Photo: Ttonyb1 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Palomar Mountain rises above 6,000 feet in northern San Diego County, a cool, forested contrast to the coast. It is home to the Palomar Observatory, Palomar Mountain State Park and parts of the Cleveland National Forest. Like much of the county’s backcountry, it also faces real wildfire risk during dry months.
Palomar Observatory
Operated by Caltech, the observatory houses the 200-inch Hale Telescope, which was the largest effective telescope in the world for decades after its dedication in 1948. The grounds and a visitor gallery are open to the public on a regular schedule, and guided tours are offered seasonally.
Palomar Mountain State Park
The state park offers conifer forest, meadows, Doane Pond and campgrounds, with trails such as the Doane Valley loop. Snow occasionally falls in winter, drawing visitors from around the region.
Fire and the backcountry
Wildfires have burned on and around the mountain several times. Roads to the top, such as South Grade Road (State Route S6) and East Grade Road (S7), are narrow and winding, which makes early evacuation especially important. Visitors should check CAL FIRE and Cleveland National Forest notices for fire restrictions, which can ban campfires and some equipment use during high fire danger, and follow AlertSanDiego for emergency notices.
Before you go
- Check road conditions and closures, especially in winter or during fire season.
- Carry water and fill up on gas before heading up.
- Expect limited cell coverage in parts of the mountain.
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