Mount Laguna | Cleveland National Forest
Trails Covered
Garnet Peak via PCT ~4 miles
Garnet Peak Trail ~2 miles
Monument Peak via PCT ~5.5 miles
Monument Peak Trail ~2.2 miles
Foster Point Trail ~1.3 miles
Desert View Interpretive Trail ~1 mile
Little Laguna and Big Laguna Lake ~2 miles
Sunset Trail to Big Laguna Trail Loop ~6.5 miles
Sunset and Big Laguna Loop To Big Laguna Lake ~4 miles
Indian Creek, Pine Mountain, and Garnet Trails ~14 miles
Indian Creek Loop and Pine Mountain ~10.5 miles
Red-Tailed Roost and Agua Dulce Trail Loop ~4.5 miles
Big Laguna and Agua Dulce Trail Loop ~5.7 miles
Kwaaymii Interpretive Trail ~1 mile
Garnet Peak via PCT
One of the best places to watch the sunrise in the mountains of San Diego is at Garnet Peak. With the 360 degree views and overlook of the desert, this peak does not disappoint. This specific trail is the ‘scenic way’ up to Garnet Peak and offer beautiful views of the desert on the way up.
~4 miles | ~700 feet elevation gain | Out and back trail
Dogs Allowed | Kid Friendly
Garnet Peak Trail
This trail is the quick way up to Garnet Peak. The convenience of this trail is that it is perfect for sunrise or sunset hiking because of how short it is. The parking for this trail is easy to miss so make sure you are on the lookout.
~2 miles | ~500 feet elevation gain | Out and back trail
Dogs Allowed | Kid Friendly
Monument Peak via PCT
Another beautiful peak in Mount Laguna. Monument Peak is also a great place to watch the sunrise and the Salton Sea is visible from this location. The PCT portion is simple, but the climb up the peak from the PCT is a bit steep and very overgrown. The last portion of this trail is on blacktop.
~5.5 miles | ~800 feet elevation gain | Out and back trail
Dogs Allowed | Kid Friendly
Monument Peak Trail
Monument Peak Trail is perfect if you are more interested in capturing some early morning or late afternoon photography. This short trail is the fastest way to get to Monument Peak
~3.2 miles | ~600 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
Dogs Allowed | Kid Friendly
Foster Point Trail
This nature walk has an absolutely beautiful and rewarding view. Just a bit away from the PCT in Mount Laguna is Foster Point - an easy and incredibly rewarding point that showcases views of the Anza-Borrego desert and many of the areas prominent peaks. There is a direction finder that was installed by the Sierra Club at the peak.
~1.3 miles | ~100 feet elevation gain | Out and Back trail
Dogs Allowed | Kid Friendly
Desert View Interpretive Trail
The Desert View Interpretive Trail is a perfect option for families - especially those with young children and/or older parents. This trail has magnificent views and requires very little effort. Make sure to watch the whole video to learn about this trail, where to park, and what you need to know.
~1 mile | ~120 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
Dogs Allowed | Kid Friendly
Little Laguna and Big Laguna Lake
Little Laguna and Big Laguna Lake trail is a perfect option for families - especially those with young children and/or older parents. This trail is also a great option if you are camping at El Prado Campground in Mount Laguna. As I mention in the video, Little Laguna is non-existent, but make sure you enjoy the walk in the meadow! The Cleveland National Forest shines, especially after some rain.
~2 miles | ~100 feet elevation gain | Out and Back trail
Dogs Allowed | Kid Friendly
Sunset Trail to Big Laguna Trail Loop
If the mood is to take a relaxing hike in the meadows of Mount Laguna - this trail is it. A short, flat, and beautiful hike to Big Laguna Lake is the perfect trail to relax and take your mind off of things. Also perfect for families. Keep in mind you can take the shorter version of this hike - Sunset and Big Laguna Loop To Big Laguna Lake (see below).
~6.5 miles | ~700 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
Dogs Allowed | Kid Friendly
Sunset and Big Laguna Loop To Big Laguna Lake
A perfect hike to destress. This hike is relatively flat and offers great meadow-like views in Mount Laguna. Keep in mind you can take the longer version of this hike - Sunset Trail to Big Laguna Trail Loop (see above).
~4 miles | ~350 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
Dogs Allowed | Kid Friendly
Indian Creek, Pine Mountain, and Garnet (trail and via pct)
If you are looking for a day hike to challenge yourself, consider combining these 3 trails.
We tackled a variation of this loop https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/indian-creek-pine-mountain-and-garnet-peak-loop
~14 miles | ~1,800 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
Dogs Allowed | Too long for kids
Indian Creek Loop and Pine Mountain
My Indian Creek Loop and Pine Mountain trail guide is longer than most because this trail is over 10 miles! A fantastic long hike in Mount Laguna connecting different trails. Make sure you watch the video to learn more about this trail and what deviations I recommend you take.
~10.5 miles | ~1,000 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
Dogs Allowed | Kid Friendly
Red-Tailed Roost and Agua Dulce Trail Loop
This is a great trail to bring the whole family on. There is some elevation challenge, but it is a great place to let the kids and dogs run around. This trail is less popular in Laguna because it does not offer any lakes or peaks.
~4.5 miles | ~600 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
Dogs Allowed | Kid Friendly
Big Laguna and Agua Dulce Trail Loop
This trail combines to beginning part of Big Laguna Trail and connects with a piece of Agua Dulce. These trails are perfect for a day away from the city as they tend to have less traffic than the peaks on the east side (Garnet and Monument).
~5.7 miles | ~350 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
Dogs Allowed | Kid Friendly
Kwaaymii Interpretive Trail
Kwaaymii Interpretive Trail is a fantastic option for families with young children and/or older parents where distance may be an issue. Located next to Laguna Mountain Visitor Center and the bathrooms, this hike is easy to miss!
Correction: I said in the video that Tom Lucas IS the last of the Kwaaymii. Tom passed away in 1989 and he was the last full-blooded Kwaaymii Indian.
~1 mile | ~200 feet elevation gain | Loop trail
Dogs Allowed | Kid Friendly
