If you are looking for a hike that offer’s you three amazing varied experiences in one, then the Palomar Observatory Trail is the hike for you!
This trifecta trail offers a great aerobic workout, beautiful scenery, and at trails end, one of the truly magnificent scientific wonders in the country, the Palomar Observatory, which houses one of the largest telescopes in the world.
Although “only†4 miles in length, this out and back trail is a good aerobic jaunt with an elevation gain of 900 feet up Palomar Mountain in the backcountry of San Diego County, east of Interstate 15. The drive in itself to this hike is an adventure offering landscape that passes through vast open fields bordered by orange groves, hills dotted with avocado orchards and the nearby Palomar Mountain Range which is a high peninsular mountain range in northern San Diego County of Southern California.
There are numerous hikes in the Palomar Mountain area, but the trailhead to the Observatory Trail is in the observatory campground, which is 3 miles from the intersection of S6 & S7. The entrance to the campground is on the right hand side of the road. Drive to the back of the campground, where you will see a brown fence and park bulletin board, which marks the trailhead start. The trail is very straightforward, pardon the pun, and leads you all of the way to the Palomar Observatory gate.
One of the differences about hiking in the backcountry versus the coast or coastal mountains, is there is a good chance that you will see a mountain lion or rattlesnake along the way. Part of me very much wanted to experience seeing either one, the other part of me was VERY glad I didn’t. Backcountry hiking also offered me a different experience as far as terrain as well. Most of my previous hikes have been in a “open” environment on trails that are rocky, cree or gravel covered surrounded by rock, boulders, coastal and dessert type vegetation.
The Palomar Observatory trail is dirt and pine needle covered and moves through a wooded forest like terrain, which at times takes on a feel of “mystery.” But the smell of pine and the various sounds emanating from the stillness of the forest offers a very tranquil, peaceful hike. The vegetation along this trail reminded me of what much of my home state of Michigan is like as you go off into the wilderness. The presence of gnats buzzing about, while at times annoying, does not take away from the pleasurable experience this hike offers.
As you approach the trails end the alabaster white dome of the observatory starts to appear on your right signaling that you are near. One of the fun things of hiking for me is to see and chart your progress as far as your timing and physical fitness.
Although this hike offers it’s own set of challenges such as the elevation, this is a fairly easy hike. I covered the 2 miles from trailhead start to the observatory gate in 46 minutes, the quickest I have done 2 miles, fast but not at the expense of enjoying the hike, afterall the peace and mindfulness of the hike are a great part of the journey for me as well.
Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it. -Greg Anderson
The third reward to this hike is the observatory itself. From the trail end you can walk over to the pristine white dome and go inside and see what astronomical wonders this building offers. After that take a lunch break, tour the museum, then head back down the trail and complete your adventure. A final stop before heading down the mountain on your drive home would be the general store and Mom’s Café which is on the right hand side of S6 at the intersection of S6 &S7
This is a good hike to change it up that not only offers the physical fitness and mental health benefit of a hike but you get the bonus benefit of learning about the Stars! Have a great time!
Distance: 4 miles
Hike Date and Time: Thursday June 7, 2012 11:30AM – 2:00PM
Hike-ability: Easy moderate, the elevation gain and attitude make a difference on your breathing if you are not used to it, even if you are it still does!
Food and Water: Sandwiches for lunch, an orange and about 50 oz of water.
Tempature: 80’s
Trailhead: From Interstate 15, near Fallbrook, drive twenty-one miles east on Highway 76. Turn north on Road S6 (South Grade Road), continue 6.5 miles to the junction with Road S7, then continue three miles north along Road S6 to the Observatory Campground (located across from the Forest Service Sign on the right side of the road). The parking area for the trailhead and the amphitheatre is located toward the back of the campground “loop” and is signed. A Forest Service Adventure Pass is required to park at the trailhead.