Includes the Noble Canyon Trail.
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
Length - 37 miles
The PCT traverses varied terrain and vegetation areas. It goes through chaparral in the lower elevations, but riparian-oak woodlands are encountered on the climb towards the Recreation Area from the south. The trail can be entered at several locations; many people enjoy hiking short distances (2-10 miles) of the trail. At the upper elevations, hikers and riders will enjoy the pines and oaks lacing the trail. Motorized vehicles and mountain bikes are not permitted.
Remote camping by permit is allowed.
Horsethief Trail
Length - 1.2 miles
This trail is located near the north end of the Horsethief Road which is not accessible by vehicle, and is an access point into the Pine Creek Wilderness Area. The trail goes downhill through chaparral covered slopes and has several switch backs toward the bottom. For those hiking back up the trail, it will prove strenuous as it is uphill all the way. No vehicle use or mountain bike use is permitted. A free visitor permit is required for overnight entry into the Pine Creek Wilderness Area.
Remote camping by permit is allowed.
Espinosa Trail
Length - 6.4 miles
The western 2.9 miles of the trail is open to hikers and horses only since it is located within the Pine Creek Wilderness Area. Pick up the west part of the trail near Japatul Station. Reach the eastern section off of Corral Canyon Road. The majority of the trail traverses chaparral, but one section is in an oak-riparian woodland.
Remote camping by permit is allowed.
Desert View Nature Trail
Length - 1.2 miles
Trail begins in Burnt Rancheria Campground and follows along the rim of chaparral covered mountain. Excellent views of' the desert floor 1000 feet below and surrounding mountain panoramas are one of the main features of the trail. On a clear day the Salton. Sea can be seen. This trail at some points is actually part of the Pacific Crest Trail. Trail winds back into pine-oak woodland at the trail's starting point. No horse or vehicle use is permitted.
Kwaaymii Cultural Trail
Length - .5 mile
The Kwaaymii Trail interprets Native American uses of native plants with signs along the trail. Located near the Visitor Information Office, it climbs to Pinyon Point, a site used by Native Americans for grinding pinyon nuts as evidenced by the mortars there. Vegetation is varied but the dominant species are pines and oaks. No horse or vehicle use is permitted.
Lightning Ridge Trail
Length - 1.3 miles
The trail begins near the Laguna Campground amphitheater and winds through pines and oaks to a hilltop overlooking the campground and the Laguna Meadow areas. It is a fairly strenuous climb with many switchbacks. No horse or vehicle use is permitted.
Indian Creek Trail
The Indian Creek Trail is 4 miles in length and connects the Noble Canyon National Recreation Trail on Laguna Mountain with the East Mesa Trail in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Unlike the Noble Canyon Recreation Trail, Indian Creek is hiking and biking only. Horse riding is not permitted.
The trail traverses areas of Jeffrey Pine, Black Oak, Coast Live Oak,.and extensive stands of mixed chaparral. Elevation ranges from 4,600 feet at the National Forest/State Park boundary to 5,425 feet at the pass just south of Pine Mountain.
To get to the trail take Sunrise Highway to the Penny Pines Trailhead approximately 5 miles north of the community of Mt. Laguna. Park here and take the Noble Canyon Trail to its Junction with the Indian Creek Trail. From here it is two miles to the viewpoint and 4 miles to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
Camping is permitted along the trail with a remote camping permit. Campfires are not permitted. Water can be found most of the year in Indian Creek but it should be treated before consumption.
Big Laguna Trail
Length - 5.0 miles
Big Laguna Trail was constructed by the Trail Crew of the Laguna Mountain Volunteer Association. One trailhead is opposite from the Laguna Campground parking lot near the Amphitheater. Horse use is permitted. After nearly a mile of wooded trail, you enter the meadow. The trail turns west across this portion of the meadow into a wooded section, bends around to another meadow section where one finds Big Laguna Lake. In an average rainy season the lake begins to fill with water or snow by December or January. Carpets of wildflowers appear in the meadows surrounding the lake in April and May. By June the hot sun causes the water level to decline rapidly. In drought years there may not be any water at all. Even a little water draws many ducks and other birds. Sitting on the rocks overlooking the lake is a rewarding, relaxing experience.
Big Laguna Trail continues north giving access down a ravine connecting with Pine Creek Road and Noble Canyon Trail for exploring those areas. Continuing on Big Laguna Trail brings you to junction with Noble Canyon Trail near Sunrise Highway and Penny Pines parking area.
If you swing east at the second gate after the Laguna Campground lot, Big Laguna Trail follows the edge of the woods for a mile or so, swings north through wooded sections, crosses Los Huecos Road., continunes through woods crossing Sunrise Highway north of Laguna Fire Station for eventual junction with the Pacific Crest Trail.
Wooded Hill Nature Trail
Length - 1.5 miles
(Trail brochure available)
Wooded Hill Trail leads hikers up to one of the highest points (6,223 feet) in the recreation area. The trail has a short loop of 1/2 mile for those desiring a shorter hike which does not go to the peak.. The trail winds and climbs through pines, oaks and boulders. It, is one of the more difficult trails and is not recommended for small children or people with breathing or walking disabilities. At the top, a 2710 degree panoramic view can be seen and on clear days, San Diego's Point Loma, 65 miles west can be viewed. No horse or vehicle use is permitted.
Sunset Trail
Length - 4 miles
The newest Laguna trail, Sunset Trail, begins across the road from the Meadows Information Kiosk on Sunrise Highway at the 19.1 mile marker. It goes north through the meadow area where the terrain is flat and open, rimmed by pine forest for 2 miles. Here one reaches Water of the Woods, a small water reservoir, a delightful spot to look for the tracks of animals who have come to drink and to rest on the sizeable boulders and transport yourself to the days of the Kwaaymii Indians whose grinding holes can be seen on some of the granite rocks nearby.
Move on to Trail Finder: Cleveland National Forest
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