Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve (Five Oaks Trail)

DISTANCE: 3.2 MILES
TIME: 2 HOURS
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
ELEVATION: 5,353 FT

What was once private land just north of the town of Julian in the Wynola area is slowly being bought back and made available to the public in what is known as the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. Volcan mountain is a long range that runs north/south between two geologic faults, and was given this name by early spanish travelers becaus of its volcano like appearance when viewed from certain directions.

The entrance to the preserve is on a dirt road just off Farmer Road north of Wynola Road, across from a Julian apple orchard. After walking a past a sign a few hundred yards up the road, you come to the gateway of the preserve, a large wooden structure designed by a Julian local.

From there, the dirt road heads uphill. After about a half mile, you meet with the trailhead of the Five Oaks Trail. This trail was formed in 2003, and according to the trailhead sign was designed as a "hikers only trail" to provide a "more intimate hike experience." The five oaks trail winds through manzanita brush, oak groves, and grassy meadows.

After several steep switchbacks, we came to a lookout point where there is a bench for resting and enjoying the view. The view looks south, where you can see banner grade, Cuyamaca peak and the Laguna Mountains, and many cabins nestled in the Julian woods.

You also have the option of continuing on the main road instead of following the Five Oaks Trail, but I have not yet explored this path, though my understanding is that it ends at a gate where further access to the peak of Volcan Mountain is restricted.