Trail Run Project Logo

Conclusion of the Coast to Crest Trail


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.1

KM

78%

Runnable

5,328' 1,624 m

High

4,132' 1,259 m

Low

1,205' 367 m

Up

20' 6 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

19%

Max Grade (11°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Description

This is the conclusion of the ambitious 70 mile Coast to Crest Trail that follows the San Dieguito River from its source near Volcan Mountain all the way to its terminus at the Pacific Ocean near Solana Beach. Section 8 is not complete because it lacks 1.15 miles of right away along Farmer Road from Highway 67. The trail shown is the part completed to date.

Parking is available on the shoulder of Farmers Road. Follow a gravel road 0.15 miles and step through the artistic Hubbell Gateway, designed by local artist and architect James Hubbell. Then begin an ascent along a wide doubletrack which was probably a dirt road at one point but is now closed off to regular traffic. Up to the junction with a dirt road heading north at 1.8 miles, the trail is often shaded and appealing in a way not captured well by photos. For variety, I recommend taking the alternative singletrack Five Oaks Trail either on the way up or way back even though its twists and turns make it a slightly longer journey.

The final 0.7 miles to the summit is completely exposed but shade and even a picnic table await at the summit near the fence enclosing the KBNN-FM Julian radio tower. About 0.1 miles into the final ascent you pass a chimney that is the only remains of an outpost constructed when Volcan Mountain was under serious consideration for the Hale Telescope which ended up at Palomar Mountain, 25 miles to the northwest. About halfway up the final ascent there is a tourist telescope to better enjoy the fine views.

Flora & Fauna

Scrub, chaparral, and woodland

Contacts

Shared By:

Matthew Kidd

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 5 votes

#8509

Overall
  4.4 from 5 votes
5 Star
60%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
20%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#750

in California

#8,509

Overall
4 Views Last Month
994 Since Jun 20, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Volcan Valley Apple Farm and the Menghini Winery can be seen from the Five Oaks Trail.
Jun 21, 2017 near Julian, CA
Early morning light shines on the Hubbell Gateway, designed by local artist and architect James Hubbell, at the start of the Volcan Mountain Trail.
Jun 21, 2017 near Julian, CA
Enjoy this shady section of the trail as you make your way up Volcan Mountain.
Jun 21, 2017 near Julian, CA
Trees dot a grassy field at the junction of the Five Oaks Trail and the main Volcan Mountain trail.
Jun 21, 2017 near Julian, CA
Wildflowers and the mountains to the northwest can be enjoyed from the final ascent to Volcan Mountain.
Jun 21, 2017 near Julian, CA
Oaks mark the beginning of the Five Oaks Trail on Volcan Mountain.
Jun 21, 2017 near Julian, CA

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Unknown
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

none

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.