Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

The 25,000-acre protected area contains meadows, forests, streams, and supports multiple ecosystems at elevations reaching 6,512 feet at Cuyamaca Peak point.

The land became a state park in 1933 when Ralph Dyar sold his property to California, transforming his former summer residence into a public recreation space.

The territory holds evidence of Kumeyaay settlements dating back 7,000 years, followed by Spanish colonists and American settlers during the Southern California Gold Rush.

The park provides facilities for camping, hiking trails of various difficulty levels, horseback riding paths, mountain biking routes, and a visitor center with educational exhibits.

The area maintains populations of 20 mammal species, 140 bird varieties, 16 reptile types, and over 700 arthropod species within its protected boundaries.

Location: San Diego County

Operator: California Department of Parks and Recreation

GPS coordinates: 32.94065,-116.57213

Latest update: March 7, 2025 04:01