Harvey Moore Trail

This is a 9.5-mile loop along almost all of Harvey Moore Trail in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. There are no mountains to climb, but there is 1272 feet of elevation gain, according to Alltrails. I have done this loop only once before, on May 17, 2007, with a different hiking group. The picture above is of the Harper Creek Valley, taken from the trail in 2007.

A fairly complete description of this hike is available in Afoot & Afield San Diego County under the title "East Mesa Loop".

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

The pace will be slow to moderate. Since it is a long hike, there will be a lunch break. I will be carrying a GPS and tracking the hike. We will stop at trail junctions and other points of interest to take pictures and notes.

We'll meet at 9:30 AM at the Sweetwater parking area at postmile 4.9 on Highway 79 (N 32 54.627 W 116 34.440). We will start hiking at 9:45 AM.

There is a fee for parking at the Sweetwater parking area. You can pay the fee in cash at the parking area, or you can use a credit card at a kiosk at Green Valley Campground. (I have an annual park pass.)

Wear good hiking shoes or boots and layered clothing and take water. Some Alltrails users have recommended long pants, because there are overgrown areas. Use some kind of sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses). Take a light lunch. Take a camera if you wish.

There are rest rooms at the parking area.

The trail is quite variable. Some parts are steep and rocky. Some parts have switchbacks, other parts are nearly straight. Hiking poles will be helpful in some places. The last 2.5 miles of the hike will be on the East Side Trail, which is fairly flat. (I try to save the easiest part for last.)

Contact: Philip Erdelsky 619-866-8512 *pje@efgh.com*

Weather? Who knows? The hike is subject to cancellation if the predicted weather is rainy, too hot, too cold, or too windy. Watch the comments section for the latest information.