Viejas Valor

Hike to the summit of Viejas Mountain near Alpine in San Diego County

Pining for something short, sweet, and steep? Head to Viejas Mountain, just 3 miles north of Alpine in the Cleveland National Forest, for a 3.2-mile out-and-back that gains nearly 1,500 feet in elevation and rewards with the sweetest of vistas.

 

At 4,189 feet, the Viejas summit sits prominently above the trailhead, a narrow path that starts on the right side of Anderson Road shortly after it becomes unpaved (find plenty of parking on the shoulder of this wide dirt road). Start early or late in the day to avoid peak sun and heat, as very little shade is available (and on really hot days, we recommend you avoid it altogether). As you begin your gut-busting ascent (you’re gaining nearly 1,000 feet per mile after all!), views to the west are already outstanding, stretching over Alpine and other towns along the I-8 all the way to Mission Trails Regional Park.

The trail is actually quite technical and not well-maintained despite the foot traffic. Expect a rocky, slippery climb that is often overgrown with resident chaparral and may have you sliding on your butt on the descent—that is, if you don’t bring poles. On the way up, it’s grueling, but the ever evolving views are certainly worth it. At the 1.3-mile mark, you finally reach the ridge, marked by a cross made out of rocks by previous hikers. Here you can peek to the east and see the Viejas Casino grounds; a trail to the right leads you to more views, but this isn’t the true summit. 

Head left for another quarter mile to reach the summit, marked by a geological survey marker, a couple of logbooks, and rock walls serving as wind barriers (and it does get windy!). Most importantly, you’ve got 360-degree vistas that are nothing short of stunning. Panoramas stretch west to the Pacific Ocean, south to Mexico, and north to the San Gabriels and San Bernardinos. Close by, you can catch Cuyamaca Peak to the northeast, San Miguel mountain to the south, and the distinctive El Capitan (El Cajon Mountain) to the west. It’s hard to leave these views, but when you do, remember to watch your footing on the steep descent. 

BONUS BEER: Hikes as challenging as Viejas Mountain should follow up with a refreshing reward. Head to the charming town of Alpine, once home to the ever popular Alpine Beer Co., to find a delicious newcomer: McIlhenney Brewing Company, which serves up a huge variety of IPAs for hops lovers (we like Wizards Wand) and a multitude of unique blondes (try Apricot Bells Bluff). Cheers!

IMPORTANT: Check temperatures before hiking any trails. Excessive heat makes hiking very dangerous for both people and their dogs and should be avoided.

To get to the Viejas Mountain trailhead, take the I-8 to Tavern Rd. and exit south. Turn left onto Alpine Blvd., which meanders east through town for 1.6 miles. Take a left onto East Victoria Dr. and after 1.1 miles, turn right onto Anderson Rd. The trailhead will be on your right after 0.8 mile, shortly after it becomes a dirt road. Adventure Pass Required. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View