I set out on a day hike in the alpine meadows of San Diego.
Yes, there are high peaks in this county, just not as popular as the ones in the San Bernardino National Forest, or the Sierras.
The weather in the Mount Laguna is mountain weather. It varies greatly from coastal San Diego to the west of it, or the deserts of Anza Borrego to the east. It is generally much cooler, than it is at a lower elevation, so you must plan accordingly.
Summer is a great time to visit, and escape the heat of other areas in San Diego.
The PCT passes through this area on the way to Canada from the Mexican border, at Campo. One of the popular stops for PCT hikers is Mt Laguna, a tiny town, of just a few forest service cabins, with a very minimal store, and post office, where re-supply packages can be obtained.
I drove up the I-8 and toward the Big Laguna campground where I would begin the hike.
Along the way I had spotted a large snake in the road. Having just been listening to a story in the Bible about Moses and Pharoah, and a staff, turning to a snake, this interesting.
There are a number of free parking spots before entering, and a small day use fee, to park past the entrance gate.
The main road through the campground leads to a parking area, with a restroom, near the trailhead.
I walked towards the meadow from the parking area, with a large group ahead of me
Wildflowers were in bloom everywhere. There were hundreds of bright blue dragonflies everywhere too.
I turned right, proceeding around Little Laguna Lake, a dry seasonal lake. The trail was a narrow single track through the grass, and barely recognizable.
The center of the “lake” had a few boulders and rock formations, where I stopped for a moment.
After crossing the meadow, I was headed in the direction of the larger lake, which is typically not dry.
Everything was very green in summer here. There are these unique trail markers here, I had not seen on other trails before.
The trail was a bit sandy, as I headed through the trees, mostly conifers, or evergreens, along with this one which succumbed to the elements.
It started to warm up a bit, and was not in the 70’s, so I was glad to have a wide brim hat.
I passed by at the larger lake, where many migrating birds were enjoying this high mountain watering hole. I saw lots of ducks, heard a red crested woodpecker pecking away, and many other small songbirds singing.
From Big Laguna Trail, I took Kemp Spur, between a smaller and a larger lake, and headed towards the forest on the other side.
I decided to make right on Meadow Spur, and headed along the shores of the lake.
There were lots of purple lupines in bloom.
I made a left heading up the hill on Sunset Trail, and through the forest.
This was a beautiful stretch of the trail, that climbed high above the lakes, delivering on views of the surrounding peaks.
The mountain to the right is Garnet Mountain, across the meadow.
There were tons of different species of butterflies in these mountain meadows.
I spotted an endangered orange and black spotted Hermes butterfly. There were Mission Blue, and Melissa Blue butterflies, along with the endangered Laguna Mountain skipper.
Sunset trail is one of the best trails I have hiked on in terms of butterflies.
The trail is narrow, and just kind of meanders on through, amongst the trees and wildflowers.
It’s sort of what you imagine a perfect mountain meadow would look like, and the closest thing to the sierras, I have ever seen in San Diego county.
I noticed a few rare wildflowers that you don’t see everyday, like the Collomia grandiflora, Forest Dandelion, Fairy Lantern, Scarlet Bugler, and Mariposa Lily.
I took Sunset trail on back to Kemp Spur, towards the lakes.
I stopped for a rest under some trees, to have a snack in the shade, as it was early afternoon, and feeling very warm out.
There were lots of boulders to stop and sit on for a break here, overlooking the lakes.
Today’s hike was about 7 miles, and it was around 1pm, so I felt I had explored enough for one day.
So I traveled back to my car on another single track trail, on back to Big Laguna Campground. Definitely one of my favorite hikes in San Diego!
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
Follow my Journey…
Be sure to Like and Subscribe to My Youtube Channel where I post videos!
Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2023 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
Serafina Hikes 