Mount Laguna with Kids!
Mount Laguna, part of the Laguna Mountain range, is a wonderful place to take kids to year-round. Located at an elevation of up to 1,944m (6,378 feet) within the Cleveland National Forest, it’s one of the few local destinations San Diegans flock to for snow play in the winter and cooler temperatures in the summer. However, since Mount Laguna isn’t a popular tourist destination, families can enjoy themselves without the hassle of large crowds.
Location: eastern edge of San Diego county, off the 8 freeway, Sunrise Highway (S1) exit (47).
Hiking!
There are many hiking trails in Mount Laguna that vary in length and required skill level. Young children will find the nature/interpretive trails easy and enjoyable. Some trails connect to others and allow for a meandering, choose-your-own-adventure type of hike. Most trails require an Adventure Pass and it’s recommend to purchase a physical copy ahead of time. Alternatively, you can buy a digital Day Pass quickly if need be.
Big Laguna Trail is one of our favorite hikes due to its variety of directions around Little Laguna Lake, Laguna Meadow, Big Laguna Lake, and Water-of-the-Woods. During certain times of year, water will collect in these areas, but the summer months are usually dry. The trail connects to a great network of other trails, so if you’re feeling ambitious there’s a lot to explore.
Location: we accessed the trailhead in the Laguna Campground (Meadow Loop), but trailheads can be found in multiple locations. S1, between mile markers 26 and 26.5.
Desert Nature Trail is a great way for kids to hike while viewing the Anza-Borrego desert below. It’s a 2-mile trail that connects to the Desert View Picnic area and includes a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Adventure Pass required.
Location: begins in Burnt Rancheria campground, S1 at mile marker 23.
Kwaaymii Interpretive Trail is a short 0.5 mile loop that begins behind the Laguna Visitor Center and meanders around seasonal cabins. At its highest point (Pinyon Point), you’ll find traditional Kwaaymii/Kumeyaay grinding stones. Adventure Pass required.
Location: along the S1 at mile marker 23.5.
Wooded Hill Nature Trail ends at one of the highest points of the Laguna Mountains (elevation 6,223 feet). The trail is only 1.5 miles if you choose the long loop (short loop is 0.5 miles) and the elevation gain is quick. However, panoramic views up top make the challenge worth it.
Location: off S1 at Wooded Hill Group camp, between mile markers 21.5 and 22.
exploring!
In addition to the vast network of hiking trails, there are many things for kids to do, see, and discover in Mount Laguna.
Laguna Mountain Visitor Center is a great little place for children to explore. The volunteers allow them to touch animal pelts and skins, antler horns, mining tools, rocks, and feathers. They also sell merchandise such as maps, books, and souvenirs. The hours vary, so you’ll want to check their website before you go. Day Pass required.
Location: on S1 at mile marker 23.5.
The Town has a couple of cute eateries, lodging, and a general store. The general store carries camping supplies, souvenirs, clothing, and other knick knacks. Please note: there are no gas stations up in Mount Laguna, so it’s a good idea to fill up your tank before you ascend.
Location: along the S1 at mile marker 23.
Mount Laguna Observatory, operated by the SDSU Department of Astronomy, is considered one of the best observatory sites in the US due to high quality equipment, remote location with low light-pollution, and frequent clear night skies. In addition, the general public can access the viewing deck and telescope throughout the year. Seasonal highlight: the department hosts star parties most Saturday evenings throughout the summer months.
Location: off S1, between mile markers 21.5 and 22.
Storm Canyon Overlook is a great stopping point to view the vast Anza-Borrego Desert below. The Pacific Coast Trail lies just below the viewing deck and connects to various popular trails, including one up to Kwaaymii Point and another to Foster Point. Be careful with little ones, though, as some parts of the trail skirt along drop offs.
Location: along S1, mile marker 26.5, just north of Laguna Campground.
Playing!
Mountain biking is a great activity for with kids in Mount Laguna. We saw many families biking along the Big Laguna Trail.
Snow play is probably the most popular activity in Mount Laguna with kids. Parking and sledding opportunites available just along the S1.
camping!
There are many campgrounds along the S1 that include the popular Laguna and Burnt Rancheria campgrounds, as well as group campgrounds such as Wooded Hill, Horse Heaven, and El Prado.
Laguna Campground is located toward the northern end of the S1. It offers 108 spacious campsites situated around 5 loops. There are a couple of flush toilets with showers and multiple vault toilets scattered throughout the grounds. Most sites can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Best of all, the campground connects directly to many hiking and mountain biking trails.
Reservations can be made HERE. Campsites are reservable year-round.
Burnt Rancheria is a popular campground located just outside the town of Mount Laguna. It has 109 campsites with flush toilets and showers.
My family loves this campground. We like the ample tree covering, summer ranger programs, and quick access to the Town of Mount Laguna and Desert View Trail/PCT. In addition, the kids appreciate the windy roads throughout for riding bikes. Site 28 is our favorite because it is heavily shaded and semi-private. Site 22 looks great as well.
Reservations can be made for mid-April to October HERE.
As I don’t have experience with the group campgrounds, I’ll add reservation links below for your own perusal:
- Wooded Hill Group reservations can be made HERE.
- Horse Heaven Group reservations can be made HERE.
- El Prado Group reservations can be made HERE.
Nearby adventures!
Julian is a popular old mining town about 13.5 miles north of the Laguna Mountains. There you’ll find museums, mine tours, apple orchards, apple pie shops, restaurants, and various family-friendly, old-timey activities. You will also find more camping and hiking opportunities!
