Dyar Spring and Juaquapin Creek Loop

A six-mile loop through Cuyamaca Rancho State Park with an elevation gain of about 800 feet. Schad says it's a good area to spot mule deer and coyotes. The rest/snack stop is in a rocky area with shade trees near Dyar Spring. It's a popular hike, and one of my favorites.

Dogs are not allowed on the trails in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

The Dyar Spring Trail runs through grassy meadows where foxtails and other sticky plants can be a nuisance. Don't wear fluffy socks! There will be two or three small stream crossings. The hike begins with a long, unshaded ascent on Harvey Moore Trail. The rest of the hike is mostly level or downhill. The last part of the hike is shaded.

Meet at 9:00 AM at the large Sweetwater Parking Area near mile 4.8 on Highway 79 where it crosses the Sweetwater River in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park (N 32 54.627 W 116 34.440). Unfortunately, there are no rest room facilities. Google Maps shows this parking area as "Harvey Moore Trailhead".

This is now a paid parking area. I have a California State Parks Poppy Pass. I will stop at the Los Coches Park & Ride area to take on carpoolers. I can take as many as three. I will leave the park & ride at 8:05.

SUGGESTED ROUTE from San Diego: Take I-8 east to exit 40 (Highway 79, Descanso, Japatul Vly Rd). Go north on Highway 79 to the parking area. Don't miss the place where Highway 79 makes a left turn!

If you need a parking pass, you can get one (called a day use pass) from a vending machine at Green Valley Park. Or you can park free at the Japacha turnout at postmile 5.3 on Highway 79, and walk south 0.4 miles to the Sweetwater Parking area.

The nominal starting time is 9:00 AM. At 9:15 AM we will hit the trail. We should return to the parking area between noon and 1:00 PM.

Check your favorite weather page on the Internet. (I like http://www.weather.com.) Wear good hiking shoes and suitable clothing, take water and use sun protection. You might want to take a snack to eat at Dyar Spring. Take a camera if you wish. Call or send E-mail if you have questions.

CONTACT: Philip Erdelsky, cell 619-866-8512, e-mail pje@efgh.com

Cell phone service is spotty and unreliable in this area. My phone has service at the trailhead, when the wind is blowing in the right direction ;-). There is good service at some higher elevations.

We've done this hike before. For more information, including some pictures, see
2017: https://www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/243287752/
2019: https://www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/261239157/
2021: https://www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/278516854/

Trail maps are available at http://www.efghmaps.com/parks/cuyamacarancho.htm
This hike is number 165 in Afoot & Afield San Diego County.