Volcan Victory

Hike Volcan Mountain

05.11.2015
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. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Cinematic Sonoma

    Longer days. Golden light. Wildflowers in bloom. It’s the perfect moment to plan your spring escape to Sonoma for the Sonoma International Film Festival, March 25–29. No fuss. No sprawl. Just films, friends, fresh air, and that unmistakable Sonoma glow.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View

  2. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

    View