Stonewall Peak

ELEVATION: 5,730 FT
DISTANCE: 4 MILES
TIME: 2 HOURS
MODERATE

Stonewall Peak is the smallest of a group of four main peaks in the Cuyamaca State Park Area. The peak is distinguished by a stony top made from several large granite boulders. The trail head begins right across the street from the Paso Picacho campground. The initial ascent of the trail is somewhat steep, but the remainder of the trail consists of gradual switchbacks to the top, so the hike is not too difficult. My father-in-law and I did this hike on a brisk December morning. Although the trees were all burnt by the 2003 Cedar Fire, a lot of the brush vegetation has begun to grow back. We even spotted some San Diego Sweet Pea (right).

The coolest part about this hike is the final ascent to the top. As the dirt trail comes to an end, a series of stone steps have been built into the boulders along with a metal guardrail for safety. The steps follow a straight line to the top, and the top is culminated by a rock alter that apparently was once part of some sort of monument.

The view is spectacular in all directions except the west, which is blocked by Cuyamaca Peak and Middle Peak. We spotted San Jacinto while looking toward the north over Lake Cuyamaca. I have plans to do this hike again with some siblings, followed by a pancake breakfast at the old diner in the nearby Julian town.