Only 46 miles from the Museum, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is 24,700 acres of oak woodland forest mixed with colorful meadows, pine trees, and running streams. Located in the Cuyamaca Mountains east of San Diego, start your hike in a riparian habitat and wade beneath a waterfall cascade while hiking alongside the Sweetwater River.

The Green Valley Loop is made up of four different trails and fire roads (Falls Fire Road, Sweetwater Trail, Saddleback Trail, California Riding and Hiking Trail, and the South Boundary Fire Road.) With more than 100 miles of multiple use trails for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, you can explore the park for the day or enjoy overnight camping in the two family camps or at the Green Valley campsite. 

Join the Canyoneers for this and other guided hikes in southern California. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Jim Varnell, Canyoneers