SAN DIEGO’S MOUNTAINS AND GOLD RUSH REGION

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By Miriam Raftery

June 29, 2018 (Julian) – Julian’s short-lived gold rush began in 1870, when the first sparkling flecks were found in a creek by cattleman Fred Coleman. Ever since, visitors have flocked to the picturesque town, a national historic landmark in the mountains of inland San Diego County.

This mountain region also includes other attractions, including Warner Springs, Mount Laguna, William Heise County Park, Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Lake Cuyamaca and portions of Cleveland National Forest.

Many San Diegans enjoy escaping to the mountains for day trips to enjoy fresh, pine-scented air and beautiful scenery (along with apple picking and famous apple pies), though there are ample attractions for a weekend getaway or longer.

Lodging options and area attractions

If you’re traveling to Julian up 79 through Ramona, the turnoff to the left at Wynola onto Highway 78 takes you to Warner Springs, where the Warner Springs Ranch Resort offers cabanas/cottages with the main resort lodge set to open in 2019 after a major remodel and the famed mineral hot springs slated to reopen later this year. The facility also has a championship golf course and horseback trail rides. 

Along the way, consider a stop at the famed Dudley’s Bakery in Santa Ysabel, as well as wineries in the Warner Springs/Sunshine Summit area including Hawk Watch, Shadow Mountain and La Serenissima. You can also stop at the historic Santa Ysabel Mission, undergoing renovations for its centennial celebration.

If you continue on Highway 79 toward Julian, Julian Weaving Works in Santa Ysabel on 79 just past the 78 junction has beautiful hand-woven apparel. Next, you’ll pass through Wynola. You can try your hand at gold panning at the Julian Mining Company, which also has a petting zoo and unique gift shop.  Dine at Jeremy’s on the Hill, a restaurant founded by a Cordon Bleu trained chef, or the Red Barn Pizza across the street.

It’s worth a stop into Wynola Antiques and Collectibles, or stroll through the Julian Station, which has tastings of wine, beer, mead, Mexican fruit drinks and chocolates as well as interesting shops. All three Wynola dining spots have live music on some nights, too.

The jewels of Julian’s lodging establishments are the historic Julian Gold Rush Hotel and the elegant, Craftsman-style Orchard Hill Country Inn.  There are also several quaint and quirky bed and breakfast inns, such as the Wikiup where your optional activities include a llama trek.  You can find more Julian lodging options, from cottages and cabins to hotels, at http://www.visitjulian.com/.

While in Julian, be sure to try the famous Julian apple pies at Julian Pie Company (which also has a branch in Santa Ysabel), watch them made at Mom’s Pie House, or try more delicious goodies at the Candied Apple CaféJulian has quite a few restaurants; my favorite is the Julian Grille, located in one of the oldest residences in town with garden seating as well.

In Julian, you can take a horse-drawn carriage tour to learn about the town’s colorful history, shop at many quaint specialty shops on Main Street, or take an ore cart deep into an old gold mine at the Eagle Mining Company, where you can also learn gold panning techniques, buy gems, minerals and yes, gold. I recommend starting your Julian journey at the Julian Pioneer Museum to learn about the former Confederate soldiers and free slaves who helped found this mountain town welcoming to all.

Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve in Julian is a beautiful place for hiking, part of San Diego’s parks system. If you’re into camping or a relaxing stay in a rustic wood cabin (bring your own air mattress), William Heise Park is a beautiful county park with pine trees and verdant meadows.

Highway 79 takes you to Lake Cuyamaca, with fishing and boating, as well as several wooded campgrounds in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.  A popular favorite is Green Valley Falls, where the falls are just a short walk from the parking lot. Note: there are mountain lions in this state park, so be vigilant if hiking or mountain biking in this area.

From Highway 79, if you venture up the Sunrise Highway it will take you to the top of Mount Laguna, which is beautiful year-round and becomes a winter wonderland during the occasional snowfall – which also brings “snow jams” as visitors flock to the area.  Read our story, Mount Laguna: A place for all seasons, which includes information on the Mount Laguna Lodge and Blue Jay Lodge.  Camping options include the Burnt Rancheria Campground. Highway 79 takes you back to Interstate 8 at Descanso, where you can motor west back to San Diego.

Another option if you have a full day for a rugged hiking experience is to trek to one of two spectacular waterfalls between Julian and Ramona in Cleveland National Forest. Cedar Creek Falls and Three Sisters Falls are accessible only by a very steep, long hike for experienced hikers only. Permits are required. If you go, do so only on a cool day and carry at least a gallon of water – these Shangri-la type settings are beautiful, but result in more Sheriff helicopter rescues than any other trails in San Diego’s backcountry.

If you’re heading to the mountains, be sure to check the calendar at www.visitjulian.com which lists the many festivals and other happenings in Julian. Some highlights include Julian Apple days, a Sip of Julian, the Julian Fourth of July Parade, Julian’s annual tree-lighting and holiday festivities, melodramas, art studio tours, music festivals, the Julian Grape Stomp Festa, wine tasting events, a stargazing festival, the Julian Fiddle and Pickin’ competition and more.

Even if you only have time for a day trip, getting outdoors and enjoying nature in our beautiful mountains here in San Diego’s East County is a rejuvenating experience. In the immortal words of naturalist John Muir, “The mountains are calling, and I must go.”

 

East County Magazine gratefully acknowledges the County of San Diego for providing a Community Enhancement Grant to support our “Backcountry Hidden Pleasures” weekend getaways coverage.


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