Big Laguna Lake

This hike is a "lollipop" on Big Laguna Trail at Mount Laguna. We'll start on Sunrise Highway, hike to Big Laguna Lake, do a circuit around the lake, and then return by the same route. The total distance is about six miles. The hills are small, so I'd consider this a long, moderate hike.

This is a favorite hiking, equestrian and mountain biking area, and we've done similar hikes before. For a complete description of a hike on March 24, 2022, see www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/284768034. Notice that the 2022 hike had the name "Sunset Trail" because it included a trail along a ridge west of Big Laguna Lake. That hike was hillier and about a mile longer than this hike. (My hikes tend to get easier as I age.)

Leashed dogs are permitted.

Meet at 9:30 AM at the Penny Pines parking area on Sunrise Highway near mile 27.3 (N 32 54.35 W 116 27.45). A parking pass is NOT required to park at Penny Pines. At 9:45 AM we'll start to hike.

SUGGESTED ROUTE FROM SAN DIEGO: Take I-8 east about 40 miles to the Sunrise Highway exit. Turn north and follow Sunrise Highway (also known as County Highway S1) about 14 miles to the Penny Pines parking area just beyond a cattle guard.

Wear good hiking shoes and suitable layered clothing, use sun protection, and take water. Take a camera if you wish. You might also want to take a snack. Call, send E-mail or post messages here if you have questions.

The weather forecast (at weather.com) calls for unseasonably warm temperatures almost everywhere in the San Diego area, but somewhat cooler (50-74 degrees), with lots of sunshine, up in the Lagunas. It should be good hiking weather. Keep your fingers crossed!

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

Cell phone service is spotty and unreliable in the Mount Laguna area, but there is usually service at Penny Pines.

There are no rest rooms at Penny Pines (and that's why there is no parking fee), but there are some along Sunrise Highway. The closest are at the Visitor Center at Los Huecos Rd.

The above picture of Big Laguna Lake was taken several years ago, when the climate was wetter. The lake may be smaller now. Blame climate change.