Lake Cuyamaca
Julian, California
| GPS: |
32°59'18.2"N 116°35'7.9"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
Canoe, Hike, and Kayak
About an hour's drive from San Diego, Lake Cuyamaca is a picture-book 110 acre lake that is proof positive that good things come in small packages. Situated at an elevation of 4600 feet in an Oak and Pine forest, it is surrounded on three sides by the 26,000 acre Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, which is 52% wilderness. Lake Cuyamaca is the perfect getaway for one day or up to ten nights. Few places in San Diego County offer the pristine views that greet your eyes wherever they may wander!
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
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- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Julian, California
- Head southwest on Washington St toward Main St (112 ft)
- Turn left at the 1st cross street onto Main St (0.3 mi)
- Turn right onto CA-79 SDestination will be on the left(8.5 mi)
The best way from downtown San Diego is to take Interstate 8 East to State Hwy 79 North until you see the lake. Once you leave the freeway you are about 20 to 25 minutes away.
The fastest way to Lake Cuyamaca from Los Angeles, if you are South of the Garden Grove Freeway (22), is to take I-5 South to I-805 South to I-8 East to Hwy 79 North until you come to the lake. It takes about 2 hours from Santa Ana. Otherwise, take the 91 or the 60 or the I-10 East to I-15 South to Hwy 79 South at Temecula. The lake is 9 miles South of the town of Julian. Once you leave the freeway you are about an hour away.
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