Palomar Mountain State Park with Kids!
Palomar Mountain State Park sits within a coniferous forest atop Palomar Mountain and is a perfect getaway for families with kids of all ages. Located in northeast San Diego county, it is reminiscent of the Sierra Nevadas, unlike most of San Diego’s ecosystems, and boasts a mix of Douglas Firs, Incense Cedars, Live Coastal Oaks, and spacious meadows. Shade is abundant during warm weather, snow is common during wintertime, and Doane Creek and Doane Pond split the park’s landscape for fishing and play.
Location: 19952 State Park Rd. Palomar, CA 92060.
Hiking!
The trails in Palomar Mountain tend to be relatively rugged and quiet due to the mountain’s isolated location, which my kids actually love. You’ll likely see wildlife and only a few other hikers while there – we saw two bobcats and a group of wild turkey on the same day! With that in mind, you should definitely be on the lookout for stinging nettle, poison oak, rattlesnakes, and mountain lions, especially on the lengthier trails.
Another thing to consider in the summertime is the amount of bugs you’ll likely encounter. For this reason, I’d highly recommend visiting in the springtime for more temperate weather and smaller bug population.
If you’re just coming for the day, there is $10 fee for vehicles.
A detailed trail map can be found HERE
Doane Valley Nature Trail is an easy 1-mile trail that is great for kids to explore. It crosses a couple creeks (Doane Creek and Rattlesnake Creek) and provides stations with information about plants and natural features. Informational pamphlets can also be found HERE!
Location: trailheads at Doane Pond parking lot or within the Doane Valley Campground between sites 24 and 25.
Weir Trail and Lower Doane Trail connect to form a moderate 2.8-mile loop. A historic weir structure, built as a gauging station to determine water flow, serves as a great midpoint attraction. Families may love climbing the ladders inside.
A local legend about The Weir, a mountain man who saves people in distress, makes for an enjoyable trail tale. My kids spent a lot of time looking for The Palomar Weir and creating stories of their own about him.
Location: trailheads shared with Doane Valley Nature Trail, at Doane Pond parking lot or within Doane Valley Campground between sites 24 and 25.
Scott’s Cabin Trail is an approximately 3-mile out and back trail that leads up to the remains of an early homestead site. There are a few steep inclines along the way, so it’s not a good trail for super young hikers. However, older kids may appreciate the mostly-shaded trail. Plus the surrounding views are great.
Location: 3 trailheads available… 1. Just around Doane Pond via Cedar Trail, 2. off park entrance/Silvercrest Picnic Area parking lot, and 3. at Cedar Grove Group Campground.
Boucher Trail is a less than 2-mile out and back hike. It leads up to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout, a historic fire tower that has been in operation since the early 1900s. Since it sits at an elevation of 5,438 feet, a clear day may reveal views of the Cuyamaca Mountains, Mexico, the Pacific Ocean, Mount Baldy, Mount San Jacinto, and the Pauma Valley below.
Hours and fees can be found HERE.
Location: park at Silvercrest Parking lot just after entrance kiosk and walk north along State Park Road for about 1/8 of a mile. A small sign marks the trailhead on the left.
Exploring!
Doane Valley Pond is a great place to fish, picnic, and take a stroll. Fishing is available all year with a California fishing license for those over 16 years old, and with a catch limit of 5. The Department of Fish and Game also stocks the pond with trout.
Location: parking lot at the end of Doane Valley Rd, just before Doane Valley Campground.
Palomar Observatory is a great detour to take with kids. The observatory is not technically part of the state park, since Caltech owns and operates it on private property. However, it is a mere 7 miles away, The observatory grounds contain active research telescopes, museum, and gift shop. In addition, families with children ages 5 and up can opt to take a public tour from June to October. Free self-guided audio tours are available year-round for all ages via smartphone.
Hours and ticket information can be found HERE.
Closures can occur on a whim, so call (760) 742-2119 for updates before heading over. The observatory closed the last time my family and I visited because a spring had erupted within the visitor’s center!
Location: 35899 Canfield Road, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060-0200
Palomar Mountain General Store is located about 2 1/2 miles away from the state park (you’ll pass it on your way to the park entrance). It is a great pitstop to pick up camp supplies, firewood, ice, souvenirs, snacks, drinks, and various knickknacks.
Location: 33120 Canfield Rd, Palomar Mtn., CA 92060
Camping!
Doane Valley Campground is a family campground that hosts 31 sites for tents and RVs (up to 24 ft). Many of the sites have stairs leading up to their tent pads, which, fair warning, tend to be on slopes. Pro-tip: check out sites 1-8 for more level ground.
The campground has restrooms with flush toilets, showers, and potable water.
Reservations can be made at RESERVE CALIFORNIA.
Cedar Grove Group Campground is host to 3 group camp sites. Site 1 can accomodate up to 25 people and trailers and RVs up to 24 feet. The other 2 sites can accomodate up to 15 people and are tent only sites.
The campground has restrooms with flush toilets and showers.
Reservations can be made at RESERVE CALIFORNIA.
