Viejas Mountain

DISTANCE: 3.5 MILES
TIME: 2.5 HOURS
ELEVATION: 4,187 FT
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE
N 32° 51.695 W 116° 43.559

Viejas Mountain is one of the higher mountains in the Alpine area, however the fact that this mountain has no unique distinguishing features likely has affected its popularity among hikers. Unlike the other peaks in the Alpine/Lyons Valley area, it has no giant boulders on its face or summit. However, it is a rather massive mountain and can be identified from most other San Diego peaks. Reading up on the mountain I learned that it has a sacred history among the Viejas Indian Tribe and was regarded as having some spiritual qualities.

The trailhead is just north of Interstate 8, off of Anderson Road. There is a gate near a large green water tower just where the pavement ends. If the gate is open and you have a Cleveland National Forest Adventure pass, you can continue a little further on the dirt road and park right near the trailhead, which is an opening in the barbed wire fence. I didn't see any other signs designating the trailhead as the way to Viejas Mountain, so be looking for the opening in the fence (see left).

The hike is gradual uphill, with very few level spots, but no extremely steep spots. The trail is ample in width, and a bit rocky, but it's a good trail nonetheless, and I wouldn't use the term "obscure" to describe it. It is pretty easy to follow with the exception of a few spots near the top.

On the peak are a few walls constructed of stacked rocks that has been described as a "windbreak" by one author; it reminded me of a fortress that would be used in a paintball or capture the flag game. The rocks apparently have quite a history. Supposedly they were once used by the Indians in a formation to point the direction of the rising of the sun on the day of Summer Solstice. Then in the 70s this formation was unfortunately disassembled and the windbreak was formed. There have also been several rumors of a small pyramid being built from these rocks, but as of the date of this post the pyramid had also been disassembled.

Because of the peak's elevation, the view from the top is spectacular, especially on clear days. Cuyamaca peak lies just to the east, and happened to be covered in snow when we did this hike. Other prominent peaks include Corte Madera, Pinos Mountain, Gaskill and Lawson Peak, and Lyons Peak.