Sunrise Scenic Byway is San Diego's most scenic drive. At 24 miles, this drive winds 6,000 feet high through Cleveland National Forest and Laguna Mountain Recreation Area with green meadows, forested peaks and stunning desert vistas that overlook Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Enjoy Fall colors, Winter snow and Spring wildflowers making it a four season destination.
#230 Garnet Peak
Garnet Peak is the crown jewel of San Diego. Located along the Sunrise Highway in Cleveland National Forest, this 6,000 foot peak offers jaw-dropping 360 degree views of Anza Borrego Desert State Park, beautiful alpine forest mountain terrain and even the ocean 50 miles away on a clear day. A moderate 2.2 round trip hike take you to the top and past the Pacific Crest Trail.
#216 Palomar Mountain State Park
Palomar Mountain State Park is a beautiful conifer forest park high in the mountains of San Diego County. Pine trees soar among grassy meadows and provide sweeping overlooks of the valleys below. With peaks above 6,000 feet, it is a great place to escape the valley heat in summer and enjoy a chilly and sometimes snowy winter. Luiseño Native Americans lived and hunted here seasonally while gathering acorns. Many of the facilities were built during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
#202 Julian
Julian is an historic mining town high in the Cuyamaca Mountains of San Diego. A.E. 'Fred' Coleman was a former slave prior to the Civil War and discovered gold here while passing through in 1869. News of the discovery traveled fast and 100's of prospectors arrived creating a tent city known as the Coleman Mining District. James Madison had other plans for the area when he brought apple trees which thrived in the alpine climate. Julian famously became the apple capital of the world and a slice of Julian Apple Pie can still be enjoyed today.
#143 Kwaaymii Point
One of the most beautiful views in Southern California is Kwaaymii Point. Located on the Sunrise Highway in the Laguna Mountains, the point offers a jaw-dropping vista of the Colorado Desert from a mile high in Cleveland National Forest. The Pacific Crest Trail also passes this point and offers great hiking. A group of Kumeyaay Native Americans called the Kwaaymii have called this land home for thousands of years.
#107 Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
High in the Laguna Mountains above San Diego lies Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Forests of oak woodland and pine surround meadows and creeks which make for a beautiful hike. At a mile in the sky, warm summers, fall colors, snow-decorated winters and spring wildflowers make this a four season destination. It will be hard to believe you are still in San Diego at this perfect recreational escape.
#99 San Mateo Canyon Wilderness
With 38,000 acres of beautiful unprotected land, San Mateo Canyon Wilderness is the perfect escape for solitude. Part of Cleveland National Forest in the Santa Ana Mountains, chaparral, coastal sage and oak woodlands are the main vegetation of this Coastal Range. For those seeking a scenic drive, follow tenaja road through the south main divide road which winds through the mountainous canyon and offers magnificent panoramic views. Please use caution as most of the drive is a single lane road.
#15 Laguna Meadow
Laguna Meadow in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is a stunning site high in the mountains of San Diego. Part of Cleveland National Forest, this conifer forest meadow is an island in the sky. This is a must visit for every season: fall colors, winter snow, spring wildflowers and summer green. Take the Sunrise Scenic Byway which winds through mountains making it a beautiful drive. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail also passes through this gorgeous recreation area.
