Garnet Peak

Garnet Peak Monument #1 Behind, taken from Garnet Mountain, photo by Sunny Yi

Garnet Peak, photo by Steve Russell

Garnet Peak, photo by Sunny Yi

Garnet Peak and Monument #1 from behind, taken from Garnet Mountain, photo by Sunny Yi

Peak Name

Garnet Peak

32I

Elevation

5880

feet

Status

active

Region

San Diego County South Of Hwy 78

Range

San Diego Area Ranges

Nearby peaks

Garnet Mountain, Monument Peak #1

Location

32.9256045,-116.458072

Description

Overlooking the popular Anza Borrego Desert State Park to its east, Garnet Peak (not Mountain!) rises nearly 6000 feet and offers panoramic views as a reward to those who climb its short but steep slopes. The peak has a unique reddish color like the mineral it is named after and is often covered in wildflowers and vegetation, adding even more to its colorful appearance. This popular climb is surrounded by campsites, the PCT, and Big Laguna lake, making a great opportunity for great views and climbing multiple peaks in one trip. The views are marvelous and the old Butterfield Stage Route through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park can be seen about 3000′ below and to the east of the summit. Garnet is typically hiked together with other nearby HPS peaks include Garnet Mountain, Monument Peak #1, and Sheephead Mountain which are often combined in a single outing, driven in a loop.

Garnet Peak is reached from a single short route starting from a self-titled trailhead. The route starts up a wide dirt road and eventually crosses the Pacific Crest Trail. From here the road narrows to a trail and winds up the mountain to the summit. Spend some time on the rocky summit enjoying the views of surrounding national and state lands, with views that reach from the Salton Sea to San Gorgonio.

Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission

Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides

Route 1

Elevation Gain

500′

Navigation Difficulty

Easy

Distance

2.5 miles round trip on road and trail

Estimated time

2 1/2 hours round trip

Route Rating

Class 1, easy

Leader Rating Required

“O”, normal conditions

Driving route

Take I-5 south to SR 78 in San Diego County.
Go east on SR 78 through Escondido to the junction with SR 79 just past the town of Julian. Turn right (south) on SR 79.
Go 6 miles to the junction with Sunrise Highway (S1) on the left. Turn left. Note your odometer and go as follows:
At 7.4 miles, a paved road on the left with a sign “Kwaaymii Point”. This is the turnoff for Garnet Mountain. Keep straight.
At 9.9 miles (after mile marker 28) a parking area at a barricaded dirt road on the left. There is a small sign that says “to Garnet Peak”. Park here.

Hiking route

From the parking area (5380′), hike north up the dirt road for about 0.4 mile to a fork. Take the left fork.
Stay on this path for about another 0.3 mile, crossing a jeep road (do not turn left onto the jeep road) and, in a few yards, cross the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) marked by a square post with the PCT insignia. Do not turn onto the PCT, continue straight.
Continue up the trail that winds around the side of the mountain and then up to the summit.

Route Notes

Printable Route

Road Type

Paved

Google Maps Link to Trailhead

Additional Peak Information

Notes: The entire area east of the jeep road, including the mountain, was burned in the Julian fire of August 2002. The summit affords an excellent view of the old Butterfield Stage Route through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This is about 3000′ below and to the east of the summit.