Palomar Mountain State Park

is located in northeastern San Diego, near Pauma Valley. Most people that visit Palomar Mountain seem to drive up the steep road and head right to the world-famous Palomar Observatory. Located on the east side of the mountain, the Observatory is operated by the California

Institute of Technology and it is open to the public from 9am to 4pm daily. There is no charge for admission.

This article is meant to feature the other side of Palomar, which includes amazing views of the San Diego region from 5,000 feet above sea level, scenic overlooks, picnic spots, camping, hiking, and birding trails, trout fishing, and best of all, the sound of silence. Animal residents of Palomar Mountain include: southern mule deer, western gray squirrels, raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and even mountain lions.

Palomar (Place of the Pigeons) Mountain State Park is very large - the whole area comprises 1,862 acres of tall forest and mountain meadows. Conifers line the mountain roads that weave in and around the various campgrounds. It has been part of San Diego's history as a state park since the 1930s when the California Conservation Corps helped establish access points, roads, and trails for the public.

There are various ways to get up the mountain. One way is to come up Highway 76, taking Rincon Springs (County Road S6) which provides a scenic, steep, and curvy approach. A more gentle approach is County Road S7 from Lake Henshaw. If you are planning to drive your trailer, you will want to take this road.

Palomar Mountain was once a seasonal home to the Luiseño Indians who hunted and gathered during the summer and early autumn. Many of the seeds, acorns, and game that they subsisted on are still on the mountain. Over the years, archaeologists have discovered the presence of clay jars, baskets, fishing nets, bows and arrows, and utensils on Palomar Mountain.

A small group of settlers began to homestead on Palomar Mountain in the mid-1800s, including a famous African American pioneer, Nate Harrision. Life was difficult on the mountain for these early settlers as they were living in the wildnerness. From what we can gather from various books on the early settlers, they were a tough bunch of characters.

Palomar Mountain became a household word across the nation when George Ellery Hale designated the top of the mountain as THE place for his 200-inch telescope and observatory. In the 1930s, the construction of a new access road was prompted by the need to haul the enormous and heavy Hale 200-Inch Telescope up the mountain. At the time, the new road was called "The Highway to the Stars." At the same time, the California Conservation Corps, as part of President Roosevelt's New Deal, also built trails and camp facilities to give people access to much-needed recreational activities on the mountain.

A number of hiking trails are located within Palomar Mountain. Some are walks, some are major hikes. However, like any mountain trail, the forest setting is glorious. Please note that trails are open to foot traffic only. There are no biking trails on the mountain and you are best advised to keep your dog home. Dogs and forest animals do not go together.

One of the best ways to get a feel for this other side of the mountain is to take a walk on the Doane Valley Nature Trail. This easy-going 1-mile trail brings the walker in close contact with local flora and yes, even fauna. Please keep in mind that this trail features two stream crossings and a few steep areas.

TIP: Be sure to pick up a guide (.25 donation requested) at the trailhead to make the most of your walk. It points out some of the plants and bushes that you will see along the way.

If you think that you might want to spend the night on Palomar Mountain, consider staying at the Doane Valley Campground, which has 31 campsites. The Campground features picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, restrooms with flushing toilets and hot showers (!). For more information regarding these sites, please contact the Palomar Mountain District Office, Goose Valley Ranger Station at (760) 788-0250.

There is nothing more rewarding for an impatient angler than a stocked pond. Doane Pond, open year round, is stocked

with trout. Please remember that you must possess a fishing license at all times when you are fishing. Please do not forget to bring it with you or you will be cited. Fishing hours are from 6am to sunset. Please bring your own gear and bait.

One of the most beautiful places to visit on Palomar Mountain is the Silvercrest Picnic Area, which is located right near the park headquarters. Not only does it have wood stoves but it also has piped drinking water and restrooms with flushing toilets. As for firing up the wood stoves, bring your own firewood or buy some from park staff. This picnic area is open from 8am to sunset.

Just above this picnic area is the amazing Boucher Tower Overlook. A lovely wooden overlook was recently built to accommodate folks who just want to sit a spell and take in the beauty from a bird's eye view. At 5438 feet, you are way, way up.

A large light green fire lookout tower marks this spot along with very large communication towers.

The name Boucher comes from William E. Bougher who once was a homesteader and sheep rancher on the mountain. The tower was one of many that used to be utilized by the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection. For decades, these lookout towers were used by park rangers to spot wildfires and dispatch crews to the right location.

Most of California's lookout towers are no longer used because of the advanced technologies that Park Rangers use now. However, the lands that these lookout towers occupied have been opened for use by the public. When you get to this tower, imagine yourself as a Park Ranger looking out over the valley and wonder if you could have spotted a fire from miles away. The view from this lookout is a real treat and it should not be missed!