10 Palomar Mountain: Observatory Trail

OVERVIEW

LENGTH: 3.8 miles round-trip

CONFIGURATION: Out-and-back

SCENERY: Pine–oak woodland, possible wildlife, valley views, observatory

EXPOSURE: Mostly dappled shade

TRAFFIC: Light–moderate

TRAIL SURFACE: Leaf-littered; some rocky areas

HIKING TIME: 2 hours

ACCESS: The trail is part of the Cleveland National Forest, so you will need an Adventure Pass to park. You can buy the pass directly from the U.S. Forest Service online (www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap) or at the nearby general store. A National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Pass is also acceptable. Open May–November.

MAPS: None

FACILITIES: Restrooms near parking area

SPECIAL COMMENTS: Dress for the fickle mountain weather, bring plenty of water, and wear boots with good traction for possible snow, mud, or running water. Watch closely for rattlesnakes.

SNAPSHOT

If you’re looking for woodland splendor and quietude, you’ll get instant gratification here. Just a few steps from the trailhead, a dense oak-and-conifer forest envelops you.

CLOSE-UP

The narrow, well-defined trail moves northeast, gradually but steadily gaining elevation (about 900 feet in the first mile). I’ve described the difficulty level as moderate, mainly because the hike begins at nearly 4,500 feet above sea level, and higher altitude, with its thinner air, makes physical activity more difficult. Plenty of benches are placed in shady resting spots along the path. You’ll come to the first one just 0.3 miles into the outing.

In spring, you’re likely to see lots of blooms—fleabane, goldenrod, and yellow monkey flower, to name a few—in spots where dappled sunlight filters in through the stretching limbs of mature oaks and pines. Be wary of poison oak, which you’ll likely encounter here wherever there’s plentiful shade and ample moisture due to snowmelt. Stay on this trail and watch for straying branches of the plant, which sometimes encroach on the path.

At just under 0.6 miles, an observation deck to the right of the trail overlooks lovely Mendenhall Valley. In summer, the golden meadow, dotted with small bodies of water and framed by pines, looks like the proverbial vacation postcard. In other seasons, new spring growth, fall’s colors, or pure-white snow makes the view a perfect greeting-card photo.

A few more steps forward bring you to a wooden-plank bridge traversing a gorge that carries seasonal watershed. Manzanita grows more prevalently along this stretch, its deep red bark contrasting with its pale, blue-green leaves. Forest shade is thicker here, too. Just 0.2 miles ahead, find another bench parked among the trees. Relish the cooler temperature here among the protective leaf cover. Some large boulders add interest. Lichen and moss decorating the large rocks bear witness to the random beauty of nature’s patterns.

The trail descends along a shaded hillside. A massive seven-trunked oak stands to the left of the trail, which bends more due north at this point. Water runs in the ravine below on your right, a gurgling complement to the soothing lull of the breeze—or perhaps the unwelcome buzz of flying insects. As is the case in many mountain areas, flies and gnats can get troublesome during summer weather. A netted face cover may help.

The path begins to climb again, fresh pine scenting the air. In wetter months, you may find yourself slogging through snow, mud, or water. In drier months, you’ll see evidence of moisture: rocks are stained white with water-borne minerals, and a few spiky rushes grow among the stones.

At just under 1 mile, the trail switches abruptly right (east), then back again. The path opens to sunlight for a short stretch, with CA S6 visible 6 to 700 yards away on the left. Come to a bench at a little more than a mile, where the shade begins again. Other than a couple of small hills and dales, the trail remains level for about 0.3 miles. A brief climb meanders east, then north, then east again through dense oak forest above CA S6. In late afternoon, the breezes draft up the through the trees, the rushing sound a reminder of nature’s power. The trail dips again, and you’ll notice the moon-white cap of Palomar Observatory peeking through the trees. Watch your step, as some fallen trees may have companions helping you up or perhaps teasing, “How was your trip?” Also be mindful of profuse poison oak along this stretch—which may trip up your comfort later.

A small plank bridge crosses a stream at just under 1.7 miles; then the trail gradually climbs again, to a shaded bench.

At 1.9 miles (per my GPS, 2.2 miles on the National Forest map at the trail’s end), the path ends abruptly alongside the endpoint for CA S6. Here, at 5,500 feet, you can make your way through the parking lot and visit the observatory (see More Fun). Or head back the way you came, moving quickly along on the now mostly downhill path.

MORE FUN

Palomar Observatory, a pleasant diversion midhike, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call (760) 742-2119 or visit astro.caltech.edu/palomarnew.

TO THE TRAILHEAD

Take I-15 to the CA 76 exit and head east (inland). Drive approximately 20.4 miles and note a road forking northeast off to the left (marked “South Grade”). Go left onto this road and continue northeast for 6.5 miles where you will come to a T. Turn left here, onto CA S6 and drive approximately 3 miles to the Palomar Observatory Campground entrance on the right. Turn in and follow the campground loop to a small turnout lot (signed) near camp spaces 19 and 20.