I love Mount Laguna!!! I've been hiking and mountain biking out here for years. It's got such a varied landscape, ranging from huge desert overlooks to green meadows and trees. There is adequate parking along sunrise Highway pretty much anywhere you go. You are supposed to have an adventure pass to park here and they have a kiosk to pay for it but it never works. Fortunately if you have the America, the beautiful pass, you can put that on your dashboard and that will cover it. Today, my man and I went out and did a hike on the PCT portion to Foster point. Absolutely stunning, one of my favorite overlooks in the area. On this portion of the trail, there is very little tree cover and you've got to be careful not to get dehydrated. It was only 74° and it got toasty in the sun. We were out there for three hours, and I had 3 L of water. I drank pretty much all of it and a Gatorade bottle that I brought. If you come out here for biking, be sure to hit Los Gatos Trail. It's so flowy and fun and has a bunch of little features you can play on. Noble Canyon is a legendary trail but if you are going to ride it, make sure you've got strong bike skills because it is quite technical. read more

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Some of my favorite hikes in the winter are here. Previous years when I came here in February there was snow but no snow when we went today. We could tell that the snow recently melted because parts of the trail was muddy. There are at least 4 trails here. The trails range from easy to moderate depending which one you go on. The views are stunning! read more

Laguna Mountain Recreation Area - Recreation Centers Near Me - Mount Laguna, California

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Fantastic location, a short drive from SD. Lot of hiking trails and epic views. Camping grounds does get busy so don't forget to get your permits if you wish for dispersed camping read more

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Been to Laguna Mountain a few times, recently in the Spring last year and again this past month for some snow play. Laguna Mountain has some great trails to hike, with some really nice sceneries of the mountains and some outlook areas without having to hike strenuously. As far as the snow play, we went the day after a lot of snow were dumped at Mt. Laguna and the next day, by 10:30 am, half of the mountain didn't show any signs of snow, until we made it around the corner, closer to our spot to go tubing. Fortunately my kids are young and don't want any very steep hills to slide their tubes down. It was enough for them to have about 2-3 hours of fun, but not something you want to go for snow ball fights, a winter wonderland, or even sledding, since it was a bit tough for the sledders. I also wouldn't recommend attempting to do snow ball fights since it was mainly ice, which got really slushy by noon. If you're looking for a huge snow area and an area for skiing, sledding, etc., then make the drive up to Big Bear or Mammoth. If you're able to settle with some snow but nothing intense, this place is the place for you to enjoy. read more

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Lots of great things to see on the Sunrise Hwy on the way to Mount Laguna. Be sure to stop and see Storm CanyonOverlook and Kwaaymii Point. Next be sure to grab a bite of lunch at The Pine House Cafe. Beautiful places overlooking the Anza Borrego desert State Park. Enjoy read more

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Well Date of Visit : January 1, 2021 the first day of the New Year and we decided on coming to Mt Laguna to see some Snow . Which San Diego does not get much snow . So if your looking for snow then head up to Mt Laguna and enjoy !! It's got lots of opened space for you to hangout with your family or friends !! Plus there are lots of trees and stubble on the ground. But today there were enough snow for you to build a Snowman and it was not to cold !! Plus the Sun was shining out with blue sky's !! It was an beautiful day to play in the snow !! It's just the parking that is kind of ruff because if you don't get here early enough !! Both sides of the street gets filled up pretty quickly and you might have to drive circles around to find parking. !! But it's an beautiful place to take your family or friends. !! Lots of nice areas for you to take pictures !! Also don't forget to bring your sled to slide down the mountain !! The views are amazing with the snow and Tall Trees !! It just makes the perfect Picture. !! Overall Satisfaction: 4 out of 5 Stars !! But lots of fun for your kids and Family and friends !! Snow was nice and plenty of opened space for you to hangout !! Parking: 2 out of 5 stars just get here early enough and plan on lining up to come here it's a lot of fun for everyone !! Fun Factor: 5 out of 5 stars !! Snow is fun for everyone !! Enjoy the views and sliding down the mountains !! Overall Grade: 4 Stars out of 5 just minus one star for Parking and that's all !! But I shall return and enjoy more !! read more

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Have been hiking Laguna mountains since 2010. A short getaway for silence and peace. Many trails available and get your pass at the grocery store located on the left hand side if you are coming from the 8 freeway. Always check the temperature as it's different climate from San Diego. Wear a pack, hiking boots and plenty of snacks and water. All trails are beautiful, just depends how long you hike for and usually love to hike for half a day. Enjoy nature and happy trails... read more

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So Thankful that I have this place at my fingertips... Unfortunately this is the place where I broke my shoulder on the top of Gato's Trail... and when I say the top... I mean the very first turn... that means... hiking 5 miles down the hill with a broken ass arm/shoulder,a mouth full of dirt, dragging my bike with my good arm..... Ain't no thing but a chicken wing... Nature is God's best medicine for everyone... for your soul... for your spirit... for your health... I love how most of everyone you encounter here is peaceful and happy(and that is not many, this place is very secluded and spread out) . You have your mega hikers.... you have your mega mountain bikers... you have the families hiking... you have the cows... the birds... and yes... rattlesnakes... so careful now... Pack a lunch, bring your bike... bring your OFF.....follow the trail signs for restrictions of who can go where... shhhhhhh be quiet... is that the wind whistling through the pines? A good place to turn off on the road and park.. is usually where you see the conglomeraton of cars along the road... that is where the good trail heads start.... Now I am a little worried about writing this review, hence the fact I don't want this place to become too saturated... but.. this is exercise we are talking about... so... most people are lazy and won't even make the trek... If you are bringing your dog... bring lots of water for your pup.. and remember.. .if it is warm outside, your doggie paws can get burned from the hot trail..... Anyways... have fun and get in Nature.... read more

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If you see snow on the peaks from San Diego, head to Mt. Laguna! It was crowded but totally worth it to stomp and play in the snow! Get there before noon to miss the crowds. read more

Laguna Mountain Recreation Area - My. Laguna snow play! - Recreation Centers Near Me - Mount Laguna, California

LOVE LOVE LOVE IT HERE!!! Except that my dog got a tick! -hehe That is expected though. When I came up here in Oct I got a year pass... I just wish I had someone to go with me more often. (I'm still new to SD) I want to go camping!!!! This place reminded me a lot of back home (WI) and one of the reasons why I love SD! :) There are so many trails and very friendly people! A lot of bikers. I love the water ponds for my dog to jump in on a warm day. A lot of shade on the hiking trail which is perfect for you and your dog. Don't forget to pack a snack and/or lunch! In the morning the restrooms where the info center is can get packed. $2 for a map... psshh I just took a photo of the map with my phone and off we went! I already spent $30 on the yearly pass. I didnt want to pay for a map... lol I can't wait to get back! :) read more

Laguna Mountain Recreation Area - Hiking trail - Recreation Centers Near Me - Mount Laguna, California

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LOVE IT! We always go for the sledding when it snows! How awesome that we get to live in San Diego within 20 minutes of the beach and 60 minutes to the snowy mountains! The staff at Laguna Mountain Lodge is super helpful and be sure to buy a parking pass from them when you go. The community is super small and tight knit and friendly. We left our camera sitting on a tree stump and someone actually turned it in to the Lodge!!! I'm not talking cheap either! This was our prized NIKON SLR!!! I cannot say enough about the views and the gorgeous drive to get here! Just take the Sunrise Highway exit 47, off the 8 and head north. So simple! read more

Awesome hiking trails and the view is amazing. You can also ride your dirt bike as well read more

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I wasn't sure if I wanted to visit Laguna Mountain. I moved to San Diego in June 2018, and had already hiked three times at Mission Trails Regional Park, twice up Volcan Mountain, once to the top of Woodson Mtn., and once at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. From the available maps and photos on the internet, the Laguna Mountain area seemed too remote for me and, more important, it seemed to consist of pastoral meadows without any opportunity for aerobic hiking and, more important (to me), no photo ops. VISTAS SO DRAMATIC, MAKES YOU WANT TO SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. Anyway, in October 2018 I visited Laguna Mountain two weekends in a row. I decided that the views from the cliffs overlooking Anza Borrego Desert State Park were magical and compelling enough for repeat visits to the Sunrise Highway and to hike out to several lookout points just to the east of Pacific Crest Trail. Okay, now to get some things out of the way. The driving time from Route 8 to the gift shop at Laguna Mtn. is only about 20 minutes (and so, there is nothing remote about a little 20 minute drive). On this road, at first the scenery is mountain without forests, but with many huge boulders like on Woodson Mtn. And then, the scenery near the road takes the form of a mixture of meadows and forests (without boulders). For my first visit, I took a camera and took pictures from the area of Desert View Picnic Site and nearby Monument Peak Road. Once on Monument Peak Road, you can wander down the steep mountainside and get panoramic photos of the wild out-of-doors with yucca in the foreground and Anza Borrego Desert in the background. Then, I drove over to Garnet Peak, which is about as far as you can get on Sunrise Highway and still have great views of the desert. At Garnet Peak, I also got some nice photos of Anza Borrego Desert, with yucca in the foreground. SOUVENIR-MANIA. During my first visit, I returned to the gift shop and bought a couple of leather purses and some other souvenirs. A week later, I returned with aerobic exercise on the mind. And so, I parked at Desert View Picnic Area and hiked the PACIFIC CREST TRAIL northwards past Foster Peak and eventually to Garnet Peak. This time, I left the camera behind, and instead brought a half gallon of chocolate milk, which was only $2.50 from Trader Joe's. Then, I hiked all the way back to Desert View Picnic Area. The round-trip hike was about 12 miles round trip. During my second visit, I stopped at the visitor's center, which is located about 50 feet to the north from the gift shop. At the visitor's center, I bought more souvenirs (cloth patches, colorful maps, book on Kumeyaay ethnobotany). EPILOGUE. For the next weekend (October 13, 2018), I went to JTNP. In the morning, I visited Black Rock Canyon and hiked the Panorama Loop Trail and obtained a nice aerobic workout. In the afternoon, I went to the main part of JTNP, and poked around Jumbo Rocks Campground and Split Rock Trail with my camera. read more

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This campground is a great way to experience the outdoors in Southern California. We stayed only for one night since a storm was coming in. Fun set of hiking trails throughout the area. We hiked from our site to the lake for sunset. Nice views the whole trail. Campground is large with about 100 sites. Definitely a hidden gem! read more

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Mt. Laguna is a great place to get away from SD, the hiking and biking is fantastic. Also a great place to go camping!

This is a rare gem in Southern California and San Diego County. It's a forest area ranging from 5500 to 6000 feet in elevation. The only camping in the recreation area is at Burnt Rancheria Campground and Laguna Campground. Both have some reservable campsites and some that are not reservable. While there are a few flush toilets and some showers most campsites are near pit toilets. Fresh water and trash pickup are included in the $20 per night camping fee. It's only $10 per night for those 62 or older with the $10 lifetime Golden Age Pass. Burnt Racheria is closed November through April. Laguna keeps one loop open all through the winter. Of the two campgrounds LAGUNA is my favorite as it's next to the meadow and close to many trails and Big Laguna Lake. Big Laguna Lake is only good for photos, ducks and cattle. It has no fish and too shallow to swim. If you like to fish try Cuyamaca Lake 17 miles to the north; it's stocked regularly. The main attraction to the Laguna Recreation Area is the hiking, biking and riding trails that are all over the area. For a map go to LMVA.NET and click on MAP! This site also has a list of some of the trails. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through the recreation area on it's way from Mexico to Canada. Mt. Laguna as a zip code, a store, motel/cabins, sports store, weekend restaurant, full service fire department (actually two separate fire departments!!) and that's it. The nearest real grocery store and gas is eleven miles south at Pine Valley, CA on Interstate 8. Julian, CA, an old mining town now a tourist destination, is 20 miles to the north. If you came with an RV as we do there is no dump station. Most people use the Buckman Springs dump station at the highway rest stop five miles EAST of where SUNRISE HIGHWAY (the road to Mt. Laguna) intersects with I-8. It's free. For the last three months its water has been shut off at the dump station. We bring ten gallons of water to flush the tank and that seems to work fine. There is remote camping outside of the recreation area which requires a free permit. Visitors to the Recreation Area are required to have an adventure pass which costs $5 a day or $30 a year. Folks with those lifetime senior passes (cost $10) can just display that. In the summer we camp at least once a month at Laguna Campground and in the winter you'll find us on the same schedule in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park where you can camp anywhere you want at no charge. That's another area to investigate. In the recreation area you can: HIKE, BIKE, CAMP, PLAY IN THE SNOW, RIDE YOUR HORSE and BOW HUNT in season or just come up and PICNIC. Another idea is to drive through Laguna on the way to Julian, CA just 20 mile further north. The road from Mt. Laguna north for 14 miles is the most scenic byway in San Diego county and perhaps all of Southern California. It's big sky country with views of the desert to the east and the Cuyamacas to the west. read more

Wow, this place is such a freaking hidden gem for me! - 50 minutes away from home (just go on the 8 East) - A lot of open campsites! You can reserve online or bring cash and pay at the entrance (which is what we did! first come first serve) - Beautiful pines and a lovely huge meadow - Really reminds me of Yosemite (being surrounded by huge pines) If you want a quick weekend getaway but don't want to travel to Big Sur or Yosemite, I highly recommend Mount Laguna. It's super close to the city, but at the same time, it's far enough away from it if you just need to get away from the hustle and bustle. Good place for newb campers like me. read more

Mt Laguna is the premier snow play destination in San Diego County! been comin here to snowplay since I was a youngun -- brought my kids -- soon'l be bringin my grandkids :) when Mother Nature bestows a white blanket on the mountain, seems like a good portion of the population of San Diego and surroundin areas head up from the flatlands to enjoy a winter wonderland -- KEY -- is to BE PREPARED every year, I see folks in shorts & flipflops arrivin w-OUT snowchains to try to climb the windin 2 lane highway to git to the snowplay areas -- folks -- be aware -- this is NOT the flatlands! -- weather conditions can change suddenly in winter from a nice sunny day to a violent snowstorm -- roads turn icy & slick in moments -- easy to git hurt up here if yer not carefull and prepared -- volunteer fire dept gits overworked many snow days doin rescues -- and I myself, have pulled many unwary travellers outta the ditches & sideroads -- even on NICE days. if yer up here in the winter BRING yer snowchains -- and kNOW how to install em properly on yer tires -- or suffer ;) best place to GIT snowchains -- and SNOWCHAINS101 withem so's ya know how to do it easily is snowtraction.com EVERY snowchains set sold fitted exactly to yer tires while ya watch AND participate by the San Diego Highwayman oh, and what ya bring up -- please take back down withya -- [ trash, cardboard, plastic, ect ] Take nothin from the mountain but photographs! Leave nothin but footprints Don't fergit to GIT yer "Adventure Pass" BEFORE ya head up! http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/vendors.php Or you'll lose ye place goin to git it after ya git a ticket fer not havin it -- NOT fun GOOD onya the San Diego Highwayman my search girl Shotgun Shela http://snowchains.tripod.com/shotgunshela/ loves the snow! read more

3.5 stars The Laguna Mountain Recreation area is flat-out the best outdoor destination for a local San Diegan to experience at only an hour's drive from downtown SD. I'm surprised I don't see more people here on the weekends. Whether your interest is hiking, camping, running, mountain biking, or horses, you'll find something to suit you in the Lagunas. Part of the Cleveland National Forest, the Laguna Mountain range is impressive and offers spectacular views with its beautiful surrounding nature and an interesting variety of natural vegetation. Another real cool aspect about the Lagunas is the chance for San Diegans to see snow- as it is a popular destination for sledding and tobaganning when a good snow storm passes through the area. Personally, I cannot say enough good things about the Big Laguna Trail (BLT) and Noble Canyon; two of my favorite trails in the area. BLT is a mellow, smooth and sweeping trail used by both mountain bikers and hikers throughout the year and is well-known for the its expansive meadow and adjacent lake. Noble Canyon is one of the premier mountain biking trails in Southern California offering some truly challening single track action that will stump even the most expert riders. Burnt Rancheria Campground, off of the Sunrise Highway, offers a high-quality camping experience with clean, modernized facilities and great natural scenery. This is truly a great place. You just have to figure out what activity to do. read more

Sharing is caring, so even though Miss Tracie and I actually hiked this thing together on her birthday, I'm going to review these hikes as well. Besides, different perspectives is what this is all about right? Sooo here goes: Ditto on what Tracie says!.--Minus the bug eating. I did however manage to get bitten by some crazy renegade fly who decided to kamikaze its way into my neck- savage. It was beautiful. There were views of the incredibly vast desert as well as trails that wound through dainty meadows and fragrant forests. We saw blooming cactii (a first for me and a real treat!), manzanitas for miles, and half a dozen other plant and floral delights to the likes of which I can't name. We wandered and wandered aimlessly (well, not really, we were on trails), enjoying the simple beauty of the day, our surroundings and each other's company. read more

This is a great place to come and enjoy some snow play. Our family heads up every time it snows. Great slopes for sledding. Just went up for about 4 hours today... Easy to get to, just plan on arriving early. It gets very crowded later in the morning. Too many cars and they will start turning people away. Helpful hint: ALWAYS bring chains. It would suck to be turned away because you didn't have them. We've been to Mountain High and, trust me, Laguna is way better!! read more

What a fabulous way to spend my birthday...Only had a chance to go on two trails YET I managed to swallow a bug, nearly hit a dozen or so squirrels on the way there and see some pretty amazing views both on the trails and the Sunrise Highway. Although there were no rattlesnake sightings on our part, there were plenty of "Beware of Rattlesnakes" sign sightings. They were on the entrances to the trail heads and every dumpster and bathroom door...and I think I actually saw t-shirts and bumper stickers...yeah...so apparently be careful. We did the Wooded Hills Trail and the Desert View Trail. The Wooded Hills Trail was a nice way to warm up. It's a pretty easy and shaded trail that's perfect for warmer days. You are rewarded with a fantastic view of lovely green mountains in the distance at the highest point. The Desert View trail had an incredible view of Anza Borrego at one point and wooded mountains and portions of the Pacific Crest trail (which goes to Mexico). Parts of the trail were pretty rocky and inclined so a bit more on the moderate versus easy side. I am looking forward to going back on hitting some more challenging trails...and there's plenty including back country stuff. I would highly recommend bug spray if you're heading out there this time of year...somehow the local bug population didn't get the memo that it was my birthday and they weren't on the guest list...they were out in full effect...and my belly. read more

Super fun and a close drive from east county. Great views and nice locals. Check out a sunrise or a sunset, you will be impressed. ~ Motorcycle trip highly suggested. If your bike can tolerate the altitude changes, you will love it. read more

I come up here every winter! My cousins own a cabin up here, so it is easy for us to make stops up here. When there is snow, the place looks amazing! You can go sledding, build your dream snowman, have snowball fights, make snow angels. Bring snow boots and a shovel, because it can get deep. Also, whether there is snow or no snow, I love to hike here! The easier trail is the Kwaaymii Trail that goes up to Pinon Point, allows you to see where the Indians ground their acorns, and shows you many cool things about the forest. There are harder trails nearby as well that I enjoy. You have to stop visit if you've never been here before. Especially during the snowy seasons. read more

Best kept secret in San Diego. Moved from Colorado to here, and life at the beach is nice until the summer traffic and heat moves in. When you want to see the fall colors of trees changing, or go sledding after a snow storm, this is your place. During the summer months, we go hiking and camping hear and it is the most wonderful place to get fresh air and hear the wind in the trees. You can have your feet in the snow and look down at the desert floor of Anzo-Berrego State park and see it dry and 70. Took me several years to find this location, but now I go hiking here with the family and the dogs and enjoy it's beauty. read more

I just discovered this Socal gem this year, and it is hands down the best place for hiking, mountain biking, and bringing your dogs. The trails are diverse and have the most BEAUTIFUL views. Some of the clearings have cattle roaming free and you ride right past them within a few feet. Its just too gorgeous to explain - you really have to see it for yourself. The trails are so diverse you can make it a short ride/hike or make it all day thing. We havent gotten up to biking the more advance trails yet, but the big laguna trail is a good 2 hour ride with some challenging areas - especially lots of climbs. read more