Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

This state park has it all from spacious camp sites to hiking, biking and horse trails all located within 45 minutes  from San Diego.  With elevations up to 5,000 feet,  the park makes a great place to escape the summer heat. The park receives annually  over 30 inches of rain and it's breathtaking forests stretch for miles. There are two campgrounds and the great thing is there are trail heads in both camps so it's easy to get in an early morning ride.  Most of the trails are double-track along with some single-track and there is even a  18 mile loop you can take if  your up to the challenge.  Just make sure to pay the extra dollar and pick up a trail map at the park entrance.  You will be amazed how huge and  well laid out the trail system is.  And if your legs can handle it, make sure to hike up the Stonewall Peak Trail across from the Paso Picacho campground for some incredible views of the surrounding area.

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Get the picture!  I couldn't believe this park is only 2 hours from Orange County. It even snows here in  winter!   Oh yea...that's  Lake Cuyamaca so bring along the fishing poles for after the morning ride.

The picture was taking looking down from the Azalea Springs Fire Road.

The picture was taking climbing up Milk Ranch Road...I think.

There are always interesting sites along the trails to be had.

I found these gliders up along the top of Sunrise Highway.  When the winds are right ,they can fly all the way to Palm Springs.

This shot was taken alongside some nice single-track along the East Mesa Fire Road. Destinations like these make living in So Cal so wonderful!

And plan to visit the nearby town of Julian, home of the famous Julian Apples. This is a quaint town where you will want to get out and  window shop, eat at the fine restaurants and take a horse and buggy ride.

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