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Palomar Mountain State Park

With only a two hour drive south from the heart of Orange County, Palomar Mountain State Park is a wonderful option for either a long day trip or a close-by weekend getaway.

Located on the west side of the beautiful Palomar Mountain are the 1,862 acres of protected wilderness designated as Palomar Mountain State Park. These lush forests come from the yearly 40 inches of rainfall that water the area. The woodlands are full of Incense Cedar trees, massive Live Oaks, Black Oaks, Evergreen Coulter Pine, and Yellow Pine trees. 

Palomar Mountain State Park

The wooded hills are a stark contrast to the surrounding desert lowlands of Southern California. Besides beautiful plant life, Palomar Mountain State Park is home to many wildlife animal residents as well. Visitors are likely to see animals such as the southern mule deer and striped skunks. Mountain lions and bobcats also call Palomar Mountain State Park home but luckily they rarely have any human encounters.

Here is everything you need to know to visit Palomar Mountain State Park. 

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Palomar Mountain State Park Details

Address: 19952 State Park Drive, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
Phone: 760-742-3462
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=637
Hours: Dawn til Dusk Daily
Parking: Day use fee required
Dogs: Not allowed on trails; allowed on-leash in campgrounds, paved roads, and next to Doane Pond only.

Palomar Mountain State Park Brochure & Map

Palomar Mountain Hiking 

Hiking is a fantastic activity for the whole family to enjoy at Palomar Mountain State Park. There are over 11 miles of designated trails through prominent oak forests, wandering the lush grassy meadows, and trekking in the majestic fir and cedar woodlands. Here are some must do trails ranging in difficulty that everyone can enjoy. 

  • Doane Valley Nature Trail: This short, easy, family friendly trail is just shy of a mile in length. The trek loops through a mostly shaded forest complete with signs to give information on the local plant, history of the area and wildlife. This nice walk has two lovely stream crossings. Note that there are some steep areas on this hike.
  • Scott’s Cabin Trail: The three mile trail promises great views and vistas. Along the trek up about 700 feet in elevation you will get to see all the wildlife residents among the large shaded trees. If you are hoping for a longer hike, you can easily extend this trail by connecting to the Thunder Springs Trail, Chimney Flats Trail, and more. 
  • Weir Trail: From the parking area at Doane Pond, start at the Doane Valley Nature Trail, but at a quarter mile in, follow the turn off to the Weir Trail. This takes you to the historic weir, situated right next to a beautiful stream with small waterfalls. From here, turn around and head back the way you came, or follow the signs to French Valley Trail. If you loop around French Valley and take it all the way back to Doane Pond, you’ll clock in at just under four miles. You can also just do the Weir Trail and make it a shorter out and back.

My personal favorite hike here combines multiple trails and loops. I like to maximize my time here since driving from North Orange County takes about two hours. Overall, my hike clocks in at just over 8 miles. Here’s my route:

Park in the Doane Pond parking lot. Walk past the lake and take the Thunder Springs Trail to Chimney Flats Trail. From Chimney Flats, connect to Scott’s Cabin Trail, then take the Scott’s Cabin Trail Spur to State Park Road. Turn right at State Park Road and walk along the side past Doane Valley Road and connect to the Boucher Trail (where State Park Road meets Nate Harrison Grade and Boucher Road; you’ll see the trail off to the left of Harrison Grade). Take Boucher Trail up to the Boucher Lookout Tower and spend a few minutes taking in the view. Continue on the Boucher Trail to Adams Trail. Hang a left at the Baptist Trail and take this one through a deep grassy meadow until you hit the Weir Trail. Turn left and take the Weir Trail along the stream to the end and enjoy the waterfall, pools of water, and the historic weir structure here in the shady forest (this is my favorite spot). When you’re done at the weir head back the way you came but turn left at the first sign for the Lower Doane Trail and left again at the French Valley Trail. When you travel the French Valley Loop, take a minute to look up at Boucher Tower and see how high you were just an hour ago! Continue along the French Valley Trail and connect to the Doane Valley Nature Trail. The nature trail will take you back towards Doane Pond where you can reconnect with your car. I recommend having a sandwich in the car waiting for you!

Here is another good printable map for viewing hiking trails in Palomar Mountain State Park

Palomar Mountain State Park Historic Weir
Historic Weir

Camping

Do you want to enjoy the cool summer nights under the stars? With an average elevation of 5,000 feet, Palomar Mountain State Park has cool summer nights simply perfect for pitching a tent. Within the boundaries of Palomar Mountain State Park are two campgrounds, the Doane Valley Campground and the Cedar Grove Group Campground.

The Doane Valley Campground is a more traditional campground with 31 designated campsites in total. Each one of the sites offer a picnic table, a fire ring, barbecue to grill up some food, and a food locker to protect both you and the wildlife. There is piped water available as well as flush toilets and hot showers. 

The Cedar Grove Group Campground is for larger groups and events such as family reunions. There are three separate areas to choose from, with one accessible site. Group Camp I is the largest of the three and can hold up to 25 campers. Group Camps II and III are smaller, holding 15 campers each. The smaller two campsites are ideal for tent camping but those with trailers and camper vans will appreciate Group Camp I’s 21 feet in length accessibility. There is also a restroom at Cedar Grove Campground. 

What To See At Palomar Mountain

A must-see stop in Palomar Mountain is the Boucher Hill Fire Lookout Tower. Starting at the Silvercrest trailhead it’s less than a mile hike up to the lookout. Located on Boucher Hill is this historical fire lookout dating back to 1921. The still in use today tower is staffed virtually every day of the Southern California fire season from May 1 until late November, as staff resources permit. Occasionally, the Tower is open to the public for tours, but although you may not always be able to visit the inside, you can always enjoy the spectacular views of this 1964 Sierra Club’s “Hundred Peak Section” destination. 

The Weir Historic Site is a low dam that is built across the creek to raise water level upstream. Here you’ll find an old stone water gauging station. This marks where Pauma Creek is formed by the confluence of French and Doane Creeks. This is a beautiful spot with small waterfalls and shallow pools nestled in the forest at the end of the Weir Trail. Please be careful here as the rocks are very slippery.

Bird watchers will find many species to view throughout Palomar Mountain State Park. From the Dark-eyed Junco, the Northern Rough-winged Swallow, to the Yellow-rumped Warbler and the Western Screech-Owl, there are a wide range of fine feathered friends. Those who prefer creatures of the sea will appreciate the fishing options available within the park. Doane Pond is stocked with plenty of trout. Other fish inhabitants are bluegill, bullhead and channel catfish. A valid California fishing license is required. 

Palomar Mountain State Park is a must go location in the winter to play in the snow. Head up to the top of the mountain to the day use area. Here you can sled, build a snowman and go tubing. More adventurous folks will enjoy snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Four wheel drive vehicles are highly recommended to access the State Park in the winter. Also be aware that chains are required. During heavy snow, Palomar Mountain State Park will close, so be sure to check before you go.

Palomar Mountain State Park Boucher Hill Fire Lookout Tower
Boucher Hill Fire Lookout Tower

Before You Go 

  • For day use activities such as hiking, picnicking, and fishing, the park is open dawn ’til dusk. The campgrounds are accessible 24 hours a day. 
  • Dogs and other pets are allowed only on paved roads and in the campgrounds. Unfortunately they can not explore any of the park’s trails. 
  • Poison Oak can be found throughout the park. Be aware of your surroundings and stay on the trail to avoid contact! 
  • There is a day use fee per vehicle per day.
  • Make sure you stay hydrated and use sunscreen while exploring. Temperatures in the summer can get up to the 90s or higher. 

Palomar Mountain State Park is a special place with so many things to experience and explore. Always remember to practice Leave no Trace principles when adventuring. So, there you have it. Your guide to all the wonderful things to be had at Palomar Mountain State Park. 

Happy adventures! 

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Kaitlin Musser
Kaitlin is a former ballerina who now travels around the country in an 18-foot converted school bus. Her and her tall-one husband have welcomed 34 sweet children into their home the past eleven years. Although they wouldn’t be a forever home for all of them they were able to adopt their daughter buckets and are legal guardians of their son monkey.