Stonewall Peak

Stonewall Peak Loop
4.7
15 Reviews
Stonewall Peak
View all photos

Details

Distance
3.82 miles
Elevation Gain
820 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Easy Parking
Wildflowers
Scenic
Download
Directions
Check-in
Track

About this place

Added by Grant

Take in a 360 degree view over the other peaks and meadow below, and a birds-eye view of Lake Cuyamaca. Only hikers are allowed on the trail.

This hike is one of the most popular in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. When you reach Stonewall Peak's summit, enjoy the view of the surrounding park and nearby Lake Cuyamaca. The hike up the east side is a popular and relatively easy trail. Although you'll be gaining 800 feet, the hike is relatively easy as you'll be heading up switchbacks until the last stretch to the summit. Just before the top, climb the stairs (there's a railing in place for stability) and take in the breathtaking view. When you get your fill, you can go back down the way you came, or head down the "back" side, completes the loop for an additional mile and half. If there's snow, it will last the longest on the "back" side, so enjoy it as you hike back to the trailhead.

Beware of the poodle-dog bush on the hike, it had been known to cause an allergic reaction.

If you want to make this a great night hike, you can set up camp at Paso Picacho for a convenient base camp.

Photos:Kevin

Show more
Suggest an edit

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
Reviews
Photos
Check-ins
Gabrielle Baldwin
4/23/2025
This is one of my favorite trails in Julian, especially right before sunset. The views at the top are unmatched and everything looks so ...
Well Maintained
Amazing Views
Great Conditions
Well Marked
Show more
Report
Mad Potters
3/6/2025
I love this hike! After a series of switchbacks, the views are amazing. If youre afraid of heights, hold on tight to the railing ...
Well Maintained
Amazing Views
Well Marked
Show more
Report
Gabrielle Baldwin
1/18/2025
Amazing Views
Well Maintained
Well Marked
Bathrooms
Easy To Park
Great Conditions
Report
Alvaro Zermeno
11/11/2017
Fun Hike
Fun hike, it’s beat to go early to avoid any traffic
Report
Nora B
10/13/2017
An easy Afternoon Hike
I was surprised at this loop! The views from the top are amazing and the hike itself isn't very challenging because the whole thing ...
Show more
Report
Gian Ghio
3/20/2017
Great Views, Easy-Moderate Difficulty
The 360 view at the top is amazing. The hike is relatively easy because of the switchbacks, except for the last part before ...
Show more
Report
Allett Wallets
12/13/2016
So Diverse And Beautiful
We love this hike. It's totally worth a trip out to Julian. The rocks and trees and plants are ever changing. ...
Show more
Report
Karen Castro
11/4/2016
Stunning
Easy hike. Stunning when there is snow on the trails
Report
Cesar Carrasco
6/26/2016
Low Risk, High Reward
This trek is perhaps one of the best things for a beginner just looking to go outside, or for a family with young kids. ...
Show more
Report
Adrienne Hofmann
3/28/2016
Fantastic
We took the hour drive from San Diego and it was well worth it! In fact, it inspired us to do more hiking out ...
Show more
Report
Eddie Martinez
3/14/2016
When To Go!
Me and my girlfriend just made the 1 hr drive from San Diego for this hike and it was well worth it! We went ...
Show more
Report
Cris Hazzard
11/7/2015
Great Fun Hike
Agree with the review below, great hike for beginners. Not too tough but a lot of payoff. I have full turn by turn directions ...
Show more
Report
Grant
9/22/2015
Good day hike
It's not that tough, so if you know anyone that is new to "hiking" this is a great intro
Report
Dillinger Travis
6/3/2015
A must see of a grand view
Report
Joe Kiefer
4/29/2015
If you're into climbing, check out mountain project before getting up here-- there's a few short trad climbs around the peak!
Report