Summit Sycuan Peak

For visitors and most locals, the quaint town of Jamul is most associated with the sprawling eponymous resort managed by the Jamul Indian Village tribe of the Kumeyaay. Most are also familiar with its neighboring Kumeyaay casino competitor, Sycuan Casino Resort. But most are likely unfamiliar with a 2,300-acre reserve that shares its namesake and offers one of the best hikes (and workouts) in North Jamul. Enter Sycuan Peak, a short-and-sweet-and-steep leg buster with nearly 800 feet of gain over just 2 miles (round-trip). Fantastic views at the top? You can bet on it!

Before starting your rewarding ascent, you have to find the rather hidden trailhead and small dirt lot (about 2.2 miles along Lawson Valley Road, on the left side). Bad news? It only fits a few cars. Good news? You will likely be the only one there during the fall season. Go over (or under) the chain denoting that the trail prohibits off-road vehicles and start your climb up the peak’s south slope. There’s not a ton of shade on this hike, which makes it ideal as a late afternoon fall trek, with gentle autumn breezes and when you might even be able to enjoy some shadows from taller resident chaparral flora. 

The beauty of the fast-rising trail to Sycuan Peak, thanks also to its dense, low-growing surrounding chaparral, is how quickly the views open up. To the left, the hillsides spread wide, with pastures where cows and horses graze, immediately imbuing a serene sense of autumn. But don’t forget to keep an eye on the trail; it’s technical, sure, so be cautious (and we recommend poles), but you might also spot horned lizards, who blend perfectly with the dusty path and may pause to sunbathe as if they own the trail (hint: they do, we’re just visitors!).

As you near the 2,800-foot summit, the scent of Cleveland sage wafts in the air, a welcoming arrival for the fall finale. At the top, find the summit marker and perch on a boulder and reap the phenomenal vista rewards.

To the northeast, Loveland Reservoir gleams. To the southeast, Lyons Peak looms rugged and steady. And to the west, a hazy sprawl of San Diego stretches all the way to the Pacific. It’s the kind of 360-degree panorama that makes the climb (and the impending knee-burn on the way down) entirely worth it. Just take your time on the descent—those steep, rocky pitches hit a little harder on the return trip.

BONUS WINERY: Skip the local casinos and head for the local vineyards! Just down the road in North Jamul is the picturesque family-owned winery Rustic Ridge Vineyards, a great stop before heading home. And they have delicious wines too—enjoy a tasting overlooking their vineyards and snag a bottle (or two) to take home.

To get to the Sycuan Peak trailhead, take the I-805to the CA-94 and head east. You’ll be on the CA-94 for about 15 miles before turning left on Lyons Valley Rd. After 1.6 miles, continue straight onto Skyline Truck Trail and after 2.2 miles turn left onto Lawson Valley Rd. You’ll find the trailhead and small lot on the left after another 2.2 miles. Dog-friendly!