Stonewall Peak: One of San Diego’s Best Short Summit Hikes
Quick Stats
- Trail Type: Out & back
- Distance: ~4 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: ~850 ft
- Summit Elevation: 5,730 ft
- Time Required: 1.5–2.5 hours
- Park Fee: $10 per vehicle (same entrance as Cuyamaca Peak)
- Dog Friendly: No
- Water on Trail: None — bring your own
If you’re short on time but want big views and a satisfying climb, Stonewall Peak is one of the best bang-for-your-buck hikes near San Diego. Located just across Highway 79 from the more strenuous Cuyamaca Peak, it offers a totally different experience with panoramic summit views, a fun granite staircase finish, and a quicker, more accessible trail — all within Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
Getting There & Parking
From San Diego, drive east toward Julian and enter Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. The trail starts across the road from Paso Picacho Campground (same lot used for Cuyamaca Peak).
- 📍 Trailhead: Across from Paso Picacho Campground
- 🅿️ Fee: $10 per vehicle for day-use (covers all trailheads in the park for the day)
You’ll park in the Paso Picacho day-use lot, then carefully cross Highway 79 to find the clearly marked Stonewall Peak Trailhead.
Trail Overview
The trail is a steady incline the whole way — 2 miles up, 2 miles down. It starts out winding through shaded oak and pine forest before opening up to wide views of the Cuyamaca Mountains, Lake Cuyamaca, and even Desert View to the east.
The trail itself is mostly well-maintained dirt singletrack with switchbacks. There’s minimal shade after the first third of the hike, so bring a hat and sunscreen, especially in warmer months.
The Final Push: Staircase Summit
As you approach the top, the last section includes a short granite staircase with handrails, built into the rock. It’s not technical, but it does give a fun, adventurous feel as you scramble up to the summit.
The summit is a small granite outcrop with a metal safety railing and a true 360-degree panoramic view. You’ll see:
- Cuyamaca Peak to the west
- Lake Cuyamaca to the north
- Anza-Borrego desert to the east
- Mt. Laguna ridgelines further southeast
There’s a metal survey marker and usually plenty of space to sit and take in the view or have a snack.
Why Hike Stonewall Peak?
Stonewall is a great option if:
- You want big views without an all-day commitment
- You’re acclimating to elevation or doing a sunrise/sunset hike
- You're camping at Paso Picacho and want an extra hike nearby
- You’ve done Cuyamaca before and want something more relaxed but still scenic
Seasonal Highlights
Stonewall Peak can be hiked year-round, and like Cuyamaca, the vibe changes by season:
🏔️ Winter (Snow Days)
- Occasionally after winter storms, the trail gets a light snow dusting. It doesn’t usually require microspikes, but check conditions first. The summit feels like something out of the eastern Sierra.
🌤️ Spring (Green Hills + Wildflowers)
- March through May is peak time. Grasses are green, wildflowers start blooming, and the air is crisp. This is arguably the best time for first-timers.
🌅 Summer + Fall (Sunrise/Sunset Hikes)
- Early morning and golden hour hikes give you cooler temps and dramatic lighting. The trail can be exposed mid-day, so avoid peak heat hours in summer.
Other Trail Notes
- 🐕 Dogs: Not allowed on Stonewall Peak trail
- 🚻 Facilities: Bathrooms and water available at Paso Picacho Campground
- 🗺️ Navigation: Trail is well marked and easy to follow
- 📵 Cell Signal: Spotty; download maps beforehand
Final Thoughts
- If you’re looking for a quicker summit hike with incredible views and very little effort compared to bigger peaks, Stonewall Peak is a no-brainer. It’s perfect for casual hikers, sunset chasers, visiting friends or family, or as a warm-up to Cuyamaca or other longer trails nearby.
- It’s one of those trails that delivers way more than its mileage suggests — and since it shares a parking lot with Cuyamaca Peak, it’s an easy addition to any weekend trip out east.