Cuyamaca Peak

One of the original 1946 HPS Peak List summits, Cuyamaca Peak overlooks the lake and state park (Rancho Cuyamaca) that share its name. The native Diegueño Indians called the peak kwe-ah-mac, roughly meaning “the place where it rains.” This unusual rainfall led to the surrounding area becoming a ranching hot spot when settlers claimed the native lands and hispanicized the name to “Cuyamaca.” After passing hands several times since the 1800s (including to Agustín Olvera, namesake of Olvera street in Los Angeles) it eventually transitioned from ranching to gold mining to recreation. In 1933, Ralph Dyar sold it at a steep discount to protect it forever as Rancho Cuyamaca State Park.

At 6512 feet, Cuyamaca Peak is the second-highest point in San Diego County but still offers moderate day hikes through oak and conifer forests, and pretty creek-crossed meadows. The views from the summit are wonderful, and can extend 100 miles on a clear day. HPS Route 1 starts in Paso Picacho Park and heads 6 miles and 1600′ up a road west all the way to the summit. Route 2 takes hikers from the Camp Hual-Cu-Cuish parking lot and winds along the north side of the peak on the Conejos Trail until eventually meeting the paved road from Route 1 near the summit. Route 2 has the same distance and mileage as 1 but makes for a better approach if adding other peaks to the day such as Middle Peak. Route 3 is the most direct route from Middle Peak, taking trail and fire road to join Route 1. An alternate to Route 3 is to take the road around the west side of Middle to join Route 2 or Route 3.