It’s hard to leave these views, but when you do, remember to watch your footing on the steep descent.īONUS BEER: Hikes as challenging as Viejas Mountain should follow up with a refreshing reward. 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. Panoramas stretch west to the Pacific Ocean, south to Mexico, and north to the San Gabriels and San Bernardinos. Most importantly, you’ve got 360-degree vistas that are nothing short of stunning. 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!). 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. At the 1.3-mile mark, you finally reach the ridge, marked by a cross made out of rocks by previous hikers. 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. The trail is actually quite technical and not well-maintained despite the foot traffic.

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. 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). 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.Īt 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).

Viejas casino trailer parking