Volcan Victory

Hike Volcan Mountain

Hike Volcan Mountain

Some days you've just got to head for the hills. Just an hour east of San Diego, Julian is a popular apple pie hub, yet few people venture beyond to nearby Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve at Wynola. They're missing out on a hiker's haven. It's 5 miles (round-trip) to Volcan's summit, which is nicely shaded by sycamores and oaks. After winding along the side of the mountain for the first mile, take the Five Oaks Trail on your right and begin switchbacks towards a grassy meadow, a mid-summit … you're not there yet! Continue along the trail, through the gate and up a steeper section of trail, passing a giant oak tree. It's a half-mile further to the summit. In spring you're guaranteed to see beautiful blue-blooming lupines. You're not guaranteed to see Volcan's resident golden eagle, but keep a keen eye out just in case you get lucky. At the 5,500-foot summit, enjoy vistas of San Diego Bay and of other classic San Diego hiking spots, like Mount Woodson, Iron Mountain, and Black Mountain in Ramona. Which summit next?!

FOOD BONUS: Post-hike, don't resist delicious! Wynola Pizza & Bistro hits the spot with its wood-fired thin crust pizzas. Their Pesto Pizza is a tasty favorite, topped with fresh tomatoes, romano cheese, and pine nuts. Wash it down with a custom soda like Vanilla Bean Creme or Spice Cola.

From San Diego, take I-8 east for 22 miles. Go north on CA-79 and then turn right (east) on CA-78/Banner Rd. and continue through Julian. Turn left on Wynola Rd., then left on Farmer Rd. Park along the road, adjacent to an apple orchard. The path begins at the end of the dirt road, with a marked sign reading Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. Park on either side of the quiet road. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View
  2. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

    View
  3. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

    View
  4. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

    View
  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

    View
  3. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View
  4. People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie

    LA's Tree Tour

    Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour

    View