold winter months. Please be aware that fire restrictions are in place sometimes, especially when we get strong Santa Ana winds. We will inform you prior to arrival if that is the case.

The central mountain are the only place in San Diego that experience Snow in the winter months, from December - Feb. It's one of the many things that make this region so unique - four seasons including a white Christmas! It's a very special occasion and one of the reasons why many people choose to live up here.

Snow season also presents many problems with inexperienced drivers and visitors that can create very dangerous situations. These roads can be very treacherous if you're not being careful and come unprepared.

Safety

We provide an emergency First Aid Kit at your site. These areas & featured activities are relatively safe, but you must be careful and take precautions. In case of serious emergencies we have team members stationed at our headquarters on North Peak 24/7. You can become easily winded at these higher elevations and it's important to drink plenty of water, which we provide. Stay on designated trails and it's best to wear pants and sturdy hiking boots.

• Keep a safe distance from wild animals and never feed them.
• Don't leave food out
• Drive carefully

Fire Safety

Firewood must be purchased on site. The cost is $6 per bundle, which should last 3-4 hours. The fire-pit also doubles as a grill. OPEN FIRES IN DESIGNATED FIRE PITS ONLY!

National Forest Rules and Regulations

You must abide by all National Forest Rules and Regulations while staying in the Mount Laguna Recreation Area. 

Please be aware of the following:

• Mobile phone & internet service are limited in certain areas for most providers.
• Have a map or directions printed out. Don’t count on GPS to be working
• Make sure your vehicle is in good operating conditions. Have a full tank of gas. We have no gas stations except in Julian town & Descanso.
• Chains may be necessary in the winter.
• Check the weather forecast regularly if you’re coming in winter (Nov-Feb) Leave as early as possible & drive carefully.

Burnt Rancheria Campground is located in the Laguna Mountain Recreation area just, 50 miles east of San Diego. It features several loops of campsites and is the perfect location for your glamping retreat. The site is at an elevation of 6,000 ft. & features and abundance of pines and oak trees. The surrounding open oak grove & spectacular desert views makes it a very unique destination and ideal for our Tentsiles. The site is very well maintained & restrooms are available in the vicinity.

The site provides easy access to a segment of the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,650-mile national scenic trail that runs from Mexico to Canada. Hiking and horseback riding are allowed on the trail.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, bird-watching, star-gazing and hiking in a dense forest ambience. The contrasting landscapes between lush pine forests and the Anza-Borrego desert is a site to behold. A short hike to the nearby Desert View Picnic Site is a panoramic view of the desert 6,000 feet below. On most days, the Salton Sea is clearly visible to the southeast.

This is what's included as part of your glamping retreat:

- We reserve & prepare your site, which has been handpicked for the best glamping experience possible. Flush bathrooms/shower

- Rate includes all federal park fees & parking fees (maximum 2 vehicles) $10 per extra vehicle payable to RRM

- We set-up your Tentsiles tree tent that includes V-tech sleeping pad, sleeping bag & pillows

- 5-gallon drinking water dispenser that we re-fill as needed

- Hanging compartments & bins to keep things organized including all your kitchen utensils

- First Aid Kit

- Ambient lighting around your Tentsile, as well as a spotlight if needed at night

- Carpet & lounge chairs under your Tentsile, as well as seats around the campfire.

- Outdoor kitchen to cook & serve your group - table, stove-top, pots/pans, kettle, spices & kitchen utensils. Just bring your food.

It is your responsibility to know & abide by all the laws and regulations of the state parks and national forests at all times during your trip. You'll receive a briefing as soon as you arrive and we'll cover the park rules & regulations, as well as safety and proper equipment use.

There is an abundance of wild-life in the Central Mountain Region and it's the ideal place to observe wild animals in their natural habitat. Mule deer & wild turkeys are common. Coyotes are common in the Park, although they are very reclusive. If you do see a coyote, it's a good bet that it is on to a nearby food source (such as some turkeys.) Bobcats and mountain lions also call this region home. They are also very reclusive and you'd be lucky to see one during your visit. 

Many species of birds can be observed including raptors. Visitors can see woodpeckers and other birds pretty much all day. The only pair of nesting bald eagles in all of Southern California can also be found here near Lake Cuyamaca.

Please do not feed the animals. Don’t teach them to like "human food" because it doesn't provide a healthy diet for wild animals. If they get accustomed to "human food", they will frequently starve in winter. Remember! Though they seem tame, these are wild animals!

We've compiled a list of the kind of wildlife you can find in the area, as well as some of some of our flora and fauna:

Explore the Central Mountain Region on horseback, as we ride through some of the most beautiful sites in Rancho Cuyamaca State park and Mount Laguna.

We work with reputable operators that offer good horses and great riding experiences. You can also bring your own horses and contact us for more info: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We work with reputable horse riding guides that offer horseback riding experiences for families & groups alike. Our guides have years of experience taking people down the trail. Their passion for history of our local lands is a treat in itself; ride and listen as they tell you about those who came before and rode the trails long before you.  

You can also try a carriage ride down Julian Main Street with our famous town mascot Brett.

Stonewall Peak is a popular hike due to its relatively short and easy climb to some beautiful sweeping views of the Rancho Cuyamaca State Park & Lake Cuyamaca. This trail also starts at Paso Picacho Campground and is an easy to moderate 4 mile hike. Around ⅓ of the way you'll encounter a path straight ahead blocked by an “AREA CLOSED” sign. Stay to the right around the closed section and head straight to the peak looming above. As you continue on the trail you'll eventually find yourself at the base of pile of large granite boulders and slabs. Carefully made our way up the rocks on the east side of the rocky expanse until we found the metal pipe railing and stairway carved into the granite boulders. It's a short walk from there and it will be well worth the view once you're at the top.

Cuyamaca Peak is the second highest point in San Diego County and is located towards the western edge of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. You can access the trail through Lookout Fire Road at Paso Picacho Campground. This road up to the trail is paved and it's the only hike in the park that dogs are allowed on. It's a moderately strenuous 6 miles hike with an ascent of about 1539 feet.

The peak’s elevation at 6,512’ is at the geographic center of San Diego County offering unparalleled panoramic views to the ocean.

The peak is the dominant landmark in vast Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. This parcel was once covered by a rich mixed-conifer forest, interspersed with chaparral, oak woodlands, and gentle meadows fringed with pines. The land was originally inhabited by the Kumeyaay Indians, who referred to the area as “Ekwiyamak,” which translates roughly to "the place in the clouds" or “the place where it rains.” The region receives an average of over 30 inches of precipitation per year due to its higher elevation, which supported the forests and gave birth to the Sweetwater River.

Azalea Glen Loop Trail

The Azalea Glen Loop begins at Paso Picacho Campground and the trail consists of several single track trails with wider fire roads. The trial features many loops but is well marked & make sure to stay on course & read the trail markers. It's a moderate 4-mile loop that features streams & you can still see the effects of the 2003 Cedar fire to devastated the park. A lot of the trail is shaded & is suitable with small bridges & grassland areas.

Conejo Spring Trail

Moderately strenuous 3.5 sometimes steep miles to summit. Gain in elevation 1650 ft. Rugged ascent over the north shoulder of Cuyamaca Peak. Trail is a streambed after heavy rain or snow melt. Connects to paved road leading to summit. Descent to campground by paved fire road. Trail head and parking at Pasa Picacho Campground.

Green Valley Falls Trail

Easy .75 mile one way, suitable for children. Well-marked trail to pretty, seasonal waterfall. Best in spring and early summer. Trailhead and parking located at picnic area parking lot at Green Valley Campground.

Indian Trail

Easy one mile level, scenic, and suitable for children. Self-guiding trail leading to an old Indian village site, plaques describe Indian uses for common plants. Trail head and parking by the flagpole at the park headquarters/museum parking lot.

Juaquapin Trail

Moderate 3 mile scenic loop climbing via East Site Trail with a steepish return by Dyar Spring Trail. Gain in elevation 400 ft. Well-graded trail through oaks, manzanita, chaparral and open meadows and stream with wildflowers and deer. Trail head and parking at turnoff for Museum/Park headquarters or a Sweetwater Bridge.

Paseo Nature Trail

Easy .5 mile loop, scenic, level, and suitable for children. Self-guiding trail with 16 trail signs explaining various natural and cultural resources of the area. Trailhead and parking at north end of picnic area at Paso Picacho campground.

Oakzanita Peak Trail

Moderately strenuous 8 mile loop, gain in elevation 1300 ft. Long steady climb leads to extensive vistas particularly from the peak. Trail has little shade and is hot in the summer. Trail head and parking - first paved parking area when entering Cuyamaca Park from the South on Highway 79. Moderately strenuous 5 mile loop. Gain in elevation 1200 ft. Steady climb leads to extensive vistas, first to the coastline and later over East Mesa. The hike follows the fire road to Arroyo Seco primitive camp, then by cut-off trail to West Mesa Trail and Monument Trail.

Stonewall Peak Trail

Stonewall Peak is a popular hike due to its relatively short and easy climb to some beautiful sweeping views of the Rancho Cuyamaca State Park & Lake Cuyamaca. This trail also starts at Paso Picacho Campground and is an easy to moderate 4 mile hike. Around ⅓ of the way you'll encounter a path straight ahead blocked by an “AREA CLOSED” sign. Stay to the right around the closed section and head straight to the peak looming above. As you continue on the trail you'll eventually find yourself at the base of pile of large granite boulders and slabs. Carefully made our way up the rocks on the east side of the rocky expanse until we found the metal pipe railing and stairway carved into the granite boulders. It's a short walk from there and it will be well worth the view once you're at the top.

Moderate 2 miles each way, steady gain in elevation of 900 ft. Suitable for energetic youngsters. Well graded trail through chaparral, oaks and incense cedar to the summit of Stonewall Peak, last section on exposed ridge but with steps and handrail. Great views from peak. Trail head and parking across from entrance to Pasa Picacho campground at the picnic area. Day use fee.