San Diego Backpacking
- convenient & close to San Diego & Los Angeles
- drive to your trail head in a short amount of time
- open ground fires are usually not allowed (unless low fire
danger is in force)
- fire permits are required
- permits are required for overnight back country camping
- check with the correct ranger district for all back country
camping restrictions
- see Wilderness List at bottom
Cleveland National Forest Ranger Stations:
For specific hiking & backpacking regions, check out the Wilderness section below

San Diego Back Roads
Laguna Mountain Area (off Sunrise Hwy. S-1)
- Pine Creek Rd. - with plenty of mountain biking trail
- Kitchen Creek Rd. - nice loop back to Interstate 8
Anza Borrego Desert Area (off County Road S-2)
- Oriflamme Canyon Rd. - desert to mountains route, near Banner
Interstate 8 Area (exit off @ Boulevard CA)
- McCain Valley Rd - Larkin Campground & OHV trails
- Kitchen Creek Rd. - nice loop back to top of mountains
- La Posta Rd. # 15S05 - nice loop back to top of mountains
Palomar Mountain Area (off Hwy 76)
- Nate Harrison Grade Rd - from Palomar SP to citrus orchards
- Indian Flats Rd. # 9S05 - small oak campground
Orange County Area (off Hwy 74)
- Killen Trail - out to Wildomar OHV Campground
San Diego Maps Topo
Orange County Hiking
San Diego Wilderness Areas
Agua Tibia Wilderness Area - Hikes & Maps
Hauser Wilderness Area - Hikes & Maps
Pine Creek Wilderness Area - Hikes & Maps
San Mateo Canyon Wilderness - Hikes & Maps