Milk Ranch Road and Middle Peak Loop
Details
This is a six-mile loop up and over Middle Peak in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, along Middle Peak Loop Fire Road, Black Oak Trail, and Milk Ranch Road. The elevation gain is about 1000 feet. We will not attempt to reach the summit because it is too overgrown. However, we will get some good views of Lake Cuyamaca and other peaks. The above picture was taken several years ago, when we had more rain.
We did a slightly longer hike up Middle Peak on May 8, 2025. For more information, including pictures, see www.meetup.com/sandiegodayhikers/events/307659653
Dogs are not allowed on the trails in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.
We'll meet at 9:30 AM at the Trout Pond parking area on Highway 79 (N 32 58.596 W 116 34.877), and at 9:45 AM we'll step off.
Suggested route from San Diego: Go approximately 38 miles east on I-8 and take the CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY 79 / JAPATUL VALLEY RD exit. Go north on Highway 79 approximately 13.5 miles to the TROUT POND parking area, which is next to a sharp turn in the highway at postmile 10.7.
There are no services at the trailhead, and there is no charge for parking there.
Wear layered clothing and good hiking shoes, use some kind of sun protection, and take water. Hiking poles may be helpful in some places. Some of the trails are slightly overgrown; shorts are not recommended. No lunch stop is planned, but you might want to take a snack. Take a camera if you wish.
Contact: Philip Erdelsky, pje@efgh.com 619-866-8512.